Greece 7 Days Itinerary: Complete Guide for First Time Visitors

Greece, situated in the Mediterranean, is a stunningly beautiful country. Its azure waters surrounding its hot terrain make it the ideal getaway for those longing to lounge on the beach, taking occasional soothing dips in the warm ocean.

But there’s more to Greece than just breathtaking scenery. It’s a land rich in history and culture, capable of captivating even the most world-weary traveler. The country’s museums rank among the most remarkable globally, and you don’t have to venture inside to soak up the heritage.

A simple walk along the cobblestone lanes offers a window into Greece’s past. This Greece 7 days itinerary will cover history and culture as well as beaches and beautiful blue water.

Additionally, Greece distinguishes itself from other hot and humid nations by experiencing a cold winter. If you’re not fond of the heat, you can choose to visit during the winter months for a different yet equally enchanting experience.

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

Here is my Greece 7 Days Itinerary designed to give first-time visitors a taste of this beautiful country.

Greece 7 Days Itinerary

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 want to see, and you’ll be able to start picturing yourself there right this minute.

However, since making a detailed 7 day itinerary for your trip to Greece can drain the fun out of holiday planning, here’s a suggested plan for you to work from.

7 Day Greece Itinerary: Days 1 & 2 in Athens

Since it’s easiest to fly into Athens, starting your trip here is best. Athens is the site of many iconic ancient Greek monuments and temples. There are so many fantastic things to do in Athens.

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.

Day 1: Visit the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill

When you wake up on your first morning in Greece, set your sights on the Acropolis of Athens. Dating back to the 5th century BC, this hilltop temple monument is more than just a sight – it’s a collection of awe-inspiring landmarks that can easily occupy your entire morning as you explore its iconic wonders.

It’s highly recommended to take a guided tour of the Acropolis. Considering the vast area and the plethora of sites to see, a guided tour ensures you don’t miss any significant spots. Most terms will conveniently include your ticket for the Acropolis and provide access through the quickest entry line.

Situated atop a rugged outcrop overlooking Athens, the ancient citadel provides breathtaking views. The splendor of the Acropolis is further enhanced by the fact that the view is unspoiled by the modern cityscape below. The blend of ancient marvels and scenic beauty creates an unforgettable experience.

⇒ Pre book your skip the line ticket for the Acropolis

See the Parthenon

While at the Acropolis, visit the Parthenon, the most important remaining monument from classical Greece. It’s also world-renowned, and you’ll surely have heard of it many times. 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, with 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’ll surely find the perfect thing to energize you as you explore the Acropolis Museum.

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

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

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

After all that walking you’ve earned a drink. In the early evening, head to Bar Kepameio and enjoy a spritz. Kapameio owns a souvlaki place next door called Elvis, which has some of the best souvlakis in Athens. It is 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.

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 an excellent place for a food tour! I took my food tour with Viator and it was wonderful. Our guide was local and very knowledgeable.

We did everything from a Greek honey tasting to visiting a Koulouri bakery (the delicious sesame rings you will see all over Greece) and visiting Athens Central Market for some fantastic lamb that had been cooking in the sand for hours.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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 an excellent neighborhood with loads of great restaurants and shops.

➡️ Check Availability and Prices for AthensWas

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

➡️ Check Availability and Prices for the New Hotel

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

➡️ Check Availability and Prices for The Stanley Hotel

7 Days Greece Itinerary: Days 3, 4 & 5 in Santorini

Now it’s time to head off to the Greek islands to get more sun, sand and beautiful sights. These stunning islands are world-renowned as a dreamy destination.

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, 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.

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 it 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 wear sensible shoes.

➡️ Book a guided walk between Thira and Oia

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

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.

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

Each wine tour company works with several 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

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 you come across.

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

Day 5: Relax

I am officially giving you a day off! This is a day to spend either by your pool in the hotel or head to some of Santorini’s famous black beaches for a day of rest and relaxation.

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

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

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

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

The design theme is black and white 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 omelets are also available.

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

There are quite a few boutique hotels within Oia, but they all looked like they had pretty small rooms and 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

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 6 & 7 in Mykonos

Next 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 your nights will get the attention.

Day 6: 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 sunset 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; if you go alone, you’ll leave with friends.

➡️ Book Your Boat from Mykonos Trip

Day 7: Party at Paradise and Super Paradise Beach

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

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

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

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

Your 7 Days in Greece Itinerary in Conclusion

With this definitive 7-day itinerary, your vacation in Greece will be complete and encompass everything you desire. From the breathtaking beaches and intriguing galleries to renowned museums, vibrant nightlife, and delectable cuisine, there’s something to thrill even the most seasoned traveler.

I covered all the costs in writing this article on a 7 days in Greece Itinerary. However, this article does include affiliate links. That means if you click through on some of the links in this article and end up making a purchase, I may receive a small commission.