The Ultimate Greek Island Travel Itinerary

Greek Island Travel itinerary
A Vagabond Life
Greek Islands Travel Itinerary

Embark on a Journey Through the Greek Islands

Welcome to your ultimate Greek Islands travel itinerary! From the iconic whitewashed villages of Santorini to the vibrant nightlife of Mykonos and the ancient wonders of Crete, these carefully crafted 5-day, 7-day, and 14-day plans immerse you in Greece’s island charm, vibrant cuisine, and stunning seascapes. Whether you’re watching a sunset in Oia, exploring Rhodes’ medieval streets, or savoring fresh seafood by the Aegean, your island adventure awaits. Choose your journey below and let the Greek Islands captivate your heart!

Top Tips for Visiting the Greek Islands

When to Go

Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer (July–August) is hot and busy, especially in Santorini and Mykonos. Winter is quieter with lower prices, but some islands have limited services.

Weather

Santorini and Mykonos average 20–30°C in summer, 10–15°C in winter, and 15–25°C in spring/fall. Crete is warmer year-round (15–20°C winter, 25–35°C summer). Rhodes sees 20–30°C in summer and 10–15°C in winter.

Transportation

Book ferries early via Ferrysavers or Greek Ferries (e.g., Athens to Santorini: 5–8 hrs, €30–€60; Santorini to Mykonos: 2–3 hrs, €20–€40; Mykonos to Paros: 1–1.5 hrs, €15–€30; Santorini to Crete: 2–4 hrs, €25–€50; Crete to Rhodes: 6–12 hrs, €30–€70). Rent scooters or cars for island exploration (~€20–€50/day).

Culture

Learn basic Greek phrases like "Kaliméra" and "Efcharistó." Tipping is optional (5–10% for good service). Dress respectfully in churches or monasteries (cover shoulders and knees).

Budget Tips

Opt for smaller islands like Paros for lower costs. Eat at local tavernas for affordable meals. Book ferries and accommodations early for better rates.

Safety

Beware of pickpockets in busy areas like Mykonos Town or Chania. Keep valuables secure and use reputable ferry or taxi services for safe travel.

Santorini (Days 1–3)

A stunning island of whitewashed villages, blue domes, and volcanic beaches.

History: Shaped by a volcanic eruption in 1600 BC, Santorini’s Minoan past and Cycladic charm draw millions.

Highlights: Oia, Fira, Red Beach, Akrotiri ruins.

Best Time: April–June or September–October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Transport: Fly into Santorini (JTR) or ferry from Athens (Piraeus port, 5–8 hrs, €30–€60, book via Greek Ferries).

Food to Try: Tomatokeftedes, Fava Beans, Assyrtiko wine, Loukoumades.
Day 1: Morning – Explore Fira; Afternoon – Oia for sunset; Evening – Dinner at Ammoudi Bay.
Day 2: Morning – Akrotiri ruins; Afternoon – Red Beach; Evening – Caldera boat tour.
Day 3: Morning – Imerovigli village; Afternoon – Ferry to Mykonos (2–3 hrs, €20–€40).

Mykonos (Days 4–5)

A cosmopolitan island with whitewashed streets and vibrant nightlife.

History: Mykonos, part of the Cyclades, has been a cultural and trade hub since antiquity.

Highlights: Mykonos Town, Little Venice, Delos, Paradise Beach.

Transport: Ferry from Santorini (2–3 hrs, €20–€40).

Food to Try: Kopanisti cheese, Louza, Seafood Meze, Amygdalota.
Day 4: Morning – Mykonos Town (Chora); Afternoon – Little Venice; Evening – Dinner at Kastro’s.
Day 5: Morning – Day trip to Delos (ferry, 30 min, €20–€25); Afternoon – Paradise Beach; Evening – Depart Mykonos.

Santorini (Days 1–3)

An iconic island of dramatic cliffs and Cycladic beauty.

History: Santorini’s volcanic history and Minoan ruins make it a unique destination.

Highlights: Fira, Oia, Caldera views, Black Beach.

Transport: Fly into Santorini (JTR) or ferry from Athens (5–8 hrs, €30–€60).

Food to Try: Fava Meze, Domatokeftedes, Vinsanto wine.
Day 1: Morning – Fira exploration; Afternoon – Oia sunset; Evening – Dinner at Selene.
Day 2: Morning – Akrotiri ruins; Afternoon – Black Beach; Evening – Caldera boat tour.
Day 3: Morning – Perissa Beach; Afternoon – Ferry to Mykonos (2–3 hrs, €20–€40).

Mykonos (Days 4–5)

A lively island with iconic windmills and turquoise waters.

