7-day Greece itinerary for first timers
May your first Greek tour be the best!
You have been reading about it, hearing about it from your friends, watching hundreds of reels on Instagram; and finally it’s time to visit Greece yourself! But with so many destination options, diverse landscapes and different experiences that you can try, you might be wondering: “where should I go on my first time in Greece?”.
We understand the struggle, but worry not! On Ferryhopper, we’re here to help you plan a memorable adventure, where you can explore the iconic islands as well as the unexpected sides of Greece. Below, you can read our detailed day-to-day guide for your trip as a first-time visitor. Here are our ideal 7 days of sun, sea, relaxation, culture, and flavors in Greece:
Majestic sunset view from Oia town in Santorini
Day 1: Athens – history and nightlife
Every epic Greece trip begins with an exploration of the country’s impressive past and a tour around its archeological wonders. The capital of Athens is your landing point and where you get to take a taste of Greece’s most iconic landmarks and lively urban culture.
Start your Athens tour with a visit to the Acropolis, witness the imposing Parthenon temple, and take all 100 (or more) pictures necessary. Then spend a couple of hours in the Acropolis Museum, a must-see attraction and one of the most important museums in the world!
Tip: we recommend booking your Acropolis tickets in advance to avoid the long lines at the ticket offices, which can be super busy during high season.
In the afternoon, take a stroll through Plaka and Monastiraki, Athens’ most picturesque and vibrant neighborhoods. Take the time to enjoy local shops and street art, and grab a refreshing iced coffee.
Wrap up the day in Psiri; pick a hip restaurant with local or international cuisine, and if you are feeling like exploring the best of Athens’ nightlife, there’s dozens of cool bars in the area.
And get some good sleep, because your island-hopping adventure starts tomorrow!
The picturesque Plaka neighborhood with the Acropolis in the background
Day 2: Paros – magic by the sea
Your journey to the islands starts from the port of Piraeus, easily accessible from the city center. First stop: Paros, popular for its stunning beaches, scenic villages, and vibrant nightlife. Catch an early-morning ferry from Piraeus to Paros to make the most of your day on the island. You can get there before 11:00 by high-speed ferry.
Once you reach the port of Parikia, take a bus or taxi to Naoussa—we recommend booking your accommodation there—and catch a boat to Kolymbithres beach from the town’s port. With crystal-clear waters, sculpture-like rock formations and great amenities, this otherworldly beach is definitely the island’s highlight.
After recharging your batteries with vitamin sea until the late afternoon, head back to Naoussa. The elegant, whitewashed town is the heart of Paros island, with trendy boutiques and lively nightlife. Pick a scenic restaurant or seafood taverna by the sea and enjoy the sunset views. And if you feel like finishing the evening with a cocktail, head to the old port of Naoussa hosting numerous bars, such as Sommaripa or Aiola.
The amazing, transparent waters of Kolymbithres beach
Day 3-4: Naxos – traditional Cyclades charm
Next stop: Naxos. The island is a unique blend of long sandy beaches, archeological treasures, quaint villages, and authentic Cycladic life, and one of the best places to visit in Greece on your first time there.
From the port of Parikia in Paros, you can reach Naxos in less than 30 minutes by high-speed ferry. Catch a morning Paros - Naxos ferry between 08:00 and 11:00 to arrive before 11:30 and enjoy your two days in Naxos to the max!
The ferry to Naxos arrives in the capital, Chora, where we recommend you book your accommodation so you can move around the island more conveniently.
Tip: as Naxos is a big island, with many attractions and settlements, we recommend hiring a car so you can explore as many of the island's highlights as possible during your 2-day stay.
First day in Naxos
Once you’re all settled in the hotel, it’s time to visit one of the most dreamy beaches in Greece: Agios Prokopios. Endless, calm, and with white sand, it’s perfect for relaxing moments under the sun, as well as water sports.
Useful info: note that Agios Prokopios beach is located close to Chora (around 5 km) and you can easily reach it by bus.
In the afternoon, ride back to Chora town to take a small tour around the island’s historical sights. Admire the famous Portara, the over-6-meters-high marble gate of the ancient temple of Apollo, and stroll along the scenic paved alleys and impressive mansions of the Venetian castle, which is actually a medieval town.
Feeling hungry yet? If you have a car, we strongly suggest driving to Melanes village for a top experience of traditional flavors at one of the local tavernas. If you prefer to stay in Chora town for the evening, there are countless options for food and drinks in the evening. In any case, don’t forget to try the island’s signature graviera cheese!
