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

Welcome to Greece! Collect your luggage and take a pre-booked shuttle or taxi to your accommodation in central Athens.
N/A, 1 hour

12:00PM

Check-in at your Hotel

Settle into your budget hotel or Airbnb in the vibrant city center, close to key historic sites.
N/A, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Kostas

Enjoy authentic Greek souvlaki at Kostas, known for its delicious, affordable street food in Athens.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Acropolis

Explore the iconic Acropolis with its ancient Parthenon, soaking in panoramic views over Athens.
EUR20, 2-3 hours

5:00PM

Walk through Plaka

Stroll the picturesque Plaka neighborhood with its narrow alleys, shops, and cafes.
N/A, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Village Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Greek dishes with a view of the Acropolis at a budget-friendly price.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Discover Athens

Athens, Greece on July 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mokka

Start the day with a coffee and tasty pastries at this popular local spot.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Museum of Acropolis

Visit this engaging museum showcasing artifacts from the Acropolis hill.
EUR10, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani

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

1:30PM

Tour Ancient Agora

Discover the heart of ancient Athens with ruins and the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus.
EUR8, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at National Garden

Take a peaceful stroll in Athens’ green space near Syntagma Square.
N/A, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Oineas Restaurant

Taste traditional Greek cuisine with a modern twist in the lively Psiri district.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Travel to Santorini

Santorini, Greece on July 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Athens Hotel

Enjoy a full breakfast at your accommodation to prepare for the trip.
N/A, 1 hour

9:30AM

Flight from Athens to Santorini

Fly to Santorini on a short, approximately 45-minute flight.
EUR70, 1 hour

11:30AM

Check-in at Santorini Hotel

Settle into your chosen budget-friendly hotel or rental in Santorini's Fira or Oia area.
N/A, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Taverna Katina

Savor fresh seafood at this charming taverna near Amoudi Bay.
EUR15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Oia Village

Enjoy wandering Oia’s quaint streets, famous for stunning whitewashed buildings and sunset vistas.
N/A, 3 hours

5:30PM

Amoudi Bay Visit

Relax by the sea, swim or enjoy a coffee at this scenic spot below Oia.
N/A, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sunset Taverna

Dine at this popular coastal restaurant offering great sunset views and fresh local dishes.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Santorini Sights

Santorini, Greece on July 23, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start the day with a nutritious breakfast at your accommodation.
N/A, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Fira

Visit Fira’s lively center full of shops, cafes, and stunning caldera views.
N/A, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Falafeland

Enjoy affordable, delicious falafel wraps and fresh salads at this local gem.
EUR8, 1 hour

2:30PM

Santorini Wine Tasting

Visit one or two wineries to taste distinctive local wines shaped by volcanic soil.
EUR25, 2-3 hours

5:30PM

Evening at Perissa Beach

Relax and swim at the famous black sand beach of Perissa, perfect for sunsets.
N/A, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Tranquilo

Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and healthy vegetarian options at this beloved beachside restaurant.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Santorini Adventure

Santorini, Greece on July 24, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Prepare for a day of adventure with a satisfying hotel breakfast.
N/A, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hiking from Fira to Oia

Take the scenic and famous 6 km hike along the caldera edge with breathtaking views.
N/A, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pitogyros

Enjoy a quick and tasty gyro at this favored local spot known for fresh ingredients.
EUR6, 1 hour

2:30PM

Poolside Relaxation

Unwind by your hotel pool or spend time at a local beach bar.
N/A, 2 hours

5:00PM

Akrotiri Archaeological Site

Visit the Minoan Bronze Age settlement preserved by volcanic ash, showcasing ancient life.
EUR12, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Amoudi Bay Tavern

Dine on fresh seafood with waterfront views in this charming tavern at Amoudi Bay.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Relax or Extra Santorini Day

Santorini, Greece on July 25, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a relaxed start with breakfast at your hotel.
N/A, 1 hour

10:30AM

Optional: Day cruise around Santorini

Consider booking a budget-friendly catamaran cruise to see volcanic islands, swim in hot springs, and enjoy seaside lunch (book in advance).
EUR50-70, 5 hours

4:00PM

Explore local villages or relax

Visit nearby villages like Pyrgos or relax in your hotel or at a quiet beach after the cruise.
N/A, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Metaxi Mas

Enjoy authentic homemade Greek dishes in this acclaimed, moderately-priced local favorite taverna.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to Athens

Athens, Greece on July 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Santorini hotel

Have your final breakfast on this beautiful island.
N/A, 1 hour

9:30AM

Fly back to Athens

Take a morning flight back to Athens for last-minute sightseeing and relaxation.
EUR70, 1 hour

11:00AM

Check-in at Athens Hotel

Drop off your luggage and freshen up in your Athens accommodation.
N/A, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Dexameni

Enjoy tasty traditional Greek cuisine at this cozy, affordable restaurant.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Syntagma Square and Parliament

Watch the elegant Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore nearby landmarks.
N/A, 1 hour

4:00PM

Monastiraki Flea Market

Shop for unique souvenirs and handicrafts in this lively market area.
N/A, 2 hours

6:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Avocado

Cap off your Greece trip with fresh and flavorful vegetarian dishes in a welcoming setting.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Departure

Athens, Greece on July 27, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Greece at your hotel.
N/A, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hotel Check-out

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

10:30AM

Travel to Athens International Airport

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