The Ultimate 10 Day Greece Itinerary
Greece is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. With a 10-day itinerary, you can explore the best of what Greece has to offer, from the ancient ruins of Athens to the stunning beaches of the Greek islands. Before you go, it’s important to understand how to get to Greece and how to get around once you’re there.
Getting to Greece
The main international airports in Greece are Athens International Airport, Thessaloniki International Airport and Heraklion International Airport. These airports are well connected to major European cities, and from there you can take a domestic flight to explore the rest of the country. If you’re following my itinerary and coming to Athens first you’ll fly into ATH airport. If you’re trying to figure out flights still I highly recommend using the tools on
Getting Around Greece
Greece has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and trains, but for the most flexibility, renting a car or an ATV may be the best option. When you first arrive and you’re figuring out how to get to your hotel, the Metro is the cheapest option – I use google maps to get around on it.
If you are too tired to do the Metro then a taxi is my suggested way. They only accept cash so be sure you pull some out at the ATM. There is a taxi line outside Door 2 and they all speak english so just let them know what hotel you’re headed to and they’ll start the meter. Meters are a new thing for Athens Taxi’s too, they used to be a standard rate. If you’re headed towards my favorite hotel in Greece – The Athens Gate, expect to spend 50-60 euros.
If you aren’t a fan of taxi’s you can just as easily book a private shuttle that will pick you up from the airport and drive you straight to your hotel. This is great for larger groups or families (3+ peope) because you can get all sizes of vehicles. I have used this particular shuttle in the past and the drivers were great.
Keep in mind that if you plan to rent a car or ATV, you will need an international driver’s license. Another option is to use Uber or Taxis, they are widely available in major cities and tourist destinations.
How does the Ferry system work?
The Greek islands are connected by ferry, which is a great way to travel between the islands. The ferries are relatively frequent, and the schedule is easy to find online. I use the website Ferryhopper.com to research, schedule and book all my ferries – they even have an app so you can scan your tickets before boarding the ferry instead of printing them out.
Wifi & Staying Connected while in Greece
If you don’t want to pay the $10/day that AT&T and Verizon both offer for their international passes you should check out my favorite App, its called Airalo and it gives you an e-sim card that works everywhere in Greece. You can use code Rachel965 to save you $3 on your first purchase. I literally use it in almost every single country I travel to. It gives me instant connection as soon as I land. Also the new iPhone 14’s sold in the USA dont even accept physical sim cards anymore! There is a highlight on my Instagram Bio that you can check out if you want more information on Airalo.
Day 1: Land in Athens and Explore the City
Start your Greek adventure by landing in Athens, the capital city of Greece. The city is home to some of the most iconic landmarks of the ancient world. If you land early enough you have time to start exploring. First on your itinerary should be a visit to the Acropolis and the Parthenon – I would save this for first thing on Day 2 because it is 10 degrees hotter at the top then down in the streets.
The Acropolis is an ancient citadel that sits high above the city and the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, is the most famous structure on the Acropolis. These landmarks are must-see attractions for anyone visiting Athens. Make sure you walk, shop and eat your way through Plaka while youre in Athens too. I actually wrote a full guide on what you should do in a very busy 1 day in Athens that you can check out too.
Day 2: Athens & Fly to the Greek Islands
After spending a day exploring Athens, it’s time to fly to the Greek islands. Spend some more time exploring then take an afternoon flight from Athens to Mykonos. Mykonos is known for its picturesque white-washed buildings and narrow winding streets but also its beaches and night clubs.. Two of the best beach clubs in Mykonos are Super Paradise and Paradise.
Paradise beach you’re going to find a younger crowd and not as many amenities and the beach is not as pretty as super paradise but the prices are cheaper and is still a gorgeous beach. Super paradise is much more relaxing and luxurious the beach is fine sand and the beach chairs are definitely more expensive. They always have a big party on Sundays at super paradise. Whichever you decide on make sure you book a chair ahead of time because they both are known as sold out weeks ahead of time in the summer, Especially in August.
