During this period, destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens are at their most crowded; hotels and flights are often fully booked, as are ferries. Prices for accommodations and services are also at their highest during this time. A summer in Greece is more than worth it—just be ready to spend accordingly.
Plan at least a week to explore the main attractions in Greece, like sprawling Athens and Mykonos in the Aegean Sea.
Getty Images/ Alexander Spatari
How many days are enough for a trip to Greece?
If you’re visiting Greece for the first time, try to go for about seven nights for a mix of city and island experiences. “With a week, you can comfortably explore Athens in two or three days, spend a couple of days on one or two islands like Santorini for iconic views or Mykonos for beach time and night life, and possibly include a day trip to a key mainland cultural site like Delphi or Meteora,” as suggested by Sarmantas and Ramanathan. If you have extra time, an additional stop on the mainland or another island, such as Crete or the Peloponnese, can provide further depth, from archaeological wonders to beautiful natural landscapes.
Liadis offers a helpful reminder about factoring in travel time: “I don’t recommend less than three nights on any island because a good part of the time is spent transferring from island to island. There are flights that connect to the islands via Athens, but the ferry system is reliable and convenient.”
As someone visiting Greece for the first time, what are the must-visit sites?
When visiting Greece, most international travelers will pass through Athens, which is a must-see for its blend of ancient landmarks and modern vibrancy. Liadis recommends visiting both the Acropolis (where you can see the iconic Parthenon) as well as the Acropolis Museum to learn all about the site; and Sarmantas and Ramanathan suggest “the neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki for lively streets full of traditional tavernas and local markets,” where you can experience all types of Greek cuisine. Day trips to sites like Delphi, if you have the time, are also fantastic stops.
For your island stop, most first-timers head to Santorini for its white-washed buildings, volcanic beaches, and legendary sunsets. “A visit to Oia for its iconic sunset and a trip to the Akrotiri archaeological site to see the well-preserved Minoan ruins are essential stops,” say Sarmantas and Ramanathan. There’s also Mykonos, of course, which is perhaps best known for its nights of partying and jet-set crowd, but Liandis also points out its windmills and beautiful beaches, and resorts like Mykonos Grand Hotel and Mykonos Blu.
Plan your stay
• Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Athens – From modern art galleries and tsipouro bars to traditional live-music rebetadikos for dancing the night away,
• The Best Airbnbs in Santorini – Where to rent for a private slice of the Greek Island this summer.
• A ‘Mamma Mia’–Inspired Packing List for Greece – Flowy white dresses, linen skirts, and overalls included.
• 11 Best Hotels in Mykonos – Smart, stylish, and supremely laidback places to stay.
