How to Spend TWO WEEKS in Greece: 2-Week Itinerary

Ready to spend two weeks in Greece? Good, because I’ve got the perfect 14-day Greece itinerary for you!

Greece truly has it all, from ancient ruins to beautiful islands and so much amazing food. And with over 200 inhabited islands, it can be hard to know where to start when planning your trip! 

This itinerary takes you from the historic streets of Athens to the caldera views of Santorini, before finishing up on the laid-back island of Naxos. I traveled this exact route myself to test out and perfect the itinerary, and it proved to be the perfect introduction to Greece. Now, I’m sharing all of my insider advice to help you plan your perfect trip. Let’s get into it!

Itinerary Overview 

This 14-day Greece itinerary begins in Athens, which is by far the easiest place to fly in and out of. Here, you’ll spend a couple of days diving into ancient history and enjoying the city’s vibrant culture before flying to Santorini for breathtaking caldera views and amazing Cycladic architecture. Then, it’s just a quick ferry ride over to Naxos for golden beaches, rural mountain villages, and a more mellow island feel. 

I’ve also included practical transfer tips throughout the itinerary, including more detail on how to get between these destinations. You’ll also find hotel recommendations for each place that will make it easy to follow the itinerary without having to rent a car.

🏛️ Day 1: Arrive in Athens & Temple of Poseidon Sunset
Arrive in Athens, then head out on this Temple of Poseidon sunset tour for a beautiful first night in Greece.

🏺 Day 2: Acropolis & Ancient Athens
Explore the Acropolis on a guided tour and see the best of ancient Athens.

🚲 Day 3: Athens Sightseeing & Evening Bike Tour
See more of Athens by day, then join this evening electric bike tour to tick off any sites you’ve missed.

🥙 Day 4: Athens Food Tour
Spend your final full day in Athens eating your way around the city on this epic food tour!

🐴 Day 5: Travel to Santorini & Black Beach Horseback Riding
Travel from Athens to Santorini, then go horseback riding on black beach.

🌅 Day 6: Santorini Private Tour & Caldera Sunset
Get to know Santorini on this private tour and enjoy a stunning caldera sunset.

🛶 Day 7: Sea Kayaking & Sunset Wine Tasting
See Santorini from the water on this kayaking tour, then go wine tasting at sunset.

⛵ Day 8: Akrotiri & Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Visit Akrotiri, then spend your final evening in Santorini in style on this catamaran cruise.

🏖️ Day 9: Ferry to Naxos, Old Town & Beach
Take the ferry to Naxos, then check out the Old Town and hit the beach.

🏘️ Day 10: Naxos Villages & Local Culture
Explore Naxos’ mountain villages and local culture on this full-day sightseeing tour.

⛵ Day 11: Naxos & Paros Catamaran Cruise
Spend the day on the water on a luxury catamaran cruise around Naxos and Paros. 

🥾 Day 12: Mount Zas Hike & Wine Tasting
Hike Mount Zas in the morning, then head out for an evening wine tasting at a historic vineyard.

👩‍🍳 Day 13: Beach & Farm-to-Table Cooking Class
Spend the morning at the beach, then end your time in Greece with a farm-to-table cooking class.

✈️ Day 14: Fly to Athens & Head Home
Fly from Naxos back to Athens, then connect to your flight home.

Traveling Around Greece 

As mentioned, Athens is the most logical place to fly in and out of, so our itinerary starts there. From Athens, it’s just a 50-minute flight to Santorini, and then the ferry to Naxos only takes an hour, so this itinerary really keeps travel time to a minimum! 

In fact, on all of my travel days, I traveled in the morning and then had the afternoon and evening to get my bearings in my new destination. This worked out really well for me, so I definitely recommend booking morning departures if you can. 

Day 1

Morning – Arrive in Athens

Welcome to Greece! Once you land in Athens, I recommend heading straight to your hotel to get settled. I used the Freenow app to order an airport taxi, and it showed up within minutes, which was ideal.

For this itinerary, I think Plaka is the best area to stay in Athens. It’s super central and very pretty, plus it sits right beneath the Acropolis, so you’ll be close to a lot of the city’s most iconic sights! 

Now, Plaka is definitely one of the more touristy parts of Athens, but it’s popular for a reason. The pastel-colored buildings and pedestrian-friendly streets make it a lovely place to start your trip.

Hotel Adonis Athens is my favorite hotel in Athens. It’s clean and modern, with a rooftop terrace offering epic views of the Acropolis! Or if you’re looking for something more luxurious, Electra Palace Athens offers a truly stunning 5-star stay. 

After checking in, take some time to rest, or head out to get acquainted with the neighborhood if you have enough energy. For lunch, grab something at one of the many tavernas around. Aerides Plaka Restaurant offers traditional Greek food in a pretty stone courtyard, so I think it’s a great place to kick off your trip!

Evening – Sunset tour to Temple of Poseidon 

If you ask me, there’s no better way to spend your first evening in Greece than by watching the sunset at the legendary Temple of Poseidon! I booked this top-rated tour, which made it so easy, as all of the logistics are handled, and that’s definitely what you want on your arrival day.

The sunset tour option includes pickup between 2:30 and 4 pm, depending on the time of year. You’ll be picked up from your hotel, so head back there for lunch and be sure to grab swimwear, a beach towel, and a light layer for later. Yup, even though Athens can get very warm during the summer, it still gets chilly at Cape Sounion after sunset!

After a quick stop to admire beautiful Lake Vouliagmeni, we spent about 1.5 hours in the seaside town of Anavyssos for dinner and a swim. The beach was really pretty, so this will definitely get you into vacation mode! There were good facilities for drying off and changing, so if you want to take a dip, go for it.

Then it was time for the main event: Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. This ancient temple was dedicated to the god of the sea, and it sits on a cliff overlooking the Aegean. It’s one of the most dramatic ancient sites I visited in Greece, and the setting is just incredible.

We had just over an hour at the temple, which was enough time to walk around, take photos, and see every stage of the sunset. It was so beautiful that it almost didn’t feel real, and I’m not surprised in the slightest that this tour has over 2,700 5-star reviews!

Day 2

Breakfast – Coffee Joint

Coffee Joint is a super welcoming, family-run cafe, and it’s the ideal spot for a quick breakfast this morning. It’s just a 5-minute walk from the tour meeting point, and they open early, so you’ll be able to grab something before your meeting time.

I grabbed a black coffee and a cinnamon roll before my tour, and the owners gave me a free bottle of water to take with me, which is definitely something you’ll need when exploring the Acropolis. They were also squeezing oranges right there to make fresh juice. I noticed that a lot of people had written notes and stuck them on the wall, often on the backs of dollar bills, which I thought was a really cute idea.

Morning – Visit the Acropolis, Parthenon, museum, and more 

As Europe’s oldest capital city, Athens is filled to the brim with fascinating history, so starting your trip with a guided Acropolis tour is a no-brainer. I booked this half-day tour for 9 am and had to get to the ticket office at 8:20 am, so it was an early start, but it was definitely worth it!

Our guide was an archaeologist who had studied for 10 years, so she really knew her stuff. I learned so much on this tour, from the fact that Athens was once a city-state to the rivalry between Athens and Sparta. We also saw the ruins of what was once the first hospital and healing center in Athens, which I thought was really interesting.

As we made our way up the hill, we got amazing views over the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, which is absolutely beautiful, and the Erechtheion, with its famous Caryatids. We also learned that it took just 8 years to build the Parthenon, but its restoration has been going on for over 50 years and is still in progress today! 

I loved exploring the Acropolis, but the museum was amazing, too. One of the best exhibits showed the evolution of statues in Ancient Greece, although the Lego model of the Acropolis was pretty fun to see. After the tour ends, you can also go down to the basement and see the ancient ruins beneath the museum that they discovered when clearing the ground for the building.

This tour is really the only way to kick off your time in Athens, as exploring the Acropolis is the most iconic thing to do here. And don’t just take my word for it, because you can read thousands of 5-star reviews here!

Related Read: If the above tour is booked up, don’t worry! Have a look at some of our other favorite Acropolis tours here!

