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10 Days in Greece Itinerary I Perfect First Timers Itinerary Greece

Greece is an incredibly beautiful country in the Mediterranean. Surrounded by azure waters, this hot country is the perfect vacation destination for those who dream of lazing on the beach between dips in the balmy ocean.

Greece is also a historical and cultural land that can charm even the most jaded traveller. The museums are some of the most incredible in the world. You don’t even need to go indoors to experience the culture and history. You can simply stroll through the cobblestone streets.

So Greece is able to suit any kind of traveller. All you need to do is figure out what kind of amazing vacation it is that you’re after, and Greece will fit the bill. And it has its famous Greek Islands like Paxos and Ios.

Unlike other hot and humid countries, it gets cold in the winter. So if you’re averse to the heat, simply head over in the winter months.

Things to Book Before You Leave Home
Few things are more frustrating on vacation than missing out on that amazing hotel or tour because it is sold out. Here are our top things to book before your vacation.

🔱 Most Popular Tours in Greece:
1. Athens Acropolis Skip the Line Tour -my top pick
2. Athens Acropolis and Musem Skip the Line Tour
3. Athens Street Food Tour -don’t eat breakfast before
4. Santorini Private Caldera Sailing Trip -book to include sunset

🛏️Where to Stay in Athens:
1. AthensWas -stylish boutique hotel
2. The Stanley Hotel -great value with a rooftop bar and pool

santorini-white church roof and ocean

10 Days in Greece Itinerary: The Seasons and What to Pack

When preparing for Greece, the contents of your suitcase will depend largely on the season you’re travelling in.

Some things you should be sure to pack, no matter the season, include a camera and good walking shoes. Since there is so much to explore in Greece, you want to be comfortable while doing it. And you definitely want to capture it all.

greek church seen through arches

Summer Months in Greece

From late June to early September Greece tends to sizzle. If you travel to Greece in summer, be sure to pack in plenty of light sundresses, shorts and tops. And a swimsuit of course!

A light scarf can be really helpful to keep the sun off your chest, and a hat goes a long way. Sandals and plenty of sunscreen are also highly recommended for this season. You won’t need anything too warm, as even the evenings are balmy.

greek islands part of 10 days in greece itinerary

Autumn in Greece

Mid-September to November is the cooling down months of Greece. This is a wonderful time to visit if you’re wanting to explore the countryside. The colours are incredible, as everything turns different hues of red, orange and purple.

It’s also a little cooler, so you don’t have to worry about overheating as you trek through the country. During these months, think of light layers that you can increase during the mornings and evenings. The days are still quite warm, and you’ll certainly never freeze.

church in greece

Greece in Winter

December through to March are the coolest months. But fortunately, since it’s located in the Meditteranean, the temperatures never get too frigid. For this reason, Greece is a very popular vacation destination for other Europeans, even in the depths of winter.

This is also the rainy season here, so when you pack, be sure to include a waterproof jacket to keep you dry. If you get frizz when it rains, pack in a travel hairdryer. A good pair of boots will also be very handy, and jeans and long-sleeved tops.

Spring in Greece

Spring is a beautiful and popular season in Greece, as the days begin to lengthen and grow warmer. Flowers pop up across the country, and the trees grow their leaves back. All in all, April to early June are very pretty months to visit in.

However, if you’re wanting to spend a lot of time at the beach, avoid early spring, as it won’t yet be warm enough. When packing, be ready for anything. Shorts and long jeans, strappy tops and warm jerseys. Maybe even a swimsuit, if you want to brave a chilly ocean.

white buildings and ocean in santorini

How to Get to Greece

The 2 largest airports in Greece are in Athens and Thessaloniki. This itinerary starts in Athens and ends in Thessaloniki, so you can experience both airports.

