Greece is a dream destination, offering a mix of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant nightlife. Here’s an 8-day itinerary covering Santorini, Naxos, Paros, and Athens to make the most of your Greek adventure.
Day 1: Arrival in Santorini
- Arrive in Santorini from Barcelona and take a bus to Thera.
- We stayed at Costa Marima Villas, an amazing place with great comfort and hospitality.
- Visit Oia for the famous sunset. Enjoy dinner at Alkyone Restaurant, known for its great seafood and Greek specialties.
- Return to Thera for drinks at one of the island’s many bars, such as Volkan on the Rocks, PK Cocktail Bar, Tango Bar, or MoMix Bar Santorini.
- Additional Attractions:
- Three Bells of Fira – One of the most photographed churches in Santorini.
- Santorini Caldera – Take in breathtaking views of the island’s volcanic formations.
- Museum of Prehistoric Thera – Learn about the history of Santorini before the famous eruption.
- We ate at Pelican Kipos Cafe and Wine Restaurant, and Dionysos in Atlantis in Fira—both were fantastic!
Day 2: Exploring Santorini
- Visit Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan settlement also known as the “Greek Atlantis.”
- Wine tasting at SantoWines Winery (pre-booked). Enjoy a selection of 6 wines with breathtaking caldera views.
- Head to Perissa Beach for a relaxing afternoon and dinner at Thireos Restaurant or Jasper’s.
- Additional Attractions:
- Red Beach – A unique volcanic beach with dramatic red cliffs.
- Pyrgos Village – A charming medieval town with panoramic island views.
- Megalochori Village – A traditional Greek village with whitewashed houses and scenic alleys.
Day 3: Ferry to Naxos & Exploring Chora
- Take a ferry from Santorini’s Athinios Port to Naxos Town (Chora).
- We stayed at Aeolis Boutique Hotel, and it was wonderful, with a great breakfast and a lovely pool.
- Spend the afternoon exploring Naxos Town: visit The Pocket Gallery for unique souvenirs and Pagonis Greek Sandals for handmade Cycladic footwear.
- Experience Naxos nightlife at Jazz & Blues Bar or Kitron.
- Additional Attractions:
- Temple of Demeter – A well-preserved ancient temple dedicated to the goddess of agriculture.
- Venetian Castle of Naxos – Explore the historic fortress of Chora.
- Bazeos Tower – A 17th-century monastery turned cultural center.
- We had dinner at Flamingo Restaurant, which was amazing!
Day 4: Naxos Adventure
Options for the day:
- Hike from Melanes to Myli to see the Kouroi of Flerio.
- Climb Mount Zas, the highest point in the Cyclades.
- Visit the mountain village of Apiranthos.
Join the Naxos Sunset City Walk (pre-booked) to explore the old town’s hidden gems.
Watch the sunset at The Portara, the iconic Temple of Apollo.
Enjoy dinner at Maro’s Taverna, Doukato, or To Elliniko.
Additional Attractions:
- Alyko Beach – A hidden gem with abandoned hotels and turquoise waters.
- Halki Village – Famous for its local citron liqueur and traditional charm.
Day 5: Ferry to Paros & Exploring Parikia
- Spend the morning at Agios Prokopios Beach.
- Take a ferry from Naxos to Paros.
- We stayed at Dilion Hotel. The location was great, but we booked the Economy rooms, which were quite small.
- Explore Parikia:
- Visit Agios Nikolaos, the local market, and the Old Cemetery.
- Discover the Panagia Ekatontapiliani, the “Church of 100 Doors.”
- Wander through the Frankish Castle and enjoy a scenic walk along the coastline.
- Additional Attractions:
- Butterfly Valley – A beautiful nature reserve with a peaceful atmosphere.
- Lefkes Village – A picturesque mountain village with cobbled streets.
- We ate at Mira Restaurant Paros, and it was fantastic!
Day 6: Antiparos Day Trip
- Rent a car (or buggies in our case) and take the short ferry from Paros (Pounta) to Antiparos.
- Explore the charming Antiparos Town and relax at Agios Georgios Beach.
- Visit Antiparos Cave, home to unique stalactites and stalagmites.
- Enjoy a seaside meal before returning to Paros.
- The beaches in Antiparos were beautiful, and the buggies allowed us to explore the island in an exciting way.
- Additional Recommendations:
- Taverna Peramataki – A great place for traditional Greek dishes in Antiparos.
- Plage Ag Georgios – A beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters perfect for a relaxing swim.
Day 7: Arrival in Athens & City Tour
- Take a morning ferry from Paros to Athens (Piraeus).
- We stayed at Boss Boutique Athens, and it was an excellent experience.
- Join an Athens Free Walking Tour (pre-booked) to explore key historic sites and neighborhoods.
- Additional Attractions:
- National Archaeological Museum – One of the most important museums in Greece.
- Hadrian’s Library – Roman ruins near Monastiraki Square.
- Temple of Olympian Zeus – One of the largest temples of the ancient world.
Day 8: Ancient & Modern Athens
- Visit the Acropolis with a skip-the-line ticket and an audio guide.
- Explore Plaka, Athens’ oldest neighborhood, with traditional Greek restaurants like Arcadia and Liondi.
- Walk through Anafiotika, Monastiraki, and the Ancient Agora.
- Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Lycabettus Hill.
- Experience Athens’ vibrant nightlife in Psiri, known for its bars and street art.
Food Highlights & Recommendations
All the restaurants we dined at had vegetarian options, though some were limited, such as a classic Greek salad with feta cheese. However, we highly recommend trying the tzatziki, which we enjoyed in every restaurant, always served with delicious bread. Other must-try dishes include:
- Gyros – A Greek street food staple, perfect for meat lovers and vegetarians alike.
- Vegetarian or non-vegetarian pastitsio – A Greek-style baked pasta dish.
- Moussaka – A traditional Greek dish, also available in vegetarian versions.
Final Thoughts
This itinerary balances historical landmarks, cultural experiences, and stunning landscapes. From the volcanic beauty of Santorini to the charming streets of Naxos and Paros, and finally, the rich history of Athens—this trip offers the perfect Greek getaway!
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