Lunch – Traditional Food Diodos 

By the time the Acropolis tour ended, it was around 1:45 pm, and my cinnamon roll felt like it was a long time ago! So from the museum, I took a scenic stroll through the Plaka neighborhood to reach today’s lunch spot: Traditional Food Diodos!

The main appeal of this restaurant is its location opposite the Ancient Agora of Athens and its excellent views of the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in the city. And as if that weren’t enough, I could also see the Acropolis right above it all, so the view really couldn’t have been better.

I was super hungry after the tour, so I ordered halloumi bites and a big Greek salad, both of which were delicious. The service was super friendly, and the waiter even gave me a free dessert. It was galatopia, a crustless milk custard pie I had never tried before, and the perfect sweet treat to finish the meal.

Afternoon – Explore on your own

Athens’ historic center is packed with fascinating sights, so after lunch, I recommend taking the afternoon to explore at your own pace. After a busy morning at the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum, I was definitely ready for a leisurely wander rather than another intense sightseeing session, so take this at your own pace.

You’ll also probably want to head back to your hotel before sunset drinks and dinner for a bit of time to relax and freshen up.

Here are a couple of standout spots close to the restaurant that you can easily tick off this afternoon:

Ancient Agora of Athens

First up, it’s worth noting that the Ancient Agora and the Roman Agora are not the same thing. People (myself included) often get confused at first because their names are similar and the two sites are right next to each other, but they’re separate sites that require their own entry tickets. 

The Ancient Agora was the main gathering place in ancient Athens, and it was once the center of the city’s political, social, and commercial life. It’s also home to the beautiful Temple of Hephaestus. 

Entry costs €20 during the summer, and you can use the Hellenic Heritage app I mentioned earlier to listen to an audio tour as you explore, but if you’re all historied-out by now, you can always save this one for later in the itinerary or just admire it from the outside. I had an awesome view from Diodos restaurant!

The Roman Forum of Athens (Roman Agora)

The Roman Forum of Athens was the commercial heart of Athens during the Roman era, and today you can still see columns, ruins, and ancient remains from the street.

It closes at 3 pm, so if you’re following this exact itinerary, you probably won’t have loads of time to go inside without rushing. However, if you’re not fussed about doing a deep dive into its history, you can actually see quite a lot of it as you stroll along Adrianou Street, where our lunch spot is. And if you’re a big history lover, you could always come back on day three, as it’s close to Plaka, where we’ll be spending a relaxed final afternoon and evening.

Hadrian’s Library

Hadrian’s Library is also just a few minutes’ walk from Diodos, and this is another spot that’s worth passing by. Again, you can go inside if you’re really keen, but you can see a lot of it from the outside, too.

After spending the morning deep-diving into ancient history, I was pretty happy just admiring it as I wandered past! But if you’re a real history buff or you’ve still got lots of energy, then it’s definitely worth considering. Entry costs €6 during the summer months.

Kerameikos Cemetery

I had also planned to visit Kerameikos Cemetery, which is one of Athens’ most underrated ancient sites, but it was temporarily closed during my visit. I still walked down there and was able to glimpse some of it from the outside.

This ancient cemetery is often overlooked by visitors, but it’s home to tombs, ruins, and ancient graves, some of which date back thousands of years! It tends to be much quieter than Athens’ headline historic sites, so if it’s open when you visit, it could be a lovely place for a more peaceful wander.

Sunset – Rooftop drinks at Attic Urban Rooftop

Athens is well known for its amazing rooftop bars, so after a jam-packed first day in Athens, it’s time to grab a drink at one of them! I went to Attic Urban Rooftop in Monastiraki Square, and it was absolutely gorgeous. There’s an outdoor terrace, but the indoor section has floor-to-ceiling windows, so you’ll get an epic view of the Acropolis either way. 

I definitely recommend making a reservation here about an hour before sunset. I got lucky as I snagged a table just before a huge queue formed. In fact, when I left to go to dinner, people were queuing all the way down the stairs! 

The cocktails here are super artistic. I went for their signature Creado drink, which arrived with a big bubble on top, and once it popped, the drink smoked!

Dinner – Efcharis Restaurant

After watching the sunset at Attic, it was just a 3-minute walk to Efcharis Restaurant. It’s a lively, family-friendly spot that serves homestyle Greek dishes at reasonable prices. I wanted to try a bit of everything, so I ordered bread and a huge plate of dips, which definitely could have served at least two people!

When I asked for the bill, the waiter brought me a complimentary piece of ravani sponge cake, and there were also several ice cream and waffle spots just further down the street if you fancy a final sweet treat to wrap up the evening.

Day 3

Morning –  Go to the top of Lycabettus Hill

Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in central Athens, and the views from up here are spectacular. It’s also easy to get up and down, so don’t worry, no big hike necessary!

We’ll be having breakfast on the hill, so don’t worry about grabbing food before you go. Grab a taxi to the funicular station somewhere between 9 and 10 am. We’re not rushing around this morning, so timing is flexible. 

If you want to take the funicular to the top, it costs €13 for a return trip or €10 for a one-way ticket. The cable car runs every 30 minutes, although this increases to every 10 minutes during the busiest months. 

However, I do recommend walking up if you can! The start of the walking path is at the end of Aristippou Street, just a 2-minute walk from the cable car station. The climb up was also a lot easier than I expected. It was quite steep, but the path was well-maintained and easy to follow, and it only took me 10 minutes to get to the top. 

The views are beautiful the entire way up, and even better at the top! There’s also a small church and plenty of space to enjoy the views and snap photos. Best of all, there were a couple of resident cats hanging around! I probably spent about 15 minutes up here before heading back down for breakfast.

Breakfast – Prasini Tetna

I had originally planned to have breakfast at the restaurant on top of Lycabettus Hill, but when I walked past Prasini Tetna on the way up, I realized it offers a better view, since it faces the Acropolis. So when you’re ready, start walking back down the hill to the cafe for a well-earned breakfast. And no worries if you’re taking the funicular down because the cafe is very close to the start of the walking path, so it’s easy to get there afterward.

I had a delicious Greek yogurt bowl and a strong espresso here, which was the perfect way to start the day. All in all, I’d allow around 1-1.5 hours for Lycabettus Hill and breakfast, but as I say, we’re not in a rush this morning!

Mid-morning- Changing of the Guards and the National Garden

After you’ve taken in the views from Lycabettus Hill and had breakfast, head down towards the National Gardens. It’s an easy 10-minute walk through the fancy Kolonaki neighborhood, and the gardens are nice and shady once you arrive! 

I took some time here to just wander along the paths and enjoy the calm atmosphere. Then, as it grew close to the hour, I headed over to the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, which is right next to the gardens and directly opposite Sygmata Square.

This is where the Changing of the Guards happens every hour, on the hour, and it’s a very interesting tradition to watch. The Evzones wear very unique uniforms, and their movements are incredibly precise and slow. The guards aren’t allowed to move at all outside of their practiced ritual movements, so another soldier comes over to wipe their sweat and hold a cup of water to their mouths, which was quite funny to see!

And if you’re visiting on a weekend, try to be here for 11 am, as there’s a bigger ceremony than the standard hourly one. In that case, I’d recommend getting to the base of Lycabettus Hill by 9 am at the latest, so you’ve got time to enjoy the views and have some breakfast, and still make it to the ceremony on time.

Lunch – Iliadia

After watching the Changing of the Guards, I headed toward Hadrian’s Arch, and I found Iliadia on my way there. It’s a friendly street spot that offers generous portions of gyros, and they’ve got outdoor seating. There are different types of meat gyros and souvlaki on the menu, as well as vegetarian options like falafel, so there’s something for everyone here. I had a chicken gyro, and it was absolutely delicious!

Afternoon – See more ancient sights

After a hearty souvlaki lunch, it’s time for some more independent sightseeing. All of these fascinating historical sites are within walking distance of each other, so you can easily explore them all in one afternoon.

Hadrian’s Gate

From Iliadia, it’s a 7-minute walk to Hadrian’s Arch. This is a triumphal Roman arch believed to have been built to celebrate the arrival of Emperor Hadrian, marking the border between the classical city of Athens and the newer Roman part of the city. It’s a quick stop, but its historical significance definitely makes it worthy of a visit!

