Are you planning a one week trip to Greece and need some itinerary ideas? Browse these five one-week Greece itineraries that feature island hopping, captivating history, beautiful beaches, amazing Greek food and so much more.
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With its gorgeous beaches, crazy cool history, friendly locals, insanely beautiful islands, phenomenal food and amazing culture, it’s no surprise that Greece is one of the most visited countries in Europe!
These incredible features are what keep drawing me back to Greece again and again.
Since 2017, I’ve had the privilege to explore eight Greek islands, as well as parts of the mainland, like Athens. And just last October, I spent two amazing weeks exploring some of the Cyclades islands!
This year, I have plans to visit Skiathos (hello, Mamma Mia!), as well as more of the Ionian islands, like Kefalonia and Zakynthos! I couldn’t be more excited. (I LOVE Corfu so I’m sure these other Ionian islands are just as amazing!)
Anyways, I digress. You’re here to find the best one-week itinerary for Greece. And I’m here to help!
As someone who has traveled to this country every year for the past four years (and multiple times before that), you can trust me when I say that these 5 one-week Greece itineraries below are…
✔ Insanely fun
✔ Follow a logical route
✔ And bucket-list worthy
To help you get a better idea of which might be best suited to your trip goals, here’s a short summary of each itinerary.
5 ONE WEEK GREECE ITINERARIES
You’ll find that all of these one-week itineraries for Greece start in Athens, as I find it is the most common international airport for travelers to fly into.
However, if you have the option of a direct flight to the subsequent island, definitely book that and just tack on another night in your favorite place!
Also, each week itinerary features at least two nights on each Greek island. This allows for a full day, which I think is the minimum amount of time to get a real feel for each destination. With that said, here are the itinerary summaries.
To prepare for your Greece trip, don’t forget to check out my travel guide on 25 things to know before you go to Greece!
#1 — Athens, Milos + Paros
- Athens
- Milos
- Paros
#2 — Santorini + Crete
- Santorini
- Crete
#3 — Athens + Saronic Islands
- Athens
- Aegina
- Hydra
#4 — Athens, Mykonos + Santorini
- Athens
- Mykonos
- Santorini
#5 — Ionian Islands
- Kefalonia
- Zakynthos
Itinerary #1 — Athens, Milos + Paros
If you’re set on exploring some of the Cyclades islands but want to visit the more underrated ones, this is the perfect one-week Greece itinerary for you!
Featuring Paros and Milos, two amazing (but far less visited) islands, you can get a real feel for the island life in Greece. And as mentioned before, this itinerary starts in the wonderful capital city of Athens.
Athens: 2 nights
Athens is one of my favorite cities! I think it’s so vibrant and filled with life, history, culture and great foodie spots.
Depending on when you arrive in Athens, you can either choose to spend one or two nights here (or you also have the option of immediately grabbing the ferry to Milos). There are ferries that go from Athens to Milos throughout the day, so you can choose which time best suits you.
If you do stay in Athens, take a look at these helpful blogs:
Next up: Milos! When booking your ferry from Athens to Milos, I recommend using Ferryhopper. It features the best prices and all available ferry options!
Milos: 2 nights
Though still considered an “underrated gem,” Milos is swiftly becoming one of the most popular Cyclades islands! And it’s no surprise, with its moon-like landscape, cute fishing villages, turquoise waters and beautiful beaches.
Here are some great things to do in Milos:
- Visit Sarakiniko, Firiplaka, Papafragas, and Agia Kiriaki beaches
- Explore Plaka, Klima, and Pollonia villages
- Discover the Catacombs of Milos
- Swim at Kleftiko Caves
- Tour the Ancient Theater of Milos
- See the Milos Mining Museum
- Take a boat tour around the island
- Visit the Archaeological Museum of Milos
- Hike to Profitis Ilias
- Check out the Sulfur Mines at Paliorema
Once you’ve seen the best of Milos, the next destination on this one-week Greece itinerary through underrated Cyclades islands is Paros! This direct ferry journey is about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
To explore your ferry options, use the widget below. (Put “Milos” in the “From” box and “Paros” in the “To” box!)
Paros: 3 nights
Paros is one of my favorite islands in Greece — it feels like a more relaxed version of Mykonos, yet still features white-washed buildings, beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife and great foodie places!
Here are some of my favorite things to do while on the island of Paros:
- Enjoy Kolymbithres, Golden Beach and Santa Maria beaches
- Explore the picturesque villages of Naoussa, Parikia and Lefkes
- Visit the ancient Byzantine church, Panagia Ekatontapiliani
- Hike and enjoy the natural beauty of Paros Park
- Walk through the serene Butterfly Valley
- Try windsurfing at Golden Beach
- Experience the nightlife and dining scene at Naoussa Port
Itinerary #2 — Santorini + Crete
The next one-week Greece itinerary features the gorgeous islands of Santorini and Crete! While you may fly into Athens, you can get a quick flight from Athens to Santorini or a 5-7 hour ferry (there are multiple that go throughout the day). Click here to see your Athens-Santorini ferry options.
