One unforgettable week in Athens, Santorini, and Crete.
Just close your eyes for a moment and picture this: underfoot are sun-warmed cobblestones; the faint scent of grilled oregano and fresh bread comes wafting from an odd little taverna by the alleyway; and in the distance, past the weathered rooftops, is the glimmer of the Aegean Sea.
This is one of those moments that makes you stop and smile without thinking about it. That’s Greece for you. Effortlessly beautiful, full of charm, and always ready to surprise you.
Whether you’re into ancient ruins, lazy beach days, or just good food and even better views, this 7- day Greece itinerary journey is the perfect way to dip your toes into everything Greece offers.
You’ll walk through centuries-old history, watch sunsets you’ll never forget, and probably eat more feta than you thought humanly possible.
Let’s dive in—Greece is calling.
Read Also – 11 Good Places to Visit in Italy
Day 1: Athens – Where Legends Begin
Athens is the opening act of your Greek odyssey, a city with history stitched conspicuously across its fabric. Descend soon after and go to the hotel in Plaka or Monastiraki.
Both neighbourhoods are bursting with life and character, with flower-laden balconies, smiling locals, and the occasional tune from an amateur street musician.
Start the day with a visit to the Acropolis. Being up there, standing next to the Parthenon is very surreal: it is one of those unforgettable travel moments. Take in the view that stretches all the way to the Athenian skyline consisting of ruins and a modern bustle.
Just below, beauty and history walk hand in hand in front of you in the form of the Acropolis Museum, with gorgeous statues, artefacts, and stories. Pick up a koulouri from a street vendor and strong Greek coffee for lunch at a nearby café.
Afterwards, the evening closes with dinner up on a rooftop, preferably gazing at the brightly lit Acropolis with grilled lamb or moussaka served on your table.
Day 2: From Athens to Santorini – Postcard Perfection
Leave the mainland behind and head to Santorini, either by a short flight or a scenic ferry ride. As you approach, those iconic white buildings clinging to cliffs come into view—and you’ll understand why this island is on so many bucket lists.
Choose your home base:
- Oia for dreamy sunsets and romance
- Fira if you want energy and nightlife
- Imerovigli for peaceful luxury
There you go. Number one: lose yourself in the labyrinthine quaint streets of Oia. Everything is laid out for you, an art gallery here, a cosy bookstore there, and a domed church just around the corner.
There must be standing room only, with tourists and locals alike, atop the ruins of Oia’s old castle. Then, a hush descends as the sun begins to melt effervescently into the sea—the whole island holding its breath.
For dinner, dine at a restaurant overlooking the sea, with a glass of white crisp wine, grilled octopus, or perhaps fresh sea bass.
Day 3: Santorini – More Than Just a Postcard
Start your day at Red Beach near Akrotiri, where rust-coloured cliffs meet deep blue waters. It’s raw, dramatic, and nothing like your typical beach. Then head to Kamari or Perissa, laid-back beaches with black volcanic sand and chill seaside bars—perfect for relaxing with your feet in the sand and a drink in hand.
In the afternoon, hop on a boat tour around the caldera. You’ll hike across Nea Kameni’s volcanic terrain and swim in the warm, mineral-rich waters near Palea Kameni. It’s a surreal mix of adventure and calm.
Back on shore, visit Santo Wines for a sunset wine tasting. The view is spectacular, and their crisp Assyrtiko pairs beautifully with local bites. For dinner, head to Firostefani—less crowded but full of charm.
Find a cosy taverna, order some mezze, and enjoy a slow, starlit evening with music, laughter, and unmistakable island magic.
Day 4: Welcome to Crete—Myth, Mountain & Much More
Now is the time to switch islands. Take the ferry to Heraklion, the bustling Crete capital. After checking into the hotel, head off to explore the ancient ruins of the Palace of Knossos, the birthplace of the legends of King Minos and the Minotaur.
For lovers of history, a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum is unmissable, given that it is full of artefacts of the Minoan civilization dating back more than 3,000 years. At nightfall, walk through the ancient centre of Heraklion with its Venetian buildings and boisterous cafés.
