Best of Tinos

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Tinos
Despite its proximity to Athens, Tinos is one of the less-visited Cycladic Islands, with a cultural and architectural tradition based on its famous green marble, excellent local gastronomy, and a stunning natural environment that can be discovered in its very well-preserved ancient hiking trails and sandy beaches. Tinos is also perceived as the heart of marble artwork and architecture in Greece, and rightly so: it is the birthplace of a number of major modern Greek sculptors and artists. It’s home to 40 small villages, with their own unique architecture in the form of intricate, often flamboyant dovecotes, many dating back to the 18th century. 

Take a cooking class to experience the Tinos culinary scene or hike around the enormous rounded stones that create a surreal lunar landscape around the village of Volax. Previous kimkim travelers have been able to experience the marble for themselves with a visit to an artist’s studio and marble-crafting workshop or sample a different kind of craft on a brewery tour and tasting. If you’re feeling active, try a guided rock climb at Exomvourgo, known as a popular climbing destination throughout Europe.
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Tinos Essentials

Sunset shades in Santorini
Map of 2 Weeks in Greece - 6 Family-Friendly Itineraries
2 Weeks in Greece - 6 Family-Friendly Itineraries

Two weeks gives you and your family plenty of time to traverse the nearly 1,000 miles of coastline that Greece has to offer. Whether you're going for a deep dive into the northern Greek mainland, island-hopping through the Cyclades, or getting cultural on Crete or in the Peloponnese, you'll find something that speaks to you.

Villages of Santorini
Top Cultural Experiences in Greece

Greece is a country of ancient history, refreshing gastronomy, vivid art, and scenic landscapes. All of these characteristics play an essential role in Greek culture. Explore rural villages and learn how the Greek islands functioned before tourism hit. Discover the secrets behind locally sourced cheeses, olive oil, and liqueur, and learn why marble is such a staple throughout the country. Go beyond the beaten path and delve into Athens' unique neighborhoods, Santorini's authentic villages, and the fascinating history of Naxos.

The Parthenon of the Acropolis has no straight lines
Best Historical and Mythological Experiences in Greece

While many travelers understandably plan trips to Greece that center around the islands, beaches, and nature, there are incredible ancient sites all throughout the country that offer unforgettable trips to the past. Whether you want to wander the streets where the philosopher, Socrates, walked or enter a Temple of Apollo where a high priestess once spoke prophecies heard throughout the land, these experiences will help you better understand the cradle of Western civilization.

Island of Tinos
The 5 Best Boutique Hotels in Tinos

Its signature dovecotes may be the most famous lodging on Tinos, but these hotels can provide an equally distinctive stay. Opt for a spot in town or head out to one of the island's many beaches, where your hotel will be just steps away from the sand.

Tinos Itineraries

Naxos
Map of Active Cyclades: Tinos, Naxos & Ios - 12 Days
Active Cyclades: Tinos, Naxos & Ios - 12 Days

Hike, bike, and paddle your way around the Cyclades with this exciting twelve day itinerary. You'll trek up a rocky mountain on Tinos, dive into the Aegean on a scuba excursion in Naxos, and canoe around the bay on Ios. Top off your adventure in Athens with a farewell bike tour of all the sights.

Cafe in Naxos town
Map of Relaxing Secret Cyclades - 7 Days
Relaxing Secret Cyclades - 7 Days

Recline for a week in the less crowded parts of the sunny Cyclades with this seven-day itinerary. You'll start and end in Athens, visiting Tinos and Naxos in between. Tinos is home to time-honored basket-weaving methods and marble quarries that will take you back to the Classical era, while neighboring Naxos boasts an extensive agricultural scene and Venetian castle district ready to be wandered.

Path up to the Naxos Portara
Map of Past and Present in Athens, Tinos & Naxos - 7 Days
Past and Present in Athens, Tinos & Naxos - 7 Days

Cover more than 3,000 years in just seven days with this educational itinerary. You'll learn about the myths of the Acropolis along with the agriculture of Naxos and artisans of Tinos as you sweep past the centuries in the city of Athens and Cyclades island chain.

Aliko Beach, Naxos
Athens, Naxos, & Tinos: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, 7 to 8 days is the perfect amount of time for a Greece trip with stops in Athens, Naxos, and Tinos. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as 6 days. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Mykonos, Ios, or Chania. Keep reading for more inspiring Athens, Naxos, and Tinos itineraries.

Olive harvest in action
Map of Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 7 Days
Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 7 Days

Spend a week immersed in the tasty traditions of Greece with this seven-day itinerary. Enjoy a welcome dinner in Athens and venture out to a functioning olive grove, then ferry over to Tinos for a culinary workshop. Get back on board for a stop in Naxos with samples of island agriculture before your return to Athens.

An aerial view of Naxos
Map of Active Cyclades: Tinos, Naxos & Ios - 13 Days
Active Cyclades: Tinos, Naxos & Ios - 13 Days

Get your adrenaline pumping on this two-week adventure through the Cyclades. You'll hike, climb, paddle, and bike around some of the chain's lesser-known islands. Tackle Tinos' rugged Exomvourgo mountain, swim with the fish on a scuba diving excursion in Naxos, and enjoy a canoeing safari around Ios' pristine Mylopotas bay, and more!

