The myths are true — Greek holidays are just magical! The blue Aegean Sea, whitewashed houses, delicious food and wine, and the smell of night-blooming Jasmine await.
I have been to Greece many times and absolutely love the country. After quite a few road trips I am excited to share my favourite Greece itinerary with you. In addition, a 10-day Greece itinerary to see some of the best Greek islands.
How to get to Greece?
There are direct flights to various Greek airports from different airports in the UK, including direct flights to Athens from London Stansted, London Luton, and Newcastle. You will pay an average of £210 for a return flight from London to Athens (Data sourced through the KAYAK comparator search tool).
From Athens, you can either take a domestic flight or in some cases a car ferry to many other Greek destinations and islands.
If you are flying to Greece from London or Manchester, you should be able to bag direct flights to Thessaloniki or Crete as well. However, the flight schedule will depend on the season and direct flights are more common in summer.
What is the best mode of transport for your Greece itinerary?
Greece is best explored with your own hire car. Except for the big cities and some intercity bus connections, there is very little public transport in many places.
When heading to the Greek islands you can also make use of an extensive ferry network. Many of the ferries also allow cars so you won’t even have to get a new hire car. Some ferries run very frequently on any given day during the summer months, others only have once-a-day departures. Check when putting together your Greece trip itinerary so you can plan accordingly.
Remember that Greece uses the metric system and familiarise yourself with traffic laws when driving in Europe.
Best time for your Greece itinerary
Our data shows that summer months are the absolute best in Greece and from June to July temperatures soar up to 28 degrees (data sourced on weatherbase.com). However, keep in mind that the increased popularity also means more tourists and steeper prices. Especially when the other European countries start their summer holidays, things can get crowded.
A personal tip so you don’t have to repeat my mistakes: when going to Greece during the summer make sure to book a hire car for your road trip with air conditioning!
Shoulder season is in late April and May as well as in autumn from September to early October. Afterward, Greece gets less busy and prices drop as well as temperatures. While great if you are on a budget, touristic infrastructure also becomes limited in places. This means fewer or no ferry connections, fewer open hotels, and reduced hours for sights and restaurants.
Average budget for a Greece itinerary
Are you ready to book your flights and start your Greek holiday? Before you click ‘book flight’ have a look at the prices I have put together for you. This will give you an idea of how much you need to budget for your Greece itinerary.
- Average price for a double room in Athens: £118 per night
- Average price of a bed in a hostel in Athens: £35 per night
- Average price of a rental car in Athens: £41 per day
- Price for a litre of fuel in Athens: £1.61*
*As of March 2024, source: numbeo.com
These are average prices based on data collected and can vary between different locations in Greece. For a 10 days in Greece itinerary covering up to 500 miles (ca. 64 litres) with a hire car the total budget will be approximately £859. These are the costs per person based on two people sharing a double hotel room and doesn’t include your international flights.
You will also need to add costs for domestic ferries or flights for some legs of these itineraries. Prices will vary by season, route, and how far in advance you book.
Greece itinerary 7 days — From Central to East Macedonia
Your Greece itinerary for 7 days officially starts in Thessaloniki. Depending on where in the UK you are flying from, you may be able to fly direct.
Day 1 & 2: Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is Athen’s much cooler little sister. While there is plenty of history to explore thanks to a 315 BC founding date, there is also a thriving young art scene. Plenty of students and some of the most innovative restaurants add to the atmosphere.
There are also some amazing beaches not far away. If you want a proper beach holiday, head to Halkidiki, the oceanside weekend destination for the city folk.
Hotel in Thessaloniki: The Modernist is a cool, little city hotel with the best breakfast
Beach promenade
Most visitors will start their Thessaloniki trip on the beach promenade. You will see locals going for a run, fishing, and quite a few tourists as the promenade is home to two of Thessaloniki's most famous sights. First up is the historic White Tower, a building with a gruesome but interesting past. Next are the Umbrellas by Zongolopoulos, an incredibly cool artwork right by the water.
Museum of Photography & Port
Plenty of gritty interesting industrial space awaits at the Port of Thessaloniki. Just follow the promenade and you can’t miss it. It is also home to the Museum of Photography which hosts modern exhibitions.
