Budget-Friendly 10-Day Itinerary for Santorini and Athens, Greece (July 24 - August 2, 2025)

Day 1: Arrive in Athens

Athens, Greece on July 24, 2025

10:00AM

Arrival at Athens International Airport

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

12:00PM

Check-in at Budget Hotel

Settle into your budget-friendly hotel or Airbnb in central Athens, close to historic sites.
N/A, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Kostas

Enjoy authentic, affordable Greek souvlaki at this popular street food spot in Athens.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Acropolis

Explore the world-famous Acropolis and the Parthenon, with spectacular views over Athens.
EUR20, 2-3 hours

5:30PM

Walk through Plaka

Wander scenic Plaka’s narrow streets, browse local shops, and enjoy cafes.
N/A, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Village Restaurant

Dine on traditional Greek cuisine at this budget-friendly restaurant with Acropolis views.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Discover Athens Culture

Athens, Greece on July 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mokka

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

9:30AM

Museum of Acropolis

Explore fascinating artifacts related to the Acropolis at this engaging museum.
EUR10, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani

Enjoy Greek cured meats, cheeses, and traditional dishes in a cozy setting.
EUR12, 1 hour

1:30PM

Tour Ancient Agora

Visit the ancient marketplace and Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved ancient temples.
EUR8, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at National Garden

Unwind with a peaceful stroll through Athens' lush National Garden.
N/A, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Oineas Restaurant

Enjoy modern Greek dishes in the lively Psiri district at this well-reviewed venue.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Athens Highlights

Athens, Greece on July 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a healthy breakfast at your accommodation.
N/A, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit National Archaeological Museum

Explore Greece’s largest archaeological museum with vast ancient collections.
EUR12, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kuzina

Sample traditional Greek cuisine in a charming setting near the Ancient Agora.
EUR15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Climb Mount Lycabettus

Hike or take the funicular to the top for panoramic views of Athens and sunset watching.
EUR7 funicular, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Avli tou Thodori

Eat at this affordable traditional taverna in the lively Glyfada neighborhood.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Athens to Santorini

Athens-Santorini, Greece on July 27, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

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

9:30AM

Athens to Santorini Flight

Take a morning flight to Santorini (approx. 45 minutes).
EUR70, 1 hour

11:30AM

Check-in at Santorini Accommodation

Settle into a budget hotel or Airbnb in Fira or Oia.
N/A, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Taverna Katina

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes by Amoudi Bay in Oia.
EUR15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Oia Village

Walk through Oia’s iconic whitewashed buildings and boutique shops, perfect for photos.
N/A, 3 hours

5:30PM

Relax at Amoudi Bay

Enjoy a swim or coffee at this picturesque bay below Oia.
N/A, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sunset Taverna

Dine at this coastal spot with stunning sunset views and fresh local food.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Santorini Exploration

Santorini, Greece on July 28, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation to energize for the day.
N/A, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Fira

Discover Fira’s vibrant town center, shops, and breathtaking caldera views.
N/A, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Falafeland

Sample delicious, affordable falafel wraps and fresh salads at this local spot.
EUR8, 1 hour

2:30PM

Santorini Wine Tasting Tour

Visit local wineries for tastings of Santorini’s unique volcanic wines.
EUR25, 2-3 hours

5:30PM

Perissa Beach Sunset

Relax on the famous black sand beach and enjoy the stunning sunset views.
N/A, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Tranquilo

Dine at this beachside restaurant offering vegetarian and healthy dishes.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Santorini Adventure

Santorini, Greece on July 29, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

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

10:00AM

Hiking from Fira to Oia

Take the scenic 6 km hike along the caldera edge for breathtaking views and photo ops.
N/A, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pitogyros

Grab an affordable, fresh gyro at this popular local eatery.
EUR6, 1 hour

2:30PM

Poolside or Beach Relaxation

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

5:00PM

Akrotiri Archaeological Site Visit

Explore the ancient Minoan settlement preserved under volcanic ash, open until 7:00PM.
EUR12, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Amoudi Bay Tavern

Enjoy fresh seafood dining by the waterfront in this charming tavern.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Free Day or Optional Cruise

Santorini, Greece on July 30, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation.
N/A, 1 hour

10:30AM

Optional: Santorini Day Cruise

Book a budget-friendly catamaran cruise to visit volcanic islands, hot springs, and enjoy a seaside lunch (reserve early).
EUR50-70, 5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Villages or Relax

Visit nearby villages such as Pyrgos or take time to relax and soak in Santorini’s atmosphere.
N/A, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Metaxi Mas

Experience authentic homemade Greek dishes in this popular local taverna.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Santorini Leisure Day

Santorini, Greece on July 31, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final full Santorini breakfast at your accommodation.
N/A, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Local Markets or Beaches

Spend the morning at local markets or relax on quieter beaches like Monolithos or Kamari.
N/A, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Lucky’s Souvlakis

Try affordable traditional souvlaki from this well-loved local spot.
EUR8, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Firostefani Village

Walk along the peaceful village streets, enjoy cafes with caldera views.
N/A, 2 hours

5:00PM

Sunset at Oia Castle

Watch the iconic Santorini sunset from Oia Castle, a must-see experience.
N/A, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Pelekanos

Dine alfresco with excellent local cuisine in Oia at this moderately priced restaurant.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Return to Athens

Santorini - Athens, Greece on August 1, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have your last breakfast on Santorini, soaking in the island views.
N/A, 1 hour

9:30AM

Flight to Athens

Fly back to Athens for your final night in Greece.
EUR70, 1 hour

11:00AM

Check-in at Athens Hotel

Drop off your bags and refresh at your hotel in Athens.
N/A, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Dexameni

Enjoy tasty Greek cuisine at this cozy, affordable dining option.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Syntagma Square and Parliament

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

4:00PM

Monastiraki Flea Market

Shop for souvenirs, antiques, and local crafts at this bustling market.
N/A, 2 hours

6:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Avocado

Relish fresh vegetarian dishes in a warm and inviting atmosphere to end your trip.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Departure Day

Athens, Greece on August 2, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have your final breakfast in Greece at the hotel.
N/A, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hotel Check-out

Check out from your hotel and prepare for your departure.
N/A, 30 minutes

10:30AM

Travel to Athens Airport

Take a taxi or shuttle to Athens International Airport for your flight home.
EUR30, 1 hour
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