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Greece’s initial appeal is truly world famous. Having been a mainstay on the tourist radar for decades, people are attracted to its beaches and archaeological sites in their millions every year. But even with just one week in Greece, it’s easy to discover new sides of the country which you had never imagined before.
We all love Greece for the cosmopolitan vibrancy of Athens (we have you covered), its world-famous beaches (like those on the idyllic island of Milos), and its ancient civilization. And did we mention the incredible cuisine and traditional desserts? But Greece also boasts undiscovered mountain villages, and just maybe some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe.
Visitors with limited time may struggle to plan their one week in Greece itinerary. Based on my years of living here, I’ve cherry-picked some of the absolute best destinations and created a flexible itinerary to show off each side of the country.
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Day 1: Ancient Athens
Condensing our Athens suggestions into two days, you’ll want to visit some of the essential sights on your first day. It’s worth organizing a guided tour to learn the background behind the ancient heritage of Athens.
Of course, you can’t visit Athens without a visit to the Acropolis. However, also make sure you escape the crowds and take in the view from Pnyx Hill. In the summer, you’ll want to visit the Acropolis early before the heat arrives (in especially hot weather, the Acropolis might close for the afternoon).
Other archaeological sites on the north slopes of the Acropolis are worth your time, especially the Ancient Agora, Hadrian’s Library and Keirameikos.
In the afternoon, stroll through the pretty streets of Plaka, before calling into the world-class Acropolis Museum to contextualize all of what you have just seen. The Temple of Olympian Zeus is just over the road, in case you have time for one more archaeological site.
Round off your day with fresh Greek food in the neighborhood of Koukaki. Svoura and Dyo Dekares I Oka are both fantastic options.
Day 2: Hidden Athens
On your second day, dive a little deeper into Athens and explore the more local side of the city.
With its countless cafes, bakeries and restaurants, Pangrati is a great place to start. After taking a stroll through Pangrati Grove, head down to the Panathenaic Stadium, which was host to the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
After a walk through the National Garden and taking in the hourly National Guard ceremony in front of Syntagma Square, choose from the Museum of Cycladic Art, or the Byzantine and Christian Museum. All three are well organized and offer English explanations.
You’re just below the characterful upscale neighborhood of Kolonaki, so take a late lunch or early dinner at Mpirmpilo (pronounced “birbilo” as the letters “mp” together in Greece . Better yet, head on an afternoon Greek food walking tour to get under the skin of Greek cuisine.
From here, you can climb Lycabettus Hill (or take the funicular) for fantastic panoramic views over the city.
Exarcheia is a great place to round off your stay in Athens. The grungy aesthetic of Exarcheia is all part of its character – this area is home to many of Greece’s grassroots political movements, and its street art bears witness to its legacy of radical activism.
Have dinner at Atitamos or any of Exarcheia’s countless eateries, as you plan out the next few days of your Greek itinerary.
Days 3-7: Choose your own adventure
This is the part where you choose how to proceed. All the itineraries below take in the gorgeous Greek coastline, historical sites and hiking opportunities, but each one shows a slightly different nuance of the country.
Option 1: Greek Island hopping itinerary
Island hopping in the Aegean Sea is perhaps the quintessential Greek holiday experience. While many flock to hotspots like Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes or Kos, this itinerary will take you to places favored by locals, all while keeping the perfect balance between relaxation and activity.
Days 3-4: Andros
Your one week in Greece itinerary continues. From either the port of Piraeus or Rafina, hop on a ferry to Andros and base yourself there for two days.
Despite being less than two hours from the Greek capital, Andros is nothing short of a hidden gem: it boasts some of the best hidden coves in the whole country and unexpectedly stunning vistas. Make sure you head to the wide sweeping bay at Paralia Fellos and the iconic rocky stack at Paralia Tis Grias To Pidima.
It is best to base yourself in Batsi, for its wide selection of bars and restaurants (such as the excellent seafood at Mastello). Alternatively, you could stay in the Chora (a common place name in Greek, referring to the island’s main village), which has Venetian-era houses stretching the length of a peninsula towards Andros Castle and the Tourlitis Lighthouse out at sea.
Just north of the Chora, the crystal-clear waters at Paralia Gialia are irresistible for a summertime swim.
Hiking in Andros
The interior of Andros is widely renowned for its abundance of natural spring water, evident from the streams running through Batsi, as well as the Pithara Waterfalls near the Chora. The forests on Andros are often greener than many similar Greek islands, and there are some great trails through this landscape.
Local tip: Bus transportation is available on Andros, but as with most Greek islands, it is best to hire a car to visit those harder-to-reach beaches and grant yourself more flexibility.
Days 5-7: Naxos
For your final stop, head south to the largest of all the Cycladic islands, Naxos.
I often think of Naxos as the ultimate Greek island, since it really has it all: a picturesque whitewashed old town, postcard-perfect sandy beaches, ancient archaeological ruins, great eating options, and some serious hiking routes.
