Athens is an exciting city for different reasons, but for many travelers, the Acropolis pulls them in the most. While numerous hotels have fantastic views of the Acropolis, a handful have the added benefit of being close to the site. These include features like rooftop pools overlooking the Parthenon, romantic atmospheres for couples, and spacious rooms for families, and all are within 10 minutes walking distance of the Acropolis.
When looking for a mid-range hotel in Athens, the options are as diverse as the city's 3,400 years of history. These accommodations offer different experiences and amenities for all types of travelers without breaking the bank or sacrificing comfort. Experience the past in landmark buildings, take in Acropolis views from rooftops, private Jacuzzis, and terraces, or taste a variety of Greek cuisine in these mid-range hotels that bring you the best Athens has to offer.
In a city as historic as Athens, it's not surprising to discover that many of the best luxury hotels bring the past to life. Each hotel incorporates the city's offerings in different ways that will appeal to couples, families, and groups alike. Time travel to the 19th century with a stay in an opulent neoclassical landmark building, take in Acropolis views from your room or a rooftop pool, or engage in a lively discussion in a philosophy-inspired hotel.
For many, Athens is synonymous with the Acropolis, an epic point of reference to orient yourself in Europe's second oldest city. While many hotels are focused on the famous landmark, a select few have the best and most unforgettable views of this 2,500-year-old Temple of Athena. These include rooftop terraces with panoramic vistas, lush gardens that add a respite from the bustling city life, and rooms with direct views of the Parthenon.
Most travelers will find that 8 to 12 days is perfect for a well-paced Greece trip with stops in Athens, Paros, Santorini, and Mykonos. If you like keeping a quick pace, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as seven days. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country; some of the best-loved trip extensions include Naxos or Antiparos. See below for more ideas for the Athens, Paros, Santorini, and Mykonos itineraries.
Athens, Naxos, Tinos, Ios, and Syros are a classic pairing for travelers headed to Greece. To make the most of your trip, maximizing time between travel days at each incredible stop, you'll want to plan your trip for about 10 to 14 days. Arrange your perfect trip to Athens, Naxos, Tinos, Ios, and Syros with the itinerary ideas below.
For most travelers, 9 to 12 days is the perfect amount of time for a Greece trip, with stops in Athens and Crete's Chania and Vamos. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in six to eight days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some favored trip extensions include Santorini. Keep reading for more inspiring Athens, Chania, and Vamos itineraries.
Nine to 12 days are excellent for a Greece trip with stops in Athens, Naxos, Mykonos, and Tinos. It's possible to hit the highlights in six to eight days if you don't mind a fast-paced route. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Santorini or Nafplio. Read on for more inspiring Athens, Naxos, Mykonos, and Tinos itineraries.
Ten to 16 days is a great length for a Greece trip that includes stops in Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Tinos, and Crete's Chania. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Heraklion. See more ideas for Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Tinos, and Chania itineraries below.
Most travelers will find 12 to 14 days perfect for a well-paced Greece trip with stops in Athens, Naxos, Santorini, and Crete's Heraklion and Chania. It's possible to hit the highlights in 10 or 11 days if you don't mind a fast-paced itinerary. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favorite itinerary extensions include Vamos, Mykonos, or Rethymno. Get inspired with the following trip ideas below.
For most travelers, 11 to 14 days is the perfect amount of time for a Greece trip, with stops in Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete's Heraklion and Chania. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as 8 to 10 days. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Nafplio, Naxos, or Tinos. Get inspired with the Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete trip ideas below.
With 15 days in Greece, you can easily see many of the country's highlights or base yourself in one region for more in-depth cultural, historical, and culinary experiences. Whether you choose to explore the wonders of mainland Greece on a road trip, relax in the beautiful Cyclades Islands, or get active around Meteora, the Zagori villages, and the lovely isle of Corfu, these five itineraries showcase some of the best that Greece has to offer.