For most of this itinerary, you will be able to explore on foot or using some local transport like buses or taxis. If you are keen to explore more in the islands it may be a good idea to hire a car.

street art 2
Street art in Athens

Greece Itinerary 10 Days

In order to make the most of your trip to Greece, it’s good to have an outline of what you want to get up to. That way you won’t miss any of the sights you’re wanting to see, and you’ll be able to start picturing yourself there right this minute.

However, since making a detailed 10 day itinerary for your trip to Greece can really drain the fun out of holiday planning, here’s a suggested plan for you to work from.

white chapel in santorini

10 Day Greece Itinerary: Days 1 & 2 in Athens

Since it’s easiest to fly into Athens, it’s best to start your trip here. Athens is the site of many iconic ancient Greek monuments and temples.

This start to your vacation will be all about culture, history and beauty. And you’ll have lots of energy to go out in the evening. Athens is known for its fun and vibrant nightlife, particularly in the summer.

acropolis 13

Day 1: Visit the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill

There are so many great things to see in Athens. On your first morning in Greece, head over to the Acropolis of Athens. This 5th-century BC hilltop temple monument is certainly a sight to behold. Or more correctly, sights. There are a number of incredible things to be seen here, and you should be ready to spend the whole morning exploring this iconic spot.

I would definitely suggest taking a guided tour of the Acropolis. It is a big area and it is easy to miss sites of interest. Also, most tours will include your ticket for the Acropolis and enable you to enter through the shortest line.

The ancient citadel is situated on a rocky outcrop over the city of Athens. So the views are spectacular, and the sight of the acropolis is not marred by a view of the modern city below it.

Pre book your skip the line ticket for the Acropolis

lycabettus view 2
lycabettus view of the Acropolis

See the Parthenon

While at the Acropolis, visit the Parthenon, which is the most important remaining monument from classical Greece. It’s also world-renowned, and you’re sure to have heard of it many times over. Be sure to take a few photos!

Marvel at the Acropolis Museum

Just a 10-minute walk down the hill you will find the museum dedicated to the Acropolis. This is a great place to go to when you have the incredible architecture fresh in your imagination. Also, it’s the perfect opportunity to find a little restaurant as you go.

Beat the Queue and pre-book your ticket for the Acropolis & Museum

Klepsidra Cafe is one of the best options in the area. Greek food is incredible, and you’re sure to find the perfect thing to keep you energized as you explore the Acropolis Museum.

parthenon 1
parthenon

After lunch it is time to climb another one of Athen’s hills – Mount Lycabettus. At 227 metres tall, the summit of Lycabettus is the highest point in central Athens and has some fantastic views of the city and of the Acropolis.

It is relatively easy to walk up the hill to the top of Mount Lycabettus. But if you’re all walked out after spending the morning at the Acropolis just take the easy to use cable car up and down the mountain.

lycabettus view 1
lycabettus view

At the top of the mountain, you’ll find a restaurant with some great views as well as a classically Greek blue and white church St George.

lycabettus church
lycabettus church

After all that walking you’ve earned a drink. Early evening head to Bar Kepameio and enjoy a spritz. Kapameio owns a souvlaki place next door called Elvis which is known to have some of the best souvlakis in Athens. It is definitely worth a visit as the souvlaki I enjoyed there was outstanding. Best of all you can place your order in Elvis and then enjoy your souvlaki at your table in the bar.

kepameio bar
kepameio bar

You might enjoy reading some of my other articles about Greece:

Greek Landmarks
Things to do in Thessaloniki
Halkidiki Beaches
Facts about Greece

Day 2: Explore Athens through its cuisine

Taking a food tour is one of my favorite ways to explore a city and Athens is a great place for a food tour! I took my food tour with Viator and it was excellent. Our guide was local and very knowledgeable and we did everything from a greek honey tasting to visiting a koulouri bakery (the delicious sesame rings that you will see all over Greece) and visiting Athens Central Market for some amazing lamb that had been cooking in the sand for hours.

