Photo: Andrew Parlette · CC BY 4.07 Days in Greece: Ancient Athens and Santorini
Four days in Athens — the Acropolis at opening time, the Acropolis and National Archaeological museums, the ancient agoras, and Plaka and Monastiraki tavernas — then three days in Santorini: Fira's museums and the caldera walk to Oia, the blue domes and castle sunset, the Minoan buried city of Akrotiri, and a black-sand beach afternoon in Kamari. The plan re-plans itself around how you travel — your pace, budget and interests reshape every day.
Pick a style, a budget and a pace — the route and days below re-plan themselves.
20 stops · 14 meals · 4 hotels · 1 transferThis is the editor’s pick.
7 days, 2 cities
From Athens to Santorini, with 1 move between cities. The map shows the whole route — pick a day to zoom in.
Athens
Plaka · Koukaki · Monastiraki · Kolonaki
- Day 1Plaka: Anafiotika & Areopagus Hill
- Day 2Koukaki: The Acropolis & the Acropolis Museum
- Day 3Monastiraki: The Ancient Agora & the Temple of Hephaestus
- Day 4Kolonaki: Lycabettus Hill & Syntagma Square
- Flight to Santorini · 3h 25m
Traditional mezedopoleio in a 400-year-old Plaka building: meatballs, fried zucchini, eggplant salad and marinated olives; wines aged in barrels in the cellar.
A tiny Cycladic-style village of whitewashed houses and bougainvillea clinging to the Acropolis' northeast slope. It's a living residential neighborhood — keep noise down and stay out of private courtyards.
Monastiraki Square's largest terrace bar — signature cocktails with Parthenon views.
Rocky outcrop below the Acropolis — the classic free sunset viewpoint over the Agora and the city.
- Free and open access, but the marble is slippery and the rock is steep — wear grippy shoes.
Pine-covered hill southwest of the Acropolis with the Philopappos Monument and the best Parthenon sunset panorama.
- Free entry, accessible sunrise to sunset — leave before dark.
Plaka's oldest restaurant (est. 1898) with a stepped terrace overlooking the city.
- Book weekends in advance — popular tavernas fill up.
- Wander down through Anafiotika to Plaka's oldest restaurant — est. 1898 — for lunch on the stepped terrace.
Modern hotel opposite the Temple of Olympian Zeus with Acropolis-view rooms and a rooftop bar. Family rooms available.
The 5th-century-BC citadel — Parthenon, Propylaea, Erechtheion — the symbol of ancient Greece and Western civilization. Go at 8am or late afternoon; midday marble is slippery and crowds peak 10am-3pm.
- Buy the €36 combined ticket: it covers the Acropolis plus six more sites and is valid 5 days.
Athens' oldest distillery bar, famed for its wall of colorful liqueur bottles. Sample Greek liqueurs and ouzo.
The iconic Doric temple of Athena, built 447-438 BC and still the defining image of ancient Greece. See it as part of your Acropolis visit.
- Enter via the south entrance for shorter lines.
Simple family-owned taverna behind the Acropolis Museum, popular with locals and open late.
- After the Acropolis descent, lunch at To Kati Allo — a locals' taverna behind the museum.
Glass-and-concrete museum facing the Parthenon: the Parthenon Gallery, Archaic sculptures and an excavated ancient neighborhood under glass floors. Pair it with the Acropolis itself.
- Friday evenings it stays open to 22:00 — finish on the terrace overlooking the illuminated Acropolis.
Small Plaka taverna with good home-cooked Greek food. Open daily 12:00-23:00.
Stay put: 4 min walk back from the Acropolis Museum tonight, 15 min walk to the Ancient Agora in the morning.
The civic heart of ancient Athens: temples, colonnades and the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos housing the Agora museum. Visit the museum first for context.
- Covered by the €36 combined ticket, valid 5 days.
The best-preserved ancient Greek temple anywhere, overlooking the Agora — saved by its conversion into a church.