The Temple of Olympian Zeus

The Temple of Olympian Zeus is one of Athens’ most famous ancient landmarks. It was once one of the largest temples in the ancient world, and it took a whopping 650 years to build – crazy, right?

However, only a small portion of the Temple remains, and I only think it’s worth going inside if you’re super into ancient history. Entry costs €20, which does feel quite steep for what you get. I went in, and I’m glad I saw it properly, but you can also see a decent amount from outside if you’d rather make this a quick stop. 

If you do decide to enter, you can skip the ticket queue by scanning the QR code outside and buying an e-ticket on your phone. Once you’re inside, you can listen to the free audio tour on the Hellenic Heritage app – just make sure you’ve got your own headphones with you!

Panathenaic Stadium

From the Temple of Zeus, it’s a 15-minute walk to Panathenaic Stadium, and this time, I definitely recommend going inside! Entry costs €12, which I thought was well worth it to explore this huge stadium. It was originally built in the 4th century BC and later reconstructed for the 1896 Olympics, the first iteration of the modern games. Not only is it super historic, but it’s also the only stadium in the world made entirely of marble!

This was actually my favorite ancient site in Athens. I loved wandering around and climbing the stadium steps, which give you an amazing view over the whole place and really help you appreciate just how big it is.

Evening – Explore Athens on a sunset bike ride 

This evening, book the 5 pm option for this Athens sunset bike tour. It lasts around 2.5 hours, so you’ll finish at about 7:30 pm, just in time for dinner.

Now, you will have already seen a lot of Athens by this point, but that’s why I think this tour works nicely here! Rather than using it as your first introduction to the city, you can enjoy it as a fun way to connect all the different neighborhoods and landmarks you’ve already visited. Plus, after a few days of walking around Athens, seeing the city by bike feels like a very welcome change!

The route covers a lot of ground, with stops and pass-by sights including the Acropolis Museum, the National Observatory, Thiseio, Kerameikos, the Roman Agora, Plaka, the Panathenaic Stadium, Zappeion, and the Arch of Hadrian. You’ll also get some lovely views over Athens from the National Observatory, which is a great photo stop.

You can choose between a regular bike or upgrade to an e-bike, which I’d definitely be tempted to do. Athens can be hot, and even though the route is fairly bike-friendly, e-bikes just make everything feel easier and more fun.

Since this itinerary already includes a guided Acropolis tour earlier in the trip, I’d skip the Acropolis add-on here and keep this as a relaxed evening ride instead.

Dinner – Opos Palia

After your bike tour, I recommend heading to Opos Palia for dinner. It’s only about a five-minute walk from where the tour ends, so it’s the perfect choice after an active evening.

This spot has some great seafood options, but there’s enough variety on the menu that it should work even if you’re not in the mood for fish. However, if you are a seafood lover, I think that the octopus is definitely worth trying! 

After dinner, I found a cute bar just around the corner called Tiki Bar Athens, which is a fun place to grab a drink and end the night. It’s a colorful spot that will definitely make you feel as though you’re on vacation! There are lots of fruity cocktails on the menu, along with plenty of local beer and wine.

Related Read: Visiting Athens for just a few days? Check out my complete Athens itinerary for my day-by-day recommendations.

Day 4

Option 1: Stay in the city

Morning – Eat all the Greek food on a walking food tour

Ok, I don’t know about you, but Greek food is one of my favorite cuisines. So obviously, I couldn’t wait to do this Athens food tour!

I booked this tour for 9 am, so we started off with breakfast! I met my group and our amazing guide, Tonia, in Monastiraki Square, and from there we headed to a few local bakeries to grab some koulouri (Greek sesame bread rings) and bougatsa (flaky pastry parcels). The bougatsa in particular was unbelievably good, especially the one with a honey and feta filling.

Next, we visited an old-school bakery for loukoumades, which are Greek doughnuts. This place has been serving baked goods for over 200 years, and we even got to go into the kitchen to watch the loukoumades being prepared. 

We visited the Municipal Market, and then it was time for some traditional Greek coffee, which ended up being one of the most interesting parts of the tour. We watched our coffee being prepared over a bed of hot sand, and then Tonia taught us how to drink the unfiltered coffee properly so that we didn’t end up with a mouthful of grounds.

Then, we went to a traditional restaurant for a sit-down meal served family-style. We tried meatballs, Greek salad, anchovies, grilled sardines, olives, grilled aubergines, giant beans, ouzo, and local wine. And as if all of that weren’t enough, we finished the tour with souvlaki skewers!

I also have to give a proper shoutout to Tonia, who was such a sweet and energetic guide. She knew I was traveling solo and really made sure I felt welcome in the group, which I really appreciated. I’m not at all surprised that this tour has 5,000+ 5-star reviews!

Quick note: this tour doesn’t run on Sundays, so if that’s how your third day in Athens falls, you can easily swap days 2 and 3 around!

Afternoon – Visit the National Archaeological Museum 

It’s about a 25-minute walk from where the food tour ends to the National Archaeological Museum. I was absolutely stuffed after the food tour and wanted to walk it off a bit, but you can also grab a taxi if you’d rather save your legs.

However you get there, the National Archaeological Museum is a must-visit if you’re interested in ancient Greek history and culture. I bought my ticket on the day for €20, and there was a QR code outside, so I didn’t have to queue.

This is one of the largest museums in Greece, and it’s home to a huge collection of artifacts from different Greek islands and eras. There are well-explained descriptions in both English and Greek, so it’s easy to follow along as you explore.

Personally, I was most interested in the funerary monuments. I found it really fascinating to learn about the differences between graves for men, women, and children in the 5th century BC. For example, direct references to the cause of death were usually removed, except for men who died in war, women who died in childbirth, and foreigners.

Just bear in mind that this museum does involve a lot of time on your feet, especially after a food tour! There are chairs throughout the museum if you need a rest between rooms, and there’s also a cafe with a nice outdoor area where you can grab a coffee afterward.

I’d allow at least an hour for the museum, but probably closer to 2 hours if you’re really into your history.

Evening – Explore Plaka

For the late afternoon and evening, I recommend spending some time exploring Athens’ prettiest and most traditional neighborhood: Plaka! It’s the perfect place to unwind and celebrate the end of your trip, but do bear in mind that you can also use this time to check off any sights you’ve missed so far. Many of them are just a 10-15 minute walk from Plaka anyway!

As for what to get up to in Plaka, here’s what I recommend:

Discover Anafiotika

Right on the upper slopes of Plaka sits Anafiotika, a tiny neighborhood that’s built in the style of a Cycladic village. It’s like a little piece of Santorini right here in Athens!

Plaka is always bustling, but as you head up the steps to Anafiotika, it gets a lot quieter. It’s hidden away, so a lot of people miss it! I spent some time exploring the narrow, picturesque streets, and I even stumbled upon a viewpoint that offered sweeping views of Athens and Lycabettus Hill. You don’t need very long to check this neighborhood out, but it’s definitely worth doing.

Take advantage of happy hour deals

Plaka is pretty touristy, which means a lot of the bars offer pretty generous happy hours! I saw some spots offering beers for less than €3 per pint, or local wine for a similar price. There were tons of al fresco spots around Filomousou Eterias Square in particular.

Taste ouzo at Brettos Bar

I heard Brettos Bar was recommended quite a few times while I was in Athens, so I decided to go check it out on my final evening here. It’s an old-school bar serving a lot of traditional Greek spirits, including ouzo, but they have tons of flavored liqueurs too, ranging from kiwi to kumquat, as well as local wine and craft cocktails. The staff was super friendly, and I loved how the walls were decorated with hundreds of colorful bottles. 

Go shopping

Plaka is also one of the best places in Athens to do some shopping, especially if you’re looking for souvenirs and clothing. I saw so many places selling gorgeous leather sandals and light linen shirts, which are just what you need if you’re heading to the islands next! There are also plenty of shops selling treats like local olives, nuts, and honey, too. Honestly, I could have spent a small fortune here.

Dinner – Geros Tou Maria Restaurant

Your last evening in Athens deserves a special celebration, so head to Geros Tou Moria for dinner. It’s a traditional Greek restaurant set about halfway up the atmospheric Mnisikleous Stairs in Plaka, and it’s known for traditional dancing! 

