Regardless of your preferences and age, this 5-night stay in Athens, Santorini, and Crete will allow you to get to know Greece from the inside out in the most fun and delicious way possible, and with a healthy dose of island hopping. Recommended: One night in Athens, two nights in Santorini, and two nights in Crete.
People Also Ask
Santorini is famed for its stunning white villages like Oia and Fira spilling down high cliffs that sit above a volcanic caldera. The island tops many travelers' bucket lists, so it pairs nicely with Athens for a 5 day itinerary to Greece.
Five days in Greece affords you a satisfying trip to Athens or one major island. Those interested in ancient history can get lost in the Greek capital, with famous sites like the Acropolis in the city limits and many nearby ruins just a day-trip away.
How long do you need for Greek island hopping? In order to fully immerse yourself in the authentic Greek life and culture and explore as much as possible, we recommend spending at least 2-3 nights on each island, so if you're planning to visit the four ones mentioned above, it would take you a little over a week.
Take your pick of Greek island jewelsMost first-timers choose the Cyclades, homing in on Santorini for its cliffs dripping with whitewashed cubic buildings, and Mykonos for its charismatic appeal. Once you've had your fill of Mykonos, take the ferry to nearby Tinos.
1. Athens: where to go in Greece for first-timers interested in culture & variety. Considered by many historians to be the birthplace of Western civilization, Athens is an ancient city practically overflowing with culture. Remnants of Ancient Greece are prominently spread throughout the city's narrow stone streets.
July and August are the hottest. The best time to visit is late spring (May) and fall (Sept–Oct). It's pleasant, with comfortable weather, no rain, and smaller crowds (except during holiday weekends). Winter (late October through mid-March) is colder, with some rainfall.
Despite problems in the Greek economy, it's still on the expensive side to travel to Greece. Budget travelers should plan on $50 a day, while mid-range to luxury travelers can expect to pay between $150 to $350 a day, or higher if you plan to visit more than one of its 200 islands. All prices are in US dollars.
Info about the ferry between Santorini and MykonosFerries from Santorini to Mykonos reach the port in about 2-3 hr, as the route is mainly operated by high-speed ferries. The distance between Santorini and Mykonos is just 64 nautical miles (around 118 km), which makes one-day trips rather convenient!
The most affordable Greek Islands to visit include Crete, Andros, Tinos, Corfu and Naxos. These cheap Greek Islands don't get nearly as many visitors as others, making everything from transportation to food and accommodations more affordable. And often, they're not even very far from the more popular islands.
Santorini is the top tourist destination in Greece and is world-famous for its unique natural beauty. The caldera with the white villages on top, the sunken volcano, and the charming sunset make it a popular place for vacation. In brief, we recommend staying 3 to 5 days in order to visit as many places as possible.
The AcropolisPerched atop a cliff in the heart of the city, this symbol of Western Civilisation is number one on every list of Greece's tourist attractions.
The ferry crossing from Mykonos to Santorini is approximately 2 hours and 43 minutes on most ferries servicing this route. Mykonos to Santorini ferry duration can range between 1 hour 55 minutes and 2 hours 55 minutes depending on the operator you are sailing with.
Is 5 Days in Mykonos Too Much, or Should You Plan a Shorter Trip to the Island? Five days is definitely not too much to spend in this destination. Actually, it is barely enough to explore everything. People who think they don't need more than three days here usually visit while vacationing in Santorini or Naxos island.
Usually it makes sense to go to the farthest island (Crete) first. Also, since you are going near the end of the 'season' it's best to visit Santorini last, since its season lasts a bit longer, thanks to cruise ships etc.
May, June, andSeptember are great months to visit the Grecian isles if you're looking for nice weather but still hoping to avoid the crowds. The high season (mid-June to mid-September) offers more ferry routes and flight options.