If you have a bit less time on your trip to Greece don’t miss my One Week in Greece Itinerary.

koulouri

Whether you take a food tour or not I would recommend a trip to Athens Central Market – particularly at lunch time. Many locals visit to buy their seafood and there is a great atmosphere. Plus it is home to restaurants and cafes.

athens market
athens market

Once you finish your food tour you won’t want to eat for a little while. It is the perfect time to explore the lovely little neighborhood of Anafiotika. This small area sits behind some of the key tourist sites in Athens. It was built in the 1800s when King Otto 1 wanted Athens to be rebuilt.

ana fiotika

Builders were brought in from the Cycladic island of Anafi. Whilst they were working on rebuilding Athens they built a small replica of their island near the Acropolis. Anafiotika means little Anafi. Only 45 buildings remain today but it is a lovely neighbourhood for a wander.

colourful streets of athens

Then continue to walk off your food tour by visiting the neighborhood of Plaka, home to cute streets and some great shopping.

athens street art

Hopefully by the time dinner rolls around you’ll be ready to eat again. I highly recommend Seychelles. Loved by locals, you’ll find unique twists on popular Greek dishes. It’s located in the Metaxourgeio neighborhood. Don’t forget to book ahead or you won’t get a table.

seychelles meatballs
seychelles meatballs

Greece has some fantastic options when it comes to where to sleep. Here are some boutique hotel options in Athens but if you’re looking to save a few dollars or are travelling on your own you might want to check out hostels in Greece.

greek head sculpture

Boutique Hotels in Athens

Stay close to the Acropolis in the very stylish AthensWas boutique hotel. The AthensWas boutique hotel has fantastic views of the Acropolis (ask for a room on one of the higher floors) – particularly from the terrace – and it is in a fantastic neighborhood with loads of great restaurants and shops.

➡️ Check Availability and Prices for AthensWas

athenswas-athens boutique hotel restaurant

If you love fantastic interiors then check out the New Hotel. And this Athens boutique hotel has a spa complete with hammam, jacuzzi, and treatment room. Even the standard rooms are large at 20 to 23 square metres and they have a pillow menu.

➡️ Check Availability and Prices for the New Hotel

new hotel athens roof terrace

The Stanley Hotel has a fantastic location next to Metaxourgeio Station, making it easy to get everywhere in Athens. They also have a fantastic rooftop pool and bar that has views of the Acropolis. The rooms are a little on the small side but you won’t be spending much time in them with that view on the rooftop.

➡️ Check Availability and Prices for The Stanley Hotel

the stanley pool
Rooftop pool at The Stanley
the stanley room
Room at The Stanley Hotel

Greece 10 Day Itinerary: Days 3 & 4 in Santorini

Now it’s time to head off to the Greek islands to get a little more sun, sand and beautiful sights. These stunning islands are world-renowned as a dreamy destination. Getting to Santorini is easy, so we’ll start there. And you can opt to stay at a luxury vacation rental on Santorini.

Santorini is one of the most picturesque places in the world. The white buildings are set off perfectly by the deep blue Aegean sea below them.

While your days on this island can consist mainly of coffee shops, gelateria’s, restaurants and bars (yes, the food and drink is that good), a little sightseeing can go a long way. Especially when it’s coupled with some beautiful swimming and tanning opportunities.

greece_santorini_view-over-thira
The view over Thira Santorini

Read more about Santorini:

Santorini Greece Black Sand Beaches
Santorini Wineries
Where to watch the Santorini Sunset

Day 3: Morning Walk between Thira and Oia and Sunset Santorini Wine Tour

The walk between Thira and Oia is about 10 kilometres so will take 2-2 1/2 hours. It is a stunning path along the caldera. You will head up and down quite a bit so make sure you’re wearing sensible shoes.