Offering the perfect balance of outdoor activities and gourmet pursuits that provide insight into Greece's history and culture, the pleasures of Athens, Crete, and Santorini await. Begin in Athens and discover the city, kayak around Cape Sounio at sunset, and hike in Parnassos National Park. Then it's off to Crete to sample local cuisine and relax on the famous pink sand beach of Elafonissi before ending the adventure with several days on Santorini.
Experience the best of Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini on this romantic 13-day luxury voyage. You'll explore the ancient ruins of the Acropolis and sample local delicacies before being whisked away to drink red wines around Nemea and sail along the picturesque coastline of Nafplio. Then it's off to discover the beautiful beaches of Greece's islands, cruise turquoise waters on a catamaran, and cap the experience with a professional photographer documenting your sunkissed excursion around Santorini's most scenic locales.
Soak up the sunshine on this 11-day luxury tour of Greece, Naxos, and Santorini. Enjoy a guided tour of Athens' ancient Acropolis, an escorted drive of the coastline, and a sunset over Cape Sounio. On Naxos, take lessons to windsurf, sail to the Small Cyclades, and catch a high-speed ferry to Santorini for a catamaran cruise over pristine waters to swim, snorkel, and lie out on the island's famous volcanic beaches.
If you have more than a couple of weeks to travel, this epic 18-day trip around Greece is a fantastic choice. The itinerary takes you to ancient monuments, idyllic islands, clifftop monuments, family-run wineries and so much more! Start in Athens before hitting the road for a self-guided car trip around the mainland's historic ruins, including Olympia, where the original Olympic Games were held. Then it's time to island-hop to Milos, Santorini, and Crete, enjoying active excursions and relaxing beach time along the way. You'll dine in local taverns, boat around the coast at sunset, and stroll through quaint villages, culminating the trip with an unforgettable hike through Samaria Gorge on the island of Crete.
This action-packed two-week tour around Greece offers everything from Roman ruins and archaeological museums to island-hopping, a wine tasting, and a visit to a butterfly habitat. You'll kick off the tour in Athens, doing some traditional sightseeing and enjoying a food tour of the capital. Then you'll fly to Leros, a lesser-visited Greek island known for its beaches and historic windmills. Next, it's off to the island of Kos, where you'll swim and sunbathe on the beach, then tour the island's historic castles. The adventure ends with several days on the island of Rhodes, where the itinerary includes visits to quaint villages, a day trip to an idyllic island, a Greek wine tasting, and sunset with a spectacular view over the sea.
This lively 15-day itinerary around Greece features too many activities to list, from boating excursions and tours of ancient ruins to waterfall hikes and wine tastings. The journey begins on the mainland with sightseeing in Athens, a visit to Olympia — the site of the first Olympic Games — the fabled Homeric city of Mycenae, and more. Then you'll take off on an island adventure, starting with a ferry ride to Santorini, known around the world for its spectacular beaches and sunsets. Wrap up the trip on Crete, dividing your time between Heraklion and Chania as you discover the island's caves and coastline.
Food and wine enthusiasts — especially those looking to get off the beaten path a bit — will love this two-week itinerary around Athens and a pair of Greek islands. The trip starts with a few days in Athens, where you'll get oriented in Greek history and mythology. Then it's off to the island of Naxos, where you'll sample local sweets and visit a family-run olive oil farm. You'll also enjoy a day of sailing on the Aegean Sea before continuing to the lesser-visited island of Amorgos for several days of eating, drinking, and sunbathing. Learn how to prepare Greek food during a cooking class, sip wine with a sunset view, and pick up some bottles of locally produced olive oil to take home with you. You'll head back to Athens for one last Greek meal before the trip comes to an end.
This sweeping 15-day tour of Greece features stops at popular destinations like Athens and Santorini. It also takes you to several jaw-droppingly beautiful places that many tourists never see! Start with some traditional sightseeing at the Acropolis before catching a boat to the quiet island of Sifnos, where you'll hike, explore traditional villages, and take a ceramics class. Then continue on to Amorgos, another lesser-visited island that's known for its dramatic scenery and delicious food. Learn all about it on a gourmet tour of the island before the itinerary takes you to Santorini. Kayak through sea caves, snorkel with sea urchins, take in the island's glorious sunsets from a sailing cruise at sunset, and more — this action-packed trip has something for everyone.
