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Greece has more than 1,000 islands, so planning your first trip can feel overwhelming. Should you explore ancient Athens, spend your days on the beach, chase Santorini sunsets or experience Mykonos nightlife?
When I visited Greece, I decided to combine a little bit of everything.
My 10-day Greece itinerary took me from Athens to Delphi, then across the Cyclades islands of Ios, Santorini and Mykonos, before returning to Athens for my flight home to Dublin.
It was a mix of ancient history, ferry journeys, beach days, hostels, island nightlife and some of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen. It wasn't perfect, and I definitely had a favourite island and a least favourite one. But that's part of travelling: you discover what you enjoy by experiencing it for yourself.
In this guide, I'll show you how I organised my 10 days in Greece, what I did in each destination, and how you can plan your own trip.
A quick note: This is the itinerary I followed on my trip, and some of the prices mentioned reflect what I paid at the time. Accommodation costs, ferry routes and tour availability change, so check current prices before booking.
My 10-day Greece itinerary at a glance
This itinerary combines city sightseeing with three Greek islands. It is a fairly active trip, especially because you'll be moving between destinations, so allow yourself some flexibility around ferry schedules.
🏨 Where to Stay on This Greece Itinerary
Prices and availability shift fast on the islands in summer — use the links below to compare what's open for your dates in each stop.
Athens: See hotels in Athens →
Ios: See hotels in Ios →
Santorini: See hotels in Santorini →
Mykonos: See hotels in Mykonos →
Accommodation can make a big difference to your budget, especially on popular islands. I travelled with a backpack and stayed in hostels for much of the trip, but I also treated myself to a hotel room in Santorini and again before my flight home.
Use the map above to explore accommodation options along the route. You can also compare places to stay in each destination as you plan the individual stops.
Athens: Stay somewhere convenient for exploring the centre and getting to transport connections.
Ios: Choose accommodation based on whether you want easy beach access, nightlife or a quieter stay.
Santorini: Fira was a practical base for my short visit and for getting around the island.
Mykonos: Think carefully about whether you want to be close to the nightlife or prefer somewhere quieter.
Athens before departure: Consider an airport transfer and your flight time when choosing your final night's accommodation.
Compare hotels across Athens, Ios, Santorini and Mykonos before you book. You can zoom out on the map to search for accommodations in the various places I visited.
Day 1: Explore Athens
I absolutely loved Athens in the summer. The city centre was alive late into the evening, with people eating on restaurant terraces, bars serving creative cocktails and ancient ruins appearing around almost every corner.
I also loved the street art, the welcoming atmosphere and the street cats that seemed to be everywhere.
English is widely spoken in many tourist areas, but learning a few Greek words before arriving is a nice way to connect with the place. I used a Greek language guide and audio app to practise a little before my trip.
Things to do In Athens
You can find a list of activities to do in Athens here
Take a free walking tour of the city to familiarize yourself with the streets and the History. A walking tour is a useful way to get your bearings, discover the city's history and find places you might otherwise miss. Check whether the tour is genuinely free or operates on a tips-based model before booking.
Visit the Acropolis and the Acropolis museum. The Acropolis is one of the major historical landmarks in Athens. If ancient history interests you, give yourself enough time to explore the site and the museum rather than rushing through both.
Visit the flea market in Monastiraki:If you enjoy vintage clothing, antiques, souvenirs and browsing local shops, Monastiraki is worth a visit. It's also a good area to wander around and soak up the atmosphere.
Watch the changing of the guards. Visit the monument to the Unknown Soldier near Syntagma Square to see the ceremonial guards.
Take a break in the National Garden. Athens can be hot in summer, and the National Garden offers a welcome shady escape from the busy streets.
Explore Gazi after dark
Gazi was my choice for nightlife. The area has bars close together, making it easy to move from one place to another and find a spot that suits your mood.
Walk along Ermou Street and look for street art
Ermou is a major shopping street, while Athens' street art offers a different perspective on the city beyond its ancient monuments.
One interesting thing I experienced was the atmosphere around the summer full moon. Some cultural sites may offer special late openings or events on particular dates, but check the current programme rather than assuming admission will be free.
Good thing to know: The city celebrates the biggest and brightest full moon of the year with grand, late opening of the main city attractions, and most importantly free admissions. I happened to go out for dinner around 10pm one evening and was surprised to see such a big crowd in the streets. Most attractions will remain opened until 1am.
