Budget-Friendly 8-Day Itinerary for Santorini and Athens, Greece (July 20-27, 2025)

Day 1: Arrive in Athens

Athens, Greece on July 20, 2025

10:00AM

Arrival at Athens International Airport

Arrive in Athens, collect luggage, and take a pre-booked shuttle or taxi to your budget accommodation in the city center.
N/A, 1 hour

12:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your centrally located hotel or Airbnb, ideal for exploring Athens on foot.
N/A, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Kostas

Taste affordable and authentic Greek souvlaki, a perfect introduction to local cuisine.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Acropolis

Tour the iconic ancient citadel with its classic structures, including the Parthenon, open until 7 PM in July.
EUR20, 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Walk through Plaka

Explore the historic Plaka neighborhood with its charming streets and local shops.
N/A, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Village Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Greek dishes with views of the Acropolis illuminated at night.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Athens History & Culture

Athens, Greece on July 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mokka

Start your day with coffee and pastries at this popular local cafe.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Museum of Acropolis

Discover ancient artifacts and learn about the Acropolis history; open from 8 AM to 8 PM in July.
EUR10, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani

Relish cured meats and cheeses in a traditional deli setting.
EUR12, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Ancient Agora

Visit this focal point of ancient Athens with well-preserved temples and ruins, open until 7 PM.
EUR8, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at National Garden

Enjoy the peaceful gardens near Syntagma Square to cool off from the summer heat.
N/A, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Oineas Restaurant

Dine on traditional Greek fare with a modern twist in the lively Psiri area.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Athens to Santorini

Santorini, Greece on July 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast before your flight to Santorini.
N/A, 1 hour

9:30AM

Flight to Santorini

Catch a one-hour flight to Santorini to begin your island stay.
EUR70, 1 hour

11:00AM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive and check in at your accommodation in Santorini's Fira or Oia area.
N/A, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Taverna Katina

Enjoy fresh seafood at this scenic bay-side tavern in Amoudi Bay.
EUR15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Oia

Wander through Oia’s whitewashed streets and boutiques; perfect for photos and sightseeing.
N/A, 3 hours

5:30PM

Visit Amoudi Bay

Relax with a swim or a drink by the water, enjoying the sunset if timing allows.
N/A, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sunset Taverna

Dine at a beautiful spot overlooking the sea while watching Santorini’s famed sunset.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Santorini Sights

Santorini, Greece on July 23, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast provided by your hotel.
N/A, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Fira

Visit Santorini’s bustling capital filled with shops, cafes, and cliffside views.
N/A, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Falafeland

Enjoy tasty and budget-friendly falafel wraps and salads for a light lunch.
EUR8, 1 hour

2:30PM

Wine Tasting Tour

Join a local tour to sample Santorini’s renowned wines and learn about volcanic grape cultivation; tours often last 2-3 hours.
EUR25, 3 hours

5:30PM

Relax at Perissa Beach

Spend the late afternoon soaking up the sun and swimming at the famous black sand beach.
N/A, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Tranquilo

Enjoy flavorful vegetarian dishes in a relaxed setting near Perissa Beach.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Santorini Adventure

Santorini, Greece on July 24, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hotel breakfast before heading out for the day.
N/A, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hike Fira to Oia

Take the scenic trail along the caldera edge with spectacular views; hike duration about 3 hours.
N/A, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pitogyros

Grab a quick and delicious gyro with fresh ingredients for a budget-friendly lunch.
EUR6, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax by the Pool

Rest and refresh at your hotel pool or a nearby beach bar in the afternoon.
N/A, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Akrotiri Archaeological Site

Tour the ancient Minoan city ruins preserved under volcanic ash; open until 7 PM in July.
EUR12, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Amoudi Bay Tavern

Savor freshly prepared seafood as the sun sets over the Aegean Sea.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: More Santorini

Santorini, Greece on July 25, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel.
N/A, 1 hour

10:00AM

Boat Tour of Caldera and Hot Springs

Take a half-day boat tour to explore Santorini’s caldera, volcanic islands, and swim in hot springs, with tours running about 4-5 hours.
EUR40, 5 hours

3:30PM

Free Time and Beach Relaxation

Enjoy some free time to explore or relax on the beach after your boat tour adventure.
N/A, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Melenio Tavern

Dine at a cozy restaurant with excellent traditional Greek flavors and friendly service.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to Athens

Athens, Greece on July 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast on the island before departing.
N/A, 1 hour

9:30AM

Flight to Athens

Return flight to Athens, preparing for your last day in Greece.
EUR70, 1 hour

11:00AM

Check-in at Athens Hotel

Check-in at your accommodation for your final night in Athens.
N/A, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Dexameni

Enjoy fresh and affordable local dishes in this well-regarded restaurant.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Syntagma Square and Parliament

Watch the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Greek Parliament.
N/A, 1 hour

4:00PM

Monastiraki Flea Market

Shop for souvenirs and soak up the lively atmosphere of Athens’ flea market.
N/A, 2 hours

6:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Avocado

Enjoy a healthy and delicious vegetarian meal to conclude your trip.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Departure

Athens, Greece on July 27, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have your final breakfast before check-out.
N/A, 1 hour

10:00AM

Check-out

Complete check-out procedures and prepare for your journey home.
N/A, 30 minutes

10:30AM

Transfer to Athens International Airport

Take a shuttle or taxi to the airport, ensuring timely arrival for your departure.
EUR30, 1 hour
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