Greece itineraries: 5 ways to see the islands and mainland

05.09.2024 - 20:42 / lonelyplanet.com

Sep 5, 2024 • 10 min read

With endless islands and a magical mainland, the hardest decision you'll make in Greece is deciding where to go. You could spend your days ticking off the best things to do, seeking out locals' favorite spots, or hanging out on beautiful beaches – or a combination of all of three. That's why we've shared five different itineraries to help you see the most of Greece. These jam-packed routes allow you to cram the most into 7, 8 or 9 days. But if you have more time, extend your stays at different stops (or combine two itineraries) to build the two-week or even three-week Greece itinerary of your dreams. 

Whatever you desire, start planning your perfect trip to Greece.

Allow at least 7 days
Distance: 100km (62 miles) 

First trip to Greece and looking for island ideas? Here's a string of the Cyclades' best islands, most beautiful beaches, cultural highs and unique village life. Mixing and matching is easy when island hopping, so a diversion anywhere along the way just adds to the fun.

For a smaller-island feel, start in Tinos. Tranquil, with just one main town famous for its holy pilgrimage church and its marble carvers, it's ideal for foodies and those in search of an arty peace. Some of the deep coves are accessible only on foot or by small boat. At the end of the day, villages swell with people tucking into superb island-grown fare, some of the best in Greece.

Next stop: Take a ferry from Tinos to Paros (1.5 hours). 

Ferry into welcoming Paros to get a taste of quintessentially Cycladic white-cube towns and crowd- and kid-pleasing beaches, all accessible from a handy ring-road.

Detour: For social butterflies and lovers of action, ferry to glam-packed Mykonos from Paros before heading on to Naxos. There, you can add on epic archaeology at the sacred islet Delos with its fascinating ancient ruined sanctuaries and treasury of the Delian League (add 1 day). 

Next stop: Take a ferry from Paros to Naxos (50 minutes).

By far one of Greece's most diverse islands, Naxos holds everything from stone-cragged peaks to mountain villages, ancient ruins and soft white-sand beaches. Either base yourself at its zany-laned Hora, with hilltop kastro (fort) and restaurants, or at the beach – and hire wheels to see more.

Detour: Take a 3-hour ferry from Naxos to busy but spectacular Santorini to revel as you float in the middle of a volcanic caldera, water sparkling and whitewashed villages perched above (add 1 day).

Next stop: Take a ferry from Naxos to Small Cyclades (45 minutes).

Relax on the open-deck small ferry as you take the short ride to Koufonisia the swankiest of the Small Cyclades, where you can balance meals of handmade pasta with walks along the shore to swimming holes