Browse Athens Walking Tours and Acropolis experiences here.
Day 2: Take a day trip to Delphi
Delphi
From Athens, you can take a day tour to Delphi, back on memory lane.
Delphi was home to the sanctuary of Apollo and its famous oracle. The archaeological site sits in a mountainous landscape, with ruins, a theatre, a stadium and a museum displaying objects discovered in the area.
I enjoyed the combination of history and scenery. There is walking involved, including some uphill sections, so comfortable shoes and water are essential.
How to visit Delphi
You can organise transport independently or book a day trip from Take a day trip to Delphi
Athens. A guided tour may be the more straightforward option if you want transport and historical context organised for you.
Before booking, check how much time the tour allows at the archaeological site, whether entrance fees are included and whether the museum is part of the itinerary.
Day 3-4: Athens To Ios
After two days exploring Athens and its surroundings, it was time to head to the islands.
I left early from Piraeus, Athens' main passenger port, to catch the ferry to Ios. The port was enormous, and finding the correct departure gate took some attention. I was lucky to have a taxi driver who helped me get there in time.
My ferry journey to Ios took about three hours on my trip. Treat that as a historical reference rather than a guaranteed journey time: routes, vessels and timetables can vary.
Once I arrived, the hostel offered a shuttle to collect travellers, which made getting settled much easier.
I stayed at Francesco's, on a hill overlooking the island and the sea. The hostel organised a bar crawl in the evening, which was a great way to meet other travellers and experience Ios' social side.
Things to do in Ios
Spend time at the beach
Some of my favourite island moments were the simplest ones: relaxing by the sea, swimming and enjoying the sunshine.
Try water sports
Depending on conditions and availability, you can look into activities such as snorkelling, jet skiing, sailing or banana boat rides.
Explore the beach bars
Ios has a lively social scene, with beach bars and afternoon parties in some areas.
Rent a quad or another suitable vehicle
Having your own transport can give you more freedom to explore, but check licensing requirements, insurance, road conditions and whether you are comfortable driving it. Don't assume a quad is automatically the safest or best option for every traveller.
Watch the sunset
Make time for an evening without a strict schedule. Watching the sun go down with fellow travellers was one of the things I enjoyed most about island life.
Join a game with the locals
I also enjoyed playing sports with local kids on the island's main playground. It was a reminder that some of the best travel experiences aren't necessarily the ones you book in advance.
Where to stay in Ios
My experience at Francesco's was a good fit for the social, backpacking trip I was taking. If you prefer a quieter holiday, compare locations and recent reviews carefully before booking.
Day 5-6: Ios To Santorini
I caught an early ferry from Ios to Santorini. After arriving, I took a shuttle towards Fira, where I was staying.
At the time, I found a boutique hotel room in Fira for around €60 for one night. Santorini has a reputation for being expensive, so I was pleased to find something that worked for my budget. That price is from my original trip and shouldn't be treated as a current rate.
I had limited time on the island, so after dropping off my bags and asking the hotel receptionist for advice, I headed out to explore.
What to do in Santorini
On my trip, I chose a day tour to see several of the island's main attractions in a short period. But if you are staying longer, I recommend renting a quad and exploring on your own at your own pace. I personally had a great experience and visited the main attractions of the island and its surroundings, but it did feel rushed at times.
Cruise around the three volcanic islands that composed Santorini (Thíra, Thirassiá and Asproníssi)
The boat trip included views of Santorini's volcanic landscape and the surrounding islands. Seeing the coastline from the water gave me a different perspective on the destination.
Visit Nea Kameni
The volcanic landscape was impressive. The walk can be exposed to the sun, so take water, wear suitable footwear and check the conditions before you go.
See the hot springs
The tour also included a stop at the hot springs. I chose not to swim because the water didn't appeal to me personally. Whether you enter the water is entirely your decision, but follow the operator's safety advice and any local guidance.
Explore Thirassia
I enjoyed the slower pace of Thirassia. It was a good opportunity to relax by the sea and have lunch at a restaurant near the shore.
Watch the sunset in Oia
We then headed to Oia village to enjoy the sunset. But before, you will have to climb the stairs up to the village either by walk or with the famous tourist attraction, the donkeys.