History: Mykonos was a key Cycladic trading hub in antiquity.

Highlights: Mykonos Town, Delos, Super Paradise Beach.

Transport: Ferry from Santorini (2–3 hrs, €20–€40).

Food to Try: Taramosalata, Grilled Octopus, Mykonian Pies.
Day 4: Morning – Mykonos Town; Afternoon – Little Venice; Evening – Dinner at Sea Satin.
Day 5: Morning – Delos archaeological site (ferry, 30 min, €20–€25); Afternoon – Return to Mykonos; Evening – Ferry to Paros (1–1.5 hrs, €15–€30).

Paros (Days 6–7)

A charming Cycladic island with quaint villages and sandy beaches.

History: Paros is known for its ancient marble quarries and Byzantine heritage.

Highlights: Parikia, Naoussa, Panagia Ekatontapiliani, Kolymbithres Beach.

Transport: Ferry from Mykonos (1–1.5 hrs, €15–€30).

Food to Try: Gouna (sun-dried mackerel), Revithada, Parian wine.
Day 6: Morning – Parikia and Panagia Ekatontapiliani; Afternoon – Naoussa village.
Day 7: Morning – Kolymbithres Beach; Afternoon – Lefkes village; Evening – Depart Paros.

Santorini (Days 1–4)

A postcard-perfect island with volcanic cliffs and sunsets.

History: Santorini’s Minoan and volcanic history defines its unique landscape.

Highlights: Oia, Fira, Akrotiri, Red Beach.

Transport: Fly into Santorini (JTR) or ferry from Athens (5–8 hrs, €30–€60).

Food to Try: Santorini Fava, Tomatokeftedes, Melitinia.
Day 1: Morning – Fira; Afternoon – Oia for sunset.
Day 2: Morning – Akrotiri ruins; Afternoon – Red Beach.
Day 3: Morning – Caldera boat tour; Afternoon – Imerovigli.
Day 4: Morning – Perivolos Beach; Afternoon – Ferry to Mykonos (2–3 hrs, €20–€40).

Mykonos (Days 5–7)

A vibrant island with iconic windmills and nightlife.

History: Mykonos was a key Cycladic trading hub in antiquity.

Highlights: Mykonos Town, Delos, Super Paradise Beach, Windmills.

Transport: Ferry from Santorini (2–3 hrs, €20–€40).

Food to Try: Kopanisti cheese, Louza, Amygdalota.
Day 5: Morning – Mykonos Town; Afternoon – Little Venice.
Day 6: Morning – Delos (ferry, 30 min, €20–€25); Afternoon – Return to Mykonos.
Day 7: Morning – Super Paradise Beach; Afternoon – Windmills; Evening – Ferry to Paros (1–1.5 hrs, €15–€30).

Paros (Days 8–10)

A serene island with historic villages and pristine beaches.

History: Paros is renowned for its marble quarries and Byzantine churches.

Highlights: Parikia, Naoussa, Lefkes, Kolymbithres Beach.

Transport: Ferry from Mykonos (1–1.5 hrs, €15–€30).

Food to Try: Revithada, Gouna, Parian Cheese.
Day 8: Morning – Parikia and Panagia Ekatontapiliani; Afternoon – Naoussa.
Day 9: Morning – Kolymbithres Beach; Afternoon – Lefkes village.
Day 10: Morning – Paros Archaeological Museum; Afternoon – Ferry to Crete (3–5 hrs, €25–€50).

Crete (Days 11–14)

Greece’s largest island, rich in Minoan history and rugged beauty.

History: Crete was home to the Minoan civilization, one of Europe’s earliest advanced societies.

Highlights: Knossos, Chania, Elafonisi Beach, Rethymnon.

Transport: Ferry from Paros (3–5 hrs, €25–€50).

Food to Try: Dakos, Kalitsounia, Stifado, Raki.
Day 11: Morning – Knossos Palace; Afternoon – Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Day 12: Morning – Chania Old Town; Afternoon – Venetian Harbor.
Day 13: Morning – Day trip to Elafonisi Beach (bus, ~1.5 hrs, €10–€15); Afternoon – Relax by pink sands.
Day 14: Morning – Rethymnon Fortezza; Afternoon – Depart Crete.

Your Greek Islands Adventure Awaits

The Greek Islands have enchanted you with their stunning beauty, from the iconic sunsets of Santorini to the vibrant energy of Mykonos, the serene charm of Paros, and the ancient wonders of Crete. Whether you explored for 5 days or 2 weeks, you’ve savored Greece’s island cuisine, history, and seascapes. Ready to plan your trip? Book your ferries at Greek Ferries and start packing for an unforgettable adventure. Kaló taksídi!