Naxos Old Town
Having visited Naxos many times, I can highly recommend staying at Panorama Hotel Naxos Town. Come here for its unforgettable sunset views from the rooftop terrace, as well as for its excellent central location right in the heart of the Old Town.
As soon as you step off the ferry, spend some time exploring the Old Town. Getting lost in its winding pedestrianized alleyways, stopping for ice cream, and slowly perusing its boutique shops are all part of the experience here.
The Temple of Apollo stands on a promontory next to the Old Town’s port and offers a spectacularly iconic vista of the town. Great views can also be had from the Venetian Castle of Naxos, rising above the Old Town itself.
If you love history, don’t miss this guided tour which combines both the Temple of Apollo and Venetian Castle and will greatly enhance your appreciation of Naxos’s unique history.
Beaches of Naxos
On your second day, hire a car and head down the island’s west coast for some beach time. My favorite place to relax is Paralia Glyfada, for its endless soft sand and untouched nature. The west coast beaches are well suited to combine with a visit to the Temple of Demeter, accompanied by a small museum.
Mount Zeus hiking
If the summer heat and beach-lounging hasn’t lulled you into the ultimate state of relaxation, the 1,003-meter-high Mount Zeus (also known as Mount Zas) offers some unforgettable hiking routes and fantastic panoramic views from the summit.
As the highest point in all the Cyclades, Mount Zeus is closely tied with Greek history. This is fabled to be where the king of the Greek pantheon grew up. The story goes that his son, Dionysus, was raised in a cave on these slopes.
In case temperatures are too high for hiking (and trust me, the Greek summer is no joke), plenty of shorter, less intense routes take you between villages of inland Naxos. Joining a group is also recommended for these.
The Old Town, beaches, archaeological sites and natural topography of Naxos make it a fantastic all-rounder. While justifiably popular, you won’t have to battle your way through Santorini-esque crowds, and that is why I truly recommend Naxos to round off your island-hopping trip.
Extend your trip
If you’re keen to extend your one week in Greece itinerary into more of a Greek Island hopping itinerary, you’ll find countless nearby islands. One particularly beautiful nearby option is Koufonisi. If your journey ends here, however, Naxos is also well connected by ferries and has an airport to take you back to Athens.
Option 2: Peloponnese Road Trip
When in Greece, do as the Greeks do, and head to the Peloponnese. Lying just to the west of Athens, but more than large enough to provide space for everyone, the Peloponnese is where many Athenians choose to spend their long, hot summer months. Given the proximity of the Peloponnese to Athens, this is an easy add-on to your one week in Greece itinerary.
For this option, you will need to rent a car. Don’t be too scared by the driving in Athens. The moment you leave the city on the modern highways, the road conditions become just like any other European country.
Day 3: Corinthos and Mycenae
Corinthos
You’ll be heading to Nafplio for your first stop in the Peloponnese, but on the way you should have lunch (I normally choose Taverna Gemelos) just next to ancient Corinthos, one of the most significant city states in Ancient Greece.
The engineering marvel of the Corinth Canal technically cuts the Peloponnese peninsula off from the rest of Greece, although I personally think it is only worth a few minutes for a visit. In the modern town of Korinthos there is not much of touristic value to see, so you might want to skip that one.
Mycenae
As you make your way down to Nafplio, it is essential that you make a mid-afternoon stop at Mycenae. No matter how tired you may be of archaeological ruins, Mycenae is absolutely worth your time.
Founded around 1300 BCE and predating many of the Athenian sites by about a millennium, Mycenae is mind-bogglingly old. This is noticeable in the architectural styles you’ll see at the famous Lion Gate and Tomb of Agamemnon, which differ significantly from those in Athens.
That evening, take yourself down to Nafplio and settle into your accommodation. Have dinner at Kipos as the sun sets over the Argolic Gulf (this restaurant single-handedly made me fall in love with eggplants imam).
Day 4: Nafplio
The next day, the wonder of Nafplio awaits you. The neoclassical architecture, colorfully painted buildings and flower-adorned narrow side streets of this Venetian port city show you exactly why Athenians consider this an ideal weekend escape.
Nafplio was particularly important in the Middle Ages, and briefly served as the capital of Greece in the early 1800s. The Archaeological Museum and War Museum give an interesting insight into the city’s history.
Watching over Nafplio is the Venetian Fortress of Palamidi. Take the stairs (or drive) to the top and enjoy breathtaking views of the town, bay, and surrounding Peloponnesian mountains.
Epidavros
In the afternoon, take a 30-minute drive eastwards to Epidavros, and take in one of the most impressive extant amphitheaters of ancient civilization.
Local tip: If visiting in the summer, check the schedule of the Athens-Epidavros Festival to try to catch a musical or theatrical performance in this most atmospheric of venues.
The pretty beach resort of Tolo is just south of Nafplio, and is a good alternative to staying in Nafplio itself.
Day 5: Monemvasia
As you journey southwards from Nafplio, take a short detour to visit Ancient Argos. Take a moment to hear the acoustic phenomenon of vocal projection from its amphitheater’s central point.