➡️ Book a guided walk between Thira and Oia

view over oia santorini
view over oia santorini

Did you know that for centuries the economy of the Greek Island of Santorini was built on wine? I was very surprised to discover that this was the case. When I first heard about wineries on Santorini and its famous assyrtiko grape I thought wine from such a warm climate can’t possibly taste good. I am delighted to tell you that I was completely wrong.

domaine sigalas glass
Santorini wine against the vines

The perfect way to experience the wine of Santorini is through a guided tour which includes a driver. Several companies run wine tours on the island.

santo wines bottle
santo wines bottle

Sunset wine tours generally start around 4pm and finish about 8pm. Most tours will either pick up and drop off guests at their hotels or a spot that is very close to their accommodation.

santo wines view
santo wines view

Each wine tour company works with a number of wineries. The majority of tours visit three wineries. Visits include a tasting (of course) and a generous platter of local delicacies. The food served on the tour is sufficient to cover dinner.

➡️ Book Your Santorini Wine Tour

Anhydrous Winery wine bottles
Anhydrous Winery wine bottles

Day 4: Day of Exploring and a Sunset Cruise

Spend the day getting to know the city by foot. Meander down the winding lanes and pop into the cafes and shops that you come across. Sometimes not having a set path can expose the best parts of a new place.

In the afternoon, join a small-group luxury catamaran cruise. You’ll get to see more of the island, swim in volcanic hot springs, and snorkel in the clear blue waters.

colourful houses in santorini

Image by ExPzPics on Pixabay

Boutique Hotels in Santorini

On my first trip to Santorini, I stayed at the Anteliz Suites in Fira and absolutely loved it. This charming Santorini boutique hotel is perched on the top of Fira. As such it has the most amazing views of the Santorini sunset. And a large deck area designed to help you to enjoy that view.

➡️ Check Prices and Availability for Anteliz Suites

greece_santorini_andeliz_breakfast
A wonderful spot just outside my room for breakfast

In Oia, Canaves Oia Hotel is the whitewashed Santorini hotel of your dreams. The hotel is cut into the old caves and has a minimalist design. Plus there is a gorgeous pool with a swim-up bar.

➡️ Check Prices and Availability for Canaves Oia Hotel

canaves oia hotel.jpg

On my second trip to Santorini I stayed in Oia in the north of the island. Mr and Mrs White Santorni is a charming boutique hotel sits on the caldera and has fantastic views. It is very modern in design but combined with the traditional style of the island.

mr and mrs white pool
mr and mrs white pool

We stayed in a mezzanine room that had a bathroom and sofa bed on the mezzanine. But the highlight was the absolutely massive terrace that was part of the room with views straight out onto the caldera and the Santorini sunset.

mr and mrs white santorini room
mr and mrs white santorini room

The design theme is black and white which which works very well on this often blue and white and oh so bright island. Breakfast is served above the main reception and also provides fantastic views. The buffet includes hot food and I highly recommend the spanokopitas. Greek or traditional style omelettes are also available.

mr and mrs white breakfast
mr and mrs white breakfast

The hotel has a pool area and a second area for a smaller pool and jacuzzi. It is a slight maze of rooms and arches and outdoor corridors but this all gives a nice sense of privacy. The staff were very friendly – particularly at breakfast where they remembered our coffee order each morning!

mr and mrs white

Location wise, Mr and Mrs White is perfect. It is a quite flat approx 10 minute walk into the heart of Oia. There are quite a few boutique hotels within Oia but they all looked like they had quite small rooms and of course no full size pool. Plus Oia can get quite loud. Mr and Mrs White was the perfect mix of being close to the action but removed enough for privacy.

➡️ Check Availability and Prices for Mr and Mrs White

mr and mrs white room
mr and mrs white room

You might enjoy reading some of my other articles about the Greek Islands:

Paxos Restaurants
Things to do in Paxos Greece
Best Paxos Beaches
-Things to do on Ios
Santorini to Ios
Mylopotas Beach
Most Beautiful Islands in Greece

Greece Vacation Itinerary: Days 5 & 6 in Mykonos

Next up is a few days in one of Europe’s most fun summer party destinations. This is an island where you can sleep in late. There’s no need to feel guilty about not making the most of your days, as it’s your nights that will be getting the attention.

mykonos windmills

Image by Herbert Aust on Pixabay

Day 5: Take a Delos and Rhenia Islands Boat Trip

After you wake up late and have a lovely lazy morning, spend the afternoon exploring the nearby islands. It’s a beautiful way to spend a day, especially since you can sip on unlimited drinks and start your Mykonos buzz, before watching the sun set over the island.