Now, full disclosure, I wasn’t actually able to eat here myself because I didn’t book a table, so learn from my mistakes and make a reservation here. However, I sat at the restaurant behind and was still able to watch some of the fun unfold. The dancing started at around 8:30 pm, so I suggest booking a table for about 7:30 pm so that you have time to enjoy your meal first. I really do wish I had booked a table because the atmosphere looked amazing!

I ended up going to Palio Tetradio, the restaurant just behind Geros Tou Moria. It wasn’t quite as special, but I could still sit outside on the steps and enjoy the atmosphere. Still, I strongly recommend booking Geros Tou Moria instead!

Option 2: Full-day cruise to Agistri, Moni, Aegina

The other option for your third day in Athens is to enjoy this full-day sailing cruise to the Saronic Islands. I’d especially recommend this if you’re not heading on to the Greek islands after Athens, as it gives you a taste of island hopping without needing to plan a whole separate ferry trip.

This cruise is a popular one, and it often sells out, so if spending the day on a Greek sailing boat sounds like your idea of heaven, I’d book it in advance. There’s free cancellation, which makes it easy to secure your spot early and adjust your plans later if needed.

On this day trip, you’ll leave the city behind and sail out to the Saronic Islands, which are some of the easiest islands to visit from Athens. The cruise usually includes stops at Agistri, Moni Island, and Aegina, so you get to see a few different places in one day. Food is taken care of too, with pastries in the morning and a generous buffet lunch served on board.

At Agistri, you’ll usually have time to explore the villages, relax by the water, or join an optional bike tour. Then at Moni Island, there’s typically time for lunch and swimming before continuing to Aegina, which is known for its beaches, clear water, and pistachios.

This would be a really fun way to spend your final day in Athens if you want a coastal escape after two days of ancient sites, museums, and city exploring – and thousands of glowing reviews certainly attest to that. Just don’t forget sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel!

Related Read: Want more ideas for your trip? Check out my detailed guide to the best things to do in Athens for even more sights, tours, food spots, and hidden gems.

Where to Stay in Athens

Athens is incredibly walkable, so staying centrally will make following this itinerary an absolute breeze. As I mentioned, I think the Plaka area is best, although Psyri also works well – that’s actually where I stayed. For more on Athens’ top neighborhoods, you can check out this guide to the city’s best areas, or just opt for one of my favorite hotel picks below!

Luxury – $$$ 

Electra Palace Athens is a stunning hotel in the heart of Plaka. It’s a five-star hotel with glowing reviews and an amazing location, just a short walk from the Acropolis. The decor is luxurious and elegant, and the rooftop pool and bar offer breathtaking views of the Parthenon.

Prices typically range from €250 to €500+ per night, depending on the room type and season. Check prices and availability here!

Mid-range – $$

The Elia Ermou Athens Hotel is a sleek 4-star option in Plaka, with Acropolis views from some of the rooms and from the upscale rooftop restaurant. The property is within walking distance of almost all of Athens’ main attractions, and the complimentary breakfast is exceptional!

Room prices range from about €160 to €400 and can be booked on Booking.com.

Budget – $

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay that still feels fun and central, YellowSquare Athens is a great choice. I stayed here in a private room, which was clean and comfortable, with great AC. I also loved the surrounding Psyri neighborhood, but I could walk to Plaka in about 15 minutes, so if you don’t mind getting a few extra steps in, I think this is a great budget choice for this itinerary.

Dorm beds start from around €25 per night, and private rooms start from €100. Book your stay here!

Day 5

Morning – Travel from Athens to Santorini

The quickest and easiest way to get from Athens to Santorini is to fly. You can take the ferry, but honestly, flying is both faster and often more cost-effective. My flight from Athens to Santorini only took around 50 minutes, so I was able to travel in the morning and still have plenty of time to enjoy my first day on the island.

I recommend getting to Athens Airport about 2 hours before your flight if you’re bringing checked luggage. I was traveling with hand luggage only, and 90 minutes was plenty of time. Since this is a domestic flight, there’s no passport control when you arrive in Santorini, so getting through the airport is super quick and easy.

Getting from Santorini Airport to your hotel

Once you land in Santorini, getting to your hotel is pretty straightforward. Taxis are available at the airport, but they’re not cheap. A taxi from Santorini Airport to Fira usually costs around €40, even though the drive only takes about 10 minutes. Still, this might be worth it during peak season when the buses can get crowded.

The cheaper option is to take the local KTEL bus to Fira, which costs around €2.20. You pay on the bus in cash, so having exact change is helpful, but not essential. From Fira, you can connect to other parts of the island if needed. This is what I did, and it couldn’t have been easier!

Speaking of Fira, that’s where I recommend staying for this itinerary. It’s Santorini’s capital so it’s central and well-connected, and it’s beautiful to boot. Once I checked into my hotel, I grabbed lunch at Mama’s Restaurant and then spent a little time exploring the town and strolling along the caldera, which was a nice way to settle in.

Evening – Explore Fira or go horseback riding 

The rest of today can be as relaxed or adventurous as you like! If you get to Fira with a few hours to spare, this is a great chance to get your bearings in town. There are tons of lovely shops to check out, and I recommend strolling along the caldera path to get your first fill of those iconic Santorini views, even if you only walk a short section of it today. The views are stunning, and there are plenty of spots where you can stop for a coffee or a cocktail with a view.

Since Santorini is famous for its sunsets, you’ll definitely want to find a good spot for golden hour tonight! Fira has plenty of beautiful sunset viewpoints, or you can take a bus or taxi over to Oia if you want to see the island’s most iconic sunset spots of all on the western edge of the village. Just bear in mind that Oia gets very busy, so dinner reservations are a good idea if you’re heading that way.

For dinner in Fira, Volkan on the Rocks is a great choice if you want a meal with a view. They also have an outdoor cinema with nightly showings of Mamma Mia, which could be a fun way to spend your first night here. Or if you decide to go to Oia, try to get a reservation at KooKoo Bar Restaurant – sunsets here are epic, and everyone I met raved about the food!

Optional: Horseback riding

If you’re feeling up for a little adventure on your first evening in Santorini, you can book this horseback riding tour on a black sand beach. It’s a really unique way to experience the island, especially if you want to do something a bit different from the usual sunset viewpoint.

Santorini’s black sand beaches are one of the clearest reminders of the island’s volcanic past, and Eros Beach is especially striking with its wild coastal scenery. Exploring it on horseback is such a memorable way to see a more serene side of Santorini that a lot of visitors miss!

Departure times are usually available at 5:30 pm and 7 pm, so this can work well if you arrive in Santorini earlier in the day. The tour starts near Eros Beach, which is about a 20-minute bus ride from Fira, so just make sure to leave yourself enough time to get there.

Day 6

Breakfast – Grab something near your hotel!

This morning’s tour includes hotel pickup, so either have breakfast at your hotel or grab something close by. I actually just grabbed a few supplies the night before from Caldera Market in the center of Fira.

Midday – See Santorini’s best sights on a private, customizable tour

For your first full day in Santorini, this private island highlights tour is definitely the way to go. Santorini may be small, but it’s more spread out than you might expect, and taxis are expensive, so a tour is definitely the easiest and most enjoyable way to see a lot in one day. I also learned so much about the island from my wonderful guide, Will!

I recommend booking the 6-hour option, as this gives you enough time to see the island’s main highlights without rushing. I wasn’t jazzed about the early start at the time, but it was 100% worth it because I got to explore Oia while it was still relatively quiet.

Oia is the whitewashed village at the northern tip of Santorini. It’s home to the island’s most iconic postcard spots, but that means it gets overrun with cruise visitors from mid-morning onwards. Will took me there first, which meant that I got to get some amazing photos without having to queue for them, and I could properly appreciate Oia’s beauty before it got crazy busy.

Since this is a private tour, you can tailor the route to suit you, but definitely make Oia your first stop! For this itinerary, I’d also suggest asking your guide to include Pyrgos, Prophet Elias Monastery, a black sand beach, and a winery. This way, you’ll get a really good overview of the island without overlapping too much with the rest of this itinerary!

