Itineraries
10 days in Greece: Athens, Santorini and an island you'll love
A first-timer's island-hopping route with ferry times, the best months to go and how to choose your second island.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
- Spend two nights in Athens, three on Santorini and four or five on a second island such as Naxos, Paros or Milos, then return to Athens.
- May, June, September and early October are the best months: warm sea, ferries running and fewer crowds than July and August.
- Book the Acropolis for an early timed slot, and book ferries ahead in summer, especially for fast boats.
| Route | Athens → Santorini → Naxos or Paros → Athens |
|---|---|
| Athens–Santorini | About 5 hours by fast ferry, 45 minutes by air |
| Santorini–Naxos | About 2 hours by fast ferry |
| Best months | May–June, September–early October |
| Windiest | July–August (meltemi winds) |
Days 1–2: Athens
Visit the Acropolis as soon as it opens, before the heat and the tour groups; entry is by timed ticket. Then see the excellent Acropolis Museum, wander the Plaka and Anafiotika neighborhoods and have dinner with a view of the floodlit Parthenon.
If you have time, take an afternoon trip to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion for sunset.
Days 3–5: Santorini
Ferries from Piraeus or Rafina take about five hours on a fast boat and up to eight on a conventional one; flights take about 45 minutes. Stay in Oia or Imerovigli for caldera views, or in Fira for transport and value.
Walk the clifftop path from Fira to Oia, visit the ancient site of Akrotiri, take a catamaran cruise around the caldera and swim at Red Beach or the black-sand beaches of Perissa and Kamari. Oia's sunset is famous, and crowded; Imerovigli is calmer.
Days 6–10: choose your second island
After Santorini's views, pick an island with long beaches and a slower pace, then take the ferry back to Athens for your flight home.
- Naxos: big sandy beaches, mountain villages and great food. About two hours from Santorini by fast ferry. Excellent for families.
- Paros: pretty harbor towns such as Naoussa, good beaches and easy ferries, with a livelier evening scene.
- Milos: dramatic volcanic coastline, best explored on a boat trip to Kleftiko. Quieter and very photogenic.
- Mykonos: beach clubs and nightlife, and the most expensive choice.
Ferry tips
- Ferries run often from about May to October and much less in winter; check timetables on the ferry companies' sites or a booking site before fixing your route.
- Fast ferries are quicker but can be bumpy and are cancelled more often in strong wind; conventional ferries are cheaper and more stable.
- Leave a spare day before your flight home in case of weather delays, especially in July and August.
Frequently asked questions
How many islands should I visit in 10 days in Greece?
Two is ideal, plus Athens. More than that means spending much of your trip on ferries.
Is it better to fly or take the ferry to Santorini?
Flying is quickest at about 45 minutes. The ferry takes longer but is part of the experience and lets you continue to other islands without going back through Athens.
When is the best time to go to the Greek islands?
Late May to June and September to early October: warm sea, everything open and fewer crowds and lower prices than in peak summer.
