Nine to 12 days is the most popular trip length for Greece travelers interested in visiting Athens, Naxos, and Santorini, especially when also including Mykonos. If you're only headed to Athens, Naxos, and Santorini, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in 8 to 10 days. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as 5 to 7 days. For the best itineraries including Athens, Naxos, and Santorini, keep reading below.

How many days do you need?

  • Most travelers spend 8-10 days in Athens, Naxos, and Santorini combined
  • Most travelers also visit Mykonos, for a total trip duration of 9 to 12 days
  • Visiting Athens, Naxos, and Santorini in 5-7 days is possible, but will feel rushed
  • With 11 or more days, you can add another destination, like Syros or Tinos

How Many Days Should You Spend in Athens?
How Many Days Should you Spend on Santorini?
How Many Days Should You Spend on Naxos?

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Recommended Itineraries for Athens, Naxos, and Santorini

Recommended Itinerary for 8 Days

Mikri Vigla beach on Naxos
Mikri Vigla beach on Naxos
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Athens Athens
Day 2 Guided Acropolis Visit Athens
Day 3 Ferry to Naxos Naxos
Day 4 Historic Naxos Hike Naxos
Day 5 Naxos to Santorini Santorini
Day 6 Sea Kayaking in Santorini Santorini
Day 7 Return to Athens & Free Evening Athens
Day 8 Depart Athens  


Visit some of the high points of Athens and the Cyclades with this eight-day itinerary. You'll start with a tour of the Acropolis and its neighboring museum, then journey off to Naxos, one of the largest islands in the Cycladic chain, for a hike through the island's past and present. Finish your trip in stunning Santorini, where you'll sea kayak and see the island's classic caldera. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 9 Days

Santorini scenery
Santorini scenery
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Athens Athens
Day 2 Guided Acropolis Visit Athens
Day 3 Ferry to Naxos Naxos
Day 4 Windsurfing or Paddleboarding in Naxos Naxos
Day 5 Naxos to Santorini Santorini
Day 6 Sea Kayaking in Santorini Santorini
Day 7 Caldera Day Hike Santorini
Day 8 Return to Athens & Free Evening Athens
Day 9 Depart Athens  


Whether you're windsurfing, hiking, or sea kayaking, this nine-day itinerary will take you to some of the highlights of Athens and the islands. Start off high atop the Acropolis, then set sail for bustling Naxos, one of the largest islands in the Cyclades, where you can take advantage of one of the best windsurfing spots in the region. Then head to Santorini to sea kayak and hike around the island's famed caldera. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 10 Days

Vouliagmeni resort area
Vouliagmeni resort area
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Athens Athens
Day 2 Guided Acropolis Visit Athens
Day 3 Vouliagmeni Coastal Town & Windsurfing Athens
Day 4 Ferry to Naxos Naxos
Day 5 Historic Naxos Hike Naxos
Day 6 Naxos to Santorini Santorini
Day 7 Free Day in Santorini Santorini
Day 8 Sea Kayaking in Santorini Santorini
Day 9 Return to Athens & Free Evening Athens
Day 10 Depart Athens  


Spend ten days amid some of the most popular spots in Greece. You'll start off in Athens, where you'll experience the Acropolis and the shores of the Athenian Riviera. Then sail into the Cyclades, landing first at Naxos for a hike through the island's history, then continuing to Santorini to explore its beaches and enjoy the caldera views. Read more

Extended Itineraries

10-Day Itinerary Including Mykonos

Santorini rooftop foliage
Santorini rooftop foliage
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Athens, Welcome Dinner Athens
Day 2 Athens Food Tour Athens
Day 3 Athens to Santorini Santorini
Day 4 Catamaran Cruise Santorini
Day 5 Ferry to Naxos Naxos
Day 6 Naxos Beaches and Villages Bike Tour Naxos
Day 7 Cooking Class on Naxos Naxos
Day 8 Ferry to Mykonos Mykonos
Day 9 Farm Visit and Mykonian Dinner Mykonos
Day 10 Return to Athens, Depart  


Take the coast of the Cyclades from guidebook covers straight to your own social media feed with this 10-day itinerary. These famous islands have captured travelers' imaginations for centuries, and now it's your turn to explore via boat, bike, and more, whether you're riding smoothly past sunny beaches or settling in for dinner and stories on an island farm. Read more

14-Day Itinerary Including Heraklion and Chania

The old port of Chania, built by Venetians in the 14th century
The old port of Chania, built by Venetians in the 14th century
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Athens Athens
Day 2 The Acropolis & Ancient Greek Mythology & Museum Tour Athens
Day 3 Day Trip to Delphi Athens
Day 4 Visit Kallimarmaro, Ancient Cooking Class Athens
Day 5 Athens to Chania Chania
Day 6 Old Town of Chania Tour Chania
Day 7 Gramvousa and Balos Beaches Chania
Day 8 Rethymno, Knossos, and Heraklion Heraklion
Day 9 Arrive in Santorini - Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tasting Santorini
Day 10 Discover Prehistoric Akrotiri Santorini
Day 11 Ferry to Naxos Naxos
Day 12 Ancient Naxos Guided Hike Naxos
Day 13 Beach Day on Naxos Naxos
Day 14 Naxos to Athens and Depart  


Experience the culture, scenery, and romance of Crete—Greece's largest island— captivating Athens, and the most "classic" Greek island group, the Cyclades, with this itinerary. After exploring the enticing Greek capital, you'll use the coastal city of Chania, with its medieval architecture, elegant mansions, sculpted fountains, and postcard-perfect Venetian port as your base of exploration. Then, head for Santorini to experience the highlights of this famous island and wrap up your adventure in lesser-known Naxos, the quintessential Cycladic island. Read more

14-Day Itinerary Including Mykonos and Chania

The Cyclades are the quintessential Greek isles
The Cyclades are the quintessential Greek isles
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Athens Athens
Day 2 Athens to Mykonos Mykonos
Day 3 Farm Visit and Mykonian Dinner Mykonos
Day 4 Ferry to Naxos Naxos
Day 5 Cooking Class on Naxos Naxos
Day 6 Beach Day on Naxos Naxos
Day 7 Arrive in Santorini - Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tasting Santorini
Day 8 Catamaran Cruise Santorini
Day 9 Santorini to Chania Chania
Day 10 Old Town of Chania Tour Chania
Day 11 Dinner and Traditional Dancing at the Botanical Gardens Chania
Day 12 Gramvousa and Balos Beaches Chania
Day 13 Return to Athens and Athens Food Tour Athens
Day 14 Depart Athens  


The glittering Cyclades span hundreds of miles, with centuries of history under their belt. The two-week version of this itinerary starts in glamorous Mykonos before a stop in Naxos for beach time and a cooking class. Then, make your way to the volcanic sunsets and cliffside architecture of Santorini. End your trip on Crete, where amazing beaches, excellent cuisine, and great hospitality await. Read more

Map

Map of Athens, Naxos, & Santorini: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of Athens, Naxos, & Santorini: Best Itinerary Ideas