This was one of the highlights of my entire trip. Oia's sunset views were among the most beautiful I've seen, and I'd put the experience in my personal top three.
The downside is that popular viewpoints get crowded quickly. Arrive early enough to find a comfortable spot, and plan your return journey before the crowds leave at the same time.
If you're staying in Fira, check the latest bus timetable for the return trip from Oia. Don't assume you can always find transport immediately after sunset.
Explore Fira in the evening
After returning from Oia, I went out for a couple of drinks at Murphy's and Highlander's Scottish bar before heading back to my hotel. Santorini nightlife can be expensive, so decide on your budget before the evening starts.
Is a Santorini tour worth it?
For me, the tour was a practical way to see several places in a short stay. I paid around €60 at the time, but tour prices and inclusions change.
Compare the itinerary, duration, transport, entrance fees and what's included before choosing a tour. If you have more than a day or two, independent exploration may suit you better.
> Compare Santorini Boat Trips and Island Tours here.
Where to stay in Santorini
Fira worked well for my short visit because I could use it as a base for exploring. Oia is famous for its views, but you should compare prices, transport and the type of experience you want before deciding where to stay.
Day 7-8: Santorini To Mykonos
Believe it or not, I did not know that Mykonos was a party island and famous as being the Ibiza of Greece.
I planned my vacation at the last minute. And to be honest, that was the island I appreciated the least from my whole trip.
The people who worked at the hostel were not helpful or welcoming at all. I believe they are so used to seeing tourists that as long as you don't spend any money, they are not interested. Sorry to be so harsh, but that was my experience on this island.
There is not much to do either except party on the beach during the day, farniente and chill, eat, drink and go to nightclubs at night.
It is a party island, party during the evening and rest during the day on the beach. I was expecting more...
That's my personal experience, not a verdict on everyone who visits or works there. Other travellers love Mykonos, particularly for its beaches, restaurants and party scene.
The lesson I'd take from my visit is simple: research the atmosphere of each island before choosing it. If you're looking for lively beach clubs and late nights, Mykonos may be exactly what you want. If you prefer quiet villages and a slower pace, compare alternatives as well.
Places to visit in Mykonos
Paraga Beach
A beach to consider if you want to spend time by the sea and explore the beach-club scene.
Tropicana Beach
Known for its lively atmosphere, this is worth researching if beach parties are part of your plan.
Paradise Beach
Another option for travellers looking for music, bars and a social beach experience.
Little Venice
A picturesque waterfront area that's worth visiting for a walk, photographs and a drink.
The Mykonos windmills
The famous windmills are one of the island's best-known sights. They're a good stop while exploring the town.
Where to stay in Mykonos
Think about how you'll spend your evenings before booking. Staying near nightlife can be convenient if you're planning late nights, but a quieter location may suit you better if rest and relaxation are the priority.
Compare the location, transport options, recent reviews and total cost before deciding.
Day 9: Return to Athens
After hopping between islands and spending much of the trip in hostels, I like the idea of treating yourself to a comfortable hotel room before a flight.
That's what I planned for my last evening in Athens: a proper bed, a little time to unwind and a chance to get organised before heading home.
If you're following this itinerary, make sure your ferry arrival leaves enough time to get to your hotel. Ferry delays can happen, so avoid building a tight connection between an island ferry and an international flight on the same day if you can help it.
Use your final evening to enjoy a relaxed meal, buy any last souvenirs and get ready for departure.
Day 10: Athens To Dublin
Grab your last souvenirs, buy your postcard and pack up before heading back to the airport and taking your flight. The ride from the city centre by metro is about 45 minutes, so plan ahead enough to be there on time and watch out for the pickpockets!
Overall, Greece was an amazing experience. I met so many travellers, mostly from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Finland.
The Greeks are such lovely people, very welcoming and helpful, except in some very touristy places like Mykonos, where they don't bother. I had no issues communicating, and I haven't seen anything of what the media showed on TV.
So again, it is better to form your own opinion of a country and not always listen to the media. I saw amazing sunsets and just had the perfect summer holiday that ticked all the boxes.
And just like that, my 10 days in Greece came to an end.
That is an idea of an itinerary, but of course, there are many other things you can do. There are more than 1000 islands; the choice is yours.
How much does a 10-day trip to Greece cost?
Your total budget will depend heavily on the season, accommodation, ferry tickets, tours, restaurants and how often you go out.
