Greece in 10 days: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini
Ancient Athens and two of the most famous islands in the Aegean. Ferries link the islands, and a short flight brings you back to Athens for the trip home.
When to go
Late May, June and September are warm with calmer seas and fewer crowds than July and August. Many island hotels and ferries run a reduced schedule from November to March.
Flights: into Athens
Recent round-trip fares Aviasales travellers found to Athens; tap a route for today's price.
Day-by-day plan
Athens 3 nights
Arrive and walk Plaka and Monastiraki; dinner with an Acropolis view.
The Acropolis early in the morning, then the Acropolis Museum and the Ancient Agora.
The National Archaeological Museum, or a day trip to Cape Sounion or Delphi.
🚆 Ferry Piraeus or Rafina → Mykonos: about 2 h 30 min by fast ferry, longer by conventional ferry.
Mykonos 3 nights
Little Venice, the windmills and the lanes of the old town at sunset.
A morning boat to the ancient island of Delos, then a beach afternoon.
A beach day: Psarou, Agios Sostis or Paradise, depending on your style.
🚆 Ferry Mykonos → Santorini: about 2 to 3 hours by fast ferry.
Santorini 3 nights
Arrive, settle in and walk the caldera edge in Fira.
Hike from Fira to Oia (about 10 km) and stay for the Oia sunset.
A caldera boat trip to the volcano and hot springs, or Akrotiri and the red and black beaches.
🚆 Flight Santorini → Athens: about 45 minutes.
✈️ Day 10: fly home from Athens.
Tips for this trip
- Book ferries early in summer; fast ferries sell out and can be cancelled in strong winds, so leave a buffer day before your flight home.
- Buy the Acropolis ticket online and go at opening time to avoid the heat and the crowds.
- Santorini cave hotels with caldera views book up months ahead for June to September.
Prefer a guided tour?
The same route with hotels, transport and a guide arranged for you. Live prices and reviews; you book and pay on TourRadar.
More Greece trips ›FAQ
Is 10 days enough for Greece?
For Athens and two islands, yes. Add Naxos, Paros or Crete with a few more days.
Ferry or flight between the islands?
Ferries are the usual way between Mykonos and Santorini; flights connect each island with Athens.
Which island is better, Mykonos or Santorini?
Mykonos is about beaches and nightlife; Santorini about caldera views and sunsets. This plan does both.