From honeymooners to outdated marrieds like me, the Greek Islands have lengthy been a bucket listing vacation spot for {couples}. Once we began to consider dream locations to rejoice our twentieth anniversary and my fiftieth birthday, Greece stored floating to the highest of the listing. Whereas it took an additional 12 months to make that journey a actuality, our 10 days in Greece ended up being the whole lot we had presumably hoped for and extra.
So for these of you who stored threatening to “steal my itinerary” and do the very same journey — have at it! I’ve put collectively our full 10-day Greece itinerary only for you. Clearly, this journey was geared towards {couples} that want to splurge on a bucket listing journey, however try this text if you’re questioning how a lot a median journey to Greece prices. If you’re planning a household journey, it’s also possible to try my good friend Kirsten’s Greece journey information.
10 Days in Greece Itinerary
Observe: This submit could include affiliate hyperlinks. Should you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.
Step one is determining the place you need to spend your 10 days in Greece. We solely had 9 nights to spend on our journey to Greece, and we wished to take time to loosen up and benefit from the expertise, versus being on the go, on a regular basis. To get essentially the most out of the journey, we determined to separate our time over two totally different islands.
The romantic photos of Santorini that you simply see throughout Instagram, with these quintessential blue-domed roofs and the white stucco Cycladic structure, beckoned us and we merely needed to spend a while on Santorini. After all, I’d additionally heard how over-tourism is an issue in Santorini. Nonetheless, with crowds all over the place and loopy excessive costs for lodges and meals, I didn’t need to spend too lengthy there.
To stability out the crowds of Santorini, we determined to spend the majority of our time on close by Naxos, the most important of the Cyclades islands, which is thought to be quieter and fewer visited by American vacationers. Plus, it’s way more reasonably priced!
We had deliberate on flying out and in of the islands and ending out our go to with one fast evening on Mykonos (figuring out that the costly celebration ambiance wasn’t our cup of tea), skipping over Athens completely. Nonetheless, our Swiss Air flights that had been connecting by Zurich had been canceled and we didn’t need to threat transiting by one other European nation, so we determined to fly out and in of Athens on Delta, which meant we would have liked to spend our ultimate evening on the mainland in Athens.
When you’re planning your Greece itinerary, pay shut consideration to the flight instances out and in of the islands and the way lengthy of a layover you will have in case you fly out of the islands. Likelihood is, additionally, you will discover it simpler to remain no less than one evening in Athens, particularly as you don’t need to threat a decent connection between the ferry and your flight as ferries are notoriously late in Greece.
Preserve studying for our full 10 days in Greece itinerary! I’ll cowl the place we stayed, our actions and excursions, and our favourite eating places.
3 Days in Santorini
After I was posting about my journey on Instagram, one of many questions I obtained was how lengthy to spend in Santorini. My feeling is to spend no less than two nights, or three if it’s your first day in Greece. However in actuality, it’s nevertheless lengthy you’ll be able to afford. 🙂
Day One
We flew in a single day into Athens after which had a three-hour layover earlier than our brief flight to Santorini, getting us to the island round 2:30 pm. You can too take a ferry from Athens to Santorini, however it’s lengthy and the departure instances didn’t align properly with our arrival so it made extra sense to fly, to keep away from spending an evening in Athens as a layover. If we had extra time, I’d have spent the primary two days in Athens and brought some extra time to discover and tour the Parthenon and the opposite historic websites of the Acropolis.
Whether or not you arrive on the port or the airport, I’d advocate pre-arranging your switch to the lodge so that you don’t get caught ready in lengthy taxi traces. Whereas our lodge was joyful to rearrange a VIP switch, we determined to save lots of just a little cash and used Welcome Pickups as an alternative. We had been capable of e-book on-line and each switch we organized labored completely, with pleasant drivers, clear vehicles, and a few facilities like chilly water. I’d undoubtedly use them once more!
For our three nights in Santorini, I booked a honeymoon suite with a personal plunge pool on the luxurious lodge Canaves Oia Epitome. You’ll be able to learn my full Canaves Oia Epitome lodge assessment on my sister website YourTimetoFly. This was actually an enormous splurge for this milestone journey, nevertheless it was such a beautiful luxurious expertise that I don’t remorse a penny.
The Canaves Oia Epitome is a part of the posh model of Canaves Oia properties and is the latest of its lodges. Positioned proper outdoors of the favored city of Oia, the lodge provides beautiful sundown views from every luxurious villa. We beloved the situation, the service, the room, the meals, the pool…severely, we beloved all of it.
After a fast nap on our comfortable sunbeds by our non-public plunge pool, we dressed for dinner at Parts, the Canaves Oia Epitome’s wonderful eating restaurant. We loved gorgeous sundown views whereas indulging in a seven-course degustation menu that may lengthy be remembered as one in every of our high all-time eating experiences.