This colorful 12-day itinerary around Greece features a wide range of cultural activities and outdoor adventures, from sightseeing at the Acropolis to sailing around Santorini at sunset. You'll begin the journey with sightseeing in Athens, then move on to explore ancient ruins at Mycenae, Nafplio, Delphia, and Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games. Hike around the Meteora before catching a boat to Mykonos and enjoying some relaxation on the island. You'll end the trip with several days in Santorini, plenty of time for exploring island villages, discovering quiet beaches, and taking in a glorious sunset during a sailing excursion.
Idyllic islands, ancient history, boating adventures, gourmet food and wine — this sweeping 15-day tour around Greece has it all! You'll start with several days exploring the beautiful island of Corfu before heading to the mainland, where you'll discover Athens on thematic tours dedicated to street food and Greek mythology. Continue to Mykonos for sailing tours around nearby islands, a visit to a traditional farm, and time to relax on the beach. The grand finale of the itinerary is a four-day stretch on Santorini, known for its dramatic volcano and world-famous sunsets. You'll see the sun go down over the sea on an afternoon sailing trip on the last day of the journey.
Many trips to Greece involve island-hopping. But this 8-day tour, perfect for history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, showcases the best of the mainland! You'll begin in Athens, visiting the Acropolis and the city's top museums, then viewing the city from far away on a sunset tour to Cape Sounio. Continue on to the ancient sites of Mycenae, Nafplio, and Olympia, the host of the first Olympic Games. Spot dolphins in the water on a scenic cruise around Amvrakikos Gulf, then explore the monasteries and rock formations of the Meteora before circing back to Athens. With a mix of culture, history, wildlife, and active pursuits, this journey around mainland Greece is popular with travelers of all ages.
In just five days, this diverse itinerary takes you to some of mainland Greece's top highlights. Spend a day in Athens exploring the antiquities of the Acropolis before touring Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the historic seaside city of Nafplio. Then move on to the ethereal rock formations of the Meteora, a series of ancient monasteries, a family-run winery, and more! You'll hike in the hills, sample regional delicacies, sleep in a mountain lodge, and learn all about Greek history and culture before returning to Athens, where the trip starts and ends.
Adventure awaits on this exciting 10-day tour of Athens and the Peloponnese! You'll start in Athens with a tour of the Acropolis, a Jeep excursion around the mountains and lakes outside the city, and a day trip to nearby islands aboard a classic sailboat. Then move on to bustling Kalamata, where you'll base yourself for a few days as you enjoy a sea kayaking trip and a hiking excursion to the famous Polylimnio Waterfalls. Finish the journey in Nafplio with a guided culinary tour and a tour of the ruins of the Ancient Sunken City.
Thessaloniki's hotels reflect the city's vibrant atmosphere with colors, artwork, and impressive design touches. Stay in the city center or near the harbor and surround yourself with a funky traveler atmosphere, classic style, or cutting-edge design at one of these hotels.
This 11-day tour introduces you to three of Greece's most dazzling destinations: Athens, Milos, and Santorini. You'll spend several days in each place, enough time to sightsee in the capital city and explore the beaches and villages of two beautiful islands. Begin in Athens with a tour of the Acropolis, then catch the ferry to Milos, where you'll boat around the island and wander along cobblestoned streets lined with historic churches. Finish the itinerary with four days on Santorini, enjoying scenic walks, a wine tasting at a local winery, and a catamaran cruise finishing at sunset.
A trip to Mykonos means diving headfirst into island glamour—or dipping a toe in, at the very least. Stay on the edges with some more reasonably priced accommodations in the center of town or fully submerge in the scene with luxurious beachfront villas with this list, all of which blend beautifully into the white Cycladic seascape.
Its signature dovecotes may be the most famous lodging on Tinos, but these hotels can provide an equally distinctive stay. Opt for a spot in town or head out to one of the island's many beaches, where your hotel will be just steps away from the sand.
