7 Days in Greece: Island Hopping Itinerary

Greece is one of those places that lives up to the pictures -- the white-washed buildings against the cobalt Aegean, the food, the history, the light in the late afternoon. A week gives you enough time to do Athens justice and visit two islands, which is plenty for a first trip.

Days 1-2: Athens

• Day 1: Acropolis and Parthenon (book timed entry in advance), Plaka neighbourhood below for lunch, Monastiraki flea market
• Day 2: National Archaeological Museum in the morning, Cape Sounion day trip for the Temple of Poseidon at sunset, dinner in Psirri district

Days 3-4: Santorini

Take a short flight or high-speed ferry from Piraeus to Santorini (around 5-8 hours by ferry, 50 minutes by plane). Santorini is expensive but iconic -- the caldera views from Oia are genuinely stunning, and the black and red sand beaches are unlike anywhere else in Europe. Stay in Oia or Fira for the best views.

Days 5-6: Mykonos

• Take the ferry from Santorini to Mykonos (2-4 hours depending on service)
• Day 5: Little Venice waterfront, old Mykonos town narrow alleys, the famous windmills
• Day 6: Paradise or Super Paradise beach by day, the legendary Mykonos nightlife by night

Day 7: Return to Athens and fly home

Take the early morning ferry or a short flight back to Athens. If your flight is in the evening, you have time for a final lunch near the port or a last wander through Plaka. Athens airport is 30-40 minutes from the city by metro.

Greece island hopping tips

• Book ferry tickets in advance in peak season (July and August) -- popular routes sell out
• A LimitFlex Europe eSIM gives you 4G data across Greece and covers any connecting flights via other EU countries
• Santorini accommodation is very expensive in peak season -- book six months ahead
• Carry cash for small restaurants and beach bars on the islands

Frequently asked questions

Do British citizens need a visa for Greece? No. Greece is part of the Schengen Area and British citizens can visit without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.