This tour has thousands of glowing reviews and books up quickly during the summer, so take advantage of the free cancellation policy and lock it in early. For me, it was the perfect way to get my bearings and see a huge amount of the island in one day.

Late Afternoon – Stroll along the Caldera Path

If you opt for the 8 am tour, you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel around 4 pm. Now, if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably want a bit of downtime before heading out again! Chill for an hour or so, and then when you’re ready, get ready for a stunning (and very leisurely) stroll.

The Caldera Path is the walking route that follows the edge of Santorini’s volcanic cliffs. It runs from Fira to Oia, but it also passes through the scenic villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli along the way. The full hike is around 15 kilometers (9 miles) long and takes about 3 hours one-way. 

However, since we’ve had a busy day thus far and already been to Oia, I don’t think it’s necessary to walk the entire thing! Instead, I suggest that you do what I did and focus on enjoying a shorter section of the Caldera Path this afternoon. The views are absolutely incredible the entire way, so I promise you won’t be missing out!

I walked from the Fira viewpoint to Imerovigli and then turned back, which came to about 5 kilometers (3 miles) in total, according to my Strava. It’s not difficult, but it is up and down, with lots of cobbles, so take it slow. It took me just over an hour and a half with lots of photo stops along the way, plus some delicious gelato. I also saw a ton of cute cats lounging in the sun! 

It can also get windy along the caldera, so I’d bring a light layer or wear a linen shirt to protect you from the wind and sun. During summer, sunset isn’t until around 8:30 pm, so you should have enough time to rest after the tour, enjoy this walk, and then head for dinner with a caldera view afterward.

Dinner – Aris

For dinner, head to Aris in Fira. It’s right on the caldera path, so you could even head straight here after your walk! The sunset views from here are absolutely gorgeous, and the food is incredible.

I went as a solo traveler and had a lovely experience, but this would also be a really romantic spot if you’re visiting Santorini as a couple! I ordered seared tuna with grilled vegetables, and it was delicious. 

My waiter also gave me a glass of wine on the house, and then brought over a tiny thimble of sweet dessert wine at the end of the meal. When you’re traveling alone, little gestures like that mean a lot! 

I didn’t need a reservation for Aris, but I visited Santorini in May. If you’re going in July and August, which is the height of the summer season, I’d definitely book ahead just to be safe.

Dessert – Emfasis Gelato

After dinner, take a little wander around Fira before heading back to your hotel. The town has a pleasantly lively vibe in the evening, and I loved exploring the narrow shopping streets once the cruise ship crowds had cleared out. 

On your way back, stop at Emfasis Gelato for something sweet. They serve gelato, crepes, and bubble waffles. The waffles smelled way too good to resist when I walked past – I had no choice but to indulge!

They have pre-made options, but I decided to build my own. I went for strawberry and Kinder Bueno, and it was just incredible. After caldera views, a lovely dinner, and a bubble waffle, I went to bed feeling very happy indeed!

Related Read: Visiting Santorini for three days? Check out my complete Santorini itinerary for a day-by-day plan of what to see and do.

Day 7 

Morning – Enjoy a morning on the water with a sea kayak

For a fun and active way to experience Santorini’s volcanic coastline, book this Santorini sea kayaking tour. It starts at 10 am and wraps up at around 1:30 pm, so you’ll get a full morning out on the water and still have some time to chill before tonight’s wine tasting adventure!

The tour meets in Akrotiri, which is about a 20-minute bus ride from Fira. I’d recommend checking the KTEL bus schedule the day before, just to make sure the timings work. Otherwise, you can always take an Uber or taxi.

This tour is such a cool way to see a different side of Santorini. You’ll paddle along the island’s dramatic volcanic cliffs, pass hidden coves and sea caves, and stop at secluded beaches that you can’t really reach on foot. There’s also time for snorkeling, and the tour includes a homemade picnic, which I think is a lovely touch of Greek hospitality during this very active morning!

The area around Red Beach is especially striking. I was blown away by the dramatic red cliffs and sharp, rugged landscape. It’s not the most comfortable beach for swimming from the shore because the seabed is quite rocky, so seeing it from the water is actually a much better way to experience it. And judging by the 1,000+ 5-star reviews, I’m not the only one who thinks this is an awesome way to explore!

Lunch – Kapilio Tavern

After your kayaking adventure, catch the bus or a taxi back to Fira. After this morning’s adventure, you’ll have a few hours to rest and grab lunch in town before heading out again for tonight’s wine tour. 

For lunch, I recommend Kapilio Tavern. It’s a quintessentially Greek spot, with blue and white decor and a gorgeous patio where you can dine al fresco with sea views. There’s lots of fresh seafood on the menu, and I definitely recommend trying the fried tomato fritters, which are a bit of a Santorini specialty. This is the perfect place to unwind after a busy morning, perhaps with a glass of local wine! 

But if you’d prefer something quick and easy, I have to admit I absolutely loved Lucky’s Souvlaki, which is located along one of Fira’s main roads. It’s perfect for a cheap and filling lunch if that’s what you’re after.

Late afternoon – Go wine tasting at sunset

Tonight, you’ve got a real treat in store: this amazing sunset wine tour! The tour includes hotel pickup, so I headed back to change clothes first, as I feel like wine tasting is a good excuse to dress up just a little.

I was picked up just after 4 pm by my driver and guide, Davide. He was very knowledgeable about wine, but he was also very funny and sassy, so going tasting with him was great fun. 

One of my favorite things about this tour was how different the three wineries were from one another. The first one was right on the water, so we enjoyed gorgeous sea views, while the second one was housed in a former open-air cinema. And we definitely ended on a high note, as we got to watch a spectacular Santorini sunset from a clifftop winery! 

We got snacks at each winery, which ranged from Greek meatballs and Russian salad bruschetta to cheese and charcuterie, so there was plenty of variety. All of the food actually added up to a full dinner over the course of the evening, so I didn’t need to eat afterward.

I also loved the fact that this was a small group tour. We really bonded over all of the food and wine, so most of us headed out for another drink together after Davide dropped us back in Fira. I’m not at all surprised that this tour has 1,800+ 5-star reviews!

Day 8 

Breakfast – LukuMum

Your third and final day in Santorini deserves a decent breakfast, so kick things off with breakfast at LukuMum in Fira. I initially picked this place because it was just a 3-minute walk from the bus station and opens nice and early, but it ended up being one of my favorite Santorini food spots! I recommend heading here at around 9 am so that you’ve got plenty of time to eat before catching the 10 am bus to Akrotiri.

This morning, I went for one of their breakfast combo deals, which included Greek yogurt with fruit, mini croissants, and the best freshly squeezed orange juice that I’ve ever had. I also recommend grabbing a scoop of their Greek yogurt and cherry ice cream – it’s just incredible. And no, it’s never too early for ice cream!

Morning – Akrotiri Archaeological Site

After breakfast, head to Fira bus station and catch the bus to Akrotiri. I recommend aiming for the 9 am bus (or the closest one, depending on the exact schedule) so that you have plenty of time to visit the archaeological site, see Red Beach, grab lunch, and get back to Fira before your catamaran pickup later on.

Akrotiri Archaeological Site is one of the most important historical sites in the Aegean, and it’s a really interesting place to visit if you want to learn about Santorini’s ancient history. Entry costs €20, and I just bought my ticket when I arrived, but you can also purchase e-tickets before you go. This might be a good idea if you’re visiting in July or August! 

The site is covered and easy to walk through, so it’s a good morning stop, even if the weather is hot. I recommend downloading the Hellenic Heritage app before you go, as it includes a free audio tour for Akrotiri. If you do the full audio tour, you’ll probably spend around 1.5 hours here, but you don’t have to do the whole thing. I just listened to the parts that interested me most and spent about 45 minutes here.

Late Morning – Red Beach (Optional)

Akrotiri is close to Santorini’s striking Red Beach, so you can always walk over after you’ve finished exploring. However, you will already have seen it on the kayak tour, and you’ll have another chance to swim here on this evening’s boat tour, so you don’t need to go this morning if you feel like it’s overkill. 