Dinner here is a whole experience. Try lamb slow-cooked with Stamnagathi (wild greens), Kalitsounia (sweet cheese pastries), and of course, a shot of raki—Crete’s favourite spirit, usually served with a smile and a toast.
You May Also Like – 10 Day Europe Travel Itinerary
Day 5: Crete’s Wild Side – Pink Sands & Mountain Soul
Start your morning early and set off for Elafonissi Beach, tucked away on Crete’s southwestern coast. The sand here has a soft pink tint, and the water is so clear it almost doesn’t seem real. Wade through the shallow lagoon or just stretch out and soak up the peaceful vibe.
After some beach time, take the winding road inland and watch the landscape shift—rugged hills, olive groves, tiny chapels. Stop in villages like Anogeia or Zaros, where time seems to slow down. Order a mountain tea at a local kafeneio, chat with the old-timers, and if you’re lucky, sample olive oil or fresh cheese made right on the farm.
As evening sets in, the air fills with music and conversation. You might stumble upon a small gathering—dancing, clinking glasses, and laughter under the stars. That’s the real Crete—warm, generous, and beautifully alive.
Day 6: Adventure or Ease – You Choose
Follow your feelings today. Feeling daring? Then hiking in the Samaria Gorge is for you. Giving a full day to trek through one of the longer ones in Europe, steep cliffs on either side, pine forests, and river crossings to the Libyan Sea, would be rewarding in every aspect yet difficult.
No big deal if there isn’t much in the way of strolling today. An animated port city, Chania is what should belong in a painting. Walk down the historic streets, shop for handcrafted ceramics and leather goods, and enjoy a leisurely coffee by the harbour, mesmerized by the boats gently gliding by.
A local food and wine tour is another great way to spend a day on the island. Meet the people who put everything into each harvest, eat olives for the first time straight from the tree, and enjoy Cretan wines that taste of dust and stone.
In the end, no matter what the day has brought, make sure you watch one last sunset to seal an unforgettable memory-five sunset marks never leave your memory.
Day 7: Back to Athens – One Last Taste of Greece
Time to say goodbye—but not without one more stroll through Athens. Fly back from Crete and, if your schedule allows, squeeze in a visit to the Temple of Olympian Zeus or grab brunch at a shaded garden café.
Get your last mementoes, such as handmade sandals, honey from the area, and perhaps some herbs to bring a little Greek flair home. Pause for a moment and consider all that you have gone through. You arrived with curiosity and are departing with lifelong memories and tales.
Final Thoughts: Greece Isn’t Just a Destination—It’s a Feeling
In just seven days, you’ve seen where democracy was born, sailed over volcanic waters, eaten food crafted from centuries of tradition, and shared smiles with people who treat strangers like old friends.
Greece is more than just its landscapes—it’s the way it makes you feel. Warm. Alive. Connected. And if you’re lucky, this won’t be your last visit—it’ll be the start of a lifelong love.
Frequently asked questions regarding Greece itinerary
Below are the answers of the most asked queries on the internet regarding Greece itinerary 7 days.
Q1. How do I plan a 7-day Greece trip from India?
Book a flight from Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore to Athens. You’ll usually have a stopover in Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai. Use local airlines like Aegean or ferries to move between islands.
Q2. Is this trip child-friendly?
Yes! Kids love mythology and the sun on their faces at the beach or during a boat ride. Make sure you put downtime in your plan and keep travel to a minimum during the kids’ days.
Q3. How much would this average cost?
Flight: ₹65,000–₹90,000
Hotel: ₹35,000–₹60,000
Local transport inside Greece: ₹15,000–₹25,000
Meals & Experiences: ₹20,000–₹30,000
Total Estimated: ₹1,30,000–₹2,00,000 per person (Mid-range)
Q4. When is the appropriate time to travel?
Late April to early June and from September to mid-October, less crowd.
Q5. Can we tweak the itinerary?
Of course. Swap out Crete for Mykonos, add a mainland stop such as Delphi or Meteora, or just slow the pace and linger longer on one island. Make it yours.