Day Two
On our first full day in Santorini, we determined to discover the beautiful city of Oia. Only a 10-minute stroll (or brief lodge shuttle journey) away, we had been suggested to get an early begin to get to expertise city earlier than the crowds of day-trippers arrived. Fortunately, we visited early within the season and earlier than cruise ships began returning to the Greek Islands, so we had till midday earlier than the streets began getting even just a little crowded.
Professional tip: when go to Oia at all times get a really early begin and attempt to verify for days when there aren’t any massive cruise ships in port, as these deliver an additional 5,000-8,000 guests to an already overcrowded island.
When exploring city be sure that to get off the principle pedestrian avenue and poke into the small alleys and wander by the streets that overlook the caldera. Should you get scorching or hungry, cease in for a chilly drink at Terpsi n Oia, which has a rooftop terrace with unimaginable views.
After we lastly labored up an urge for food after our decadent meal the evening earlier than, we loved one other rooftop meal on the beautiful Oia Gefsis. It was right here that I spotted I used to be going to actually get pleasure from eating in Greece. We had thought of lunch within the courtyard of close by Roka or Karma, however I believe we made a wonderful alternative for meals and views mixed.
Full from lunch, we headed over towards the fort ruins, the place individuals collect to observe the sundown. It’s also an ideal picture spot trying throughout the buildings constructed into the cliffs and the few remaining windmills on the town. It is a good spot to discover with beautiful Insta-worthy views.
By afternoon the warmth of the summer time afternoon set in and it was time to return to Canaves Oia Epitome for a while on the pool. That night, we headed again to city for one more degustation dinner at Lycabettus.
We had reserved a cliffside desk for dinner with an unforgettable view. Whereas this can be one of many extra distinctive eating experiences in Oia, the meals and repair didn’t examine to our earlier evening at Parts. If you wish to benefit from the view, I’d counsel reserving an ordinary desk on the terrace and ordering from the menu a la carte.
Day Three
Our third day began early, with a photoshoot with Nikola from Flytographer. (Should you e-book a session by my referral hyperlink you’ll get $25 off.) Nikola did a wonderful job discovering scenic picture spots, suggesting poses, and capturing our pleasure in a memorable set of anniversary pictures. You probably have by no means tried Flytographer for a trip shoot, I’d advocate checking it out. Now we have additionally used them in Marrakech and it’s so fantastic to get skilled pictures to seize the particular reminiscences you make on trip.
After our picture shoot, we had time for an outfit change and a scrumptious breakfast on the lodge earlier than being picked up for our half-day wine tour with Santorini Wine Trails. Over the following 4 hours, our information Iliana taught us about Santorini wine and agriculture. Regardless of the difficult rising circumstances, there are over 20 small wineries on Santorini, primarily targeted on the Assyrtiko grape, with vineyards as much as 3,500 years outdated, because the island wasn’t closely impacted by the phylloxera that destroyed so lots of Europe’s vines.
Our first cease was in a winery the place we noticed the distinctive “basket” rising methodology that protects the grapes from the warmth and wind. We then proceeded to go to three distinctly totally different wineries. Our first was at Gavalas within the city of Megalochori. We tried a couple of wines, together with their model of Santorini’s well-known Vinsanto, which is completely totally different than the Vinsanto you discover in Tuscany. The favourite wine right here was the Santorini, plus the scrumptious Santorini tomato paste and Naxos cheese which was served with the wine tasting.
Professional tip: in case you discover a place to purchase Santorini tomato paste to deliver house, do it!
The second cease was at Gaia, which is situated proper on the seaside on the east facet of the island, in an industrial constructing that was as soon as used for producing tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Gaia provides such a calming and exquisite setting for wine tasting.
The ultimate cease on our wine tour was at Domaine Sigalas, which is nearer to Oia. With an out of doors tasting space adjoining to the winery, this can be a widespread spot for vacationers and so they served a good looking charcuterie board to accompany our tasting.
Full on wine and good meals, we returned to the lodge with time to loosen up at our pool as soon as once more. That night, we walked right down to Ammoudi Bay for dinner on the Ammoudi Fish Tavern on the water. All the bay is a line of contemporary fish eating places subsequent to the docks the place the sundown catamarans depart.
We thought of doing one in every of these because it is likely one of the high issues to do in Santorini, however we didn’t need to take care of the gang and I’d already booked a personal boat tour in Naxos.
5 Days in Naxos
We had been unhappy to say goodbye to Santorini nevertheless it was time to maneuver on to Naxos through ferry.
Day 4
We booked a ferry from Santorini to Naxos, as it is just about an hour and a half boat journey. The journey from Oia to the ferry port takes about 45 minutes and is a little bit of a hair-raising journey in case you don’t like heights or cliffside driving, otherwise you get movement sick on the switchbacks like me. An alternative choice could be to fly from island to island.
