The ultimate 7-Day Greece itinerary

Soak up a Santorini sunset, delve into ancient history in Athens, marvel at the pink beaches of Crete and venture off the beaten path in this seven-day Greece itinerary.

This is the land where wine is often cheaper than water. Where the world’s first democracy began and history’s most epic tales unfolded. Where the Aegean Sea glimmers the purest azure and the sandy beaches inspire a peace as old as time. And don’t forget about the food: world-class olives, pita, tzatziki, gyros.

The question isn’t if you should go to Greece, but when and where do you start? The country boasts 6,000 beautiful islands and thousands of years worth of culture, so it can be a little daunting deciding where to begin and how to fit it all in.

Worry no more, because we are bringing you the ideal seven-day Grecian trip of your dreams. We’ll hit the major attractions, but we’ll also take you off the beaten path. We’ll bask in the glamour of the Mykonos party scene, but also delve into the historic wonders of ancient Athenian architecture. We’ll witness the unmatchable Santorini sunset over the white-and-blue-domed city of Oia and soak in the sun on the pink beaches of Crete. Keep on reading for the trip of a lifetime to the Greek Islands.

Day 1: Athens

One word: Historic

How to get there: The Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) can be easily reached from just about any international destination.

We begin surrounded by rich history, countless rooftop restaurants and bustling marketplaces in Athens. From architecture and theatre to democracy and philosophy, this city was a wellspring of unprecedented ideas and culture that powerfully shaped the world as we know it today.

Begin day one by getting the most touristy things out of the way and head to the Acropolis. This famous rocky outcrop overlooking the city of Athens is home to some of the world’s most famous structures, namely the Parthenon. Even a sea of selfie sticks can’t take away from the awe-inspiring beauty of this majestic marble temple. stop by the nearby Acropolis Museum for a refresher in your ancient Greek history if you can’t quite recall everything you learned in school, The Erechtheion is another noteworthy Acropolis temple known for its massive pillars carved in the form of six women.

End your day at the Areopagus, also known as Mars Hill. Just outside the Acropolis, this hill offers an impressive view of the city and an equally impressive history. One of the city’s earliest aristocratic councils met at this spot to discuss ideas and politics. Others revere it as the spot where Paul the Apostle made a speech, as cited in the Bible. Even for those tired out on ancient history for the day, the perfect vantage point to catch the Grecian sunset over the city can’t be missed.

Day 2: Athens

There are just too many millennia of Athenian history to fit in one day. Day two presents the perfect chance to get out of the city on a day trip to Delphi. About a three-hour drive from Athens, Delphi is the home of Apollo’s infamous oracle who was said to interpret messages from the gods and see the future. Ascend the mountains of Delphi to see the temple where she would commune with the higher powers. You can book your own car for this day trip, but we recommend booking a tour to assure easy access to all of the sites the area has to offer.

Alternatively, for those not up for another long day of touring, you could stay in Athens and explore the more modern aspects of the city. Hit the Monastiraki Flea Market for a bustling atmosphere full of mouthwatering Greek food, hand-crafted leather sandals and evil-eye jewellery.

Wander the winding streets of Plaka to find hole-in-the-wall restaurants tucked in alleys and graffiti of Plato’s ancient wisdom.

The Tholos at the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, Delphi

Day 3: Mykonos

One word: Glamorous

How to get there: The fastest ferry runs from Athens to Mykonos in about two hours. You could also fly into the Mykonos airport (MYK). One-way flights are 90 minutes and hover around $60.

Mykonos evokes images of celebrities sunning on yachts, bars bumping late into the night and the classic white-washed houses that your Instagram-fueled dreams are made of.

By day, explore Mykonos Town (also known as Chora). There is no shortage of local shops, quaint windmills, miniature churches and chic boutiques to hold your interest. Check out Little Venice, where the shops and cafes hover right at the water’s edge, reminiscent of Italy’s water-top city.

Elia Beach is a beautiful option for those who want some distance between the heart of the action (and the late-night bar music). The Myconian Utopia is an island paradise and great accommodation option, set into the rock overlooking it.

One more thing: don’t forget to grab a drink or two when the sun goes down, in true Mykonos fashion.

Day 4: Milos

One word: Off-the-radar

How to get there: Take a three-hour ferry from Mykonos to Milos. There are also ferries and some flights connecting Milos to Athens and many of the islands in the Cyclades.