Second day in Naxos
New day, new beach to discover! In the morning, catch a bus or drive from Chora to Plaka beach (around 25 minutes). This popular coast is around 4 km long (!) and stands out for its sand dunes, breathtaking landscape and excellent amenities.
After soaking in the sun and the sea, we recommend planning a short trip around the mountain villages of Naxos and discovering the local culture. First head to Apeiranthos, a jewel built on the slopes of Mount Fanari. The settlement boasts impressive architecture, with stone towers, marble alleys, and traditional houses and shops, and a resilient authentic character. Take a seat at a traditional café and enjoy unbelievable views to the island’s peaks.
Descend to Filoti village, the largest settlement in Naxos and one of the liveliest. Stroll along the narrow streets and white-washed houses, and check out the Chimaros Tower and Panagia Filotitissa church. Then head to the quaint and classy Chalkio, to admire its well-preserved Venetian Towers and Byzantine churches. Don’t forget to try the tasty homemade sweet pies of Dolce Vita cafe & patisserie before heading back to Chora.
The white-washed beauty of Filoti village in Naxos
Day 5-6: Santorini – explosive beauty
Last but not least, the iconic Santorini (or Thira); when you are traveling to Greece for the first time, you can’t miss the magical sunset and sea views, the picture-perfect settlements, and the special cosmopolitan vibe of the world-renowned island.
The early-morning ferry to Santorini from Naxos departs around 09:00-10:30 and reaches the island before 12:00. Ferries arrive in Santorini’s Athinios port. From there, you can get to Fira or Oia by bus, taxi, or car. Bear in mind that the port can get rather crowded in the summer, so it’s best to book your transportation from there in advance.
Tip: Fira is also accessible by cable car from the port.
First day in Santorini
Begin your Santorini adventure in Fira town, the island's lively capital. Stroll around the quaint streets, take pictures of the signature blue-domed churches and volcano views, and explore the island’s centuries-long history in the Museum of Prehistoric Thira.
In the afternoon, head to Oia, probably the most photographable village in Greece. Soak in the stunning sea views from the caldera’s edge, admire the white cubist architecture, and visit the lovely Atlantis Bookstore. In the evening, go to Oia Castle to watch one the prettiest sunsets in the world with a glass of vinsanto in hand, and take as many pictures as your heart desires!
To wrap up the evening, head down to the lovely bay of Ammoudi for fresh seafood by the waterfront.
Second day in Santorini
Your sixth day in Greece is all about volcanic beaches and top-notch wineries. Start the morning with a visit to one of Santorini’s black-sand beaches to take a refreshing swim, or simply relax and absorb the dramatic landscape. We strongly recommend Vlychada or Perissa beach. Of course, you can always opt for the Red Beach (near Akrotiri), famous for its striking red cliffs and azure waters.
Up for a very demure and romantic experience? Famous for its wine production and culture, Santorini has several wineries worth visiting. In the afternoon, head to Santo Wines or the Artemis Karamolegos Winery for a wine tour and tasting, and get the chance to try the local Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani varieties. In the wineries, you can also opt for lunch/dinner with a view option.
Tip: check out the top things to do in Santorini and find more activity ideas for your 2-day trip to the volcanic island.
Breathtaking view to the caldera from the terrace of Santo Wines winery
Day 7: return to Athens
Time to catch the ferry back to Athens. Santorini - Athens ferries depart frequently from early morning to evening.
If you arrive in Athens in the afternoon, and still have time (and energy) for exploration, here are some suggestions for your last day in Greece:
- Visit the National Archaeological Museum or the National Gallery in the city center.
- Discover the most alternative neighborhoods of Athens: Exarcheia and Metaxourgeio.
- Visit the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion.
Alternative Greece itineraries
The popular islands of the Cyclades are not your cup of tea? Here are two alternative destination ideas for your 7-day tour as a first-time visitor in Greece:
- If you wish to explore a more quiet side of the Aegean sea, we recommend exploring the islands of the West Cyclades: Kythnos, Serifos, Sifnos, Kimolos, and Milos. You can easily travel from one island to the next in less than 1 hour.
- In the south Aegean Sea, Crete is the largest island in Greece, famous for its diverse natural landscape, amazing coast, mouthwatering food, and lively cities. A week is just enough to explore its hidden gems from west to east.
The lunar landscape of Sarakiniko beach in Milos island
Your first trip to Greece will recharge your batteries and fill you with memories of sun-kissed coasts, ancient monuments, and enchanting villages. Whether it's Santorini’s long sunsets, Naxos’ authentic flavors or Athens’ timeless glory, Greece invites you to return and explore even more of its treasures.
Plan your ride to all the best places to visit in Greece for the first time with ferry tickets on Ferryhopper in just a few steps!
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