Greece Travel Guide
Sofia Laurent· Europe Editor
Updated September 12, 2026 · 8 min read
Greece is two trips in one: the classical mainland — Athens' Acropolis, Delphi's sanctuary, Olympia — and the island Aegean, where ferries stitch whitewashed villages across blue water. Planning figures: Athens ~€95/day, the islands €120–180 depending on the island's fame.
The classic route: Athens (2–3) → the Cyclades by ferry (4–6) — Naxos and Paros for value, Santorini and Mykonos for the postcards.
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Athens anchors the mainland. The Cyclades are the island core — Naxos the value, Paros the balance, Santorini the caldera, Mykonos the party. Delphi and the Peloponnese serve the history-first.
- Classic: Athens 3 → Naxos 2 → Paros 2 → Santorini 2.
- History-first: Athens 3 → Delphi 1 → Peloponnese 3.
- Value-islands: Athens 2 → Naxos 3 → Milos 3.
The Ferry Arithmetic
Blue Star and Seajets run the Cyclades; book high-season ferries ahead. The meltemi winds can delay July–August sailings — build a buffer day.
Athens & the Cyclades
The capital and the ferries.
Day 1 · Athens — Acropolis
The Parthenon at opening.
Day 2 · Athens — museums
The bronzes and Plaka.
Day 3 · Ferry to Naxos
Portara at sunset.
Day 4 · Naxos — villages
The mountains and the beaches.
Day 5 · Paros
Naoussa's harbor; Antiparos.
Day 6 · Santorini
The caldera rim and Akrotiri.
Day 7 · Oia & farewell
The famous sunset; JTR.
Practical planning info
Money
- Athens ~€95/day; islands €120–180 depending on fame.
- Ferries: €40–80 per leg in the Cyclades.
When
- May–June and September–early October are ideal.
- The meltemi winds ruffle July–August ferries.
Frequently asked questions
Santorini or Mykonos?
Santorini for the caldera and the views; Mykonos for the beaches and the parties. Naxos and Paros for the value.
Is Greece expensive?
Athens is a bargain (€95/day); Santorini is the price leader (€150–180).
How many days for Greece?
A week does Athens plus one island; ten does the Cyclades hop.
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