Wine has been part of the Greek lifestyle for over 4,000 years. There are seven wine making regions in the country, which produce over 300 indigenous varieties. Fall is definitely the best time to plan to visit these parts of Greece as you may get the chance to see the entire wine picking and wine making process. But that shouldn’t stop you from visiting Greece and its wine making regions during any time of the year.

Quick summary

This itinerary is best planned for late August and early September (during the grapes picking season). It involves taking the ferry from Athens to Santorini and also uses only public transportation between the cities. There’s quite a bit of walking involved as well, so make sure to pack comfortable water shoes and don’t forget your water bottle and sunscreen.

The present itinerary comprises the wine making regions of Peloponnese and Santorini. You’ll start the itinerary in Athens , visit wineries in Nemea and Nafplio on two day trips and then travel to Santorini, where you’ll spend three days, before heading back to the capital.

Day 1: Arrive in Athens

Arrive at Athens International Airport and check into a hotel near the Acropolis . Spend a relaxing afternoon and evening in the city. Walk on the narrow streets of Plaka and find a place to eat. Make sure to taste meze and maybe try a local wine.

Day 2: Athens Highlights

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. You’ll be doing quite a bit of walking today.

Start your day with a souvlaki in Plaka before walking to the Ancient Agora. Visit the Temple of Hephaestus and Stoa of Attalus and then walk to the next site: the Roman Forum.

Stop for lunch. You can try something light – such as Greek salad – or you can try one of the Geek soups. If it’s colder outside, choose the Fassolada, a hearty beans soup which will keep you filled until dinner. Finish the meal with Greek beer.

It’s time to walk to the Acropolis and plan to stay until sunset. You’ll probably end up spending 3 or 4 hours here and try to make some time to visit the new museum as well.

Have dinner in the city and then go back to the hotel.

Day 3: Nemea

There are five buses a day from Athens to Nemea. They leave from Stathmos Leoforia Peloponnisou and the ride takes about 3 hours (via Corinth). [Alternatively you can rent a car and drive to Nemea ; 1h 36 minutes drive time].

If you take the bus, ask the driver to be let off at the ancient site of Nemea (not in the new town). In Greek mythology this is where Hercules overcame the Nemean Lion of the Lady Hera. During the Antiquity, the Nemean Games were played here. The ancient site still has remains of the Temple of Nemean Zeus.

Next to the new town of Nemea there is the Nemea wine making region, which produces the best red wine in the entire country. The Agiorgitiko grape is grown here. You can visit Palivos Wine Estate , located close to the ancient site. You can choose to tour the vineyard and the winery and enjoy some wine tasting. Also, it’s possible to have lunch here (accompanied with wine, of course).

Travel back to Athens and have dinner. If you are not too tired, check out the Athens’ nightlife.

Day 4: Nafplio

There are 17 buses a day from Athens to Nafplio, the first leaving at 6:15 a.m. The travel time is 2 hours. [Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive to Nafplio ; it should take about 2 hours as well]. Visit the Ancient Theatre of Epidavros , which is still in use today.

From here, you can either walk to Argos (about 9.5 km) or take a bus; then visit the Domaine Papantonis, which has been producing only dry red wine. Agiorgitiko and Roditis grapes are grown here. It is possible to take a tour of the winery and also enjoy a complimentary tasting.

Have a meal in Argos, visit the Castle of Larissa (which is overlooking the town) and then take the bus to Athens. Spend a relaxing evening in Athens.

Day 5: Ferry to Santorini

Have breakfast and then travel from Athens to Piraeus . Buy a ferry ticket to Santorini /Thira (from €33.50 single adult fare) and enjoy the scenery. Depending on the type of boat you choose, you should get there in 5 to 8 hours. Ferries run between the two ports until end of October.

If you travel during the low season, it’s a good idea to book a plane ticket to Santorini . For example, a single adult ticket in early November starts at €125 on Aegean Airlines.

Arrive in Santorini and check at the hotel . Spend the afternoon and evening walking the narrow streets of Fira and Oia. Stop at a tavern and enjoy the fresh sea food.

Day 5: Santorini wines

Have breakfast and then visit one (or more) of the 10 wineries located on the island.

The unique soil and weather conditions help create an amazing wine, unique in the world. Most of the grapes grown here are Asyrtiko. But Santorini is also known for Visanto , the dessert wine.

Have lunch and then visit the Santorini Wine Museum . Pirgos is the closest village to the wine museum. The museum shows the history of winemaking in Santorini from 1660 to 1970. Various events (music, wine tasting competitions, dance shows, etc) are also organized here.

Have dinner and then enjoy some of Santorini’s nightlife.

Day 6: Santorini Highlights

Spend the day visiting the island. Allow for some down time at the beach and make sure to visit some of the black beaches . Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a day out in the sun.

Day 7 Back to Athens

It’s time to say “good bye” to Santorini and travel back to Athens either by ferry or plane.

Photo credits: Acropolis of Athens , Castle of Larissa, Argos , Santorini vineyard