Greece: 8-Day Itinerary for the First Timer

Begin with the capital city of Athens, where you’ll encounter both rich history and a modern urban center.

A must-visit in Athens is the Acropolis. Go early on your first day to beat the crowds. It’s also wise to schedule your visit around cruise ship dockings. Afterward, explore the Acropolis Museum, which houses archaeological finds from the Acropolis and an excavation below the building.

The next day, travel outside Athens to Cape Sounion, where the Temple of Poseidon overlooks the Aegean Sea. Arrive in the late afternoon to experience the temple and surrounding cliffs at sunset.

Between visits to sacred ruins, explore Athens further—perhaps the Plaka neighborhood with its historic homes and bustling pedestrian streets. Or head to Kolonaki, where you’ll find designer boutiques, galleries, casual and fine dining, and trendy bars.

For dining in Athens, you’ll find traditional and modern Greek cuisine, as well as global flavors. I recommend booking a table at the Dolli’s rooftop restaurant for unobstructed views of the Acropolis.

Take a short flight to Paros, known for its beaches and traditional villages. After checking into your accommodation, explore Naoussa, with its stone-paved streets, homes, small churches, shops, and lively marina.

If you have time, visit the family-owned Moraitis winery. A guided tour showcases the underground cellars and organic vineyard, while tastings feature well-known and rare indigenous Paros varieties.

Spend your second day on the water. Charter a boat to cruise the swim spots, secluded coves, and sea caves around Paros. Alternatively, take a ferry to nearby Antiparos and enjoy the island’s slower pace.

Seafood and Greek specialties are on the menu in Paros. For an energetic dinner atmosphere, Naoussa’s marina is your spot. For a more laid-back scene, book a sunset dinner at Siparos.

Board a ferry to Mykonos, where you’ll find a well-known cosmopolitan social scene as well as low-key luxury.

Spend part of your arrival day in Mykonos Town. Explore the Archaeological Museum near the Old Port, the labyrinth streets of the Matogianni district, and the Little Venice district, where you’ll find whitewashed buildings housing galleries, boutiques, waterfront bars, and views of the historic windmills.

On your second morning, take a short ferry ride to the island of Delos. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Delos is one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites and home to ancient temples, dwellings, and statues.

If the social scene is on your to-do list, one afternoon, book ahead at Scorpios at Paraga Beach, one of the island’s iconic beach clubs. Or, for a lower-key yet chic experience, try Buddha-Bar Beach with its views of Ornos Bay.

Take an early ferry from Mykonos to Santorini. Before visiting the more popular villages of Fira, Oia, and Imerovigli, spend a few hours exploring Santorini’s past.

Start in the hilltop village of Pyrgos, with its narrow stone paths, medieval architecture, churches, and local shops. At the village’s summit, you’ll find the ruins of Kasteli castle and panoramic views of the island and the Aegean Sea.

Next, head to the village of Megalachori. Walk its cobblestone streets to see historic mansions, domed churches, bell towers, and town square. Afterward, visit a local winery to taste varieties from the village’s surrounding vineyards.

On your last day, experience Santorini’s caldera from the water. Book an afternoon cruise to see the coastline, including Red and White beaches and Black Mountain. Whether you choose dinner and drinks on board or after disembarking at Ammoudi Bay, your final Greek sunset won’t disappoint.