9-Day Solo Trip to Greece: Exploring Athens, Santorini & Crete with Minimal Hotel Changes

Day 1: Arrival & Athens Sights

Athens, Greece on July 10, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at The Zillers

Start the day with a traditional Greek breakfast and great views of the Acropolis at The Zillers near Monastiraki Square. They open from 8am.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Visit the Acropolis Museum

Explore the Acropolis Museum to see artefacts from the Acropolis site. Open daily 8am to 8pm. Entrance costs EUR10.
EUR10, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Strofi

Enjoy traditional Greek food with views of the Acropolis at Strofi. They serve from noon until late.
EUR25, 1.5h

3:00pm

Tour the Acropolis and Parthenon

Visit the famous Acropolis hill and the Parthenon ruins. Open 8am to 8pm. Entry fee EUR20.
EUR20, 2h

5:30pm

Check-in at AthenStyle Budget Hotel

Stay 3 nights at AthenStyle near Syntagma Square, a convenient base in central Athens. Room costs about EUR60 a night.
EUR60, 1h

6:30pm

Walk around Plaka

Stroll through Plaka, Athens’ charming old neighbourhood with shops and cafés. Free to explore.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Kuzina

Enjoy modern Greek cuisine with views of the Acropolis at Kuzina, open till 11pm.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 2: More Athens

Athens, Greece on July 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Meliartos

Have Greek pastries and coffee at Meliartos bakery, open from 8am.
EUR8, 45m

9:30am

National Archaeological Museum

Visit the largest museum in Greece with exhibits from prehistoric times to the Roman era. Open 8am to 8pm. Entrance EUR12.
EUR12, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Oineas Tavern

Try Greek meze dishes at Oineas Tavern in the lively Psirri district.
EUR20, 1.5h

3:00pm

Mount Lycabettus

Take the funicular or hike up Mount Lycabettus for panoramic views of Athens. Open 9am to 12:45am. Return ticket EUR7.
EUR7, 2h

6:00pm

Coffee in Kolonaki

Relax at an elegant café in Kolonaki, an upscale Athens neighbourhood.
EUR8, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Dionysos Zonar’s

Dine at Dionysos Zonar’s with views of the Acropolis. Open later in the evening.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 3: Flight to Santorini

Athens to Santorini, Greece on July 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at AthenStyle Hotel

Have breakfast at the hotel before heading to the airport.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Athens Airport

Take a taxi or metro to Athens International Airport for my flight.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Flight to Santorini

Fly from Athens to Santorini (about 45 minutes) with Aegean or Sky Express.
EUR50, 45m

11:15am

Transfer and check-in at Villa 360, Fira

Take a taxi to Villa 360 in Fira and stay 3 nights. Comfortable and budget-friendly at EUR70 per night.
EUR70, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pitogyros

Enjoy delicious gyros and souvlaki at Pitogyros, open till late.
EUR12, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Fira Town

Walk around Fira’s cliffside streets and visit the Archaeological Museum of Thera (open until 3pm, entrance EUR5).
EUR5, 2h

4:30pm

Santorini Cable Car Ride

Take the cable car from the old port to Fira for great views. Open daily 6am -11:45pm, ticket EUR7.
EUR7, 30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Argo Restaurant

Dine on fresh seafood with caldera views at sunset. Booking recommended.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 4: Santorini Day Trip

Santorini, Greece on July 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Passaggio

Breakfast with caldera views and coffee at Passaggio, open from 8am.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Oia Village

Head to Oia by bus or taxi to see the famous white and blue buildings and stunning views.
EUR3, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ammoudi Fish Tavern

Eat fresh seafood by the sea at Ammoudi Bay, open noon to 10pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

3:30pm

Relax at Red Beach

Spend time swimming or sunbathing at Red Beach, known for its colourful cliffs and crystal-clear water.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Metaxy Mas

Enjoy authentic Cretan-Greek food at Metaxy Mas in Exo Gonia village.
EUR28, 2h
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Day 5: Santorini to Crete

Santorini to Heraklion, Crete on July 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Villa 360

Breakfast at the hotel before leaving for Crete.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Ferry to Heraklion

Take a 2-hour ferry to Heraklion. Price about EUR40.
EUR40, 2h

11:00am

Check-in at Kastro Hotel, Heraklion

Head to Kastro Hotel in Heraklion city centre for 4 nights. Price around EUR50 per night.
EUR50, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Peskesi Tavern

Try local Cretan dishes made from fresh ingredients. Open 1pm to 11pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

2:30pm

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

See Minoan treasures. Open 8am to 8pm. Entry EUR10.
EUR10, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Old Town & Koules Fortress

Visit Venetian walls, fortress, and old town streets. Fortress entry EUR5.
EUR5, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ippokambos

Enjoy fresh seafood at a casual waterfront restaurant. Open late.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 6: Knossos & Beach

Heraklion, Crete on July 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kirkor Bakery

Taste Greek bakery treats and coffee. Open from 7:30am.
EUR7, 45m

9:00am

Visit Knossos Palace

Explore the ancient Minoan palace ruins. Open 8am to 8pm, entry EUR15.
EUR15, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Taverna To Thalassino

Have traditional seafood dishes near Knossos.
EUR20, 1.5h

2:30pm

Visit Cretaquarium

Discover Mediterranean sea life at Cretaquarium. Open 10am to 6pm. Entry EUR10.
EUR10, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Karteros Beach

Enjoy the sandy beach near Heraklion with cafes and sunbeds.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Paralia Seaside Restaurant

Dinner by the sea with fresh fish and local wine.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 7: Travel to Rethymno

Rethymno, Crete on July 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kastro Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before travelling to Rethymno.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Bus to Rethymno

Take a 1.5-hour bus ride to Rethymno for EUR10.
EUR10, 1.5h

11:30am

Check-in at Avli Lounge Apartments

Stay 3 nights at Avli Lounge in Rethymno old town, about EUR65 per night.
EUR65, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Avli Restaurant

Enjoy creative Cretan cooking in a lovely garden setting.
EUR28, 1.5h

2:30pm

Explore Rethymno Old Town

Wander the Venetian streets, visit Fortezza Fortress and walk the beach promenade.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Sunset at Rethymno Beach

Relax and watch the sunset at the sandy beach.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Prima Plora

Dine on modern Greek food with views of the bay.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 8: Relaxing in Rethymno

Rethymno, Crete on July 17, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Local Café

Enjoy Greek coffee and pastries at a local café in the old town.
EUR7, 45m

9:30am

Beach or Village Visit

Spend the morning at Bali Beach or visit nearby villages like Margarites or Adele for an authentic experience.
Free or small travel costs, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Kastro

Eat seasonal Greek dishes with views in the fortress area.
EUR25, 1.5h

4:00pm

Shopping or Spa

Shop or get a spa treatment before the end of the trip.
Variable, 2h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner

Celebrate the last night at Prima Plora or Avli restaurant.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 9: Departure

Heraklion, Crete on July 18, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Heraklion Airport

Take a taxi or bus from Rethymno to Heraklion Airport. Taxi costs around EUR40; bus about EUR10.
EUR10-40, 1.5h

9:00am

Flight Home

Fly from Heraklion, finishing the amazing trip to Greece.
Varies, Varies
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