Next, head to Lola’s Bar-Cafe to kick the night off with a delicious cocktail. The bar has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and if you go alone, you’ll leave with friends.

➡️ Book Your Boat from Mykonos Trip

Day 6: Party at Paradise and Super Paradise Beach

These extremely popular beaches will have you really feeling the party spirit. They might not be your traditional idea of paradise, but they certainly do offer a great time.

During the day, enjoy basking on the beach. But it’s during the night when things really heat up. Bars play loud music that carries across the sand, and massive clubs boast international DJs and almost unending hours.

mykonos houses on the water

Image by Nicole Klesy on Pixabay

Boutique Hotels on Mykonos

Boheme Mykonos is carved into a mountain with views of the sea. Enjoying relaxing on the sundeck by the pool. They are right next to the bar and restaurant so you don’t need to move to be fed and watered.

➡️ Check Prices and Availability for Boheme Mykonos

boheme mykonos roof terrace

Rocabella Mykonos is slightly more upmarket and its rooms come with private terraces. The outdoor pool is lined by white rocks with lots of day beds. And there is a spa with an enticing range of treatments on offer.

➡️ Check Prices and Availability for Rocabella Mykonos

Rocabella Mykonos boutique hotel outdoor area

Days 7 & 8 in Halkidiki

Once you’re all partied out, take a flight to the beautiful Halkidiki Peninsula for some more beach time and sightseeing. The best airport to fly into is in Thessaloniki – you’ll be at the start of the Halkidiki Peninsula in just over an hour.

Day 7: Explore the Kassandra Peninsula

The first finger is the peninsula of Kassandra. This is the region that is closest to Thessaloniki and it is the most developed of the three.

Start your day in Nea Fokea. This bustling resort town has a very picturesque harbor. It is also home to Agios Pavios, a Byzantine Tower built on a hill in 1407. The tower is 17 meters high.

Nea Fokea byzantine tower
Nea Fokea byzantine tower

After you’ve gone up high, go down low and visit St Paul’s Holy Water. This tiny chapel will require you to literally bend over to visit its 20-meter-long corridor that ends with a small basin where the holy water was collected.

Nea Fokea chapel
Nea Fokea chapel

Explore Afitos

Little Afytos is built on a rock and filled with cute houses made from local stones and amazing views of the Toroneos Gulf. It may well be the prettiest village in Kassandra and even all of Halkidiki. This is where to shop in Kassandra as there are many lovely boutiques.

afitos

Plus head down to Afitos beach and you’ll see a strip of beautiful seafood restaurants with awesome views. I also loved the olive oil cans that the town has turned into their own street art – they look like little flower pots.

The delightful main square of Afitos is home to the town’s Cultural Museum. This charming museum recreates a home in the area from the late 1800s. Specifically, the house dates back to 1889 when three brothers owned it.

Enjoy a Seafood lunch and visit Zeus’ Sanctuary in Kallithea

For a fantastic seafood feast with an amazing view head to Kavouras seafood restaurant in Kallithea (Kavouras means crab). The owner is a fisherman and he literally heads out into the lovely waters of Kallithea with a spear and then brings back what he catches. If you ask he’ll even show you!

kavouras squid

The Sanctuary of Zeus Ammon was literally stumbled upon when the ground was broken to build a hotel. That hotel is now next door. The Sanctuary of Zeus Ammon is the closest to the water of any archaeological site in Greece. The location plus the ruins found suggest that the site was some health spa/hammam or even hospital of sorts.

zeus ammon
zeus ammon

The site dates back to the latter half of the 4th century and was one of Ancient Greece’s most important sanctuaries dedicated to the father of the gods. There are some stunning views out to the sea from the top of the site.