When in Heraklion, the best lodgings are centrally located. Sample an eco-conscious smart hotel, the residence of the first Aga of Heraklion during the Ottoman era, or a luxury hotel that once played host to the city's upper crust. If you're on a slower-paced trip, head to a local winery or the nearby village of Archanes for a sedate stay under the olive trees in your own cozy villa.
Chania's varied cultural influences are apparent in its hotels, which blend historical touches and sweeping Venetian and neoclassical architecture with modern conveniences. Stay in the Old Town for cobblestone streets and proximity to the main attractions, or in the modern town center for lower rates and larger facilities.
As Europe's second oldest city, Athens has been an intersection of history, culture, and cuisine for millennia. Not surprisingly, its hotels reflect different aspects beyond the ancient Greek ones. Whether you're looking for an old European atmosphere, a gastronomy-focused hotel, or a modern 21st-century experience in the heart of the historic center, you can find what you need in these best hotels in Athens.
Many of the colorful sea captain's houses that dot the Syros waterfront have been turned into hotels, allowing travelers to truly experience the island's past during their visit. Stay in one of the neoclassical buildings in the Vaporia neighborhood of the island's main town of Ermoupoli, or head to one of the beaches if you prefer more space.
Perfect your trip to Paros with a stay on one of the island's many beaches—and there are plenty to choose from. No matter which fishing village or sweep of sand you choose, enjoy spas, sea views, and pools amid Cycladic architecture and sea breezes that will have you floating away in no time.
With bright white interiors and accents from land and sea, the hotels of Milos echo the island landscape and its dramatic white rock beaches. Find your spot in town, on a private nature reserve, or even inside a windmill at these lodgings.
There are a few questions to answer when staying on the famous shores of Santorini. But whether you choose a beachside apartment or caldera views, the bustling cafés of Fira, or the quiet elegance of Imerovigli, one of these hotels will surely hit the spot.
The best hotels in Rethymno combine the city's beach access with the Cretan culture, serving up local specialty dishes alongside historic stones under the sun. Whether you're enjoying a former schoolhouse turned boutique, savoring suites accompanied by one of Greece's best restaurants, or slowing down on a wellness-focused farm stay, it's hard to go wrong with these options.
Stay inside a historical mansion or hip design suites within the pedestrian-friendly center, or head into the countryside for a hands-on farm-stay amid the olive trees as you explore this Peloponnesian destination.
Over in the Ionian islands, Corfu's main lodgings tend more toward the resort-style. These expansive properties offer private beaches, infinity pools, and options for private villas; they even have their own seaside promenades and piazzas to sweep you away.
The beautiful Cyclades consist of hundreds of islands. You'll get to know three of the best — Naxos, Ios, and Milos — on this 10-day tour of Athens and the Greek islands. Start with sightseeing in the capital city, then travel by ferry to Naxos, where you'll go on a gourmet food tour of the island. Boat around secluded beaches on Ios, and on the island of Milos, you'll see the ruins where one of the world's most famous artworks was discovered. Finish the trip back with a sunset cruise back in Athens.
From the bustling capital of Athens to quiet villages on idyllic islands, this 10-day tour takes you to some of Greece's most appealing destinations. After sightseeing in the big city at the start of the trip, you'll sail to the island of Mykonos, where you'll tour the charming 18th-century neighborhood of Little Venice and relax on the beach. Then it's off to the lesser-visited island of Paros, a picturesque place to explore in your rental car. Wrap up the trip on the famous island of Santorini, where you'll visit a local winery, shop for handicrafts in traditional villages, sunbathe on the Red Beach, and catch glorious sunsets over the sea.
Can't choose between Greek antiquity and picture-perfect island sunsets? This 9-day itinerary, offering a mix of both, is for you. You'll start in Athens, spending a few days sightseeing and touring the Acropolis. Then you'll explore ancient ruins at Mycenae and visit Olympia to see the site of the first Olympic Games. Catch the ferry to Santorini on day six for a few days on the idyllic island, enjoying a sunset cruise and strolls through quiet villages. You'll head back to Athens for one last night in the capital city before the trip ends.