Hills of Tinos
Map of Active Cyclades: Tinos, Naxos & Ios - 14 Days
Active Cyclades: Tinos, Naxos & Ios - 14 Days

Get off the beaten path while hopping between lesser-known Greek islands on this two-week tour. Catch a wave at Kolymbithra beach, dive in Naxos, or cruise the waves of the Aegean—adventure awaits around this itinerary's every turn.

Naxos town from Saint Prokopios beach
Map of Active Cyclades: Tinos, Naxos & Ios - 11 Days
Active Cyclades: Tinos, Naxos & Ios - 11 Days

Active travelers will love this 11-day itinerary through the Cycladic Islands. Experience some of the lesser-known islands in this chain—Tinos, Naxos, and Ios—after a fun welcome dinner on the mainland. Scuba dive in Naxos, hike the marble route on Tinos, and more: the adventures in this Greek itinerary won't disappoint.

Evening in Naxos town
Map of Relaxing Secret Cyclades - 8 Days
Relaxing Secret Cyclades - 8 Days

Legend has it that Dionysus was born on the island of Naxos, so manage a revel of your own with this eight-day itinerary to lesser-known yet amazing isles. From your starting point in Athens, you'll first visit petite Tinos for a taste of Cycladic cooking, then onward to Naxos to spin past its sunny beaches before you return to the city.

Approaching Delos by ferry
Map of Past and Present in Athens, Tinos, Mykonos & Naxos - 8 Days
Past and Present in Athens, Tinos, Mykonos & Naxos - 8 Days

Pack comfortable shoes for this eight-day itinerary—you'll be walking through Greek history from Athens through some of the best Cycladic islands.  Take a mythology tour of Athena's Parthenon and the Delos of Artemis and Apollo, along with a marble quarry hike, and exploration of island agriculture, and more.

Cozy tavernas
Map of Cyclades & Crete Culinary History Tour - 8 Days
Cyclades & Crete Culinary History Tour - 8 Days

Some historians believe that pygmy hippos once lived in parts of Greece until they were hunted to extinction, likely for food. You won't get to sample any pygmy hippo, but this eight-day itinerary has plenty of other culinary delights to keep you intrigued, from your welcome dinner in Athens to the tavernas of Naxos's Venetian castle and stone villages of Crete.

The best kind of dining room
Map of Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 8 Days
Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 8 Days

The taverna has been a cornerstone of Greek life throughout history—artifacts even suggest there was once a taverna at the Acropolis itself. Find out why and eat your way through this eight-day itinerary, sharing your table with olive harvesters, local chefs, Mykonian farmers, and more as you ferry between some of the best islands in the Cyclades.

Tinian countryside
Map of Active Athens, Tinos, Naxos, and Crete - 12 Days
Active Athens, Tinos, Naxos, and Crete - 12 Days

The Greek word for water is "neró," which will come in handy both when you need to refill your bottle before trekking over the hills and when you're pointing out views from the ferry on this 12-day itinerary.  Spend your days taking in all the activities that Athens and the islands have to offer, whether you're biking down the Athenian Riviera or hiking into Crete's Samaria Gorge.

The wild beaches of Naxos
Map of Active Athens, Tinos, Naxos, and Crete - 16 Days
Active Athens, Tinos, Naxos, and Crete - 16 Days

Get ready to hike, bike, and swim your way around Athens and some of Greece's most beautiful islands. Begin and end your journey in the ancient capital, where you'll see history from the seat of your bicycle. Then soak up the beauty and culture of Naxos on horseback, learn to surf on the hidden gem of Tinos, and trek through Crete's spectacular Samaria Gorge. Reward yourself with one last Aegean sunset at the Temple of Poseidon.

Sunset on the Amazing Island of Syros
Gastronomy and Culture of the Cyclades - 12 Days

Discover Greece's distinct culture and gastronomy, starting in Athens with a private tour of the Acropolis and a hands-on cooking class, followed by a transition to some of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades. Begin in Syros for food tours and explorations of medieval cities, then head to the hidden gem of Tinos for some of Greece's best cuisine, plus a visit to marble villages, an art workshop, and an afternoon swimming in the Aegean Sea. End your trip in Naxos where you'll discover ancient sites, historic streets, medieval monasteries, and, of course, delicious, locally-sourced cuisines, the pride of the Greek Islands.

The Naxos Portara
Map of Relaxing Secret Cyclades - 9 Days
Relaxing Secret Cyclades - 9 Days

Take nine days to find tranquility in some of the lesser-known but no less soothing Cyclades with this itinerary. You'll start and end in Athens, ferrying out to Tinos, Naxos, and Ios for a different culinary experience on every island under the Aegean sun. 

Mylopotas beach on Ios
Map of Active Cyclades: Tinos, Naxos & Ios - 9 Days
Active Cyclades: Tinos, Naxos & Ios - 9 Days

Spend 9 days touring some of the best (and least crowded) islands in the Cyclades. Over the week, hike the Tinos marble route, canoe across Mylopotas Bay, and take a sunset bike ride around Athens. Whether you're atop the rocky hills of Tinos or paddling over the waves of the Aegean, adventure awaits during your active week in Greece.

Venetian fortifications in Chania
Map of Active Athens, Tinos, Naxos, and Crete - 9 Days
Active Athens, Tinos, Naxos, and Crete - 9 Days

Nine days is plenty of time to work up a sweat with this energetic itinerary. Enjoy a welcome dinner in Athens before you ferry to the Cyclades, stopping in Tinos and Naxos for hiking and biking along the blue shores. Then onward to Crete and the famous Samaria Gorge before you return to Athens for a well-deserved sunset break. 

