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From honeymooners to outdated marrieds like me, the Greek Islands have lengthy been a bucket listing vacation spot for {couples}. When we began to consider dream locations to have a good time our twentieth anniversary and my fiftieth birthday, Greece saved floating to the highest of the listing. While it took an additional 12 months to make that journey a actuality, our 10 days in Greece ended up being every thing we had probably hoped for and extra.
So for these of you who saved threatening to “steal my itinerary” and do the very same journey — have at it! I’ve put collectively our full 10-day Greece itinerary only for you. Obviously, this journey was geared towards {couples} that need to splurge on a bucket listing journey, however take a look at this text if you’re questioning how a lot a median journey to Greece prices. If you’re planning a household journey, you can too take a look at my good friend Kirsten’s Greece journey information.
10 Days in Greece Itinerary
Note: This publish might include affiliate hyperlinks. If you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I could obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.
The first step is determining the place you need to spend your 10 days in Greece. We solely had 9 nights to spend on our journey to Greece, and we wished to take time to loosen up and benefit from the expertise, versus being on the go, on a regular basis. To get probably the most out of the journey, we determined to separate our time over two completely different islands.
The romantic pictures of Santorini that you simply see throughout Instagram, with these quintessential blue-domed roofs and the white stucco Cycladic structure, beckoned us and we merely needed to spend a while on Santorini. Of course, I’d additionally heard how over-tourism is an issue in Santorini. However, with crowds all over the place and loopy excessive costs for inns and meals, I didn’t need to spend too lengthy there.
To steadiness out the crowds of Santorini, we determined to spend the majority of our time on close by Naxos, the biggest of the Cyclades islands, which is thought to be quieter and fewer visited by American vacationers. Plus, it’s rather more inexpensive!
We had deliberate on flying out and in of the islands and ending out our go to with one fast evening on Mykonos (figuring out that the costly celebration environment wasn’t our cup of tea), skipping over Athens totally. However, our Swiss Air flights that had been connecting via Zurich had been canceled and we didn’t need to threat transiting via one other European nation, so we determined to fly out and in of Athens on Delta, which meant we would have liked to spend our remaining evening on the mainland in Athens.
When you’re planning your Greece itinerary, pay shut consideration to the flight instances out and in of the islands and the way lengthy of a layover you might have should you fly out of the islands. Chances are, additionally, you will discover it simpler to remain at the very least one evening in Athens, particularly as you don’t need to threat a decent connection between the ferry and your flight as ferries are notoriously late in Greece.
Keep studying for our full 10 days in Greece itinerary! I’ll cowl the place we stayed, our actions and excursions, and our favourite eating places.
3 Days in Santorini
When I used to be posting about my journey on Instagram, one of many questions I acquired was how lengthy to spend in Santorini. My feeling is to spend at the very least two nights, or three if it’s your first day in Greece. But in actuality, it’s nonetheless lengthy you may afford. 🙂
Day One
We flew in a single day into Athens after which had a three-hour layover earlier than our brief flight to Santorini, getting us to the island round 2:30 pm. You also can take a ferry from Athens to Santorini, however it’s lengthy and the departure instances didn’t align nicely with our arrival so it made extra sense to fly, to keep away from spending an evening in Athens as a layover. If we had extra time, I’d have spent the primary two days in Athens and brought some extra time to discover and tour the Parthenon and the opposite historic websites of the Acropolis.
Whether you arrive on the port or the airport, I’d suggest pre-arranging your switch to the resort so that you don’t get caught ready in lengthy taxi traces. While our resort was completely satisfied to rearrange a VIP switch, we determined to save lots of a bit cash and used Welcome Pickups as a substitute. We had been capable of ebook on-line and each switch we organized labored completely, with pleasant drivers, clear vehicles, and a few facilities like chilly water. I’d undoubtedly use them once more!
For our three nights in Santorini, I booked a honeymoon suite with a personal plunge pool on the luxurious resort Canaves Oia Epitome. You can learn my full Canaves Oia Epitome resort evaluation on my sister web site YourTimetoFly. This was definitely an enormous splurge for this milestone journey, but it surely was such an exquisite luxurious expertise that I don’t remorse a penny.
The Canaves Oia Epitome is a part of the posh model of Canaves Oia properties and is the most recent of its inns. Located proper exterior of the favored city of Oia, the resort gives attractive sundown views from every luxurious villa. We liked the situation, the service, the room, the meals, the pool…critically, we liked all of it.
After a fast nap on our comfortable sunbeds by our non-public plunge pool, we dressed for dinner at Elements, the Canaves Oia Epitome’s advantageous eating restaurant. We loved gorgeous sundown views whereas indulging in a seven-course degustation menu that can lengthy be remembered as one among our high all-time eating experiences.
