Greece never ceases to amaze, no matter if you are a first-timer or a seasoned traveler. Whether you like active adventures or just looking to relax, it’s the perfect place for either.
It may sound impossible to pack everything you want into a 10-day vacation. However, this itinerary will help you make the most of your Greece trip.
Learn what cities are worth visiting, what to see, and what to do on your upcoming trip.
Day 1
Athens, the capital and the largest city of Greece, has a very rich and storied history. A city like Athens cannot be explored in a single day.
Start your Athens exploration with a trip to the Acropolis, an ancient citadel on a rocky outcropping above the city. It was built around 2,500 years ago as a temple. Over time, it evolved as various empires came and went.
Tip: If you plan on exploring the Acropolis in summer, be sure to visit early in the morning when it’s cooler and less crowded.
The next stop is the National Archeological Museum. Even if you are not into history, you should give it a shot, as you can see exhibits that will impress even the least interested in history.
Another worth-visiting spot is local markets. This might be the best way to immerse yourself in the Greek atmosphere. Experience the Greek culture by trying local specialties, meeting locals, and observing how they live.
At the end of your first day of Greece trip, you can go to one of the most famous Michelin-star restaurants with a fantastic sea view – Varoulko, and enjoy the traditional Greek dishes. Or you can also choose one of the local cafes you’ll come across during your day. Anyway, this is a great way to get a taste of culture.
Day 2
On your second day in the capital, see the National Garden of Athens and continue learning about Greek history.
In the heart of the city, between Syntagma Square and Kallimarmaro (Panathenaic) Stadium, the Garden amazes with its picturesque landscape and peaceful atmosphere.
After exploring these sights, continue your tour by checking out another impressive landmark – the Temple of Olympian Zeus. This is the very place where you can experience the majesty of Greece’s history and travel back in time.
Continue your city tour wandering the streets of Plaka, one of the best places in Athens to go shopping, and in case you get hungry, you can find a lot of places to eat there.
Day 3
The second spot to explore is Mykonos island, which is a perfect place for both active and relaxing holidays.
If you don’t plan to spend the whole day lying on the beach, visit Mykonos town, which is full of exciting ancient landmarks to admire, like the hundred-year-old Mykonos Windmills. Afterward, you can wander in one of the most famous streets on the island – Matoyianni Street, which boasts impressive architecture.
The perfect end of the day is watching the sunset in Little Venice in Chora, one of the most romantic Mykonos’ spots. Enjoy the stunning view and the Venetian-style buildings, and as a plus, you will find a lot of good bars and restaurants, providing top-notch cuisine with a great view.
Day 4
After enjoying the Mykonos nightlife, start your day by putting your feet up and enjoying the sun. Take a refreshing break at one of the beach bars offering a wide range of drinks of your choice.
After that, you can visit one of Greece’s most treasured archaeological sites – the island of Delos, located just a couple of kilometers from the southwest coast of Mykonos. According to Greek Olympic mythology, this island is the birthplace of the gods Apollo and Artemis.
Another must-visit spot is the Armenistis lighthouse, located six kilometers north of Chora. Although you can’t go inside the lighthouse, the trip is worth taking because of the fantastic views. That is why the best time to visit the lighthouse is just after sunset.
Day 5
Crete is the next place to visit. It boasts gorgeous beaches, mountains, and charming villages.
You can start your acquaintance with the island by visiting the most important and best-known Minoan site in Crete – the Palace of Knossos. You might know this place from the legend of the Athenian hero Theseus killing the Minotaur. Hence, it’s a perfect place to immerse into ancient Greek culture.
If you are into hiking, then Samaria Gorge, located in the National Park of Samaria in the White Mountains, is a must-visit.
During your hike, you’ll see forests of ancient cypresses and pines, rare flowers, little churches, remnants of villages, and a black-sand beach in Agia Roumeli on the Libyan sea.
As you see, this hike is quite a journey, after which there is nothing better than having a relaxing evening at one of the local restaurants serving traditional Greek cuisine.
Day 6
Embark on your sixth day in Greece by visiting one of Crete’s most beautiful beaches, Balos Lagoon, a rocky outcropping surrounded by pink sand and turquoise water. Arguably, this is the most photographed natural attraction in Crete.
In the evening, you can go to one of the island’s gems – the old Venetian harbor of Chania, a significant historical landmark. There you can see one of the oldest lighthouses in the world while enjoying a stroll through the harbor.
Day 7
Kalamata is another great city with rich history and will surely amaze you with its genuine beauty. One day in this fabulous city is enough to understand that it is worth visiting as you enjoy every minute spent there.
While in Kalamata, the Diros caves and Villages of Mani are highly recommended to visit, as it is an excellent opportunity for you to dive deep into Greece’s seaside village life.
Another must-see is Polylimnio Waterfalls, which can be reached via an easy hike. You have the opportunity to swim in the lake under the waterfalls, which is truly refreshing.
And at the end of this great day, take a walk on the lovely promenade, Navarinou Avenue, where you can find nice beach bars, cafes, and tavernas.
Day 8
Spend the eighth day of your Greece trip exploring Larissa, a fun-loving university town off the tourist trail. Start your acquaintance with the city by visiting the first ancient theatre of Larissa, which was used for theatrical and musical performances.
Continue exploring the city by visiting the monument of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, and the world-known St. Achilles Basilica, which went up in the 6th century AD.
If you get hungry by the end of the day, visit local cafes to get something simple and satisfying like gemista and souvlatzidiko.
Day 9
Corfu is a nature and beach lover’s dream, blessed with hillsides thick with pine, cypress, and eucalypt forests that tumble down to blue-green seas, sandy beaches, and ancient worth-visiting places.
Start your day by exploring Corfu’s Old Town, which is full of walkable streets and alleys. And after that, check out the Archaeological Museum and Casa Parlante, where you can feel the atmosphere of the 19th century.
In case you want to feel the beauty of Greece’s nature, visit Corfu’s highest peak in the north of the island, Mount Pantokrator. At the top of the mountain, you’ll find a cafe, where you can have a really good meal while enjoying breathtaking views.
Day 10
At the end of your trip, have a relaxed day lying on one of the most picturesque beaches – Paleokastritsa Beach. But if you want another active day, Paleokastritsa Beach offers so many incredible experiences to take part in. As the water could hardly be calmer or clearer, it is a snorkeler’s dream and just right for families with smaller children. You can also rent a boat and go on a little Corfu cruise exploring the Ionian Sea.
Now you see how much Greece has to offer you in just 10 days. Thus, make sure to take advantage to travel to a country rich with ancient history, various activities, and incredible nature. Taste traditional delicious food and drinks, explore breathtaking landscapes, enjoy the vibrant nightlife, and immerse in Greece’s ancient culture by visiting its most remarkable places.