Samaria Gorge
Map of Active Athens, Tinos, Naxos, and Crete - 17 Days
Active Athens, Tinos, Naxos, and Crete - 17 Days

From Athens to Crete, you'll do more than hang out beachside on the 17-day version of this itinerary.  Watch the sunset over the Temple of Poseidon, hike the lunar landscape of Volax, bike past the beaches of Naxos, and trek the Samaria Gorge in the Cretan White Mountains. With opportunities to snorkel, ride horses, and other outdoor activities throughout, your trip will end with a culinary excursion in the traditional village of Vamos.

See the early 20th-century neo-Classical Academy of Athens
Map of Athens, Naxos, Mykonos & Tinos: Best Itinerary Ideas
Athens, Naxos, Mykonos & Tinos: Best Itinerary Ideas

Nine to 12 days are excellent for a Greece trip with stops in Athens, Naxos, Mykonos, and Tinos. It's possible to hit the highlights in six to eight days if you don't mind a fast-paced route. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Santorini or Nafplio. Read on for more inspiring Athens, Naxos, Mykonos, and Tinos itineraries.

Best seat in the house
Map of Cyclades & Crete Culinary History Tour - 9 Days
Cyclades & Crete Culinary History Tour - 9 Days

Toast to the friendship-creating powers of food on this nine-day itinerary. You'll meet the locals as you sample your way through the country, joining them in olive groves or around the farmhouse dinner table to discover Greece's culinary history on Tinos, Naxos, Mykonos, and Crete.

The olive tree prizewinner in the wild is the base for much of Greek cuisine
Map of Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 9 Days
Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 9 Days

Discover Greece's cuisine through its culinary heritage of the Cyclades and Peloponnese on this nine-day tour. Athena won over the citizens of Athens by providing them with an olive tree—you'll see all the ways in which the mighty olive continues to dominate Greek culture. Visit a working olive grove, learn to put olive-based ingredients into practice in a Tinian cooking class, and sample more local specialties at a farmhouse dinner.

Temple of Hercules on Delos
Map of Past and Present in Athens, Tinos, Mykonos & Naxos - 13 Days
Past and Present in Athens, Tinos, Mykonos & Naxos - 13 Days

Experience the full timeline of Greece's many millennia on this 13-day trip. You'll start in bustling Athens and detour to Mycenae, most recognizable from its role in the Iliad. Then sail to the Cyclades, sampling modern agriculture on Naxos, ancient ruins on the sacred island of Delos, and more before your return to Athens.

Amid the hills of Tinos
Map of Active Athens, Tinos, Naxos, and Crete - 13 Days
Active Athens, Tinos, Naxos, and Crete - 13 Days

It would take about 108 hours to swim from Athens to Chania, but since you only have 13 days, this itinerary will let you take the ferry instead. You'll stop at the islands of Tinos and Naxos along the way, with plenty of time to hike, bike, and climb along the way.

See the quaint back streets of Syros
Map of Relaxing Secret Cyclades - 14 Days
Relaxing Secret Cyclades - 14 Days

While away for two weeks in lesser-known islands, get a taste of Athens with this itinerary that focuses on relaxation. Whether hiking amid the marble-rich hills of Tinos or tasting fresh produce on Naxos, these four Cycladic islands will have you asking, "Santorini, who?" in no time.

Site of a former village in Samaria Gorge
Map of Active Athens, Tinos, Naxos, and Crete - 14 Days
Active Athens, Tinos, Naxos, and Crete - 14 Days

Take two weeks to discover the islands from a more active perspective with this itinerary. Learn to surf on Tinos, ride a horse along the beaches of Naxos, and even cook in the Botanical Gardens of Crete as you discover three major islands sandwiched in between your Athenian arrival and departure.

Columns on Delos
Map of Past and Present in Athens, Tinos, Mykonos & Naxos - 14 Days
Past and Present in Athens, Tinos, Mykonos & Naxos - 14 Days

Some say that Greek civilization has been around so long, they've had the opportunity to try every form of government. See the results of those political experiments on this 14-day itinerary, starting in Athens, the birthplace of democracy. You'll head out to the Cyclades after an Acropolis tour to experience the food and history of the islands before you return to the city.

Chora, Naxos
Map of Athens and the Cyclades for Families: Athens, Tinos, Naxos & Santorini - 14 Days
Athens and the Cyclades for Families: Athens, Tinos, Naxos & Santorini - 14 Days

The whitewashed architecture of the Cyclades is one of the most classic Greek images. Spend two weeks amid this island chain's charms with this family-friendly itinerary full of hands-on activities for school-aged children. You'll start off with games and stories in Athens, then head to Tinos to learn about the art of marble sculpting. From there, you'll visit the villages and beaches of Naxos before you wrap up your trip along the rim of Santorini's famous caldera.

The pink sand beach of Elafonissi, Crete
Map of Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete - 10 Days
Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete - 10 Days

Escape to Athens and Greece's islands with this laid-back itinerary. See the sights, sample some of the city's best street food, and then sail for the Cyclades. Stop in Tinos, a hidden gem with a vibrant artisan community and rich religious history, before heading to neighboring Mykonos. You'll enjoy an authentic meal with the locals, followed by beach time on Santorini and a cruise around its volcanic caldera. Then head to Crete for sun and surf and time in and around the Venetian Chania.

