Planning a trip to Greece?
This guide offers a perfect 3-day travel itinerary with key tips for exploring its rich history, stunning landscapes, and cuisine.
Your journey will start in Athens, then move on to the picturesque island of Santorini for a mix of culture, relaxation, and stunning views.
1. Considerations When Planning Your Greece Travel Route
When considering how to plan out your own route, you'll have several factors to bear in mind:
Budget: Work out your budget. Greece can be very affordable with hostels and street food, but you can also go super-luxe with resorts and fine dining.
Accommodation Options: There are accommodation choices to fit every budget, from hostels to mid-range hotels to luxury resorts. Staying centrally can save time on traveling around a city.
Time of Year: Peak season is June to August, with hot weather and a party atmosphere. This also means more crowds and more expensive tourist traps. Shoulder season in April-May and September-October is a sweet spot, with good weather and fewer tourists. Winter is cool and quiet.
Interests and Activities: Greece has everything from organized tours of ancient sites to beach breaks to mountain walking to food and wine experiences. Plan your route to take in the highlights you're most interested in.
Health and Safety: Stay up to date on health warnings and travel tips. Pack any necessary medication, check you have travel insurance. Watch out for pickpockets - especially in busy spots.
Travel Restrictions and Visas: Make sure you've got all the paperwork! Citizens of the EU and Schengen Area don't need visas, but there are different regulations from other countries. And keep an eye out for both health and travel warnings.
2. Greece 3 Days 2 Cities Detailed Itinerary
To make the most of a short trip to Greece, here's an itinerary that balances historical exploration in Athens with the breathtaking beauty of Santorini.
Route Overview
Start your journey in the historic city of Athens, then move on to the picturesque island of Santorini for a mix of culture, relaxation, and stunning views.
Greece 3 Days Trip Table
Day | Destination | Recommended Spots and Route |
1 | Athens | Arrival, Acropolis ➡ Constitution Square ➡ Athens National Garden ➡ Panathenaic Stadium (optional) |
2 | Santorini | Oia Town, Watch the sunset in Oia |
3 | Santorini | Fira Town, Volcano Island, Black Beach, Red Beach |
Day 1: Athens
Your Greek odyssey begins in the heart-stirring city of Athens, where history and culture stand testament to ancient glories.
What to See and Do:
Acropolis: Start your visit early at Athens’ landmark site, the Acropolis. Tour the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike, marveling at their architectural brilliance and the tales they tell of ancient democracy and philosophy.
Constitution Square (Syntagma Square): Stroll down to the bustling center of modern Athens. Here, you can witness the precision of the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located in front of the Hellenic Parliament.
Athens National Garden: Just a short walk from Syntagma, the National Garden offers a lush retreat from the city's hustle. Explore its shaded paths, small ruins, ponds, and zoo.
Panathenaic Stadium: If time permits, visit this stadium, a reconstruction of the original that hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. It's made entirely of marble and is a sight to behold.
Where to Stay:
Find accommodations in the Plaka district. Its picturesque streets are filled with neoclassical architecture, cozy tavernas, and vibrant shops, making it the perfect base for exploring Athens.
Purchase a combined ticket for multiple historical sites to save on entry fees.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen and a hat, as exploring Athens involves a lot of walking outdoors.
Day 2: Santorini - Sunset in Oia
On your second day, fly or take a ferry to the stunning island of Santorini, known for its whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches perched above the Aegean.
What to See and Do:
Oia Town: Dedicate your day to exploring Oia. This village is famed for its cobblestone streets lined with boutique shops and art galleries. You will see local craft shops for unique jewelry or art pieces.
Sunset Viewing: Oia boasts the most photographed sunset in Greece, if not the world. Position yourself early in a good spot along the castle or at a café with a caldera view to watch the sky and sea turn golden and pink.
Where to Stay:
Choose a hotel or traditional cave house in Oia to maximize your experience of Santorini’s unique architecture and stunning views.
Oia gets extremely crowded at sunset, so scout a spot early. For a special experience, book a sunset cruise which offers views from the water.
Day 3: Santorini - Volcanic landscapes and beaches
On your last day on Santorini, explore the island's natural sites and colorful towns.
What to see and do:
Fira Town: Start in the lively island capital Fira, with its shops and cafes. Consider visiting the Museum of Prehistoric Thira to learn about the island's past.