I talked about our ferry expertise on a current episode of the Trip Professionals podcast, however right here are some things to remember:
- There are various totally different ferry choices when touring between the Greek Islands. You should use FerryHopper to verify charges and schedules for the assorted ferry traces and e-book tickets on-line.
- You might want to make your ferry reservations usually months prematurely to get the time that you simply want, they do promote out
- Should you haven’t checked in on-line and obtained a cellular boarding move, cease on the ferry workplace to print your boarding passes.
- Observe that the SeaJet World Champion Jet ferry to Naxos is a big boat that additionally stops at Ios first after which different islands after Naxos so it is going to be a big crowd herding onto the boat collectively.
- Greek ferries are a bit chaotic when boarding and it may be exhausting to determine if you’re in the correct line. Needless to say they make a number of stops so you’ll want to be listening not essentially only for them to name the title of your island, however for the FINAL STOP in your ferry’s route (like discovering out which subway prepare to take.)
- Ferries usually run late due to climate circumstances so they are going to attempt to board you in a rush (consider cattle being herded) nevertheless it additionally makes it a bit more durable to determine which ferry is arriving. Be sure you know your ferry line and title/quantity.
On arrival in Naxos, we had been picked up by Naxos Luxurious Transport for the 15-minute (and 20 euro) journey to our lodge in Agios Prokopios. Our lodge, Virtu Suites, is a luxurious boutique lodge situated proper on one in every of Naxos’ most lovely seashores. You’ll be able to learn my full Virtu Suites assessment over on YourTimetoFly, however suffice it to say that it was an ideal alternative for what we had been in search of.
This up to date lodge makes use of beautiful bohemian and coastal kinds whereas incorporating basic Cycladic structure. The usage of beach-inspired supplies like rope, stone, and driftwood is fantastically included into the room design and out of doors restaurant and bar. Whereas there was a small pool proper outdoors of the door of our Seaview Suite, we opted to spend most of our downtime on the seaside, which was proper throughout the road, and the lodge provided padded solar loungers and twine umbrellas, with prime seating reserved for company.
We spent our first afternoon having fun with the seaside and a sundown dinner on the lodge restaurant earlier than taking a brief stroll by city.
Day 5
Our first full day in Naxos began with a room service breakfast (included in our keep) earlier than heading out early to satisfy Captain George of the crusing yacht Annabella for a day on the water with Naxos Crusing. I had booked a full-day non-public crusing to Antiparos and Paros, as I believed it could be a enjoyable approach to get out on the water, whereas additionally getting an opportunity to discover a neighboring island with out having to take care of ferry schedules.
As we sailed out of Naxos, some dolphins made a fast look as we headed towards some small islets off Antiparos. After a while spent snorkeling, we headed over to the mainland of Paros to snorkel right into a sea cave. The subsequent cease was within the small village of Piso Livadi on Paros. We had the choice of having fun with the city or seaside right here however we determined to take a cab to the principle village of Naoussa.
I fell in love with this village and it made me need to return and keep on Paros if we get an opportunity to return to Greece. After that, we sailed again to Naxos City, and Glenn and I even took turns piloting the boat. It was a stunning day that jogged my memory numerous the day we spent boating round Capri.
After an extended day at sea, we opted to have dinner close to our lodge at Spiros. This family-run taverna provides conventional Greek and Naxian dishes in typical large parts. Critically, don’t over-order! However even in case you do, a meal right here gained’t value you a lot (like 40 euros for an appetizer, two entrees, and two drinks!)
Day Six
The subsequent day was undoubtedly one in every of our favorites of the journey, as we launched into a full-day Cheese, Meals, Wine, and Island Tour with Eleni from Philema Meals Excursions. I can’t advocate this tour extremely sufficient (or any tour with Philema Meals Excursions for that matter) in case you actually need to perceive extra about Naxian meals, wine, and native tradition.
Our first cease was at a household farm of cheesemakers. After assembly the goats whose milk we’d be quickly turning into cheese, we stepped contained in the farm kitchen to a feast of selfmade Naxian specialties. Professional tip: don’t eat breakfast if you’re taking this tour! We then bought hands-on and had an opportunity to assist make one in every of Naxos’ most well-known cheeses. This was such a enjoyable expertise it was nearly exhausting to say goodbye to proceed our tour.
The subsequent cease was in a small village with solely seven full-time residents and a potter whose household has been creating pottery for generations. We explored the city’s olive oil press, watched a pottery demonstration, and browsed by his store.
The tour wrapped across the island, winding by the mountains and stopping at a couple of scenic overlooks for pictures. A spotlight was a cease within the charming village of Chalki. Most well-known for the Kitron distillery, this city can be an ideal spot to see artisans in motion.
