Your 7-Day Greece Itinerary (Athens & Santorini)
Greece had been on my travel bucket list since I studied abroad back in 2010 and couldn’t fit it into my travel schedule, and this year, I finally made it happen! Spending a week exploring Athens and Santorini was the perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation.
We went in mid-September, and it was the perfect time to be in Greece (not too crowded and not too hot/too cold). Here’s a breakdown of my trip, including where we stayed, what we did, and my favorite recommendations from each destination.
View from the top of the Acropolis
Athens: History, Charm, and Freddo Espressos (Day 1 & 2)
Where We Stayed:
Since I’m a Marriott gal, we stayed at the King George, a luxury collection hotel located right in the heart of Athens. The hotel’s central location made it easy to walk to all the major attractions and soak in the city’s vibrant energy. The elegant atmosphere and attentive staff made our stay feel like a royal experience. It was the perfect space to kick off our trip (and decompress from a long flight).
What We Did:
We started our days bright and early to beat the crowds and explore Athens' historical sites. The Acropolis was our first stop, and visiting at 8 AM was one of our better choices. The views of the city were breathtaking, and exploring before the crowds arrived made it all the more special. We spent the rest of our time wandering around other landmarks and charming neighborhoods, discovering Athens’ rich history and vibrant atmosphere.
Our Favorite Restaurants:
Ergon House: This spot was a foodie paradise! It’s both a restaurant and a food market, offering a range of Greek delicacies that were delicious and beautifully presented. This was our first meal in Greece, and it exceeded our expectations.
Prigkipas: For an authentic experience, we dined at this traditional Greek taverna. The atmosphere was cozy, and the food was simple yet delightful. They gave us a bonus dessert, as well, which I always appreciate.
Tudor Hall: Located in our hotel, this restaurant was perfect for a fancy evening out. With a view of the Acropolis lit up at night, this fine dining experience was the perfect way to end our time in Athens.
Quick Athens Recommendations:
I pre-booked transportation with Welcome Pickups for our airport transfer and our ride to the port. They were always punctual, and the cars were top-notch. Highly recommend!
Purchase your Acropolis tickets online ahead of time. It's the only site requiring timed entry, and going early (8 AM) is the way to go! We used Headout to book our combined ticket.
As an iced coffee lover, I became obsessed with Freddo espressos. If you like a refreshing coffee option, you have to try it!
When leaving Athens, get to the airport early. Like, an hour earlier than you normally do. This airport is insanely busy, and there is a lot to navigate.
I found Athens to be pretty charming, honestly. I wasn’t sure if I’d like it, but I felt safe and really enjoyed walking everywhere. It’s a city full of life, history, and great food!
Skaros Rock for the sunrise in Santorini
Santorini: Sunsets, Wine, and Endless Views (Day 3 - 6)
How We Got From Athens to Santorini:
We decided to ferry into Santorini (and then fly back to Athens). We booked a SEAJETS platinum seat, and it was honestly a really lovely experience. It’s much more spacious than a plane, and there is a variety of food and drink options (that you pay for, of course). I read an entire book on the 5-hour and 20-minute ride, so I can’t complain.
Where We Stayed:
In Santorini, we chose the Divine Cave Experience in Imerovigli, and it was beyond perfect. This boutique hotel had only a few rooms, making it feel quiet and exclusive. The staff was amazing, and the complimentary breakfast each morning was delicious. Being a bit off the beaten path meant we had privacy, and the sunset views from our room were out of this world.
What We Did:
Santorini is all about taking in the views, and we made the most of it. We went on a wine tour to taste some of the island's famous varieties and spent a day on a boat tour, exploring the caldera and swimming in the clear waters. (Both of those adventures were booked through our hotel, and it’s important to note that the Wine Tour only accepted cash… Something we were not aware of and had to make a fun ATM pit stop!)
My favorite adventure, though, was the early morning hike to Skaros Rock. We made it there for sunrise and had the place to ourselves, making it a peaceful and breathtaking experience.
Otherwise, we walked a lot. There’s a path that will take you from Fira to Oia, and we were smack dab in the middle, so we could walk to each city. That walk offers tremendous views, and it definitely kicked our ass. Talk about working for our [wine]!
Our Favorite Restaurants:
Dear Elie: This was a cozy and elegant spot where we enjoyed a delicious (and fresh!) brunch. Trust us, order the croque madame and the baklava.
The Wine Bar: For an intimate dinner with a great selection of local wines, this was the place to be. We watched the sunset here, and when it got chilly, the waiters brought us blankets, so we didn’t freeze (okay, I still froze a little bit).
Avocado: This restaurant offered a modern take on Greek cuisine. It’s a must-visit for anyone staying in the Imerovigli area.
Santorini was absolutely stunning. We decided to stay for four nights instead of splitting the trip with another island, and I’m so glad we did. The island is a dream, but be prepared to walk on lots of cobblestones—comfortable shoes (and a jacket for the evenings!) are a must!
*Note: Day 7 was a travel day for us to get back to the states (and, yes, it took a full day!)
Sunset at The Divine Cave Experience in Imerovigli
Greece exceeded all my expectations, and the combination of historical exploration in Athens and the serene beauty of Santorini made for a perfect week. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a relaxing escape, Greece offers something for everyone. If you’re planning a trip, I hope these recommendations help you make the most of your time in this beautiful country! Cheers to more adventures!