Don’t forget your camera when you stroll around afterwards, as the port is home to fascinating motifs for your own pictures. Later, the Kitchen Bar is a good place to chill and have a coffee — or enjoy a glass of Greek wine.
Day 3 & 4: Kavala
Distance from Thessaloniki: 95 mi — less than 2 hours
Once you step into Kavala you feel like you are going back in time. The city’s past is turbulent thanks to Byzantines, Ottomans, and pirates. It was also the home of Muhammad Ali who later became what is considered the founder of modern-day Egypt.
Kavala is also known as the centre of tobacco production in Greece and is an all-around historic gem.
Hotel in Kavala: The Anthemion House, located in the old city close to all the sights
Panagia
Leave your hire car at Muhammad Ali Square because Panagia, the old city of Kavala, is best explored by foot. Start by visiting the house, now a museum of Muhammad Ali as well as his beautiful Imaret. The old Islamic school is now a very stunning hotel.
After that you can make your way up cobbled roads to the castle. From the top of its tower, you have a panoramic view of Kavala.
Mud Bath of Krinides
Head to Krinides for a special kind of wellness. Mud bathing is great for the skin and joints, and has a long history in this area. First, you will see a doctor who will advise on treatments before you enter a huge pond of mud. You basically float on the mud, a weird and wonderful feeling. If you want you can also book massages on the property.
Expert tip: Make sure to pack an old bathing suit or swim trunks as the mud is very hard to get out of fabrics.
Day 5 & 6: Thassos
Distance from Kavala: 30 mi — 2 hours including car ferry
Thassos is also known as the Emerald Island and an absolute stunner. And that says something considering how many beautiful islands Greece has to offer. Thassos is also known for its bright white marble, which is world-famous and was even used to retile Mecca. There are quarries all around as well as dark green forests, beautiful beaches, and of course some crystal clear water.
Hotel in Thassos: Angelica Hotel, a seaside retreat right by the harbour.
Marble Beach
Marble Beach, also called Paralia Saliara, is made entirely of marble sand and rocks. The sand is almost too bright here and feels like powdered sugar. A good pair of sunglasses is a must!
Getting there is no easy task as you are driving on steep white sandy roads and your hire car will need a wash afterwards. But it is worth it because the bay has a fun beach club and is just oh-so-beautiful.
Island boat trip
A boat trip around the island is a very special experience in Thassos as much of the island’s charm can only be discovered from the water. For example, the ancient ruins of Aliki that are also considered the first marble quarry of Thassos.
Then there is an island inhabited only by goats, an old iron ore factory, and Giola. This is a natural rock pool in the south you can jump into if you dare.
Day 7: Thessaloniki
Distance from Thassos: 140 mi — 4 hours including car ferry
To get back to Thessaloniki you first take the car ferry from Thassos back to Kavala. Make sure to check the departure schedule ahead of time, though the ferry does go quite frequently during the summer season. From the port, you will head to the airport in Thessaloniki where you can drop off your car.
If you didn't fly direct to Thessaloniki from the UK at the start of your Greece travel itinerary, you will need to catch a domestic flight now. If you can’t make all your connections in one day, it might be better to book your international flight for the next day. There is a lovely Sofitel hotel directly in Athens airport where you can spend the night.
Greece itinerary 10 days — Greek highlights tour
This trip takes you to some of the best-known places in Greece. While you can road trip the entire itinerary you will need to budget extra time for some lengthy car ferry rides. An alternative is to book domestic flights from one destination to the next and get a new hire car in each place.
If you have enough time you can also expand this to a Greece itinerary for 14 days. In this case, I recommend you add an extra day for a day trip from Athens and three more days in Crete. This is the largest Greek island — there is so much to do and see, I promise you won’t get bored.
Day 1 & 2: Athens
Your Greek holiday starts in Athens, the country’s historic but cool capital. There are archeological sites everywhere, making it one of the most important European cities for those interested in ancient history.
However, Athens is anything but dusty and there are rather hip areas like Psyrri and Exarchia as well as an innovative food scene.
Hotel in Athens: Acro Urban Suites, a simple hotel in the middle of the Plaka
Acropolis
The Acropolis is the most famous sight in Athens and landmark of the city. The ancient citadel towers over the streets of Athens. It is an absolute must-see even if you are not particularly into history.