After all of the hustle and bustle of these iconic Greek destinations, it’s the perfect time to stray from the beaten path and discover the underrated island of Milos. The island’s main claim to fame is its title as the discovery place of the Louvre’s famous Venus de Milo. This seems to be one of Greece’s biggest up-and-comers: it’s recently garnered several shout-outs as a ‘hidden gem’ but the crowds have yet to arrive.

You’ll ferry into the town of Adamantus, but don’t stay too long as there’s more to see elsewhere. A top highlight is Sarakiniko Beach, which is actually more of a watering hole, but still a picture-perfect place to swim. The crystal-blue waters meet the volcanic, white-ash rocky shore for a truly stunning (and almost lunar) aesthetic. Dive off the rocks and explore the coast’s hidden caves and coves.

If you fancy seeing a greater extent of the ‘Island of Colours’ as it’s called, a sailing trip around the island is a classic Milos excursion. You’ll duck through coastal caves and see all the white, black and red volcanic cliffs.

Plaka is known as the most beautiful town on the island and a great (but expensive) option for accommodation. We recommend this spot to catch dinner and the sunset as there is no shortage of beautiful white-washed restaurants with stunning views. However, if you want the vantage point with the least tourists, we advise slipping down to the nearby town of Tipiti, home of the island’s historic catacombs.

Day 5: Santorini

One word: Picturesque

How to get there: The ferry from Milos to Santorini takes about three to four hours.

When you picture the iconic look of the Cyclades, the gorgeous town of Oia is probably the snapshot you have in mind. And, trust us, it lives up to the hype.

Our first day in Santorini focuses on the north side of the island. The Caldera trail is a five-hour coastal walk linking the town of Fira and Oia. It’s definitely a time commitment, but you’ll be rewarded by experiencing the coastline of Santorini in an unmatchable, intimate way.

Of course, you could always bus or rent a car (don’t expect parking to be easy) to explore these two beautiful towns. Around every corner is another Gram-worthy sight, from the blue-domed churches to the tassel-adorned donkeys to the hole-in-the-wall shops.

At the end of the day, watching the sunset in Oia is a must. We suggest nabbing a reservation at one of the many rooftop restaurants (Canaves, perhaps?) in order to rise above the throng of amateur photographers in the streets below. It’s a truly magical experience, sipping wine and nibbling feta, as the white walls of Santorini are washed gold at sundown.

You’ll hear the crowd of tourists roar with applause as the sun sinks into the Aegean, because there honestly isn’t a more appropriate reaction to an Oia sunset.

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Day 6: Santorini

Day two in Santorini will take you south and away from the major (but must-do) tourist attractions. Renting ATVs for the day can be a really fun, adventurous and accessible way to see more locations with ease. Of course, there’s always the option to bus or rent a car as well.

Itching for another dose of fascinating history? Akrotiri is the archaeological site of a preserved Minoan society from an ancient volcano eruption. Similar to Italy’s Pompeii, this site provides a unique insight into life on Santorini thousands of years ago.

Not far from Akrotiri, the Red Beach is a natural wonder that can’t be missed. Due to the island’s volcanic nature, this beach has rare Mars-like red cliffs and sands. On the way there, why not stop at this Taverna Aeolus, a genuine taverna experience well away from any tourist traps.

The city of Pyrgos is tiny and adorable. Less than 1,000 people live there and very few make a point of exploring this town in favour of the more popular northern ones, making it the perfect place to explore for a look at the authentically local Santorini experience.

Day 7: Crete

One word: Extensive

How to get there: The ferry from Santorini to Heraklion, Crete, runs in just two hours.There are also flights available connecting from Athens.

Crete is Greece’s largest island. Meaning: there is a world of possibilities regarding where to stay and what to do. One day really doesn’t do Crete justice, but we’ll do our best.

You’ll ferry into the city of Heraklion, but we recommend taking the extra journey to Chania as your homebase. Chania is Crete’s second largest city, but debatably its most beautiful. Like any good Greek city, there is a bustling Agora Market full of knick-knacks, a picturesque lighthouse, fascinating ancient architecture and heaps of scrumptious Greek food. Further highlights include the ruins of Kydonia and the Venitian Harbour.

Wondering where to stay? Serenissima is a highly rated boutique hotel located with a great central location.

One of Crete’s most distinctive features is its pink beaches, occurring as a natural result of coral mixing with the white sand. Elafonissi Beach typically appears the most pink, but Balos is more accessible from Chania and equally stunning (though less rosy in hue). The places in the world are limited where you can witness this stunning natural clash of aquamarine waters with blushing sand, so don’t miss out.

Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK.

Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

Why is it so hot in Europe?

Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

How travel is impacted

A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius — A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris — People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.