7-Day Greek Islands Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Greek Islands tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaGreek Islands travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Day Greece Itinerary, incl. Athens and Santorini

  A 7-day Greek getaway takes you to Paros' Lefkes village and Kolymbithres Beach, Ios' 7 different shores with included snorkeling at Neverbay, and Santorini's stunning caldera. Rich with orientation walks, beach tours, and traditional village visits.

  

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  • Day 1

    Athens

    Begin your trip in Athens and stay in the Plaka neighborhood. It's an ideal central location within walking distance to major attractions. "The winding streets of Plaka are perfect for getting lost and finding hidden tavernas away from tourist crowds," according to a recent visitor. Plan for late dinners since most restaurants don't get busy until after 8 PM.

    
  • Day 2

    Athens to Paros (4 hours by ferry)

    Take a morning ferry from Piraeus port to Paros. Get there 90 minutes early since the port gets busy and confusing. Once you arrive in Paroikia port, explore the white-cube old town and Venetian castle. Stay in Paroikia or Naoussa for convenient access to food and beaches. Look up ferry schedules before your trip since they vary by season.

    
  • Day 3

    Paros

    Visit the mountain village of Lefkes in the morning and walk through its olive groves. Get to Kolymbithres Beach before 11 AM to find a good spot near the unique rock formations. One visitor advises: "The water at Kolymbithres is crystal clear but bring water shoes - the rocks can be slippery." Watch the sunset from Naoussa harbor to end your day.

    
  • Day 4

    Paros to Ios (2.5 hours by ferry)

    Catch a mid-morning ferry to Ios. Walk up to Chora village after checking in. The climb is steep but rewards you with great views. Spend time walking the narrow marble paths between white buildings. Head to Mylopotas Beach for sunset. Keep in mind that Ios gets crowded with partiers in high summer.

    
  • Day 5

    Ios Beach Hopping

    Take a tour of seven beaches around the island. Manganari Beach stands out with its calm swimming waters. Pack plenty of water and sun protection since shade is limited. A past visitor notes: "The beach tour was amazing but bring cash for beach bars as many don't accept cards." Have dinner at one of Mylopotas Beach's casual tavernas.

    
  • Day 6

    Ios to Santorini (1.5 hours by ferry)

    Travel to Santorini in the afternoon. Walk from Fira to Oia, which takes about 3 hours. Start around 4 PM to see the sunset in Oia. Wear good walking shoes and bring water. Stay in Fira where accommodations are more reasonable and transportation is easier.

    
  • Day 7

    Santorini

    On your final day, you can leave or stay longer to see more. Optional activities include wine tasting, boat trips to the volcano or visiting the colored-sand beaches. Book your airport transfers early since taxis are limited and expensive.

    

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• 7 Days in Crete, incl. Chania and Heraklion

  The essence of Greek Islands comes alive in this 7-day adventure across 15 destinations from Chania to Heraklion. Your journey includes 6 nights in 3-4 star hotels, visits to Knossos Palace and Spinalonga island, plus authentic meals in traditional tavernas, blending archaeology, beaches, and local culture.

  

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  • Day 1

    Athens to Chania

    Take a morning flight from Athens to Chania (1 hour). Visit the Allied Cemetery at Souda Bay and the ruins of Aptera. A recent visitor shared: "The views over Souda Bay from Aptera are breathtaking – try to time your visit for late afternoon when the light is magical." Spend your evening walking around the Old Venetian Harbor in Chania.

    
  • Day 2

    Western Crete

    Get to Elafonisi Beach before 10 AM to avoid crowds. The beach is famous for its pink sand and clear blue water. After lunch, visit Kandanos village to experience real Cretan life and taste local raki. End your day in Rethymno exploring its Venetian old town.

    
  • Day 3

    South Coast Adventure

    Take the boat from Hora Sfakion to Agia Roumeli (1 hour). You can walk the first part of Samaria Gorge for some great views. Wear good walking shoes as the path is rocky. Later, visit Preveli Monastery and beach. The walk down is steep but the beach's palm trees make it feel like a tropical paradise.

    
  • Day 4

    Matala and Ancient History

    Drive to Matala (2 hours) to see its ancient caves where hippies lived in the 1960s. One visitor noted: "The caves are fascinating but can get hot midday – explore early morning then spend afternoon at the beach below." Stay overnight in Matala.

    
  • Day 5

    East Crete

    Travel east to Agios Nikolaos. Stop at Phaistos Palace on the way. It's less busy than Knossos but just as interesting. You'll reach Agios Nikolaos by late afternoon to enjoy the lake and harbor. Consider staying in Elounda if you want somewhere quieter.

    
  • Day 6

    Spinalonga and Knossos

    Take a morning boat from Plaka to Spinalonga island (15 minutes) to see the former leper colony. After lunch, visit Knossos Palace. Book tickets online to skip the lines. Spend the evening in Heraklion and visit the Archaeological Museum.

    
  • Day 7

    Heraklion to Athens

    Start your last morning at Heraklion's market and Venetian fortress before flying back to Athens. Visit the market early to see it at its liveliest.

    

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• 7 Days in Greece, incl. Athens and Santorini

  The Greek islands unfold over 7 days across Athens' historic center, Mykonos' Little Venice, and Santorini's caldera. Featuring a 6-hour volcanic cruise, dinner at sea, and thermal spring visit at Agios Nicholaos. Includes 2 nights each at 4-star hotels per location.

  

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  • Day 1

    Athens

    Plan to arrive in Athens after 2 PM to avoid morning traffic. Check into your hotel near Plaka and spend the evening walking to Monastiraki Square for dinner. A recent visitor noted: "Hotels were centrally located, making it easy to explore the historic center on foot - especially nice in the cooler evening hours."

    
  • Day 2

    Athens to Mykonos

    Head to Piraeus port by 6 AM for your Mykonos ferry. Regular service takes 4 hours, or you can pay about $30 more for the 2.5-hour fast ferry. Book your stay in Mykonos Town (Chora) to be within walking distance of restaurants and attractions.

    
  • Day 3

    Mykonos

    Get an early start to explore Mykonos Town before the cruise crowds arrive at 10 AM. Walk through the harbor area and Little Venice to see the famous windmills. Skip the busy Paradise and Super Paradise beaches and try the quieter Agios Sostis beach in the north. Bring water shoes since some beaches are rocky.

    
  • Day 4

    Mykonos to Santorini

    Enjoy a relaxed morning before taking the afternoon ferry to Santorini (2.5-3 hours). Stay in Fira or Imerovigli for great caldera views without paying Oia prices. One traveler said: "Mykonos was nice but the beauty of Santorini was spectacular. The tour was well organized and all the assistants and drivers very polite."

    
  • Day 5

    Santorini Volcano Cruise

    Take the 6-hour volcano cruise to explore Nea Kameni. You'll need good walking shoes for the volcanic terrain. The trip includes hot spring swimming and sunset views near Oia. Bring a light jacket for the boat ride back. Dinner features local specialties like tzatziki and Greek salad with unlimited wine.

    
  • Day 6

    Santorini to Athens

    Visit Oia early (before 7:30 AM) to beat the crowds. Take the afternoon ferry back to Athens (5 hours). Stay near Syntagma Square for convenient airport access the next day.

    
  • Day 7

    Athens Departure

    Your airport transfer is scheduled 4 hours before flight time. While this seems early, Athens traffic can be unpredictable. If you haven't visited the Acropolis yet, it opens at 8 AM.

    

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