Boats at Naxos port
Map of Relaxing Secret Cyclades - 10 Days
Relaxing Secret Cyclades - 10 Days

These four Cycladic islands haven't graced as many guidebook covers as their glitzier cousins, but that means there's more here for you to discover without battling hordes of selfie sticks. Take 10 days to tour Syros, Tinos, Naxos, and Ios on this itinerary, with pilgrimage sites, culinary experiences, and more.

Tinos
Map of Active Cyclades: Tinos, Naxos & Ios - 10 Days
Active Cyclades: Tinos, Naxos & Ios - 10 Days

Explore some of the lesser-known islands of the Cyclades on this jam-packed adventure. Over a week and a half, you'll hike through the hills of Tinos, go scuba diving off Naxos, and paddle to secluded beaches on Ios. End your journey with a thrilling bike ride around historical and modern Athens.

Samaria Gorge
Map of Active Athens, Tinos, Naxos, and Crete - 10 Days
Active Athens, Tinos, Naxos, and Crete - 10 Days

Do much more than lounge on the beach with this Greek itinerary.  You'll start in Athens, then head out to the islands to hike through rocky villages, bike past idyllic beach scenes, and trek the Samaria Gorge. Top it off with a culinary tour before you return to Athens for a sunset celebration.

Naxos port and castle
Best of Greece: Athens, Tinos, Naxos & Santorini - 10 Days

Mix well-known favorites with some smaller spots on this 10-day itinerary.  You'll explore Classical history in Athens and Delphi before heading out to the islands. See the pilgrimage sites on Tinos and ancient sanctuaries on Delos, then continue to Naxos to try out the island's many agricultural products and end your trip cruising through Santorini's volcanic caldera.

Meteora in autumn
Map of Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 10 Days
Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 10 Days

Cover a range of terrain across Greece with this athletic 10-day itinerary. Start in Athens with a day trip up to Meteora's monasteries in the sky, then sail to the Cyclades to hike and bike on the shore. Stop in Crete to trek the towering Samaria Gorge before you return to Athens.

Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion
Map of Past & Present in Athens, Tinos, Mykonos & Naxos - 10 Days
Past & Present in Athens, Tinos, Mykonos & Naxos - 10 Days

Study up for your 10-day trip through Greece's history and modern influence. Go from up on the Acropolis to down to the Aegean Sea, circling through the Cycladic islands of Tinos, Mykonos, and Naxos with temples, food tours, historic terraces, and more.

Embark on a culinary journey through Greece
Map of Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 10 Days
Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 10 Days

Legend has it that the grapes of Nemea were brought to the people by Dionysus, and you can try the "fruit of the gods" for yourself on this 10-day culinary itinerary. Tour a working Peloponnesian olive grove and learn about the oil-making process, cook your own Cycladic feast on charming Tinos, visit a traditional Mykonos farm, and sample the native varietals of Nemea's wineries.

Cretan olive plantation
Map of Cyclades & Crete Culinary History Tour - 10 Days
Cyclades & Crete Culinary History Tour - 10 Days

Wheat, olive oil, and wine are sometimes known as the "Mediterranean triad," forming the basis for ancient Greek cuisine. Travel through their roots with this 10-day itinerary and then see them in modern action, with cooking classes, food tours, and village explorations all to underscore these shared ancestral tastes.

Fishing boat off the coast of Syros
Map of Relaxing Secret Cyclades - 15 Days
Relaxing Secret Cyclades - 15 Days

Hideaway from the rest of the world as you discover the Cycladic islands that you may not have heard about—yet. Spend 15 days visiting Athens and the islands of Syros, Tinos, Naxos, and Ios. They may not be as famous as their glittery neighbors but have plenty of culture, history, and straight-from-the-Aegean seafood to keep you satisfied.

Trek under the towering rock faces of Samaria Gorge
Map of Active Athens, Tinos, Naxos & Crete - 15 Days
Active Athens, Tinos, Naxos & Crete - 15 Days

Start and end in Athens but spend most of your time in the Greek islands with this active 15-day itinerary. Whether you're scaling up to the tops of the cliffs on Tinos or down into Samaria Gorge on Crete, or catching a wave along the way, this trip will keep you moving.

Ancient alleyways
Map of Past and Present in Athens, Tinos, Mykonos & Naxos - 15 Days
Past and Present in Athens, Tinos, Mykonos & Naxos - 15 Days

Classical history and mythology enthusiasts and amateurs alike can enjoy this 15-day itinerary. You'll explore the museums and myths of Athens and Mycenae before heading to the Cyclades. In the islands, you'll hike, tour, and taste your way through centuries of history, from the distillers of Naxos to the archaeological site at Delos and Tinos marble route before your return to Athens.

The shores of Naxos
Map of Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 20 Days
Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 20 Days

In just under three weeks, you'll explore the Greek mainland and islands by hike, horse, kayak, and more. Learn to fish the traditional way before heading for the Cyclades, where you'll go surfing on Tinos and scuba diving on Naxos. Then sail over to Crete, where you'll learn to cook like the locals and trek through the stunning Samaria Gorge. Complete your journey back on the mainland with a kayaking excursion around Nafplio's imposing coastal castle. 

Ermoupoli town beach on Syros
Map of Relaxing Secret Cyclades - 16 Days
Relaxing Secret Cyclades - 16 Days

See the lesser-known side of the Cyclades on this 16-day  island itinerary. After sampling the street foods of Athens, you'll ferry off to the Cycladic islands that deserve just as much of the spotlight as their more-famous siblings. Tour the mansions of the Cycladic capital on Syros, explore the Tinos marble scene, bike the beaches of Naxos, and see the villages and vineyards of Ios before your return to Athens, accompanied by the sweeping of the Aegean Sea.