Spend the afternoon on the beach

The beaches on the east side of the peninsula are more developed and have far more facilities than those on the west. The tip of the island is mountainous with a small number of beaches.

Hroussos was my favorite beach in Kassandra. It’s a small cove of light golden sand. It comes with beach chairs and umbrellas but doesn’t feel overly done. The area around it is set up for holiday camping.

Hroussos beach
Hroussos beach

Or visit the beautiful white sandy Kallithea beach just near where you’ve enjoyed your seafood lunch.

kallithea beach
kallithea beach

As the sun drops, head to the southwest of the island and Loutra Beach for beautiful sunset over the Aegean Sea.

loutra beach
loutra beach

Day 8: Take a Cruise around Athos

If you only do one activity while in Halkidiki make it a boat cruise around Athos. Athos is a UNESCO site and home to 20 monasteries and around 2000 monks. This has been the case for over 2,000 years. It is a self-governed monastic state, similar to the Vatican.

athos
athos

Most of Athos is off-limits to women (unless you are the Virgin Mary, to whom the state is dedicated). Men can visit but must book ahead. The area can accommodate up to 100 people a day.

However, if you are male and would like to go to Athos when you are there you will literally have to live like a monk as monasteries are the only option for a bed and meal.

xenophontos monastery
xenophontos monastery

The monasteries of Athos are built into the rock or at the bottom of the mountain and are stunning. St Panteleimon Monastery is the largest of all the monasteries and is absolutely stunning with its green roofs. Each of the monasteries is unique and quite magnificent.

Cruises to Mount Athos leave from Ouranoupoulis port generally twice a day. The cruise takes three hours.

➡️ Book Your Mount Athos Cruise

Seafood lunch in Ouranoupoulis

If you’ve taken the morning cruise to Athos your return to Ouranoupoulis will be perfectly timed for lunch. I would recommend booking lunch at Lemoniadas for your return. This delightful restaurant sits on the beach and features outstanding local produce from Athos – and local recipes.

Lemoniadis
Lemoniadis

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beaches of Sithonia

There are loads of beautiful beaches on the Sithonia peninsula, but Kavourotrypes beach is absolutely stunning and was my personal favorite. It is a cove with beach chairs and a bar and pine trees that reach to the shore. Stunning colours but best of all are the views of nearby Mount Athos.

kavourotrypes beach
kavourotrypes beach

Halkidiki Boutique Hotels

The Blue Bay Hotel in Kassandra is located just south of Athytos and has fantastic views over Athytos beach and the Aegean. Like many of the hotels in Halkidiki, it has a lot of space for enjoying the outdoors and easy access to the beach. There are two large pools and a beautifully situated outdoor restaurant.

➡️ Check Prices and Availability for the Blue Bay Hotel

blue bay restaurant
blue bay restaurant

Anthemus Sea Hotel in Sithonia could be one of the largest hotels I have ever stayed in. This is a hotel that has everything. Once you check in most guests will need a buggy to get to their rooms as the site covers 38,000 square meters.

There is an underground shopping mall that also has a spa and kids playrooms so you are covered for all-weather and shopping needs.

➡️ Check Prices and Availability for Anthemus Sea Hotel

anthemos beach
anthemos beach

Day 9 & 10 in Thessaloniki

Greece’s second-biggest city also claims to be its foodiest – the only way to find out if this is true is to head there and eat for yourself! I must confess I spent quite a bit of my time in Thessaloniki eating as well there. There is some great food to be consumed.

However, there is much more to this eclectic, busy, vibrant city than just awesome food. You’ll stumble over a church from the Ottoman Empire or some edgy street art every few steps. And there is much to experience on the city’s fantastic boardwalk which is five kilometres long.

