The moment anyone mentions Greece, two things come to mind (well maybe a few more!): Blue and white houses on a gorgeous island and yummy feta cheese! But Greece is so much more and is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Europe. It is one of the sunniest places in the world with over 300 sunny days a year, is home to more than 6,000 islands and islets, and has18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered throughout. And though it is 80% mountainous, it also offers around 10,000 miles of coastline. Archeological sites abound and the food is both healthy and incredibly delicious. So how do you choose where to go if you only have a week in Greece? (You’re right! One week is just not enough!).

My recommendation for one week in Greece is to spend at least 2 nights in Athens, followed by 2 or 3 nights in at least two other islands if you don’t mind bopping around a bit. Otherwise, 3 nights in Athens and 4 nights on an island is also a great option!
Getting to and from Greece is best through its international airport in Athens, even if you just want to head straight to its beaches and islands. Athens makes for a great start or end to your trip, depending on flights and connections. And getting around Greece is the most important thing to consider when planning out your trip as you will most likely have to take flights or ferries to hop around between the islands and the mainland.
While in Athens, you are sure to be amazed at the Parthenon, an ancient temple dedicated to the Goddess Athena, atop Ancient Greece’s Acropolis (now an archaeological site). You will also want to wander around the vibrant Plaka neighborhood, home to many fun shops selling jewelry, clothing, ceramics, and more, as well as sidewalk cafes, family-run tavernas, and late-night bars! And though there are other fascinating places to visit on the mainland, such as Meteora with its monasteries and Thessaloniki and even Olympus, you’d want to extend your trip a few more days to squeeze these in!
So, let’s talk islands. If you have browsed the internet at all, you will often hear a lot about two main islands: Santorini and Mykonos, which are both perfect options to choose on this one-week adventure. It is fairly easy to get between these two islands by ferry, and also easy enough to either take flights or ferries to and from Athens. However, the time of year plays a significant role in where you choose to go, as access to these islands can sometimes be limited in the off season. Shops and restaurants, and even hotels are also very seasonal. (The off season is generally the winter months, for reference.)
Three nights in Santorini usually makes for the perfect escape. This island offers drastic views of the sea, and most buildings are terraced along the hillsides offering panoramic viewpoints no matter where you go. If you are looking for those white houses with blue-domed roofs and fuchsia-colored bougainvillea scattered throughout the cliffs, this is where you’ll find that. Santorini gets very busy in the summer months, so visiting in Spring and Fall can usually be more pleasant. On this island you can find delicious local white wines, you can beach hop, and even do some hiking on the caldera of the old volcano. If you just want to sit and watch amazing sunsets, this is the perfect romantic spot! And the little town of Oia is an absolute must!
Mykonos, on the other hand, offers more of a flatter experience, with some lovely beaches, great nightlife and local restaurants, and a great low-key vibe. It is also a very popular destination where people come to relax on its sandy beaches or set sail on a catamaran or sailboat to enjoy some snorkeling or island hopping. Its location makes it easy to get to other nearby islands such as Paros, Naxos, and Delos (archaeological site where Apollo was born in Greek mythology). The Little Venice area is quite charming with its seaside restaurants and maze-like streets lined with boutiques and local eateries.
Other islands worth mentioning include Corfu, Rhodes, Naxos, and Paros, but there are so many more! All offer something truly unique to their visitors, and whether you are looking for beaches, history, culture, delicious food, or a combination fo all, you won’t be disappointed with any of these choices!
Give us a call if Greece is on your mind as we’d be happy to customize an itinerary that is just right for you and your travel companion(s)!