It comprises different buildings with the Parthenon being the most significant one. You can go on your own or do a tour — this might be a better option to gain more insight into the history and meaning of the Acropolis.
Expert tip: Go as early in the day as possible, especially if you are travelling during the summer months. It is always crowded here but at least in the morning, you can avoid the worst heat.
Plaka
Plaka is the old town of Athens and located at the foot of the Acropolis. Its cobblestone streets are steep but incredibly picturesque. There are also cute cafes and restaurants everywhere and it is the perfect place for a glass of wine and to soak up the atmosphere of Athens.
Day 3–6: Crete
Distance from Athens: 250 mi — approximately 11 hours with the car ferry
Crete is Greece’s largest island and yet somehow feels a world away. Cretans are proud of their heritage and proud to be a bit different. Personally, it is my favourite Greek island as there is just something very special about it. A long coastline with stunning beaches, mountain paths, and the most incredible food said to be one of the healthiest cuisines in the world.
Hotel in Chania: Fagotto Art Residences, a cute boutique hotel in a historic building by the Venetian Harbor
Chania
Chania’s city centre is historic and cute with buildings and restaurants dotted around the Venetian Harbor. This is a great place for a stroll during sunset. There are plenty of incredible restaurants that show off the best of Cretan cuisine.
In the morning you should head to one of the city beaches. While these are not the best beaches you will find in Crete, they are convenient and offer a glimpse into local life. Usually, you will see many senior citizens gather in the calm waters early in the day to have a chat with their friends.
Botanical Park & Gardens of Grete
The Botanical Park & Gardens are a truly special place especially for plant lovers. Surrounded by mountains and olive groves you can find three different climate zones and their flora here. This includes alpine, tropical, and Mediterranean plants. Walking through the garden is like walking through an enchanted paradise.
They also have an incredible and super local restaurant that only uses produce from Crete — you won’t even get a Coke. Instead opt for Romeiko, a wine made from an indigenous Cretan grapes.
Balos Beach
It may look like a Caribbean lagoon but Balos Beach is still firmly set in Crete. It is one of the best beaches in Greece and for good reason. The water is shallow, warm, and sparkly turquoise and the sand is white.
To get there, you can book an organised boat trip or go on an adventure. Reaching Balos from land is not easy as it requires a dusty car ride and a hike. Make sure to check with your hire car company that your car is adequately insured.
Day 7–9: Santorini
Distance from Crete: 90 mi — 2 hours with the car ferry
Santorini, also called Thera, is an island known for its wine, over-the-top romantic sunsets, and a lot of glitz and glamour. It is also a mostly submerged caldera with its volcano in the middle, one of the few active ones in Europe. You will probably start your trip in the capital Fira before making your way to Oia. This village is home to houses carved into lava rock and probably the best-known postcard picture of Santorini.
Wine tasting
While you may think that every Greek island is a wine island (and you wouldn’t be that wrong) Santorini takes the cake. Excavations show that wine-making was already a thing here in prehistoric times.
The lava stone, hot temperatures, and strong winds make for a very special terroir. You will find vineyards and wineries all over the island where you can go for a tasting and to learn more about the Santorini grapes.
Volcano visit
You can visit Santorini’s volcano, which is located on the islet Nea Kameni. You will need to take a boat to get there before you go on land to explore the bizarre volcanic landscape.
From the water, you also have a great view of the caldera that is Santorini with its traditional white houses on top. Should you get cold you may want to take a dip in the volcanic hot springs on the islet Palea Kameni.
Day 10: Athens
Distance from Santorini: 190 mi — 5 hours by car ferry & 1 hour to the airport
From Santorini it is quite a distance to get back to Athens by ferry. Then it is another one-hour drive from the port to the airport. Make sure to add a buffer to your travel time so you won’t have to worry about catching your flight. Alternatively, you can drop off your car hire in Santorini and take a quick domestic flight to Athens.
If you want to explore more, check out our Greece travel guide and have a look at these six amazing Greek islands to extend your holiday.
The hotel recommendations included in this article are based on customer ratings and the author's personal choices, so please feel free to use our hotel search tool to find the accommodation best suited to your needs.