Hiking in the mountains of Samaria Gorge
Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 21 Days

This three-week adventure will have you hiking, biking, and diving your way around the Greek islands and mainland. You'll explore the Athenian Riviera by bicycle and learn to fish the traditional Greek way, before heading to the Cyclades for a surfing lesson and trekking in Tinos, and some scuba diving and horseback riding around Naxos. Then you'll travel to Crete to hike the gorgeous Samaria Gorge before returning to the mainland for kayaking in coastal Nafplio.

Chapel in Archanes
Map of Crete & Cyclades Culinary Heritage - 16 Days
Crete & Cyclades Culinary Heritage - 16 Days

What better way to learn a culture than through food? This 16-day itinerary will take you into Greece's past and present via hands-on agricultural experiences. Head to the islands to learn cook in Tinos, visit a traditional farm and villages on Mykonos, and sample the home-grown products of Naxos. Then continue onto Crete, where you'll visit olive groves, historic homes, traditional dance performances, and more before your return to Athens.

Seaside church in Naxos
Map of Relaxing Secret Cyclades - 11 Days
Relaxing Secret Cyclades - 11 Days

What better way to unwind than spending 11 days sampling the culinary selections from across the Cyclades surrounded by the sea? You'll start this trip with a street food tour of Athens, then head to less famous yet beautiful islands, stopping in Syros, Tinos, Naxos, and Ios to sip wine, sample fresh produce, and even learn how to recreate the recipes at home.

Enjoy three nights in colorful Santorini
Map of Discover Ancient Greece & the Cyclades - 12 Days
Discover Ancient Greece & the Cyclades - 12 Days

Enjoy some of the most beautiful islands in the Cyclades on this trip, starting on the mainland with mythology tours of the Acropolis, stargazing at constellations, and walks through the Temple of Delphi. Make your way to Tinos, the hidden gem of the Aegean, where you'll enjoy visits to marble villages, an afternoon on the beach, and an art workshop, followed by the glitz of Mykonos and the ancient ruins of Delos. End your trip with historical sites in Naxos, plus gorgeous views, beaches, and a wine tasting in Santorini.

The beaches of Mykonos
Map of Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete - 11 Days
Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete - 11 Days

This trip to Athens and nearby islands offer a relaxing escape full of sun, surf, and culture. Explore Athens at your own pace and try local delicacies on a street food tour. Then set sail for the hidden gem of Tinos, where you'll learn about its religious and artisan history. Bask on the beaches of Mykonos and cruise around Santorini's volcanic caldera lagoon. Continue to Crete, where you'll roam the enchanting streets of old Chania and visit historic villages before you head home.

Enjoy delicious Greek food overlooking the Aegean Sea in Mykonos
Map of Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 16 Days
Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 16 Days

Eat your way across Greece on this 16-day tour of Athens, the Peloponnese peninsula, and the Cyclades islands. Start your trip with a welcome dinner in the capital before heading to Nafplio to explore the region's agriculture and visit three local vineyards. Then, it's time for a trip to the islands, where you can try some of the favorite foods and drinks of Tinos, Mykonos, and Naxos and learn to prepare your own versions of beloved dishes.

Ferry to Tinos from Mykonos and explore the island's Old Town
Map of Past & Present in Athens, Tinos, Mykonos & Naxos - 11 Days
Past & Present in Athens, Tinos, Mykonos & Naxos - 11 Days

About seven percent of the world's marble comes from Greece, and you'll get to see the source—alongside plenty of other famous exports—on this 11-day itinerary. In addition to a hike along the marble route on Tinos, you'll experience homemade cheese and liqueur on Naxos, mythology on Delos, and the museums of Athens.

Taverna in Athens' Plaka neighborhood
Map of Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 11 Days
Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 11 Days

You've probably heard of feta, but what about graviera? Mizithra? How about their cousin kefalotyri? Meet every member of the Greek cheese family and more on this 11-day itinerary. You'll see them straight from the source along with other culinary and cultural highlights as you play shepherd for a day, learn how to put them to use in a Cycladic cooking class on Tinos, and visit the many other cheese habitats with a Naxos food tour before you return to Athens.

A pier in the Old Town of Chania, Crete
Map of Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 11 Days
Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 11 Days

You'll cover plenty of ground with this 11-day itinerary as you hike and bike your way around the Greek mainland and isles. You'll travel from the ancient ruins of Athens to the clifftop monasteries of Meteora to the beaches and mountains of Crete and the Cyclades. Along the way, you'll indulge in Greek culinary delights, enjoy a sunset visit to the Temple of Poseidon, and wander the pretty lanes of Chania.

Explore the Cyclades and land on Ios to see its traditional houses, windmills, and churches
Map of Athens, Naxos, Tinos, Ios & Syros: Best Itinerary Ideas
Athens, Naxos, Tinos, Ios & Syros: Best Itinerary Ideas

Athens, Naxos, Tinos, Ios, and Syros are a classic pairing for travelers headed to Greece. To make the most of your trip, maximizing time between travel days at each incredible stop, you'll want to plan your trip for about 10 to 14 days. Arrange your perfect trip to Athens, Naxos, Tinos, Ios, and Syros with the itinerary ideas below.

