I’m often asked what I recommend for someone’s first vacation in Greece: places, landmarks, hotels, etc. After having to say the same thing over and over again, I started to think about writing a short guide with such tips and ideas. By no means, this is a “perfect” guide and I’m sure you’ll probably don’t like some of the ideas, but for the first time traveler to Greece, I believe it’s a good starting point, especially since it only includes three places (with a bonus day trip).

The majority of visitors who come to Greece for the first time want to explore the country, visit the historical landmarks and maybe enjoy the sun a bit.

Assuming you’ll be flying into (driving to) Thessaloniki and flying back home from Athens, here’s a general itinerary for a week in Greece:

2 days in Thessaloniki

>>book accommodation in Thessaloniki now

After your arrival, spend the rest of the day walking the streets and finding some nice places to dine. Check out the shops and plan your next day. On your second day in Thessaloniki you’ll be exploring the historical landmarks. The most important landmark is the White Tower and other important places to visit are: The Palace of Galerius, The Old Arch, Roman Market and Theatre, Roman Baths, Vergina, Latomos Convent, The City Walls, The Crypt and Panagia Halkeon.

More information on :
>>Museums in Thessaloniki
>>Free things to do in Thessaloniki
>>Day trips from Thessaloniki

2 days in Meteora

>>book accommodation in Kalampaka

Take the bus from Thessaloniki to Meteora (schedules are available at the offices so allow some time for finding the details). The journey takes about three hours. Settle down and find a place to eat, soak up the atmosphere and prepare for the next day.

The next day you’ll be climbing the stairs to the monasteries and exploring the sites. Wear comfortable shoes and bring lots of water (ideally buy it from a store!). If you travel during summer make sure to arrive at the sight as soon as possible because it can get really hot in the afternoon.

Read more about:

>>Getting from Thessaloniki to Meteora
>>Getting from Athens to Meteora

3 days in Athens (includes 1 day trip to Aegina)

>>book accommodation in Athens

Take a bus from Meteora to Athens (400 km/250 miles). Settle down and start exploring the small streets in the Plaka neighborhood.

Here’s an article I previously wrote about spending a weekend in Athens . Pretty much everything suggested can apply to any day of the week. You might not get to see the changing of the guards though.

So instead of that third day, you can take a day trip to Aegina. There are ferries connecting the island to the mainland. The port is busy but very lively. Make sure to explore the seafood restaurants.

Once arrived, you can easily spot a lovely beach. Make your way there and either soak up the sun and relax or just stroll on the sand. Then walk on one of the pedestrian market streets. Pick up some nice fresh produce or some souvenirs. Go back to Athens and prepare for your flight back home.

If Aegina is not what you like/want to explore, then you can go to Angistri –also located just a short ferry ride from Athens- or Poros – again, very close to Athens. Both islands have their charm and offer the tourists a chance to get away from the capital’s crowds.

More information on:
>>Museums in Athens
>>Free things to do in Athens
>>Day trips from Athens
>>Ferries from Athens to Aegina

Other information you might need:

>>Flights to Greece
>>Ferries in Greece
>>Car Rentals
>>Accommodation in Greece
>>Weather in Greece

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The article was first written in Sep 2008; it was updated, edited, and republished in Oct 2023.