Days 3-6: Mykonos
During the next four days, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Mykonos in more depth. One of the best ways to do this is by renting an ATV or car and touring the island. Make sure to visit the Windmills of Mykonos, which are a famous landmark of the island.
If you stay at my favorite hotel in Mykonos – Porto hotel, you’re just walking distance from the town of Mykonos and the famous landmarks like the windmills & little Venice.
Mykonos is also known for its vibrant nightlife, so make sure to experience it at least one night during your stay. There are clubs that literally dont start until 1am and go until 6am. My favorite bar in Mykonos is Scandinavian bar – if you are looking for just a fun place to dance that should be your first stop. If you get tired there, just follow where your ear takes you. There are several other bars nearby that you can simply walk into and dance the night away. If you’re looking for a club experience – all of the clubs are on different parts of the island and require a taxi or shuttle to.
Days 4 & 5: The Island of Ios, Greece
Take a ferry to the island of Ios and spend the next two days exploring its ancient ruins and museums. There isn’t an airport on Ios so the ferry is the only way to get there. Ios is known for its beautiful beaches, including Mylopotas and Kalamos. The island is also known for its laid-back atmosphere, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind. Ios is another great island for partying and beaches – but at the FRACTION of the cost of Mykonos. After you’ve burnt through more then you expected in Mykonos you’ll enjoy a much smaller bill in Ios for your hotels, food and ATV rentals.
This is another great island for an ATV rental but be sure to book it WAY in advance.
Days 6 & 7: Milos Greece
Take a ferry to the island of Milos and spend the next two days exploring its unique geology and natural beauty. You HAVE to book a day in Milos, it takes you to parts of the island you cant see without getting on a boat. I absolutely LOVE this particular tour in Milos.
Also make sure to visit the famous Sarakiniko Beach, which is known for its white, volcanic rock formations. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks as you’re going to want to stay way longer then you thing. If you don’t rent an ATV then you can take a taxi out there, just be sure to get the taxi # so you can call them to come pick you up afterwards.
There is 1 taxi stand in Milos – the phone number goes to a landline phone in the center of town and the drivers all hang out there waiting for people to call so don’t be surprised if you call for a taxi and they say it’ll take them 15 minute to get there. Taxis in Milos only accept cash too so be sure you have euros on you. There are several ATM’s in town if you are running low at this point.
I personally love staying at Santa Maria Village – they are very nice, breakfast is nice, as is their pool and its a short walk into town too. They’ll even set up transfers to the port for you if you have too much luggage to walk with.
Days 8-10: Zakynthos Greece
Take a ferry to the island of Zakynthos, my FAVORITE PLACE is all of Greece and spend the final three days of your Greek adventure exploring its natural beauty and crystal-clear waters. Make sure to visit the famous Shipwreck Beach, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. After exploring the island, it’s time to relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Zakynthos.
Final Thoughts I have about 10 Days in Greece
If you’ve read this entire 10 day Greece itinerary and you’re wondering what to cut out – dont cut out Zakynthos. Its one of the best places in all of Greece and everyone I bring there feels the same way I do.
If you’re considering Santorini instead of these islands, I’d only do a 1 day stop at Santorini. Do this to see the blue domes in Santorini. You can take an EARLY morning ferry from Mykonos, drop your luggage at the port (5 euros a bag) and take a taxi/shuttle into IOS for about 6 hours, get your photos and do some shopping then hop on another ferry to Ios. I promise you that Santorini is one of the more overrated islands in Greece. Its nice but there are so many other places with beautiful beaches and towns to explore.
Greece is a country with a rich history and culture, and with a 10-day itinerary, you can explore the best of what the country has to offer. From the ancient ruins of Athens to the stunning beaches of the Greek islands, this itinerary will allow you to experience the best of Greece.
Remember to plan ahead and make sure you have all the necessary documents and information for your trip, including an international driver’s license if you plan to rent a car or ATV. And most importantly, be prepared to relax and enjoy all that Greece has to offer.