Pine trees on Crete
Map of Active Athens, Tinos, Naxos, and Crete - 11 Days
Active Athens, Tinos, Naxos, and Crete - 11 Days

Skip the sun lounger and go straight for your sneakers instead on this 11-day itinerary. Start by spinning down the Athenian Riviera before you ferry out to Tinos, Naxos, and Crete, with new scenery and challenges awaiting at every spot before you return to Athens for a sunset over the sea.

Dakos pastry
Map of Cyclades & Crete Culinary History Tour - 11 Days
Cyclades & Crete Culinary History Tour - 11 Days

Try dakos, the traditional snack of Crete, along with many other delicacies on this 11-day itinerary. You'll see the origins of tomato, bread, and olive oil with farm visits and grove tours, then experience how they can be combined to form a vast array of savory options with a Cycladic cooking class—and as many taverna visits as you like.

These dovecotes are characteristic of the local architecture on Tinos
Map of Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Tinos & Crete: Best Itinerary Ideas
Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Tinos & Crete: Best Itinerary Ideas

Ten to 16 days is a great length for a Greece trip that includes stops in Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Tinos, and Crete's Chania. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Heraklion. See more ideas for Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Tinos, and Chania itineraries below.

The view from Palamidi Castle, Nafplio
Map of Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 22 Days
Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 22 Days

Get ready to hike, kayak, and surf your way around the Greek mainland and isles with this 22-day itinerary. In just over three weeks, you'll see the Athenian Riviera by bike, learn traditional fishing techniques from the locals, and spend time surfing and diving on the beaches of Tinos and Naxos. Along the way, you'll trek through the lunar landscape of Volax and Crete's beautiful Samaria Gorge before returning to the mainland for a dose of history and ancient mythology.

Go horseback riding on the beaches of Naxos
Map of Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 17 Days
Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 17 Days

This 17-day adventure will take you from the waters of the Aegean to the mountains of Crete to the archaeologic sites of Athens and Mycenae. You'll explore the Greek mainland and islands by foot, bike, horse, kayak and surfboard on this action-packed tour. Along the way, you'll sample local delicacies, discover unexpected landscapes, and enjoy unforgettable sunsets.

Ermoupoli waterfront on Syros
Map of Relaxing Secret Cyclades - 12 Days
Relaxing Secret Cyclades - 12 Days

Take 12 days to explore some of the lesser-known islands of the Cyclades. Start by sampling street food in Athens before venturing out to sea. You'll stop on Syros, Tinos, Naxos, and Ios, with enough stately homes, savory food tours, and sunny beaches to keep you in serenity long after your trip is over.

Oia, Santorini
Map of Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete - 12 Days
Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete - 12 Days

Start your 12-day trip in Athens, where you'll explore at your own pace and try some of the capital's best street food. Then begin your island-hopping adventure with a stop in Tinos, a pilgrimage site and home to a centuries-old marble craft. Next, stroll through the pretty streets of Mykonos, unwind on the beach, and indulge in some of the island's excellent culinary offerings. Set sail for Santorini, where you'll cruise around its volcanic caldera before moving to Crete's charming historic towns and villages.

The beautiful interior landscape of Crete
Map of Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 12 Days
Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 12 Days

Discover the intense beauty of the Greek mainland and islands as you hike, bike, and kayak your way around. This 12-day itinerary will take you from the bustling capital to the clifftops of Meteora to the shores of the Cyclades. You'll hike the hills of Tinos and trek through Crete's Samaria Gorge, bike along the perfect beaches of Naxos, kayak in the sea beneath a castle fortress, and more on this action-packed adventure. 

Erechtheion temple on the Acropolis
Map of Past & Present in Athens, Tinos, Mykonos & Naxos - 12 Days
Past & Present in Athens, Tinos, Mykonos & Naxos - 12 Days

Immerse yourself in the history of Greece with this 12-day itinerary. Start with the museums and myths of Athens with an Acropolis tour, cooking class, and trip to Mycenae. Then venture out to the Cyclades to see the sites and sample some of the local agriculture along the way.

A slew of sampling options
Map of Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 12 Days
Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 12 Days

Greece produces more feta cheese than any other country, and you can do your best to make a dent in their supply on this 12-day itinerary. Eat your way through both the mainland and the islands in olive groves and amid vineyards before learning to cook under the Acropolis to cap it all off.

Taverna in a square on Crete
Map of Cyclades & Crete Culinary History Tour - 12 Days
Cyclades & Crete Culinary History Tour - 12 Days

The phrase "take the bull by the horns" is believed to have originated on Crete, and that's how you should approach this 12-day itinerary. You'll need plenty of stamina as you eat and drink your way through Tinos, Naxos, Mykonos, and Crete, whether you're taking a cooking class, trekking the villages of Apokoronas, or trying out your moves at a demonstration of traditional Cretan dancing.

Almyrida, Crete
Map of Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 23 Days
Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 23 Days

Take your time exploring Greece by bike, horse, kayak, and much more on this 23-day adventure. You'll pedal along the shores of the Athenian Riviera and learn traditional fishing techniques on the Saronic Gulf before heading for the Cyclades. There, you'll learn to surf on Tinos and go scuba diving on Naxos before making your way to Crete for some hiking, cooking, and beach time. Finally, travel back to the mainland for a visit to some fascinating historical sites at Sounion, Mycenae, and Nafplio.