Santorini: 3 nights
A bucket-list destination for many, Santorini is famous for its dramatic views, stunning sunsets and luxurious accommodations!
It’s definitely one of the most unique islands in the Cyclades, being a volcanic island with crazy cool landscapes. Here are some great things to do in Santorini:
- Swim and sun at Red Beach, Kamari Beach and Perissa Beach
- Check out Fira, Oia and Pyrgos villages
- Take a Caldera boat trip to the volcanic islands
- Soak in Santorini’s hot springs
- Watch the iconic sunset from Oia
- Explore the ruins of Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan city
- Visit local wineries and taste Santorini’s unique wines
- Hike along the caldera edge for breathtaking views (Fira to Oia, or vice versa)
Your next destination on this one-week Greek island-hopping itinerary is the magical island of Crete! I recommend booking your Santorini-Crete ferry with Ferryhopper. This journey is just under two hours, so not bad at all!
Crete: 4 nights
As the largest Greek island, I’d say four nights is the minimum you should spend here! That gives you three full days to explore this insanely awesome island.
Crete features stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, vibrant cities, gorgeous seaside villages and some of the most unique beaches I’ve ever set foot on.
One important note is that a car is really needed to make the most of your time on this big island! A car gives you the freedom to explore all of the things which truly make Crete special. Personally, I find the cheapest rental cars using Kayak or Skyscanner.
Here are some awesome things to do on Crete:
- Relax at Elafonissi, Balos and Matala beaches
- Visit Knossos Palace, the ruins of an ancient Minoan palace
- Hike through the spectacular Samaria gorge
- Meander about Crete’s wonderful cities, like Rethymno, Chania and Heraklion
- Enjoy traditional Cretan dishes in local tavernas
- Take a ferry or hike to Loutro (one of the most gorgeous seaside villages!)
- Have a taste of raki, a local liquor on the island
For more inspiration on what to see and do, check out my blog on how I spent one week on the island of Crete exploring Chania, Sougia and Loutro!
Itinerary #3 — Athens + Saronic Islands
Get ready to explore Athens and the Saronic islands of Hydra and Aegina! Hydra is a vibrant and completely car-free island, while Aegina is off the beaten path and known for its delicious pistachios.
Athens: 2 nights
Starting off in the cool city of Athens, get ready to explore the incredible Acropolis and all its historic temples, learn about the country’s ancient history, walk through the vibrant neighborhood of Plaka, meander about the markets of Monastiraki and eat at its many delicious restaurants.
For a full list of things to do in Athens, browse these blogs:
Next destination on this one-week Greece itinerary is Aegina!
Book your ferry from Athens to Aegina through Ferryhopper, my favorite Greek ferry-booking platform. This ferry journey is about one hour (super easy).
Aegina: 2 nights
Aegina is one of my favorite Greek islands! It’s one that tourists really don’t talk about or visit often, likely due to it not being a part of the Cyclades. However, Aegina is wildly beautiful and features some amazing things to do and see.
My favorite things to do and see on Aegina are:
- The well-preserved Temple of Aphaia (built around 500-490 BCE and a prime example of Doric architecture)
- Agia Marina and Marathonas beaches (perfect for relaxing and sunning)
- Aegina Town and Perdika village (two places worth exploring)
- The Monastery of Saint Nektarios (insanely beautiful and a significant religious site)
- The Aegina Archaeological Museum (the perfect place to learn about the island’s history)
- Delicious pistachio shops (Aegina is known for its famous pistachios and pistachio butter)
To get from Aegina to Hydra, you’ll hop on a 55 minute ferry. Again, I recommend booking through Ferryhopper!
Hydra: 3 nights
Hydra is one of the most unique Greek islands due to it being completely car-free! You won’t find any motorized vehicles here.
It’s also known for its preserved architecture, artistic community, and scenic harbor. You’re going to love it if you choose this one-week Greece itinerary!
Some great things to do on Hydra include:
- Swim at Vlychos and Agios Nikolaos beaches
- Explore the lovely Hydra town
- Learn about Hydra’s maritime history at the Historical Archives Museum
- Visit the grand homes of sea captains, aka Hydra’s Mansions
- Explore local art in various galleries
- Walk along Hydra’s coastal paths for stunning views
One note about Hydra is that because the island is car-free, you’ll find donkeys are the main mode of “transportation.” To ensure an ethical vacation, please do not participate in this animal exploitation.
(Take a peek at my blog on unethical animal experiences for more tips.)
Itinerary #4 — Athens, Mykonos + Santorini
Mykonos and Santorini are arguably the most popular islands in Greece! And with good reason. They have stunning architecture, gorgeous beaches, unique landscapes, picturesque villages, friendly locals, great nightlife and cool archaeological sites.
Plus, with the inclusion of Athens, the capital city of Greece, this itinerary really encapsulates the picture-perfect one-week trip to Greece that you’ll find most tourists desire. I think you’ll love it!
