Should I spend more time in Athens or Santorini?

Both Santorini and Athens have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Athens has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Athens than Santorini. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination. Families should spend more time in Athens than Santorini.



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Athens is the largest city in Greece, and is worth a visit. For first timers, its recommended to spend a minimum of 2-3 nights in Athens to see the major sites like the Athens Acropolis. However, spending 4-5 nights will allow you to experience more that the city has to offer and add in a day trip or 2!

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If you enjoy exploring cities, and if you're interested in historical sites, I think you will love Athens, and a full week is a good length of time to get into it properly.

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If you have less than 24 hours here, the Acropolis should be your priority. But you can easily spend up to five days getting to know the city, with options for day trips including important sites like Delphi and the nearby wine region in Attica.

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Spending 2 days in Santorini allows enough time to do a quick tour around the island, sightsee in a couple of villages, and spend an afternoon on the beach or on a boat. If you want to take it slow, you should add a third day to your Santorini weekend to relax poolside at your villa and stroll around the nearby towns.

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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.

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As one of the most popular Greek islands, Santorini is known for being overcrowded and expensive.

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The best time to visit Santorini is from September to October and April to May when the weather is warm and the crowds are scarce.

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Santorini is best known as a romantic island with one-of-a-kind views, whereas Mykonos is more about sandy beaches and spirited partying. Depending on the vibe you seek, both islands suit holidays à deux. Solo travellers and groups of friends will also find both appealing, though Mykonos offers more in terms of edge.

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There are two options to reach Santorini Island from Athens, the capital of Greece. One is by airplane through Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos and the other is by ferryboat from Piraeus Port.

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Fortunately, Athens is a manageable destination to visit in one day, with lots of attractions concentrated in a fairly compact area. Its central vibrant neighbourhoods are dotted with ancient ruins, so you can enjoy a cocktail in one of super cool bars one minute and be visiting another awesome ruin the next.

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Fortunately, Athens is a manageable destination to visit in one day, with lots of attractions concentrated in a fairly compact area. Its central vibrant neighbourhoods are dotted with ancient ruins, so you can enjoy a cocktail in one of super cool bars one minute and be visiting another awesome ruin the next.

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Greater Athens features the longest coastline of any European capital, with Athens' beaches consistently awarded Blue Flag status for their high standards in water quality and cleanliness. Summer and swimming in Greece is a sacred ritual and most Greeks count the number of swims they have achieved for the season.

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How Many Days in Greece: For most tourists, I recommend a visit of 10 to 15 days. This allows for a few days in Athens; a day trip to Nafplio, Delphi, or the Meteora; and a few nights on 2 or 3 Greek islands. Of course, trips of more or fewer days are possible. Can you visit Greece for only two or three nights?

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