The curious landscape of Meteora
Map of Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 18 Days
Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 18 Days

Get ready to hike through the hills of Greece, go fishing in the traditional way, and surf in azure island waters with this thrilling itinerary. As you go from the mainland to the isles and back again, you'll visit clifftop monasteries, learn to cook like the locals, and explore the country by bike, horse, and kayak. You'll go off the beaten path with a trip to the island of Tinos, discover fascinating historical sites at Mycenae and Nafplio, and still have time to unwind on the beaches of Naxos and Crete.

Rock formations on Agia Anna beach in Naxos
Map of Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades & Crete - 24 Days
Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades & Crete - 24 Days

You'll have plenty of time to bike, hike, surf, and explore the country of Greece in every possible manner on this epic 24-day itinerary. Whether pedaling past beaches or trekking up the Pindos mountains, the mainland has plenty to offer before heading to the Cyclades. Climb and dive through the islands of Tinos and Naxos, then learn to cook on Crete before you return to the mainland for a visit to coastal Nafplio.

Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island on Crete
Map of Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete - 19 Days
Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete - 19 Days

Take your time exploring Greece's beauty, history, and flavor with this relaxed itinerary. You'll start in Athens, where you'll sample local delicacies and go on a cycling tour of the sights. Then sail over to the beautiful, lesser-known island of Tinos — a popular pilgrimage site — before continuing to glamorous Mykonos. Here you'll lounge on the beaches and enjoy an authentic farm-to-table meal. Next head to Santorini for some wine tasting and a fabulous cruise around its volcanic caldera. Finally, bask in the sun and surf of Crete before ending your trip back in the capital.  

Santorini at sunset
Map of Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete - 13 Days
Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete - 13 Days

Start in Athens on this relaxed itinerary to Greece, where you'll see the sights at your own pace before checking out Tinos, the often-overlooked gem with a rich religious history. Continue to neighboring Mykonos to indulge in its glamorous restaurant scene and unwind on the beach. Dig into an authentic farm-to-table meal before moving on to the volcanic island of Santorini. Next, you'll sail to Crete for its stunning lagoons and traditional villages before returning to Athens for a sunset sendoff.

Nafplio taverna
Map of Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 13 Days
Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 13 Days

The best way to show love is through food, so let Greece show you how much it loves you with this 13-day culinary itinerary. Whether it's with fresh goat cheese, Agiorgitiko wine, or olives, you'll be wooed by hands-on sampling tours, cooking classes, and at-home meals from Athens through the Cycladic islands.

The pink sand beach of Elafonissi, Crete
Map of Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 19 Days
Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 19 Days

Explore Greece's beauty and culture by foot, kayak, bike, and more on this 19-day adventure. Explore the sights and sounds of Athens, and learn to fish like the locals. Next, set sail for the Cyclades, where you'll go hiking, surfing, diving, and horseback riding on the islands of Tinos and Naxos. Step back in time on Crete with a stroll through Venetian Chania and a thrilling trek through Samaria Gorge. Then head back to the mainland for a visit to the historical sites at Mycenae and Nafplio.

Syros town coast
Map of Relaxing Secret Cyclades - 13 Days
Relaxing Secret Cyclades - 13 Days

White domed buildings, blue seas, freshly baked baklava, and more await on this 13-day itinerary. You'll hit up all the hallmarks of the Cyclades but beat the crowds with stops in Syros, Tinos, Naxos, and Ios. Start with a food tour in Athens to fuel up before you ferry out to tour the mansions of Syros, bike past the beaches of Naxos, and more.

Drying octopi
Map of Cyclades & Crete Culinary History Tour - 13 Days
Cyclades & Crete Culinary History Tour - 13 Days

Try out all the bounty the lush Mediterranean has to offer, both from the sea and the climate, with this 13-day itinerary.  With four different islands on the itinerary, the seafood will be fresh, the olive oil smooth, and the wine flowing as you make your way through Tinos, Naxos, Mykonos, and Crete.

Beaches of Crete
Map of Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete - 20 Days
Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete - 20 Days

Slow down and indulge in the rich flavors and inviting waters of Greece with this itinerary. Start in the capital, where you'll see the sights and sample the street food, before heading to the islands. Visit the hidden gem of Tinos, where you'll learn about the centuries-old marble craft. Continue on to Mykonos for some beach time before heading to Santorini, where you'll cruise around its volcanic caldera. Then make your way to Crete to explore its historic villages and relax by its magnificent lagoons before returning to Athens for a sunset sendoff.

Balos lagoon on Crete
Map of Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete - 14 Days
Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete - 14 Days

Find your piece of paradise with the two-week version of this laid-back itinerary. Start with street food and native wine varietals in Athens before heading to Tinos for a cultural tour. Glamorous Mykonos and Santorini are next before continuing to Crete, where turquoise lagoons and village tours ensure you're thoroughly blissed out before you return to Athens.

Crystal clear waters on the shores of Crete
Map of Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 14 Days
Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 14 Days

On this two-week adventure around the Greek mainland and islands, you'll do everything from hiking to biking to kayaking as you explore the country's beauty and culture. You'll learn to fish the traditional way in the Aegean, go trekking through the lunar landscape of Volax on Tinos, and bike your way around the beaches of Naxos. Soak up some history along the way at Delphi, Chania, and Nafplio.

So much to stumble upon
Map of Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 14 Days
Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 14 Days

Spend two weeks treating yourself to some of Greece's finest food and wine traditions. You'll start with four days among the fields of Nafplio in the Peloponnese, followed by a full week in the Cyclades where you'll learn to cook on Tinos, visit a Mykonian farm, and tour the tavernas of Naxos. Cap it off with a cooking class under the Acropolis upon your return to Athens. 