Thessaloniki is home to 1.3 million people, and 120,000 inhabitants are students. As always, student cities tend to have an extra air of vibrancy and buzz and Thessaloniki is no exception.

white tower of thessaloniki 3

Day 9: Explore Thessaloniki’s History

Start your day in Thessaloniki with a guided walking tour. This is one of my favorite ways to explore a city. Thessaloniki is busy and bustling with many small streets and historic sites all over the place so it is helpful to have someone to help you explore the key sites.

The walking tour will take up your morning. Next up is lunch and of course it should be gyros.

If you’re looking for what may be the best souvlaki in Thessaloniki then head to 22 Souvlakia. It’s located on Aristotelous Square and just a stone’s throw from the sea. There is a great outdoor seating area on the square.

pork souvlaki at 22
pork souvlaki at 22

And wow the food!!! We were brought out glistening sticks of protein after stick. The highlights for me were the pork gyros (its signature dish) and the chicken gyros. And the chips are sensational – and should of course be placed in the pita and eaten with the meat. And don’t miss the puffy perfect squeaky halloumi.

After lunch spend the afternoon exploring Thessaloniki’s many churches and roman sites. Don’t miss:

  • Agia Sofia Church
  • Roman Agora
  • Agios Dimitrios Church
  • Aristotelous Square
  • Panagia Chalkeon Church
Thessaloniki Panagea Chalkein
Panagea Chalkein

For dinner head to Kapani market and face the difficult task of choosing a restaurant! I highly recommend Stou Mistou which is near the olive stands. Stou Mistou has a small menu because it changes daily based on fresh ingredients. Everything they serve is local and they are best known for their fantastic seafood pasta.

stou mistou seafood pasta
stou mistou seafood pasta

Day 10: Head to the Boardwalk

Start the day exploring Thessaloniki’s 5 kilometre long boardwalk. Start off at Thessaloniki’s most famous site, the White Tower of Thessaloniki.

The White Tower of Thessaloniki was actually a prison. Ottoman Turks built it in the late 15th century. The tower has been known by many names over the centuries including the Lion’s Tower, the Blood Tower and the Janissary Tower.

white tower of thessaloniki 3

The White Tower took its current name in the late 19th century after one of its prisoners painted it white in exchange for freedom.

white tower of thessaloniki and trees

Today, the tower consists of six floors. Each floor covers an element of the history of the tower and Thessaloniki. The top of the tower contains a small restaurant and a fantastic view. And don’t miss the nearby Alexander the Great Monument.

Next up is exploring the Nea Paralia. The new waterfront of Nea Paralia is a 3.5 km stretch along the sea that was regenerated in recent times. Like the rest of the Thessaloniki waterfront, it is a wonderful place to walk, cycle, and people-watch. This part of the waterfront is also home to some fantastic contemporary art.

umbrellas on thessaloniki seafront

The Zongopoulous sculpture “Umbrellas” is 13 metres high and most photogenic at sunset. This is also the best time to photograph Pavlos Vasiliadis’ “Moon” sculpture which was installed in the sea by divers and looks like an illusion.

thessaloniki boardwalk 2.

Head to Thessaloniki institution Cafe Le Monde. Cafe le Monde is a beautiful European-style cafe with one of the best locations in town on the Thessaloniki waterfront. Tables sprawl onto the boardwalk from the art deco-style building. This is the perfect place to stop and enjoy coffee Greek style. That means slowly and over several hours with lots of conversation.

cafe le monde cake
cafe le monde cake

Spend your final afternoon in Greece enjoying some greek wine. Although Domaine Florian is a Greek winery it is run by a German. Florian moved to Greece in 2002 and began making organic wine in 2011. The winery has won many awards – mostly for its sauvignon, syrah, and chardonnay.

In terms of whites, we tasted an assyrtiko blend (my favorite Greek grape), malvasia, sauvignon blend, chardonnay aged in stainless steel, and a chardonnay aged in oak (my personal favorite wine at Domaine Florian).

domain florian vineyards
domain florian vineyards

Florian also has a lovely dry rose wine, and the Syrah won all those awards for a reason.

domain florian wine
Domain Florian wine

Domaine Florian is about a 30-minute drive from Thessaloniki. Contact Domaine Florian directly to organize a wine tasting and/or tour of its vineyards.

