9 Days in Greece: The Ultimate Itinerary

Greece is where ancient mythology, seaside tranquility, and vibrant Mediterranean life come together in perfect harmony. From the sacred ruins of Athens to the dazzling sunsets of Santorini, the golden beaches of Naxos, and the cosmopolitan vibes of Mykonos, this is a land that rewards every kind of traveler.

If you have 9 days in Greece, you can explore a captivating mix of history, island-hopping, cultural treasures, and leisure—without feeling rushed. This itinerary will guide you through Athens, Santorini, Naxos, and Mykonos, balancing unforgettable moments with just enough downtime to truly savor the Greek way of life.

Day 1: Arrive in Athens – Discover the Heart of Ancient Greece

Morning: Touchdown and Hotel Check-in

Arrive at Athens International Airport (ATH). Book a hotel in Plaka, Monastiraki, or Syntagma—ideally within walking distance of major attractions.

After settling in, sip your first Greek coffee at a café beneath the Acropolis.

Afternoon: The Acropolis and Acropolis Museum

Dive straight into the ancient world with a visit to:

The Acropolis – Home to the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike
Acropolis Museum – A stunning modern museum showcasing treasures from the site above

The views of the city from the Acropolis are breathtaking, especially at golden hour.

Day 2: Athens’ Cultural Gems and Ferry to Santorini

Morning: Ancient Agora and National Gardens

Start your day with a walk through:

The Ancient Agora – Where Socrates once debated
The Temple of Hephaestus – One of Greece’s best-preserved temples
Syntagma Square – Watch the Changing of the Guard outside Parliament

Wander into the National Gardens for a quiet retreat from the city buzz.

Afternoon: Travel to Santorini

Take a short flight (45 mins) or high-speed ferry (4.5–5 hrs) to Santorini. Upon arrival, check into a hotel in Oia, Fira, or Imerovigli, depending on your vibe.

Evening: Santorini Sunset

Head straight to Oia Castle or a terrace in Imerovigli to witness the world-famous Santorini sunset—a must-do.

Day 3: Volcano Adventure and Caldera Cruise

Morning: Explore the Volcano and Hot Springs

Join a half-day boat tour to:

Hike the Nea Kameni volcano
Swim in the sulfur-rich hot springs of Palea Kameni
Sail the caldera with views of cliffside towns above

Some tours include lunch and wine onboard.

Afternoon: Relax or Hike the Caldera Trail

Back on land, choose to:

Lounge at Perissa Beach (black sand and calm waters)
Hike the Fira to Oia Trail (2–3 hours of stunning coastal views)

Day 4: Santorini Culture and Wine

Morning: Akrotiri and the Red Beach

Explore Akrotiri, a preserved Minoan city buried in volcanic ash around 1600 BC. It’s Greece’s version of Pompeii and offers a fascinating window into prehistoric life.

Afterward, stroll over to the nearby Red Beach, with its dramatic red cliffs and dark volcanic sand.

Afternoon: Wine Tasting and Villages

Visit Santorini’s unique volcanic vineyards:

Santo Wines – Wine tasting with caldera views
Venetsanos Winery – Built into the cliffside

Explore quiet villages like:

Pyrgos – A hilltop village with winding alleys and panoramic views
Megalochori – Traditional charm with artisan shops and tavernas

Day 5: Ferry to Naxos – Greece’s Best-Kept Secret

Morning: Ferry to Naxos

Take a 2-hour ferry to Naxos, the largest of the Cycladic islands. Check into a beach hotel near Agios Prokopios, Plaka Beach, or a guesthouse in Naxos Town (Chora).

Afternoon: Explore Naxos Town and Portara

Wander through the Venetian castle district, discover hidden churches and cafes, and climb to the Portara, the massive marble gate to Apollo’s ancient temple.

It’s especially magical at sunset.

Day 6: Mountain Villages and Mythical Trails

Morning: Road Trip to the Interior

Rent a car or take a guided tour to explore Naxos’s lush interior:

Halki – Home to the Vallindras Kitron Distillery
Filoti – A beautiful mountain village beneath Mount Zas
Apeiranthos – Marble streets, museums, and mountain views

Afternoon: Hike or Swim

Option 1: Hike Mount Zas, said to be where Zeus was raised.

Option 2: Swim at Mikri Vigla or Agia Anna, beaches known for their crystal-clear water and laid-back vibe.

Day 7: Ferry to Mykonos – Style and Sophistication

Morning: Travel to Mykonos

Take a morning ferry to Mykonos (around 1.5 hours). Check into a hotel in Mykonos Town, Ornos, or Platis Gialos.

Afternoon: Explore Mykonos Town

Wander the maze-like streets of Chora (Mykonos Town):

Little Venice – Chic seaside restaurants and bars
Windmills of Kato Mili
Matogianni Street – Boutiques, bakeries, and art galleries

Day 8: Beaches or Delos Day Trip

Option A: Delos Day Trip

Take a half-day boat trip to Delos, the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. This uninhabited island is one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites.

Explore:

The Terrace of the Lions
Ancient houses and mosaics
Temple of Apollo

Option B: Beach-Hopping

Spend the day relaxing or partying at:

Psarou Beach – Chic and upscale
Paradise Beach – For music and fun
Agios Sostis – Quiet and untouched

Day 9: Return to Athens and Depart

Morning: Travel to Athens

Take a morning flight back to Athens for your international departure. If you have time, squeeze in a bit of last-minute shopping or a final walk through Plaka or Anafiotika.

Afternoon/Evening: Departure

Head to the airport and reflect on your incredible journey—from ancient temples to island magic, from lazy beach days to lively nights.

Essential Tips for Your 9-Day Greece Adventure

Best Time to Go: Late April–early June or September–October (pleasant weather, fewer crowds)
Transportation: Use ferries for scenic routes and flights for time-saving between islands
Currency: Euro (€); credit cards widely accepted, but carry cash for smaller villages
Language: Greek is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas
Packing List: Sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, layers for cool evenings, swimwear, and a reusable water bottle

Is 9 Days in Greece Enough?

Absolutely. With 9 days, you can:

Walk through 5,000 years of history in Athens
Witness the volcanic beauty of Santorini
Bask on uncrowded beaches in Naxos
Indulge in the glamour and history of Mykonos

This itinerary is the perfect mix of exploration and relaxation, giving you a taste of both Greece’s ancient soul and its modern, sun-kissed spirit.