3-Day Greek Islands Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Greek Islands itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaGreek Islands travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Tour to Santorini and Crete with Knossos & Sunset to Volcano

  A 3-day island adventure takes you through the Palace of Knossos, traditional olive farms in Heraklion, and Santorini's iconic Oia sunset. The trip features an optional Caldera cruise with BBQ ($160), comfortable accommodations in both islands, and all transfers included. The tour artfully combines archaeology and natural beauty.

  

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  • Athens Greece

    145 mi

  • Santorini Greece

    74 mi

  • Heraklion Greece

    199 mi

  • Athens Greece

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• 3 Day Naxos Itinerary, incl. Chora and Plaka Beach

  A 3-day retreat to Naxos, the Cyclades' largest island, provides 2 nights' accommodation and airport/port transfers. Venetian architecture adorns Chora's streets, while Plaka Beach offers seaside relaxation. Included breakfasts at either Hotel Lagos Mare 4* or Hotel Aeolis 3* complete your stay, starting from $140.

  

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  • Day 1

    Arrival and Chora Exploration

    Your transfer from Naxos Airport or ferry port to your hotel in town takes about 10 minutes. If you arrive by ferry, look for your driver near the port exit with a sign - this area gets quite busy in peak season. Spend the afternoon exploring Chora, the main town. Start at the Portara (Apollo's Gate) for sunset, just a 5 minutes from the port. Then explore the medieval Kastro district with its Venetian mansions and cobblestone streets. A recent visitor shared: "The maze-like alleys of the old town are fascinating, but bring comfortable shoes as the stones can be slippery, especially in the evening."

    
  • Day 2

    Beach Day and Local Life

    Visit Plaka Beach in the morning when the water is calmest. This 4km sandy beach is the longest in the Cyclades, but afternoon winds often pick up. Buses leave every 30 minutes from Chora - it's a 15-minute ride for €2. Sit on the right side for beautiful coastal views. You'll want to rent an umbrella since there isn't much natural shade - they cost about $15 per day. When you're ready for lunch, check out the family tavernas at the north end of the beach. Fresh seafood starts around $20. In the late afternoon, take a bus to the traditional village of Halki. Buses run hourly from Chora. Make sure to visit the kitron distillery to try the local citrus liqueur Naxos is known for.

    
  • Day 3

    Final Morning and Departure

    Most flights and ferries leave in the afternoon, so you can enjoy a relaxed final morning. Start with breakfast at your hotel and take one last walk through the market street by the port. The local cheese shops open at 8am - the famous Naxos graviera is worth trying. Your pickup will be about 2.5 hours before ferry departures or 1.5 hours before flights. Check departure times the night before since summer winds can affect ferry schedules.

    

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• 3 Days in Greek Islands, incl. Paros and Santorini

  Greek Islands come alive in this 3-day tour featuring Paros's traditional villages and Santorini's caldera. Visitors can choose an optional organic farm tour and BBQ cruise around volcanic islands. The package includes breakfast, ferry tickets, and private transfers.

  

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  • Day 1

    Athens to Paros

    Get to Piraeus port early - at least 45 minutes before departure. The port gets busy and you'll need the extra time. The fast ferry to Paros takes 3-4 hours, so pack some entertainment and snacks. After arriving at Parikia port and checking into your hotel, spend your afternoon exploring the old town. The narrow marble streets are beautiful at sunset when soft light hits the white buildings. You can book an organic farm tour for about $190 per person in the afternoon. You'll get to taste local Parian wines that aren't available anywhere else. Looking for great photos? Visit the mountain village of Lefkes. It has all the classic Cycladic architecture you want but without the crowds you'll find in Santorini.

    
  • Day 2

    Paros to Santorini

    Take the morning ferry to Santorini (about 3 hours). From Athinios port, you'll travel up a winding cliff road to reach your destination. Sit on the right side of your transfer vehicle for incredible views. After checking in, head straight to the caldera walkway in Fira. Consider booking a semi-private caldera cruise ($160 per person) which includes swimming in volcanic hot springs and a BBQ dinner overlooking the caldera. If you want to walk between Fira and Oia along the caldera, it takes about 3 hours. Start early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hot sun. The path has some loose gravel, so wear sturdy shoes.

    
  • Day 3

    Santorini to Athens

    Make your last morning count. Visit the Akrotiri archaeological site when it opens at 8:00 AM to see the preserved Minoan settlement before tour groups arrive. The ferry back to Athens takes about 5 hours. It's smart to book a flexible dinner reservation in Athens since ferries can run late. Always check your ferry schedule the day before you travel. This is especially important in shoulder season (April-May and September-October) when times can change.

    

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