Day Two
On our first full day in Santorini, we determined to discover the attractive city of Oia. Just a 10-minute stroll (or brief resort shuttle experience) away, we had been suggested to get an early begin to get to expertise city earlier than the crowds of day-trippers arrived. Luckily, we visited early within the season and earlier than cruise ships began returning to the Greek Islands, so we had till midday earlier than the streets began getting even a bit crowded.
Pro tip: when go to Oia all the time get a really early begin and attempt to verify for days when there aren’t any giant cruise ships in port, as these convey an additional 5,000-8,000 guests to an already overcrowded island.
When exploring city make certain to get off the primary pedestrian avenue and poke into the small alleys and wander via the streets that overlook the caldera. If you get scorching or hungry, cease in for a chilly drink at Terpsi n Oia, which has a rooftop terrace with unbelievable views.
After we lastly labored up an urge for food after our decadent meal the evening earlier than, we loved one other rooftop meal on the attractive Oia Gefsis. It was right here that I spotted I used to be going to actually get pleasure from eating in Greece. We had thought of lunch within the courtyard of close by Roka or Karma, however I feel we made a superb alternative for meals and views mixed.
Full from lunch, we headed over towards the fortress ruins, the place folks collect to look at the sundown. It can be a terrific photograph spot wanting throughout the buildings constructed into the cliffs and the few remaining windmills on the town. This is a superb spot to discover with attractive Insta-worthy views.
By afternoon the warmth of the summer time afternoon set in and it was time to return to Canaves Oia Epitome for a while on the pool. That night, we headed again to city for an additional degustation dinner at Lycabettus.
We had reserved a cliffside desk for dinner with an unforgettable view. While this can be one of many extra distinctive eating experiences in Oia, the meals and repair didn’t examine to our earlier evening at Elements. If you need to benefit from the view, I’d counsel reserving a regular desk on the terrace and ordering from the menu a la carte.
Day Three
Our third day began early, with a photoshoot with Nikola from Flytographer. (If you ebook a session via my referral hyperlink you’re going to get $25 off.) Nikola did a superb job discovering scenic photograph spots, suggesting poses, and capturing our pleasure in a memorable set of anniversary photographs. If you will have by no means tried Flytographer for a trip shoot, I’d suggest checking it out. We have additionally used them in Marrakech and it’s so fantastic to get skilled photographs to seize the particular recollections you make on trip.
After our photograph shoot, we had time for an outfit change and a scrumptious breakfast on the resort earlier than being picked up for our half-day wine tour with Santorini Wine Trails. Over the following 4 hours, our information Iliana taught us about Santorini wine and agriculture. Despite the difficult rising situations, there are over 20 small wineries on Santorini, primarily targeted on the Assyrtiko grape, with vineyards as much as 3,500 years outdated, because the island wasn’t closely impacted by the phylloxera that destroyed so lots of Europe’s vines.
Our first cease was in a winery the place we noticed the distinctive “basket” rising technique that protects the grapes from the warmth and wind. We then proceeded to go to three distinctly completely different wineries. Our first was at Gavalas within the city of Megalochori. We tried a couple of wines, together with their model of Santorini’s well-known Vinsanto, which is totally completely different than the Vinsanto you discover in Tuscany. The favourite wine right here was the Santorini, plus the scrumptious Santorini tomato paste and Naxos cheese which was served with the wine tasting.
Pro tip: should you discover a place to purchase Santorini tomato paste to convey dwelling, do it!
The second cease was at Gaia, which is positioned proper on the seashore on the east facet of the island, in an industrial constructing that was as soon as used for producing tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Gaia gives such a calming and exquisite setting for wine tasting.
The remaining cease on our wine tour was at Domaine Sigalas, which is nearer to Oia. With an out of doors tasting space adjoining to the winery, it is a common spot for vacationers and so they served a fantastic charcuterie board to accompany our tasting.
Full on wine and good meals, we returned to the resort with time to loosen up at our pool as soon as once more. That night, we walked right down to Ammoudi Bay for dinner on the Ammoudi Fish Tavern on the water. The complete bay is a line of recent fish eating places subsequent to the docks the place the sundown catamarans depart.
We thought of doing one among these because it is among the high issues to do in Santorini, however we didn’t need to take care of the group and I’d already booked a personal boat tour in Naxos.
5 Days in Naxos
We had been unhappy to say goodbye to Santorini but it surely was time to maneuver on to Naxos by way of ferry.
Day Four
We booked a ferry from Santorini to Naxos, as it is just about an hour and a half boat experience. The experience from Oia to the ferry port takes about 45 minutes and is a little bit of a hair-raising experience should you don’t like heights or cliffside driving, otherwise you get movement sick on the switchbacks like me. Another choice can be to fly from island to island.