- The Temple of Hephaestus stands inside the Agora ticket area — see it on the same morning, museum first for context.
Vintage-decorated Monastiraki taverna with Cretan dishes, live music and a rooftop Acropolis view.
- Closed Mondays; live music evenings, often Sundays.
- Ancient Agora in the morning, then up to Cafe Avissinia's rooftop for Cretan dishes with the Acropolis view.
Ancient cemetery and potters' quarter with evocative funerary stelai and a small museum — a quieter combined-ticket stop.
Modern Greek restaurant in Thissio with Acropolis views — especially striking at night.
- Live Greek music Thu-Sat 19:30-23:30 — reserve ahead.
Hidden three-floor bistro-bar with Parthenon views and DJ sets of jazz, soul and funk. Free entrance, cocktails from €10.
Stay put: ~12 min by taxi back from Kerameikos tonight, 12 min walk to the National Garden in the morning.
Shady 19th-century royal garden behind Parliament: a green escape with a small zoo and the Zappeion hall. Walk through from Syntagma toward the stadium.
Athens' central square with Parliament and the Evzones' ceremonial changing of the guard.
- The full ceremonial Grand Change is Sundays at 11:00 — arrive 30 minutes early.
- After the changing of the guard at Syntagma, walk through the National Garden toward the Panathenaic Stadium.
Family-owned Kolonaki taverna open for over 100 years: pasticchio, moussaka and Greek classics from fresh local ingredients.
- Closed Sunday; no Saturday dinner.
Kolonaki Square café classic: thick freddo cappuccino and brioche sandwiches at self-service tables made for people-watching.
- Self-service only, even when sitting at a table.
Athens' highest hill at 277m: ride the Kolonaki funicular up for sunset over the Acropolis, with the Chapel of St George at the top.
- Ride the funicular down from Lycabettus and walk to Filippou — a century-old Kolonaki taverna.
Cozy home-style Kolonaki restaurant with a homey atmosphere — Greek cuisine at lunch and dinner.
Stay put: ~12 min by taxi back from Lycabettus Hill tonight, 12 min walk to the National Garden in the morning.
Athens to Santorini
231 km, rated for speed and cost. For a first-timer trip on a comfortable budget at a balanced pace, take the Direct flight ATH to JTR. It's the quickest way across, 3h 25m door to door.
Traditional Greek and seafood tavern with rooftop terraces — mixed starters and mixed seafood platters are the signature order, generous portions at reasonable prices.
Small central-Fira museum with finds from Ancient Thera and the island's Hellenistic and Roman past — reopened June 2025 with a renewed exhibition program.
- Open 8:00-15:00 except Mondays; cash only.
Wall paintings, pottery and tools from the Bronze Age city of Akrotiri, in a small central Fira museum. Open Wed-Mon 08:30-15:30.
- The €15 combined ticket also covers Akrotiri and Ancient Thera.
- Do both Fira museums in one morning — Bronze Age Akrotiri finds, then Ancient Thera's classical past.
Rooftop Greek restaurant with caldera views and traditional dishes at reasonable prices — braised beef, moussaka and the Naoussa potato salad.
A stretch
Caldera-edge cocktail bar in Fira, famous for sunset views and inventive cocktails. Open Mon-Sat 15:00-23:00 — book ahead, tables go fast.
Adults-only 2-star guesthouse in a converted captain's house on the Fira caldera rim — flowered terraces, volcano views, continental breakfast on the sun terrace.
Mediterranean restaurant with caldera views and a creative menu of modern Greek dishes at moderate prices — shrimp bolognese and lamb ragu are standouts.
- Call early to reserve an outside table for sunset.
Oia's iconic blue-domed churches along the caldera lanes — the backdrop of the island's most photographed views.
- Go early in the morning to photograph the domes before the crowds arrive.
Hilltop lounge café pool bar on the caldera edge in Oia: cocktails, light food and a pool with unobstructed sunset views.