Volcano tour: Take a morning boat tour to the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, where you can hike to the crater of the still active volcano before soothing your muscles in the warm thermal springs.
Beach time: Visit Perissa or Kamari (the Black Beach) and the Red Beach close to the excavations at Akrotiri. Each beach offers a unique setting, from volcanic black sand to a backdrop of red cliffs.
Where to stay:
Remain in Fira to enjoy the nightlife, or head to a more tranquil spot such as Imerovigli to unwind.
Take swimwear, sunscreen and a hat. Good shoes are a must for the volcanic trails. To avoid disappointment, book volcano tours in advance, especially in high season.
Variations for a longer/shorter trip
If you have less time: Spend only two days on Santorini, exploring Oia and its famous sunset. Or cut back on Athens sightseeing, leaving out the optional sites.
If you have more time: Stay longer in Athens to see more, such as the monuments of the Ancient Agora or the National Archaeological Museum. On Santorini, allow time to explore the beaches or some of the island's wineries.
3. David's Top 10 Greek Foods and Drinks
Greek food is an intoxicating marriage of fresh ingredients, strong flavors, and recipes decades in the making. These are ten things you should eat to fully experience the country's culinary culture.
1. Moussaka
Layers of oven-baked aubergine, ground meat, and bechamel sauce. Pure comfort eating.
2. Souvlaki
Marinated and grilled meat skewers, typically served with pita bread, tomatoes, onions, and Tzatziki sauce. A beloved takeaway food.
3. Tzatziki
The classic greek yogurt dip of cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and dill. Served as a side or dip.
4. Greek Salad
A mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, onions, and feta, dressed in olive oil and sprinkled with oregano. It feels healthy to eat.
5. Spanakopita
A flaky pastry pie stuffed with spinach and feta, usually an appetizer or snack.
6. Dolmades
Vine leaves stuffed with fillings such as rice, pine kernels, herbs - and a shot of lemon.
7. Baklava
Chopped nuts layered with honey or other syrupy, sweet sauces. Dessert-wise, very sticky and sweet.
8. Gyro
Pieces of pork or chicken cooked on a vertical rotisserie, then served in pita with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki.
9. Pastitsio
Often referred to as Greek lasagna, this pasta dish includes layers of macaroni and seasoned ground meat, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce.
10. Loukoumades
Deep-fried dough puffs soaked in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon or nuts. A sweet treat that's impossible to resist.
4. Even more Greece travel tips
Packing essentials
Packing light is the name of the game, with Greece’s Mediterranean climate ideal for breathable wardrobe options.
Make sure to have a sturdy pair of walking shoes, swimwear, a hat, and sunblock to protect against the sun, and an adapter for electronics.
Keeping a small first-aid kit with basic medications isn’t a bad idea, and take along a reusable water bottle to stay refreshed during your journey.
Cash and Local Apps for Payment and Transport
While credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, it’s advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller towns or islands.
ATMs are readily available, but fees can add up. For convenience, use local apps like Beat for taxi services and Viva Wallet for cashless payments.
Local Etiquette and Customs
Greek culture places a high value on hospitality and respect.
Common greetings include “Kalimera” (Good morning) and “Efharisto” (Thank you).
When visiting religious sites, dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees.
Always use your right hand to give or receive items, and avoid touching anyone’s head as it is considered impolite.
Transport Options
Greece offers various transport options to suit different travel needs.
Public transportation, including buses and metro systems, is efficient and affordable in major cities like Athens.
Ferries are the best way to hop between islands, offering scenic and leisurely travel.
For short distances or within towns, taxis and ride-hailing apps are convenient and reasonably priced.
Communication: Language Tips
While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few basic Greek phrases can be helpful and appreciated by locals. Phrases like “Parakaló” (Please), “Signómi” (Sorry/Excuse me), and “Diakopés” (Holiday) can go a long way in enhancing your interactions.
Carrying a phrasebook or using a translation app can also assist in more complex conversations.
Summary
This 3-day Greece travel itinerary will help you make the most of your own adventurous Greek escape.
Whether you’re embracing history in Athens or soaking in the sunset in Santorini.
Whether you have extra days, or need to pack everything into fewer, these recommendations should help you on your way.
Here’s to an incredible trip of beautiful sights, deep history and unforgettable experiences in Greece! Travel safe and enjoy it all!