Athens (2 nights)
I often find that Athens is a city that people either love or hate. (Hint: I LOVE it.) There are so many amazing things to do in Athens, like the Acropolis, rooftop bars, museums, first cemetery of Athens (chronically underrated!) and much more.
For more Athens guides, check out these blogs:
Next up is Mykonos! Click here to Ferryhopper to explore your Athens-Mykonos ferry options.
Mykonos (2 nights)
Is Mykonos on your Greece bucket list? If yes, you’re not alone! Mykonos is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, picturesque old town and stunning beaches, making it one of the most popular islands in Greece.
If you’re headed to Mykonos on your one-week Greece trip, here are some things to do on the island:
- Beaches: Visit Paradise Beach, Super Paradise Beach, and Elia Beach
- Villages: Explore Mykonos Town and Ano Mera village
- Windmills: See the iconic windmills of Mykonos
- Little Venice: Enjoy dining and nightlife in this scenic area
- Archaeological Museum of Mykonos: Discover ancient artifacts
- Delos Island: Take a day trip to the nearby archaeological site
- Boutique Shopping: Shop in the chic boutiques of Mykonos Town
Next up: Santorini! Book your ferry from Mykonos to Santorini with Ferryhopper. Depending on the ferry you choose, this journey will take around 2-3.5 hours.
Santorini (3 nights)
Another bucket list-worthy destination in Greece, Santorini captivates with its dramatic landscape, breathtaking sunsets and crazy cool accommodations. This volcanic gem in the Cyclades is truly surreal and offers unforgettable experiences!
Some of my favorite things to do in Santorini include:
- Visit the beaches: Swim and sun at Red Beach, Kamari Beach and Perissa Beach
- Explore cute villages: Check out Fira, Oia and Pyrgos villages.
- Go on a boat trip: Take a Caldera boat trip to the volcanic islands
- Soak in hot springs: Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni are two popular ones
- Watch spectacular sunsets: Oia and Fira are two popular places to watch the sun transform the sky
- Visit ancient ruins: Explore the ruins of Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan city
- Taste the local wine: Try Santo, Gaia, Venetsanos and Gavalas wineries on Santorini
- Go for a Hike: Hike along the caldera edge for breathtaking views (Fira to Oia, or vice versa)
For more Santorini information, check out this blog!
Itinerary #5 — Ionian Islands
The last itinerary mentioned in this blog on 5 incredible one-week island hopping itineraries for Greece features the magical Ionian islands!
These Greek islands are known for their lush landscapes, cerulean waters, insanely beautiful beaches, unique cultural influences (like the Venetians and French) and dramatic scenery.
Rest assured, you won’t be disappointed if you choose this one-week Greece itinerary!
Optional: Athens (1 night)
Athens is optional in this itinerary. The best way to get from Athens to Kefalonia is by plane, so if you have the option, you can immediately jump on a separate domestic flight to Kefalonia when you arrive to Greece.
(That is, if you’re flying into Athens. If the option is there, definitely book a direct flight from your chosen airport to Kefalonia.)
When looking for a flight from Athens to Kefalonia, I like to use Skyscanner. I find this site always provides the best flight prices.
Kefalonia (4 nights)
Kefalonia seems to be chronically underrated by many Greece visitors! It’s known for its stunning beaches, picturesque villages and impressive caves. Here are some great things to do on Kefalonia:
- Visit Argostoli, Assos and Fiskardo villages
- Relax at Myrtos Beach, Antisamos Beach and Skala Beach
- Take a boat tour in the stunning cave lake, Melissani Cave
- Check out Drogarati Cave, known for its incredible stalagmites and stalactites
- Explore St. George’s Castle, a historic site with great views
- Visit local wineries for wine tasting
- Hike in the Ainos National Park and enjoy the natural scenery
Next up is Zakynthos! The ferry ride from Kefalonia to Zakynthos is about 1 hour and 45 minutes, making this an easy direct journey. Use the Ferryhopper widget below to explore your ferry options.
Zakynthos (3 nights)
Zakynthos is famous for its shipwreck beach, great nightlife, panoramic views and exceptional beaches — you won’t get bored here! The best things to do on Zakynthos are:
- Visit Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) for its iconic shipwreck and stunning scenery
- Explore the Blue Caves by boat for incredible sea views and snorkeling
- Swim and sunbathe at Laganas Beach, famous for its vibrant nightlife
- Take a boat trip to Marathonisi (Turtle Island) to see loggerhead sea turtles
- Discover the natural beauty of Porto Limnionas and Porto Roxa
- Stroll through Zakynthos Town and visit Solomos Square
- Enjoy the panoramic views from Bochali Hill
- Visit the Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos for local history and art
- Relax at the family-friendly Tsilivi Beach
- Hike to the lighthouse at Keri for spectacular sunset views
No matter which of these one-week Greece itineraries you choose, you’ll no doubt have an incredible time! Each take you across magical islands with amazing culture, food, scenery, beaches and more.
Tell me, which one-week Greece itinerary would you choose? Put your thoughts in the comments below!
Sophie xx
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