I talked about our ferry expertise on a current episode of the Vacation Mavens podcast, however right here are some things to remember:
- There are many alternative ferry choices when touring between the Greek Islands. You can use FerryHopper to verify charges and schedules for the assorted ferry traces and ebook tickets on-line.
- You must make your ferry reservations typically months upfront to get the time that you simply favor, they do promote out
- If you haven’t checked in on-line and acquired a cell boarding cross, cease on the ferry workplace to print your boarding passes.
- Note that the SeaJet World Champion Jet ferry to Naxos is a big boat that additionally stops at Ios first after which different islands after Naxos so it is going to be a big crowd herding onto the boat collectively.
- Greek ferries are a bit chaotic when boarding and it may be arduous to determine if you’re in the best line. Keep in thoughts that they make a number of stops so it is advisable be listening not essentially only for them to name the title of your island, however for the FINAL STOP in your ferry’s route (like discovering out which subway prepare to take.)
- Ferries typically run late due to climate situations so they’ll attempt to board you in a rush (consider cattle being herded) but it surely additionally makes it a bit tougher to determine which ferry is arriving. Make positive you recognize your ferry line and title/quantity.
On arrival in Naxos, we had been picked up by Naxos Luxury Transport for the 15-minute (and 20 euro) experience to our resort in Agios Prokopios. Our resort, Virtu Suites, is a luxurious boutique resort positioned proper on one among Naxos’ most lovely seashores. You can learn my full Virtu Suites evaluation over on YourTimetoFly, however suffice it to say that it was an ideal alternative for what we had been in search of.
This up to date resort makes use of attractive bohemian and coastal types whereas incorporating traditional Cycladic structure. The use of beach-inspired supplies like rope, stone, and driftwood is superbly included into the room design and out of doors restaurant and bar. While there was a small pool proper exterior of the door of our Seaview Suite, we opted to spend most of our downtime on the seashore, which was proper throughout the road, and the resort provided padded solar loungers and cord umbrellas, with prime seating reserved for visitors.
We spent our first afternoon having fun with the seashore and a sundown dinner on the resort restaurant earlier than taking a brief stroll via city.
Day Five
Our first full day in Naxos began with a room service breakfast (included in our keep) earlier than heading out early to fulfill Captain George of the crusing yacht Annabella for a day on the water with Naxos Sailing. I had booked a full-day non-public crusing to Antiparos and Paros, as I assumed it might be a enjoyable strategy to get out on the water, whereas additionally getting an opportunity to discover a neighboring island with out having to take care of ferry schedules.
As we sailed out of Naxos, some dolphins made a rapid look as we headed towards some small islets off Antiparos. After a while spent snorkeling, we headed over to the mainland of Paros to snorkel right into a sea cave. The subsequent cease was within the small village of Piso Livadi on Paros. We had the choice of having fun with the city or seashore right here however we determined to take a cab to the primary village of Naoussa.
I fell in love with this village and it made me need to return and keep on Paros if we get an opportunity to return to Greece. After that, we sailed again to Naxos Town, and Glenn and I even took turns piloting the boat. It was a beautiful day that jogged my memory a variety of the day we spent boating round Capri.
After a protracted day at sea, we opted to have dinner close to our resort at Spiros. This family-run taverna gives conventional Greek and Naxian dishes in typical big parts. Seriously, don’t over-order! But even should you do, a meal right here gained’t value you a lot (like 40 euros for an appetizer, two entrees, and two drinks!)
Day Six
The subsequent day was undoubtedly one among our favorites of the journey, as we launched into a full-day Cheese, Food, Wine, and Island Tour with Eleni from Philema Food Tours. I can’t suggest this tour extremely sufficient (or any tour with Philema Food Tours for that matter) should you actually need to perceive extra about Naxian meals, wine, and native tradition.
Our first cease was at a household farm of cheesemakers. After assembly the goats whose milk we’d be quickly turning into cheese, we stepped contained in the farm kitchen to a feast of do-it-yourself Naxian specialties. Pro tip: don’t eat breakfast if you’re taking this tour! We then acquired hands-on and had an opportunity to assist make one among Naxos’ most well-known cheeses. This was such a enjoyable expertise it was virtually arduous to say goodbye to proceed our tour.
The subsequent cease was in a small village with solely seven full-time residents and a potter whose household has been creating pottery for generations. We explored the city’s olive oil press, watched a pottery demonstration, and browsed via his store.
The tour wrapped across the island, winding via the mountains and stopping at a couple of scenic overlooks for photographs. A spotlight was a cease within the charming village of Chalki. Most well-known for the Kitron distillery, this city can be a terrific spot to see artisans in motion.