I did choose to walk to Red Beach, just to see it from a different angle. It’s just a 12-minute walk from the ruins site, and when you’re almost there, you’ll see a sign warning you not to go any further. You’ll also see that most people ignore this and climb over the hill to the beach anyway! 

The beach itself is really striking, with dramatic red cliffs and dark volcanic sand, so it’s an excellent photo stop and an iconic part of the island. It’s a fun stop if you feel like stretching your legs a little, but if not, just head straight to lunch! 

Lunch – Periasmos

Periasmos sits between Akrotiri and Red Beach, so it’s a super convenient lunch spot for today. I actually didn’t plan on stopping here, but it just smelled too good to resist! The owner was outside grilling meat, and he even let me try a slice before I sat down to eat. 

This is a family-run restaurant, and the staff were so sweet and friendly. I went for the chicken gyros, and it tasted every bit as good as it smelled. Plus, the portion was huge! The service was fast, too, which is perfect for today.

I caught the 1:20 pm bus back from Akrotiri to Fira. Of course, you’ll want to double-check the schedule beforehand, but getting a bus back at around this time will make sure you’re back at your hotel well before pickup for the cruise, without having to rush around.

Afternoon and evening – Enjoy a sunset catamaran cruise 

If you ask me, there’s only one way to round off an epic trip to Santorini, and that’s with this sunset catamaran cruise! It’s so much fun, and it includes hotel pickup to make life easy, plus dinner and drinks.

The official start time is 3:30 pm, but my pickup time was almost an hour before that, so I’ve factored this into the itinerary. You’ll also want to wear your swimmers and bring a light layer, as it can get chilly later on, but you don’t need a towel as they’re provided on board.

One important tip, though: don’t wear light-coloured swimwear if you’re planning to get in the volcanic springs. The water can stain your swimsuit, so darker colors are definitely safer!

At the port, my group and I met our guide, Julia, who was absolutely lovely. She made us all feel welcome, and then we were off, cruising along Santorini’s gorgeous and dramatic coastline. We stopped for a swim at Red Beach, admired White Beach, and stopped at the volcanic hot springs – although I have to be honest, they were not hot! The water was a lovely color, though, and Julia hosed us off with warm water afterward.

For dinner, the crew served a buffet of spaghetti, delicious grilled chicken, and fresh salad, along with some local wine – always a welcome treat! Finally, we watched the most incredible sunset from the boat. In fact, it was so beautiful that everyone clapped afterward. It sounds cheesy, but it was cute in the moment. This was truly the perfect way to round off my time in Santorini!

Related Read: Want more ideas for your trip? Check out my detailed guide to the best things to do in Santorini for even more unforgettable experiences, hidden gems, and travel tips.

Where to Stay in Santorini 

I recommend staying in Fira for this part of the itinerary, as it makes getting around the island really easy. I’ve included my top picks below, but if you want more options, check out my detailed guide on where to stay in Santorini, where I cover more of my favorite places to stay, eat, and explore.

Luxury – $$$

If you want a luxury stay in Fira, Orama Hotel & Spa is the perfect choice. It’s a resort-style stay perched right along the caldera, so you couldn’t ask for a better location! It’s nice and quiet, but you’re also very close to the buzz of town, and a 10-minute walk from the bus station. And with an outdoor pool and full spa available, I think it’s a great option if you want a little bit of pampering.

Rooms here start at around €300 per night during peak season, including free cancellation and a top-rated breakfast. Book your stay here!

Mid-range – $$ 

Loizos Stylish Residences is a great mid-range option in Fira, just a short walk from the town center. It offers a range of modern rooms and apartments, some with kitchenettes, balconies, and even private hot tubs! There’s also an outdoor pool to enjoy, which you’ll definitely be grateful for because Santorini gets pretty warm during the summer months. 

Prices usually start between €140 and €200 per night. You can book this stay on Booking.com!

Budget – $

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay in Fira, Anessis is a great choice. I stayed here and found it clean, comfortable, and really convenient, especially for this itinerary.

The location was one of the biggest perks for me. Anessis is right near the bus station and only about a 5-minute walk from the hustle and bustle of Fira, so it was super easy to get around the island. It’s not on the caldera, but I still had an ocean view from my room!

Rooms start from around €100 per night, but they book up quickly, so lock in ASAP! You can reserve your room here on Booking.com!

For more options, see all of the hotels in Santorini here!

Day 9

Morning – Travel from Santorini to Naxos

This morning, you’ll take the ferry from Santorini to Naxos. The journey takes around 1.5 hours, so I recommend booking an earlier departure if you can. That way, you can travel in the morning and still have time for a beach afternoon once you arrive in Naxos.

From Fira, the drive to the ferry port takes about 15 minutes, although traffic can get busy in peak summer, so give yourself extra time. I’d also recommend checking the KTEL bus times at the Fira bus station the night before, as the ferry port schedule can change more often than other routes. I did end up needing a taxi, but the bus is much cheaper if the timings work out.

I found the port really straightforward. There were a few places to grab coffee and breakfast, and boarding the boat couldn’t have been easier. Once on board, you just leave your luggage in the storage area and collect it at the end, with no security checks or tagging systems involved. The ferry was clean and comfortable, with food and drink available on board, so the entire journey was a total breeze!

Getting from Naxos Port to your hotel 

One of the best things about arriving in Naxos is how easy it is. The ferry port is right in the middle of Naxos Town, also known as Chora, so you don’t have to deal with a long transfer once you get off the boat.

I highly recommend staying in Naxos Town for this itinerary. I did, and getting around couldn’t have been easier! Staying in town means you’re super close to the historic Old Town and the marina, as well as Agios Georgios Beach, so you can walk everywhere in just a few minutes. 

I stayed at Georgia Mare and loved it, but for something more upmarket I’d also recommend Spiros, which boasts an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and gorgeous, airy rooms. Both are very central and right next to the beach! 

Afternoon/Evening – Get to know Naxos 

Once you’ve checked in, spend the rest of the day getting to know Naxos at your own pace. If you have the energy, take the time to wander through Naxos Old Town. The Old Town is just a small section of Chora, and it’s built into the old Venetian castle. You’ll sometimes hear it referred to as Kastro – I know, it’s a lot of different names to remember, but once you’re there, it’s all very easy to navigate on foot.

After spending a little time wandering through the Kastro, I then headed to Agios Georgios Beach for some rest and relaxation. And if you want to see a bit more of the island, you can take the bus to Agios Prokopios or Plaka! 

Then, for dinner, I recommend grabbing some food at Taverna Naxos, which is right opposite the marina, so you can also catch the sunset from here. If you feel like a nightcap before bed, Naxos Cafe is a cute little cocktail bar tucked into the historic streets of the Kastro.

Day 10

Morning/Afternoon – Get to know Naxos like a local on a full-day adventure

For your first full day in Naxos, I recommend booking this comprehensive island tour. Naxos is much bigger and more varied than a lot of people expect, so this is the perfect way to get a proper overview of the island early on.

The tour meets at the bus station at 9 am and gets back to Chora at around 5 pm, so expect this to take up most of the day. But it’s definitely worth it because you get to see such a different side of Naxos! There’s ancient history, traditional villages, mountain scenery, local products, and beautiful coastal stops, so it really shows you how varied the island is.

One of our first stops was the Temple of Demeter, which was a beautiful historical stop and a nice change from the beaches and towns. Then, we stopped at a ceramics workshop, where we learned about the Pythagoras cup, which drains if you pour yourself too much wine! Then we visited Chalki, a cute mountain village with pastel buildings and lots of authentic local products.

Apeiranthos was another highlight for me. It’s a picturesque mountain village on the edge of a valley with winding streets and lots of old buildings. We had time for lunch here, and then it was onto the pretty seaside town of Apollonas. I grabbed some homemade lemonade and a snack here and couldn’t pass up the chance to snap some photos in front of the big, blue-domed church!

All in all, this tour is such a good way to see the island beyond Naxos Town. It would have been really tricky to link all of these places together on my own, and I got a much deeper feel for Naxos’ landscapes and local culture.