- Buy a drink at the bar and use the pool and facilities for a small entry fee.
Ruins of the 15th-century Venetian fortress of Agios Nikolaos — the island's most famous sunset viewpoint.
- Arrive at least an hour before sunset in peak season for a viewing spot.
Tiny fishing port at the foot of 300 steps below Oia — colorful boats, waterfront fish tavernas (excellent but pricey) and red-cliff views.
- Sunset at the castle ruins, then the 300 steps down to Ammoudi Bay for a waterfront seafood dinner.
- Ammoudi Bay, then back up the steps for lunch at Roka — shrimp bolognese and lamb ragu.
Cliffside Oia restaurant for modern Greek cuisine at sunset — fava, oven lamb, chicken and figs with Santorini Assyrtiko wines.
- Sunset at the castle, then cliffside dinner at Ambrosia with Santorini Assyrtiko.
Switch bases tonight. Small family-run complex of Cycladic studios and private cave houses in Oia, five minutes' walk from the village center — caldera or Aegean views, small pool and hot tub.
Venetian hilltop fortress crowning the former island capital — maze-like lanes and views over the whole island.
17th-century monastery at 567m — the island's highest point — with gardens, local produce shops and panoramic views.
- The Kasteli fortress, then up to Profitis Ilias — the island's highest point at 567m.
Mediterranean restaurant inside a restored century-old winery in the Pyrgos alleyways, with a shaded rooftop terrace overlooking the sea. Open early April to early December.
- Dinner reservations recommended.
Cliffside cooperative winery in Pyrgos with caldera-view terraces and tastings of Assyrtiko and Vinsanto, plus a restaurant. Open all year.
- Book the terrace at sunset; tastings pair with local cheeses and snacks.
Traditional taverna on the Pyrgos main square — cited for the best gyros in Pyrgos at reasonable prices. Closed Tuesdays.
Switch bases tonight. 4-star boutique hotel conceived as a 'habitable gallery' on Pyrgos's hillside — nine art-filled suites with private pools or Jacuzzis and free port/airport transfers.
Where to stay in Athens & Santorini
Ranked for first-timer travelers on a comfortable budget. The places this plan sleeps in come first.
Athens
Athens Gate Hotel
Modern hotel opposite the Temple of Olympian Zeus with Acropolis-view rooms and a rooftop bar. Family rooms available.
360 Hotel Athens
Boutique hotel in Monastiraki with a rooftop bar giving 360-degree Acropolis views.
18 Micon Street
15-room industrial-chic boutique hotel in a converted 1950s Psirri workshop — cement, wood and brick, some rooms with Acropolis-view balconies. Five minutes' walk from Monastiraki and Thissio metros.
Santorini
Kavalari Hotel
Adults-only 2-star guesthouse in a converted captain's house on the Fira caldera rim — flowered terraces, volcano views, continental breakfast on the sun terrace.
Aspa Villas
Small family-run complex of Cycladic studios and private cave houses in Oia, five minutes' walk from the village center — caldera or Aegean views, small pool and hot tub.
Voreina Gallery Suites
4-star boutique hotel conceived as a 'habitable gallery' on Pyrgos's hillside — nine art-filled suites with private pools or Jacuzzis and free port/airport transfers.
Flights to Athens & Santorini
Fly into ATH (ATH)
Flight results via Travelpayouts — we may earn a commission on bookings.
Getting around Athens & Santorini
How to actually move around each city — transit, rideshare, bikes, and taxis.
Athens
Public transit
Athens has a modern metro (3 lines), an extensive bus and trolleybus network, and a tram line serving the southern coast. The integrated ticket system covers metro, buses, trams, and suburban railway within the city zone. Contactless bank cards can be used directly at gates.
- Athens Metro, buses and tram (OASA/STASY)
The 3-line metro connects the airport (Line 3), Piraeus port (Line 1), and key central stations. Buses and trolleybuses fill gaps; the tram runs from Syntagma to the southern suburbs and coast.