Figs in the Cretan sun
Map of Cyclades & Crete Culinary History Tour - 14 Days
Cyclades & Crete Culinary History Tour - 14 Days

Greece has been growing crops ranging from chickpeas and cucumbers to pomegranates  and walnuts since the days of antiquity. Spend two weeks sampling the fruits of their finely honed labor with this 14-day culinary and cultural tour. Whether you're learning to cook on Tinos or exploring the villages of Crete, the craftsmanship will be obvious in every bite.

Coast of Mykonos
Map of Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete - 21 Days
Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete - 21 Days

Find some island sunshine and serenity with this itinerary. You'll start in Athens, sampling the street food and cycling past the city's famous landmarks before you head to sea. Stop in petite Tinos first, a frequent pilgrimage site and home to centuries of marble carvers. Then head to Mykonos to recline on the beach before ferrying over to Santorini for a boat cruise through the volcanic caldera. You'll continue in Crete, with turquoise lagoons and botanical gardens making sure you're fully blissed out before you go back to Athens.

Ftelia Beach, Mykonos
Map of Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete - 15 Days
Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete - 15 Days

Savor every moment of this relaxed cultural tour of Athens and the islands. Lasting just over two weeks, this itinerary leaves plenty of room for exploration as you roam the food markets of Athens, go wine tasting in the vineyards of Nemea, and learn about the centuries-old marble craft on the island of Tinos. You'll visit Mykonos's glamorous and traditional sides, cruise around Santorini's volcanic caldera, and unwind on the beaches of Crete. End your trip back to Athens with a memorable sunset over the ruins.

Not your average cafe views
Map of Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 15 Days
Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 15 Days

Get up close with Greek cuisine on this 15-day itinerary.  You'll start on the mainland, exploring olive groves, vineyards, and farms to get the full picture of the food chain. Then sail south to the Cyclades, where you'll see those ingredients in action in cooking classes, food tours, and fresh farm dinners.

The ruins at Delphi
Map of Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 15 Days
Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 15 Days

Gear up for a thrilling tour of the Greek mainland and isles. In just over two weeks, you'll see the ancient ruins of Athens and Delphi, go trekking on the islands of Tinos and Crete, and discover the beaches of Naxos by bicycle. In between, you'll visit clifftop monasteries, sample local Cretan delicacies, and go sea kayaking around Nafplio's Palamidi Castle. 

Explore Santorini and enjoy the views of the Agean sea vrom villages like Oia
Map of Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete - 16 Days
Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete - 16 Days

Take your time exploring Athens and the islands on this Greece tour, following a relaxed pace from the markets of Athens to the vineyards of Nemea. Go off the beaten path to the pilgrimage island of Tinos before sailing to Mykonos for some cosmopolitan charm. You'll explore the picturesque streets of Santorini and cruise around its volcanic caldera before going to Crete. Get your fill of historic villages and luxurious beaches before wrapping up your trip back to the capital.

Oia, Santorini
Map of Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete - 17 Days
Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete - 17 Days

Unwind and indulge in the sun, surf, and flavors of Athens and the islands with this 17-day itinerary. First, enjoy a food tour of the capital and go wine tasting in the famous vineyards of Nemea. Then sail off the beaten path to Tinos, where you'll learn about its centuries-old marble craft. Next, make your way to glamorous Mykonos, where you'll roam its pretty streets and relax on the beach. Spend some time on the volcanic island of Santorini and enjoy a sail around the caldera and colorful beaches, before heading to the gorgeous lagoons of Crete. Return to Athens for an unforgettable sunset farewell.

Propylaea on the Acropolis
Map of Past & Present in Athens, Tinos, Mykonos & Naxos - 9 Days
Past & Present in Athens, Tinos, Mykonos & Naxos - 9 Days

Travel through time with a nine-day trip into Classical Greece. Hear the myths of the Acropolis in Athens before heading to the islands of Naxos, Mykonos, and Tinos, home to mythological sites, local delicacies, and beautiful villages.

The pink sands of Crete's Balos Lagoon
Map of Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete - 18 Days
Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete - 18 Days

Take in the beauty and flavors of Greece at a relaxed pace with this itinerary. See the sights in Athens by bicycle and enjoy wine tasting in the vineyards of Nemea before heading to sea. Follow the marble route on the hidden gem island of Tinos and unwind on the beaches of Mykonos. Then take the ferry to the volcanic island of Santorini, where you'll wander its pretty streets and enjoy a cruise around the caldera. Make your way to Crete for some quality time at its magnificent lagoons and a visit to its authentic, historic villages, before returning to Athens.

Other popular travel destinations in Greece
Athens · Greek Islands · Cycladic Islands · Santorini · Crete · Naxos · Mykonos · Chania · Peloponnese · Northern & Central Greece · Nafplio · Heraklion · Meteora · Ionian Islands · Kalabaka · Zagori · Thessaloniki · Corfu · Nafpaktos · Paros · Sparta & Mani · Olympia · Delphi · Mani Peninsula · Syros · Monemvasia · Rhodes · Dodecanese & Northern Aegean Islands · Milos · Rethymno · Kalamata · Corinth · Sparta · Saronic Islands · Sifnos · Sifnos Port · Gortynia · Messinia · Drama · Hydra