Sunset – Paradise Beach Cafe

The bus tour will get you back to the bus station in Naxos Town at around 5 pm. I headed back to my hotel to freshen up, and then walked over to Paradise Beach Cafe on Agios Georgiou Beach for sunset. It’s also just a 10-minute walk from the bus station if you’d prefer to go straight there! 

The beach cafe has sun loungers as well as tables, and the prices here are super reasonable. Plus, the sunset from here is absolutely beautiful, so grab a drink and enjoy it! You can also grab a snack here if you’re feeling peckish and need something to tide you over. I had the most delicious feta-stuffed peppers.

Dinner – Elliniko

Several people on today’s bus tour recommended Elliniko to me, so that’s where I went for dinner! It’s a gorgeous open-air restaurant that serves up big portions of traditional Greek food, and it’s just an 8-minute walk from Paradise Beach Cafe. 

I didn’t book a table here, and I only had to wait around 10 minutes. However, it’s probably best to make a reservation if you’re visiting during July and August, as those are the busiest months in Naxos, and this place is clearly in demand! The sun sets around 8:30 pm in summer, so book for 8:45 pm. Don’t worry, Greeks eat late, and the food at Elliniko comes out really fast.

Since I was by myself, I ordered the cheese pie, which was meant as a starter, but it was still a lot of food for one person! Sharing is definitely the way to go here. It was absolutely delicious, though, and in true Greek style, the waiter also brought me free dessert and a shot of raki at the end of the meal.

Just one small note: people do tend to dress up a bit here. You don’t need to go crazy, but I did feel a little out of place in my denim shorts!

Related Read: Want to see the best of Naxos without wasting time? My Naxos itinerary breaks down exactly how I’d spend my time on the island, day by day.

Day 11

Morning/Afternoon – Cruise the Aegean on a luxury catamaran

Today we’re heading out on the water for a luxury catamaran cruise. This was an absolute dream of a day, and the cruise was one of the best things I did not only in Naxos, but in the whole of Greece! 

The cruise starts at 9:30 am from the marina in Naxos Town, so if you’re staying in Chora, it’s super easy to get there. Just make sure to bring your own towel, and don’t forget it on the boat at the end like I did – oops!

The boat was lovely and modern, and the captain, Akis, was so funny and had us all laughing throughout the day. As for the sea we swam in, it was some of the clearest and prettiest water I’ve ever seen – and yes, that includes the Maldives! It was so beautiful that it almost didn’t feel real. 

There were three swim stops in total, and our first stop of the day was just off Paros. The water was so calm that I jumped off the boat and swam all the way to shore so that I could say I’d been to Paros! This was also when the beer and wine started to flow. 

This cruise isn’t a big, rowdy party boat, but my group definitely made the most of the all-inclusive drinks on board! I really liked the food, too. At lunchtime, Akis served each of us a big plate of moussaka with bread and salad, but we got snacks at all the stops, including fresh fruit with cinnamon and yummy sponge cake.

This cruise was seriously fun! I thought 7 hours might feel like a long day, but it absolutely flew by, and I honestly didn’t want it to end. Our group bonded so much that a few of us even went for dinner together afterward!

Late afternoon – Relax or explore Naxos

After the catamaran cruise, you can either head back to your hotel for a shower and a little reset or spend some more time wandering around Naxos Town. I’d probably see how you feel on the day, because after a full day in the sun, you might be ready for a quick break!

If you’ve still got some energy, this is a great time to do a bit of souvenir shopping and explore the Old Market. The winding whitewashed streets are really pretty, and there are lots of little shops selling some really nice clothes and sandals, as well as local products like honey and olive oil.

Dinner – Irini’s Restaurant

When you’re ready for dinner, head back to the waterfront area and grab a table at Irini’s. It’s a traditional Greek tavern that overlooks the port, and the food here is amazing! You don’t need a reservation, either, so just turn up when you’re ready.

I ordered the chickpea salad, which came with some freshly toasted bread and olive oil, and the waiter brought me a free dessert afterward – as you may have guessed by now, this is very common in Naxos! This time, it was milopita, which is a delicious apple and cinnamon cake, dusted with icing sugar. 

Evening – Stroll to the Portara at golden hour

As you finish up dinner, golden hour or sunset should be approaching, so head to the Portara to enjoy it! This is the iconic marble doorway at the Temple of Apollo, and it’s just a 5-minute walk from Irini’s Restaurant. It’s Naxos’ most famous landmark, and it’s actually perched on a small islet that’s connected to the town via a narrow causeway. Admission is free, and heading up to the Portara also gives you sweeping views of Chora and the Aegean Sea – it’s so pretty! 

Now, if you don’t make it here tonight, no worries. I had planned to, but the weather started to turn, so I headed back to my hotel after dinner. The Portara is so close to Naxos Town that you can just pop over anytime, although I would love to come back and catch a sunset from here next time.

Day 12

Morning – Hike Mount Zas

As well as gorgeous golden beaches, Naxos is home to a large mountain range right in the middle of the island, and Mount Zas (aka Mount Zeus) is the highest of them all. In fact, it’s the tallest peak in the Cycladic islands, and according to Greek mythology, it’s where Zeus himself was raised!

So if you’re up for some outdoor exploration this morning, hiking Mount Zas is the way to go. While you need to be relatively fit for this one, you don’t need to be a pro hiker. 

The trail is around 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) out and back, and it’s considered moderate. There are rocky paths and some steeper sections along the way, but I wouldn’t describe it as grueling. And once you get to the top, the views are absolutely incredible. You can see not only all of Naxos from up here, but many of the surrounding islands, too!

The trailhead is about a 40-minute drive from Naxos Town, so you can pre-arrange a taxi or take the local bus. Times do change throughout the year, but the first bus of the day generally leaves around 7:30 am, and then they run every few hours after that. However, this does mean you might end up waiting a while for the bus back!

To be honest, for the price and hassle, I think that this guided Mount Zas hiking tour is a much easier option. Pickup is usually around 8 am, and you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel again afterward, which makes the whole experience a lot more straightforward. Plus, you’ll be with a guide who knows the route and all of the best viewpoints.

However, my favorite thing about this tour is actually that it wraps up with a classic Greek picnic. It’s the perfect reward after a few hours of hiking!

Lunch – Scirocco

Although the Mount Zas hike ends with a picnic, I’m betting that you’ll want a heartier lunch by the time you’ve gotten back to Naxos Town. So for lunch, make a beeline for Scriocco! 

This was definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Naxos – and trust me, the competition was fierce! It’s a family-run spot that was opened by two brothers back in the 90s, and it’s still going strong to this day! The service is super friendly, and they also brought me a frozen limoncello at the end of my meal, which was a lovely, refreshing treat.

For lunch here, I ordered the chicken orzo as it was listed as one of their specialties, and that proved to be a great decision! It was so rich and hearty – I thoroughly recommend trying it. It’s just the ticket after a hike.

Afternoon – Relax and recharge at Agios Georgios Beach (St. George Beach)

After lunch, walk over to Agios Georgios Beach to spend some time relaxing on its golden sands. You’ll probably finish lunch at around 1:30 pm, give or take half an hour, and then I suggest staying at the beach until around 4:30 pm, so that you have time to shower and freshen up before heading to the winery.

There are a couple of beach bars dotted along the shore with loungers that you can use, and they generally don’t have a minimum spend. You can head back to Paradise Beach Cafe, the sunset spot from a few nights ago, or the slightly more upscale Naxaki, which is right next door.

Now’s the time to spend a couple of hours alternating between dips in the sea and lounging in the shade with a good book. The sea breeze keeps things comfortable, even on warmer days, so kick back and relax however you see fit! 

Evening – Go wine tasting at a historic vineyard 

How dreamy does wine tasting in the Naxian countryside sound? Well, it’s every bit as good as it sounds, so be sure to book this fun tasting experience before it sells out.

The winery is about a 12-minute drive from Naxos Town, and the tasting usually starts at 6 pm, so I’d recommend arranging a taxi through your hotel. It’s also worth getting the driver’s WhatsApp number, or asking them to come back for you at a set time, so you don’t have to worry about getting back into town afterward.

The experience includes a look at how wine is made here, with photos and videos showing the process, before you head outside to see the vines for yourself. Then, of course, comes the best part: the tasting! You’ll get to try a range of local wines, usually paired with simple Greek snacks like tomatoes, peppers, and Naxian cheeses. 