Tip: Buy the 90-minute integrated ticket or the 24-hour tourist ticket; tap your contactless bank card at metro gates instead of buying paper tickets.
Rideshare
Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow all operate in Athens, working with licensed taxi drivers. They are reliable for airport runs and late-night trips when the metro is closed.
- Uber, Bolt and FreeNow
All three apps operate in Athens using licensed yellow taxis. Pricing is metered per Greek taxi regulations; the apps provide upfront estimates and cashless payment.
Tip: For airport trips, compare the app estimate with the flat-rate taxi fare from the airport to central Athens.
Bikes
Athens has limited cycling infrastructure in the historic center, but e-bike rentals are popular for guided tours. Shared e-scooters from operators like Dott are available in central areas.
- Electricity Rides e-bike rentals
E-bike rental shop offering hourly and daily rentals, popular for self-guided tours around the Acropolis and historic center.
Tip: Book ahead in summer; morning rides avoid the midday heat on the hills around the Acropolis.
- Dott e-scooters
Shared e-scooter operator in Athens; unlock via the Dott app and park in designated zones.
Tip: Scooters are limited to bike lanes and roads; riding on sidewalks is fined. Check the app for the current operating zone.
Taxis
Yellow taxis are plentiful and affordable. Hail on the street, find ranks at squares and stations, or use the FreeNow or TaxiBeat apps. Tipping is not expected but rounding up is appreciated.
- Athens yellow taxis
Metered taxis with regulated fares. The airport-to-center flat rate is 40 euros (5am-midnight) or 55 euros (midnight-5am).
Tip: Ask for the meter to be on (or confirm the flat rate to/from the airport). Have your destination written in Greek if the driver doesn't speak English.
Santorini
Public transit
KTEL Santorini runs the island's public bus network from the central station in Fira, with routes to Oia, Kamari, Perissa, Akrotiri, the airport (JTR) and Athinios ferry port. Buses run roughly every 20-30 minutes on the busy routes in summer (June-September), less often off-season; plan around the timetable as late-evening service is thin.
- KTEL Santorini buses
Public buses from Fira to Oia, Kamari, Perissa, Akrotiri, the airport and Athinios port; the budget way around the island.
Tip: Buy the ticket on board in cash (carry coins). Most routes cost EUR 2.20; Perissa, Perivolos and Athinios port are EUR 2.70, Vlychada EUR 2.80, with a 25% night surcharge between 00:30 and 05:00.
Rideshare
There is no UberX on Santorini. Uber operates only as Uber Taxi, hailing one of the island's licensed taxis at standard taxi rates with card payment in the app. Bolt does not serve the island and FreeNow's Greek coverage stops at the mainland. Expect long waits in peak season.
- Uber Taxi
The Uber app on Santorini hails licensed local taxis rather than private cars, with upfront pricing and card payment.
Tip: Drivers are scarce in summer; if no car accepts, ask your hotel to arrange a private transfer instead.
Bikes
Santorini has no city bikeshare or e-scooter sharing. The standard two-wheel rental is an ATV/quad or scooter from one of the many rental shops, useful for reaching beaches and villages the buses serve poorly. A driving licence is required and helmets are provided; book ahead in summer.
- Mark's Bikes Santorini ATV, moto and buggy rental
Family-run rental shop in Perissa renting ATVs, motorbikes and buggies with hotel drop-off and pick-up.
Tip: ATVs are the easiest way to reach Red Beach, Vlychada and the Akrotiri area on your own schedule; drive defensively on the narrow caldera roads.
Taxis
Santorini has only about 40 licensed taxis and no central fleet site or official taxi app, so no bookable operator is listed here. Hail one at the ranks in Fira and Oia, have your hotel call one, or use the Uber app (see Rideshare). Fares are fixed by destination, not metered: agree the price before you get in and expect roughly double after midnight.