On this well-rounded 9-day itinerary, you'll sightsee in Athens and explore the outdoor attractions and cultural attractions of mainland Greece, then catch a ferry to Santorini to spend a few days on the island. Highlights along the journey include a tour of the Acropolis, a visit to the ancient ruins of Delphi, a tasting at a Greek winery, an excursion to the dramatic landscapes of the Meteora, and time to wander around traditional island villages. You'll also hike, relax on the beach, and spend the night in a mountain lodge in the gorgeous Forest of the White River.
Explore ancient ruins, relax on beautiful beaches, and wander through island villages on this 8-day trip around Greece. The trip starts and ends in Athens, where you'll tour the Acropolis and visit key museums. In between stays in the capital city, you'll visit the fabled Homeric city of Mycenae and the original site of the Olympic Games in Olympia. Then you'll catch a ferry to Santorini and enjoy a few days exploring the island, relaxing on the famous Red Beach, and taking in stunning sunsets over the water.
In just five days, you can see a lot of Greek antiquity — especially if you have a good map and the keys to a rental car! On this fascinating five-day tour, you'll drive around Athens, Olympia, Mycenae, Nafplio, Delphi, and the Meteora, stopping along the journey to tour ancient ruins, visit key museums, and walk around the original site of the Olympic Games. It's not all history on this colorful road trip, though: you'll also have the chance to hunt for truffles in the woods, dine in traditional Greek taverns, and hike through quiet forests before looping back to Athens, where the trip comes to a close.
This exciting two-week itinerary through Greece has something for everyone: ancient history, cultural experiences, outdoor adventure, world-class beaches, and gourmet food and drink. Spend the first few days sightseeing in Athens, learning about Greek antiquity at the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. Then you'll head to Mykonos for relaxing beach time and a half-day cruise around nearby islands. Catch the ferry to Santorini next, exploring traditional villages and sampling locally crafted spirits — and soaking up views of truly spectacular sunsets, of course. Wrap up the trip on Crete, where you'll tour the Cave of Zeus and marvel at dramatic scenery on the drive to the legendary Elafonissi Beach, famed for its pink sands and clear blue waters.
This 12-day adventure, focused around three of Greece's top destinations, offers an enticing mix of cultural sightseeing, outdoor adventure, and pure relaxation. You'll spend the first few days in Athens, visiting the Acropolis, tasting Greek delicacies on a food tour, and side-tripping to nearby islands by boat. Then you'll move on to Naxos, participating in another guided food tour, sightseeing in the old town, and sailing to beautiful beaches on the islands of Paros and Antiparos. Finish the itinerary on the gorgeous island of Santorini, where you'll kayak around sea caves, relax on the famous Red Beach, and end the trip with a sunset catamaran tour around the coastline.
Delve into the fascinating history and culture of Greece on this weeklong tour around some of the country's top highlights. You'll begin in Athens with a guided tour of the Acropolis, then continue to Mycenae — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and the historic coastal city of Nafplio. Tour the ruins of Olympia, the site of the original Olympic Games, before moving on to discover fascinating antiquities in Delphi and Amfissa. You'll explore the otherworldly Meteora and spend some time sampling local wines and regional dishes in the countryside before heading back to Athens, where the trip ends.
Get away from the crowds and discover a lesser-known paradise in the Greek region of Epirus! On this weeklong itinerary, you'll base yourself in the port city of Preveza, the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the area's fantastic beaches, lakes, forests, and rivers. You'll cruise to the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos, go horseback riding along the banks of the bright blue Acheron River, and look for dolphins in the wild on a boat tour. Then spend a day hiking around the mirror-like Ziros Lake before wrapping up the trip with a barbecue on the beach on the island of Lekfada.
Wondering what it's like to travel to Greece as a family during the pandemic? Our Head of Product visited Greece with her family in August 2021. While it does require extra planning, getting in and out of the country is easy. At-home test kits are a convenient way to test the whole family and have your results on hand quickly. Alfresco dining during the summer months is a safe way to enjoy Greek food and culture. Pick up more tips from Yenyi in the trip report below.