For lunch, we stopped within the village of Apeiranthos. The white streets of this lovely village are lined with native marble, making it a fantastic place to wander and get misplaced within the labyrinth of small streets.
We had a scrumptious lunch at Amorginos Restaurant, the place we acquired to pattern two well-known dishes on this village — a veal with eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheese baked and topped with yogurt, and roasto. Roasto is pork thigh aged for 2 months and full of garlic, pepper, and cooked in tomato sauce. While I’m not normally an enormous pork fan (except it’s bacon or pancetta), this dish was scrumptious! If you see it on a menu make sure you strive it!
The remaining cease on our tour was at a winery. While Naxos has probably the most vineyards and vines that return for millennia, it isn’t recognized for its wine-making. In reality, a lot of the wine on Naxos combines all types of grapes and ferments them collectively, producing a really sturdy home wine. But one winemaker is trying to change that by producing a extra refined wine utilizing conventional grapes from Naxos.
A winery tour and tasting was the right strategy to finish our tour with Philema Food Tours. That night we loved one other easy, however scrumptious meal close by in Agios Prokopios at Giannoulis.
Day Seven
After a busy few days, we wished to take a day to simply loosen up and benefit from the lovely seashore at Agios Prokopios. In the night, we headed into Naxos Town to check out Oinohoros, the wine bar owned by the winemaker we met on our tour the day earlier than. While many individuals select to have sundown drinks at a rooftop bar on the town, we loved this small wine bar tucked right into a facet avenue and targeted on small lot of Greek wines.
We then walked over to the Portara, or Apollo’s Temple, for sundown. Of course, we arrived too late to get a super spot but it surely wasn’t so crowded that we couldn’t nonetheless get an honest view. Dinner that night was within the romantic courtyard at Doukato, only a brief stroll from the Temple. The meals was simply okay however the setting was good. For one thing extra energetic, take a look at Apostolis in Old Town.
Day Eight
We took our final full day in Naxos to discover Chora, or Naxos Town. After getting misplaced a couple of instances within the labyrinth of the Old Market the evening earlier than, we wished to discover this space and the fortress ruins by the sunshine of day. After a couple of hours of strolling round, we had a fast espresso on the rooftop terrace on the 520 Cocktail Bar & Restaurant, which was rather more mellow in the course of the day than it was the evening earlier than.
Our meandering additionally took us over to St. George’s Beach and wrapped again round to the port space earlier than catching a cab again to the resort. After taking a while to loosen up on the seashore, we headed again to city that night for a advantageous eating meal at Barozzi. One of the extra upscale eating places in Naxos, we had a beautiful meal and glorious service in a fantastic out of doors eating area.
Day Nine
On our remaining day in Naxos, I had organized a quick ferry to Athens. Everything I’d heard concerning the ferries in Greece led me to imagine that I didn’t need to threat taking a ferry to Athens after which heading proper to the airport so we booked one evening in Athens earlier than flying dwelling. Flying can be an choice however the flight instances weren’t lining up with our flight again to the USA both so we determined to stay to the ferry. It is an efficient factor we gave ourselves this additional time as a result of our ferry left about two hours late on account of winds slowing them down.
But since we had a day ferry, we had been capable of get pleasure from a final morning on the seashore earlier than heading into city to catch our ferry. On the way in which, our driver checked an app to see the standing of our ferry and came upon it was operating 45 minutes late (it ended up being a lot later), so we walked over to Pikantiko Grill House proper within the port for a superb and cheap meal of hen souvlaki. This was the perfect souvlaki I had on our journey!
1 Day in Athens
After standing round perpetually, our ferry lastly arrived, however sadly, it acquired us into Athens too late to go to the Acropolis as I had deliberate. However, our pleasant driver from Welcome Pickups drove us by the Olympic Stadium and instructed us concerning the Changing of the Guard, in entrance of the Parliament constructing in Syntagma Square, which we ended up watching from our resort balcony.
To end out our journey, we used Marriott factors to ebook a room on the Hotel Grand Bretagne. This luxurious assortment resort has a terrific location, however its particular characteristic is the rooftop restaurant, which has superb views of the Acropolis. I had booked dinner on the rooftop restaurant, and we additionally loved the views the following morning with our complimentary breakfast as nicely.
This journey was so superb that we weren’t ready to say goodbye to Greece. After dinner, we took our previous couple of hours to stroll across the bustling Plaka neighborhood close to the resort and determined that we should return sometime quickly.
Day Ten
Sadly, it was finally time to go away Greece with our hearts full and so many completely satisfied recollections. The almost 11-hour flight again to JFK, adopted by a three-plus hour drive dwelling to Rhode Island was not enjoyable, but it surely was price it for our dream journey to Greece.
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Feature photograph by Nikola from Flytographer in Santorini.
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