You will then arrive at Monemvasia. Often nicknamed “The Gibraltar of the East”, this fortified town sits on a rocky outcrop separated from the mainland by a thin stretch of land. Its castle remnants, city walls and Byzantine churches make it well worth a day of exploring.
Climb over the top of the hill to the tranquil north hillside, particularly beautiful when in full spring bloom.
Days 6-7 Mani Peninsula
Right at the south of the Peloponnese, the Mani Peninsula has a special place in the heart of Greeks. Mention it to any Greek, and they will tell you about the magical, untouched, ‘end-of-the-world’ feel of its mountainous villages, bayside villages and sea caves.
Take your pick for where to stay: the seaside town of Gytheio or the small village of Areopoli are both good options. Take a boat ride into the Caves of Diros, and for a combined swimming and lunch spot, it’s hard to beat the beachside tavernas and jaw-droppingly beautiful bay at Gerolimenas.
If anything, the best advice about Mani is to leave your plans open and give in to spontaneity. You won’t find crowds of foreign tourists here, and when you discover it yourself, you will know exactly why Greeks hold it in such high esteem.
Extend your trip: Lousios Gorge
On your final day’s drive back to Athens, take a detour to the Lousios Gorge deep in the interior of the Peloponnese. Looming over these forested slopes and daringly carved into the sheer cliff face is the Monastery of Agios Ioannou Prodromos in Arcadia, where 12th-century monks retreated from the outside world.
If you wanted to extend your vacation, stay for a night in the nearby villages of Stemnitsa or Dimitsana, both authentic mountain villages with thick stone-walled houses, cozy tavernas and cobbled streets. You’ll be well away from the seaside tourist crowds, and visiting in the fall and winter seasons is particularly memorable.
Option 3: Off-The-Beaten-Track to Evia
I truly believe that Evia is Greece’s best-kept secret. Dramatic mountains, isolated coves and the impossibly clear Aegean Sea all make Evia an absolute dream destination for nature lovers.
Greece’s second-largest island is actually accessible by bridge from the mainland of Greece. After picking up your rental car, you can get there in only a few hours’ drive from Athens.
Day 3: Eretria
After crossing the suspension bridge at Chalkida, head straight down the coast to Eretria. The sheltered waters of the South Evian Gulf lap gently against the shore, and there are a few good beaches nearby to take in the relaxed atmosphere.
This is the real local version of Greece, and time moves slowly on Evia. When you are finished visiting the nearby Ancient Theater of Eretria, just sit back over a leisurely dinner, while you enjoy the beautiful scenery over to the Greek mainland.
Days 4-5: Kalamos
After driving through the hills of central Evia, you have an abundance of seaside towns to choose from.
One of my personal favorites is Kalamos. Nestled between the dramatic cliffs which characterize Evia’s east coast, the three beaches near Kalamos are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and exploring. The keyword here is “relaxation.” There is enough activity in the town to keep you entertained. However, you should be aware the vibe is ultimately low-key.
There’s not much else to do apart from enjoy the pristine sea, eat and drink at the tavernas and café bars, and kick back with a good book. But for many people, that is exactly what they come to Greece for, and there may be nowhere better for that than Kalamos.
Day 6: Kymi
Spend your day slowly working your way up the east coast of Evia, stopping by swimming spots such as Paralia Agios Merkourios, Mourteri, and Agios Georgios.
The hilltop town of Kymi is a great place for a night stop. Perching high above the eastern Aegean and providing great views to the island of Skyros, Kymi gives a very authentic impression of traditional Greek village life. The small square outside the church often sees local events taking place.
There are a few nice hotel options here, and the breakfast offered at Archontiko Kymis Boutique Hotel is particularly special.
Day 7: Steni Dirfyos
Further north and before you turn inland to cross back over back towards Athens, you’ll be greeted by truly breathtaking views from the winding mountain roads. In particular, the cliff-top vista over Paralia Metachiou will blow your socks off.
Local tip: Don’t always trust online maps! In mountain areas like Evia, many roads marked on the map are actually unpaved tracks. These should only be attempted in four-wheel drives.
Your very last stop should be Steni Dirfyos. “Steni” translates as “mountain pass”, and “Dirfyos” is the name of the mountain towering over central Evia.
If you are feeling energetic, this can be the base from which to climb the mountain of Dirfyos. Views from its summit stretch from the islands off the eastern coast to the mountains of mainland Greece on the west.
Alternatively, just relax even more at one of the tavernas in the cool, shaded square of the town. With the backdrop of flowing mountain springs, villagers selling local organic honey, and the rustling of trees in the fresh breeze, you will be left with an incredibly authentic side of Greece. Just like me, you will wonder why more foreign visitors are unaware of the wonder of Evia.
For a longer trip, you could drive from here all the way up to the north of Evia. Here, you’ll find pine forests and impressive natural hot springs at Loutra Edipsou. Getting back to Athens, however, is easy one-and-a-half-hour from Steni Dirfyos.
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