In fact, you’ll get to try between six and nine different wines, which is pretty generous for a single tasting session! You’ll definitely have a good overview of the island’s different wines by the end of the experience. Since I had already been wine tasting in Santorini, it was interesting to learn about how things are done differently over on Naxos. 

This is such a lovely way to spend an evening in Naxos, and the setting is stunning. I love the authentic, rustic feel of this winery and the fact that it feels so far removed from Naxos Town, even though it’s just a short drive away!

Dinner – La Paloma cocktail bar & restaurant

You should be back in Naxos Town by around 8:30 pm at the latest, so head to La Paloma for dinner and a cocktail! This spot sits right on the water’s edge, and it’s a little more stylish than the tavernas right opposite the marina. 

This is a very sophisticated place to round off the evening, and the menu here offers a break from classic Greek food. Don’t get me wrong, I could never have too much Greek food, but it’s nice to change it up every once in a while.

Here, they offer a mixture of Tex-Mex dishes and Asian-inspired options, as well as hearty burgers if you’re in that kind of mood! And I would be remiss not to mention the Nutella-drenched pancakes for dessert.

Day 13

Morning – Enjoy a beach day at Agios Prokopios Beach

Agios Prokopios Beach is one of the best beaches in Naxos, with golden sand and calm water. It’s about a 12-minute drive from Naxos Town, so you can take a taxi there and take their number to message them when you want to head back. Or, you can always hop on the bus from the station in town, which is what I did. The journey only took 15 minutes each way, and tickets were only €2.30 each way.

Either way, grab breakfast at or near your hotel before you go, and be sure to bring a towel with you! Once you get to Agios Prokopios, there are lots of beach bars offering sun loungers. In fact, you can just use one of the loungers at Blue Fin, as we’ll be having lunch there anyway!

Lunch – Blue Fin Beach Restaurant 

Grab lunch at Blue Fin, which is one of the best-loved beach restaurants in Agios Prokopios. It’s a friendly spot on a gorgeous stretch of the beach, and the inside seating section definitely gives me Bali vibes!

They do lots of great seafood options here, as well as some refreshing cocktails, which are just the ticket after a morning of sunbathing. Personally, I like the zucchini fritters, but I’ll be honest, the thing that I loved the most was cuddling the resident cats! 

Early afternoon – Wander back into town for some souvenir shopping

After you’ve eaten, walk off your lunch with a stroll around Chora. I used this time to head up into the narrow streets of the Old Market and grab some final souvenirs. The alleys are very maze-like, and it’s easy to get lost, but if you do, just head downhill, and eventually you’ll find yourself back at the waterfront.

Actually, getting a little bit lost here is a really nice way to spend a leisurely hour or two before the cooking class. And if you want to sit down, you can always head up to Avaton 1739 for a drink with a sweeping view of the island. It’s a little bit hidden, but the views and the creative cocktails made it well worth finding! 

And if you didn’t make it over for sunset last night, now is also a good time to go and visit the Portara! It’s just a 5-minute walk from the Old Market, and it’s super scenic, as well as a quick and easy stop. 

Late afternoon – A delicious afternoon in a Naxian village kitchen

This cooking class was one of the most wonderful experiences I’ve ever had on my travels! It takes place at a family farm where almost all of the ingredients are grown right there, and I loved getting a glimpse of a more traditional, rural way of life in Naxos.

The class starts at 3:30 pm, so I booked a taxi from my hotel at 3 pm. It’s a really popular activity; the drivers know where to go and will pick you up again afterward.

The experience started with a tour of the farm with our instructor, Jack. I couldn’t believe how lush and beautiful it was, and there’s even an old Venetian tower on site. Along the way, we met Pandora the donkey, and we were accompanied by Gracie the French bulldog, who kept interrupting because she wanted us to throw sticks for her! 

Once we got back to the kitchen, we began preparing the food step by step and learning family recipes from Jack. The wine was flowing throughout – and yes, it’s all made right here on the farm! I also highly recommend trying their homemade lemonade, as it was super refreshing.

When dinner was served, we had all of the dishes we had helped prepare, and more! My favorite dish was the stuffed banana peppers, but the pork shoulder, tzatziki, and omelet were also standouts for me.

When we had all finished eating, Jack took us outside for some traditional Greek dancing and plate smashing, which led to a lot of laughter and cries of “opa!”. It was actually a bit of a bucket list moment for me! This whole experience was truly the perfect way to round off my trip to Naxos, and I can’t recommend it enough.

Related Read: Need a few more activities to fill your time? Check out my list of the best things to do in Naxos – there’s no shortage of epic experiences here!

Where to Stay in Naxos

As I mentioned earlier, I highly recommend staying in Chora, or Naxos Town, for the final leg of this itinerary. It’s Naxos’ central tourist hub, and it’s super compact and walkable. Most tours leave from here, and it’s easy to get a taxi when you need one.

There are lots of hotels here, too, and I’ve got my top picks below. And if you’re not sure which part of Naxos is right for you, check out my detailed Naxos accommodation guide for the best areas and hotels on the island.

Luxury – $$$

Spiros Hotel is a chic hotel built in that classic Cycladic style, with bright white walls and lots of arches. It has a lovely outdoor pool and a gorgeous spa with a hot tub, sauna, and hammam for when you’re craving some rest and relaxation. 

The location couldn’t be better, either! It’s just a minute’s walk from Agios Georgios beach and a 10-minute walk from the waterfront and the Old Market.

Rooms here start from around €300 per night. Check availability and book your stay here! 

Mid-range – $$

Argo Boutique Hotel is a charming mid-range stay in Naxos Town, just a short walk from the beach, restaurants, and historic sites. The stylish rooms and suites feature a blend of traditional and modern decor, with some offering private balconies, spa baths, and even hot tubs! Guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool, relax in the spa area, and have a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant to refuel after a day of exploring.

Prices usually start at around €200 per night. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.

Budget – $

Georgia Mare is where I stayed in Naxos, and I would definitely stay here again! It’s a fairly simple property, but it’s spotlessly clean and very well-maintained. It was honestly the owners who really made it special, though. The hotel is run by Spiros and his daughter Georgia, and they’re incredibly kind and welcoming – they really showed me true Naxian hospitality. The hotel breakfast was also incredible, and I always wanted to eat more than I was physically able to! 

Rooms at Georgia Mare start at around €120 per night, including breakfast. Read the amazing reviews and book your stay here!

For even more options, check out all the hotels in Naxos here!

Day 14

Sadly, it’s time to depart Naxos today. I know – I didn’t want to leave either.

To get home, you’ll need to fly from Naxos Airport back to Athens and then connect to your onward flight from there. The flight from Naxos to Athens only takes around 50 minutes, so it’s a quick and simple final transfer.

To get to Naxos Airport, check the local bus schedule in advance, or just take a taxi from your hotel. The airport is tiny, and when I say tiny, I mean it’s basically one room! If you have checked bags, arriving about 1 hour before your flight should be plenty. If you’ve checked in online and only have hand luggage, 40 minutes is more than enough.

Even with online check-in, you may still need to quickly show your passport at the check-in counter. I waited until everyone with checked bags had finished, and it only took a second. It was all very relaxed and easy – if only all airports were as chilled-out as this one! 

Thanks for reading!

What an adventure! Greece really does have it all, and after two weeks of ancient history in Athens, iconic sunsets in Santorini, and laid-back island life in Naxos, I think you’ll be just as obsessed with this country as I am. This itinerary packs in a lot, but there’s still plenty of downtime to enjoy the beaches, amazing Greek food, and those beautiful Aegean views!

Before you go, check out the rest of our Greece blogs. We have tons of guides to help you plan your trip, from finding the best places to stay to choosing can’t-miss tours and planning the perfect itinerary. And here are a few related blogs to keep the inspiration going. Cheers!

Where to Stay in Milos, Greece: 4 Best Areas & Hotels

Where to Stay in Crete, Greece: 7 Areas & Hotels

Where to Stay in Corfu, Greece: 6 Areas & Hotels

15 Best Things to do in Thessaloniki, Greece