For your final night in Greece, enjoy a more luxurious version of classic Greek food at Canteen.

Canteen is modern Thessaloniki cuisine at its best. There were several highlights for me. Whilst I was in Greece I became quite obsessed with Dakos salad. Dakos salad is essentially a Greek salad with rusks and when it is done well it is awesome. Canteen does a good dakos.

canteen halloumi.
canteen halloumi

The halloumi with blueberries, pistachio, and crispbread were also brilliant as was the risotto with black pork and aubergine.

canteen dakos salad
canteen dakos salad

Find out more about this wonderful city in my article 27 Best Things to Do in Thessaloniki.

Boutique Hotels in Thessaloniki

For a great value boutique hotel in the center of town check out The Modernist. This Thessaloniki boutique hotel is in a 1920s building with pared-back Scandinavian design. There is a roof terrace, a local therapist can come and conduct treatments in your room, and it’s in a great location.

➡️ Check Prices and Availability for The Modernist

the modernist thessaloniki room

I had a lovely stay at Domotel Olympia. This modern boutique hotel has a fantastic location – it is about a 10-minute walk to the seafront, Kapani market, the Roman Agora and many of the other key sites in town.

thessaloniki domotel hotel

The building which houses Domotel Olympia dates back to 1929 but the interior is all modern contemporary design utilizing light shades. My double standard room had a simple stylish design aesthetic with its shiny floorboards and clean lines. The bathroom isn’t huge but has everything you could need in a stay.

thessaloniki domotel bathroom

My room also came with a good-sized balcony and two chairs. The staff was very friendly and helpful and the breakfast was a good buffet offering. Best of all the breakfast buffet featured lots of koulouri and other local products so you can go local during your stay! Domotel Olympia also has a restaurant offering dinner and a bar.

➡️ Check Prices and Availability for Domotel Olympia

thessaloniki domotel balcony

If you’re looking for a more decadent hotel with a view of the sea and Mount Olympus check out The Meditteranean Palace Hotel.

For something a bit different check out the offers from Colors in Thessaloniki. They have a budget luxury apartment hotel called Living, Central is a bit more premium and located in the vibrant Ladadika area and their Urban Hotel is the most upmarket offer and in the boutique hotel market.

10 Day Greek Itinerary Summary

Armed with this ultimate itinerary, your greek vacation will have it all. The beaches, galleries, museums, nightlife and incredible food are enough to inspire even the most jaded traveller.

Most of Greece’s attractions can be enjoyed at any time of the year. However, to make the most of Greece, you’ll want to spend lazy days at the beach, and exciting days cruising across the ocean. So late spring, summer and early autumn are definitely the best seasons to visit.

greece_santorini_thira-church

Who Paid for What in this 10 Days in Greece Itinerary Post?

This 10 Days in Greece Itinerary post includes affiliate links. That means if you click through and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. I wanted to make sure you were aware of this.

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John Phillips

Tuesday 22nd of August 2023

Very nice...was waiting for the price of this itinerary to pop up....it didn't. And,does she also make all the arrangements?

Amanda OBrien

Tuesday 22nd of August 2023

John, I am not a travel agent. This is an itinerary to guide people making decisions on a vacation.

Kelly

Tuesday 19th of April 2022

Wondering why you did not include Crete?

Amanda OBrien

Tuesday 19th of April 2022

Hi Kelly - no particular reason. It gets hard to choose what is in and out in Greece when there are so many fantastic options!

Robert

Friday 30th of October 2020

What a superb 10 Itinerary you have put together! Greece is definitely on our "Must Travel To Next" list from BC Canada. Have saved this post for future reference when the time comes to book. Great Job! :)

The Boutique Adventurer

Friday 30th of October 2020

thanks so much Robert! Hopefully we'll all be able to travel again soon!

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