I travelled as a backpacker for much of this trip during the off-season in September, stayed in hostels and looked for ways to keep costs under control. I also paid for experiences and occasionally chose a more comfortable hotel room.
Rather than relying on old prices, build your budget around these categories:
Flights: Compare flights to Athens and check baggage fees.
Accommodation: Price each destination separately; popular islands can be expensive.
Ferries: Check the actual route, departure port, travel time and baggage rules.
Food and drinks: Decide whether you'll mostly eat casually or dine out.
Tours and attractions: Compare guided tours with independent visits.
Local transport: Include airport transfers, buses, taxis and any vehicle rental.
Travel insurance: Choose cover appropriate for your trip and planned activities.
I personally used Booking.com and GetYourGuide to plan out the whole itinerary.
My main budgeting advice is to research accommodation and ferries early, particularly if you're travelling in peak summer. Those decisions can have a significant impact on the total cost.
How to get around Greece on this itinerary
This route relies on a combination of city transport, road transfers and ferries.
Getting around Athens
Use walking and public transport where practical, and plan your airport journey ahead of time.
Travelling between islands
Check ferry routes and timetables for your exact travel dates. Not every route runs at the same frequency throughout the year, and schedules can change. Allow enough time at the port to find your departure gate.
Make sure to book your Ferry well in advanced to avoid price surge as the date of departure gets closer.
Exploring the islands
Depending on the island and your itinerary, you may be able to use buses, taxis, organised tours or rental vehicles. Compare the cost and convenience before deciding. If renting a vehicle, confirm that your licence, insurance and planned route meet the provider's requirements.
Would I follow this exact Greece itinerary again?
I'd happily return to Greece, but I'd plan the island portion more carefully.
Athens was a great introduction to the country's history, street life and food. Delphi was worth visiting for its archaeological site and mountain setting. Ios gave me the relaxed beach time and social atmosphere I wanted, while Santorini delivered one of my favourite sunsets.
Mykonos wasn't the right fit for me on that trip, but I can see why its party scene attracts other travellers.
If I were planning this itinerary again, I'd pay closer attention to ferry schedules, research each island's atmosphere and decide whether I wanted to prioritise nightlife, beaches, scenery or history. I'd also compare accommodation early rather than relying on last-minute availability.
Most importantly, I wouldn't try to squeeze every possible attraction into every day. Moving between islands takes time, and some of the best moments happen when you leave room to explore.
Frequently asked questions
Is 10 days enough for Greece?
Ten days is enough for a trip combining Athens, a mainland day trip and a few islands, but it won't cover everything Greece has to offer. This itinerary is best for travellers who enjoy moving between destinations.
Which Greek islands are included in this itinerary?
The route includes Ios, Santorini and Mykonos, with Athens as the starting and ending point and Delphi as a day trip.
Is this Greece itinerary suitable for a first visit?
It can work well for a first visit if you want a mix of history, beaches, nightlife and scenery. If you prefer a slower holiday, consider spending more time in fewer destinations.
Should I book ferries and hotels in advance?
It's sensible to compare options ahead of time, especially during the busy summer season. Check current ferry schedules and cancellation policies before committing to accommodation and transport.
Is Mykonos worth visiting?
That depends on your interests. I personally enjoyed it less than the other stops on my trip, but travellers looking for beach clubs, nightlife and a lively atmosphere may love it.
Where should I stay in Santorini?
I stayed in Fira and found it practical for a short visit. Compare Fira, Oia and other areas based on your budget, transport needs and the kind of experience you're looking for.
Final thoughts: Plan your Greece trip, then enjoy it
My 10 days in Greece gave me ancient history, island adventures, beach days, new friendships and unforgettable sunsets. I met travellers from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Finland and beyond, and came away with memories that have stayed with me.
Not every stop was exactly what I expected, but that's part of travelling. You can research a destination, read reviews and plan every detail, yet the experience will still be your own.
Use this itinerary as a starting point, check the current transport and booking options, and adapt the route to your budget and interests.
And one final piece of advice: leave a little room in your schedule. Put the watch away now and then, slow down, and enjoy the Greek way of life.
Safe travels!
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Planning 10 days in Greece? Follow my Athens, Delphi, Ios, Santorini and Mykonos itinerary, with travel tips, places to visit and booking advice.