For lunch, we stopped within the village of Apeiranthos. The white streets of this lovely village are lined with native marble, making it a good looking place to wander and get misplaced within the labyrinth of small streets.
We had a scrumptious lunch at Amorginos Restaurant, the place we bought to pattern two well-known dishes on this village — a veal with eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheese baked and topped with yogurt, and roasto. Roasto is pork thigh aged for 2 months and full of garlic, pepper, and cooked in tomato sauce. Whereas I’m not often an enormous pork fan (until it’s bacon or pancetta), this dish was scrumptious! Should you see it on a menu make sure you attempt it!
The ultimate cease on our tour was at a winery. Whereas Naxos has essentially the most vineyards and vines that return for millennia, it’s not identified for its wine-making. Actually, a lot of the wine on Naxos combines all kinds of grapes and ferments them collectively, producing a really robust home wine. However one winemaker is seeking to change that by producing a extra refined wine utilizing conventional grapes from Naxos.
A winery tour and tasting was the right approach to finish our tour with Philema Meals Excursions. That night we loved one other easy, however scrumptious meal close by in Agios Prokopios at Giannoulis.
Day Seven
After a busy few days, we wished to take a day to simply loosen up and benefit from the lovely seaside at Agios Prokopios. Within the night, we headed into Naxos City to check out Oinohoros, the wine bar owned by the winemaker we met on our tour the day earlier than. Whereas many individuals select to have sundown drinks at a rooftop bar on the town, we loved this small wine bar tucked right into a facet avenue and targeted on small lot of Greek wines.
We then walked over to the Portara, or Apollo’s Temple, for sundown. After all, we arrived too late to get a great spot nevertheless it wasn’t so crowded that we couldn’t nonetheless get a good view. Dinner that night was within the romantic courtyard at Doukato, only a brief stroll from the Temple. The meals was simply okay however the setting was good. For one thing extra energetic, try Apostolis in Outdated City.
Day Eight
We took our final full day in Naxos to discover Chora, or Naxos City. After getting misplaced a couple of instances within the labyrinth of the Outdated Market the evening earlier than, we wished to discover this space and the fort ruins by the sunshine of day. After a couple of hours of strolling round, we had a fast espresso on the rooftop terrace on the 520 Cocktail Bar & Restaurant, which was way more mellow throughout the day than it was the evening earlier than.
Our meandering additionally took us over to St. George’s Seaside and wrapped again round to the port space earlier than catching a cab again to the lodge. After taking a while to loosen up on the seaside, we headed again to city that night for a wonderful eating meal at Barozzi. One of many extra upscale eating places in Naxos, we had a stunning meal and glorious service in a good looking out of doors eating house.
Day 9
On our ultimate day in Naxos, I had organized a quick ferry to Athens. Every part I’d heard concerning the ferries in Greece led me to imagine that I didn’t need to threat taking a ferry to Athens after which heading proper to the airport so we booked one evening in Athens earlier than flying house. Flying can be an choice however the flight instances weren’t lining up with our flight again to the USA both so we determined to stay to the ferry. It’s a good factor we gave ourselves this further time as a result of our ferry left about two hours late as a result of winds slowing them down.
However since we had a day ferry, we had been capable of get pleasure from a final morning on the seaside earlier than heading into city to catch our ferry. On the best way, our driver checked an app to see the standing of our ferry and discovered it was operating 45 minutes late (it ended up being a lot later), so we walked over to Pikantiko Grill Home proper within the port for a wonderful and cheap meal of hen souvlaki. This was the very best souvlaki I had on our journey!
1 Day in Athens
After standing round ceaselessly, our ferry lastly arrived, however sadly, it bought us into Athens too late to go to the Acropolis as I had deliberate. Nonetheless, our pleasant driver from Welcome Pickups drove us by the Olympic Stadium and informed us concerning the Altering of the Guard, in entrance of the Parliament constructing in Syntagma Sq., which we ended up watching from our lodge balcony.
To complete out our journey, we used Marriott factors to e-book a room on the Resort Grand Bretagne. This luxurious assortment lodge has an ideal location, however its particular characteristic is the rooftop restaurant, which has wonderful views of the Acropolis. I had booked dinner on the rooftop restaurant, and we additionally loved the views the following morning with our complimentary breakfast as properly.
This journey was so wonderful that we weren’t ready to say goodbye to Greece. After dinner, we took our previous couple of hours to stroll across the bustling Plaka neighborhood close to the lodge and determined that we should return sometime quickly.
Day Ten
Sadly, it was finally time to depart Greece with our hearts full and so many joyful reminiscences. The almost 11-hour flight again to JFK, adopted by a three-plus hour drive house to Rhode Island was not enjoyable, nevertheless it was price it for our dream journey to Greece.
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Characteristic picture by Nikola from Flytographer in Santorini.
