Greece has around 200 inhabited islands, and the temptation is to see as many as possible. That’s how ten-day trips turn into ferry timetables. This itinerary uses three bases and one island group.
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The route
| Days | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Athens | Acropolis, museums, food — better than its reputation |
| 4–6 | Naxos or Paros | Real island life, beaches, far cheaper than the famous two |
| 7–9 | Santorini | The caldera. Worth it despite the crowds |
| 10 | Fly home from Santorini | Direct flights in summer |
Pick one island group. The Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros) and the Ionian (Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos) are on opposite sides of the country. Combining them costs two days.
Days 1–3: Athens
Most people give Athens one day and regret it. Three is right.
The Acropolis at opening, before the heat and the coaches. The Acropolis Museum afterwards — it makes sense of what you just walked around. Then the old neighbourhoods: Plaka, Anafiotika, and Psyri in the evening for food.
Athens has become one of Europe’s better food cities and it’s still noticeably cheaper than Rome or Barcelona. See where to stay in Athens for neighbourhoods.
Days 4–6: Naxos or Paros
This is the part most itineraries skip, and it’s usually the part people remember. Both islands have proper villages, long beaches, mountain interiors and prices roughly half of Santorini.
Naxos is bigger, greener and better for walking and food. Paros has prettier towns and better nightlife. Either works; don’t try to do both.
Ferries from Piraeus take 3.5–5 hours, or fly to Naxos in 45 minutes. See ferries vs flights.
👉 Compare Naxos and Paros hotels
Days 7–9: Santorini
Yes it’s crowded, and yes it’s worth it. The caldera genuinely is one of the great views in Europe, and no photograph prepares you for the scale of it.
Two practical rules. Stay in Oia or Imerovigli if you want the view, Fira if you want the value. And avoid the cruise-ship hours — Oia between 10am and 5pm in August is unpleasant. Early mornings are extraordinary.
Whether Santorini or Mykonos suits you better is covered in Santorini vs Mykonos.
👉 Compare Santorini tours and caldera cruises
Getting around
- Ferries connect everything but run to weather and season. Book ahead in August.
- Domestic flights are cheap and worth it for long hops — Athens to Santorini is 45 minutes versus 5–8 hours by boat.
- Rent a car or scooter on the islands. Buses exist but the good beaches don’t have stops.
What to skip
- Four islands in ten days. Each hop costs half a day minimum.
- Mykonos on a budget. It’s the most expensive island in Greece and it shows.
- Meteora as a day trip from Athens. It’s 4.5 hours each way — worth two days or none.
What it costs
Roughly €1,200–2,000 per person for ten days at a comfortable mid-range standard, excluding international flights. Breakdown in what a Greece trip costs.
If sailing appeals more than hotels, sailing the Greek islands compares chartering against island-hopping by ferry.
Compare accommodation in Greece
Prices for the same room or ticket often differ between these. Some links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is 10 days enough for Greece?
Yes for Athens and two islands within one group. Attempting both the Cyclades and the Ionian in ten days costs you two days in transit.
Should I fly or take the ferry from Athens?
Fly the long legs. Athens to Santorini is 45 minutes by air versus 5–8 hours by sea, and flights are often €40–80.
How many days do I need in Athens?
Three. Most people give it one and regret it — the Acropolis, the museum and the old neighbourhoods each deserve proper time.
When is the best time to visit Greece?
May, June, September and October. Warm, far less crowded and considerably cheaper than July and August.
About the author
Born and raised in the Middle East, I’ve spent most of my adult life travelling — more than 40 countries so far. I write these guides the way I’d explain them to a friend: real prices, honest opinions, and a straight answer when the cheaper option is the better one. I don’t sell tours or own hotels, which is why I can tell you what the operators won’t.
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