Ten days and six places in Greece is probably a bit too much for many travelers. The itinerary starts in Athens, visits Corfu, Meteora, Thessaloniki, Mykonos and Santorini. If it’s too much for you, then you can tweak it according to your needs. If for example, you don’t want to travel to Thessaloniki, you can get back to Athens from Meteora and hop on a ferry to Mykonos.

It’s hardly likely to find two persons who have the same ideas of what a “perfect” itinerary in Greece could mean, but this itinerary can give you some ideas and prices in order to start making your own plans.

Itinerary assumptions:

• you’ll be flying into Athens and out of Santorini
• the travel time is between April and October so that the ferries between islands are available on all routes
• accommodation is in budget hotels or hostels
• public transport is preferred over car rentals

Athens : Day 1 -2

Two days in Athens (or , maybe a weekend ) are quite enough to visit the landmarks and explore Greece’s capital. Plan to visit the Acropolis, the Roman Forum and the Ancient Agora. You can also watch the changing of the guards in front of the Parliament and enjoy some time in the National Gardens. Don’t forget to taste the local cuisine (souvlaki for breakfast, anyone?).

Here is a list of free things to do in Athens . If you look for a cheap place to stay, check out these hostels near Syntagma Square .

A night in Athens in June 020 will set you back from €23 per night in a budget double room far from the city center. Close to Syntagma Square, expect to pay from €41 per night in a 1-bedroom apartment (for 2 people).

>>book a flight to Athens and look for a hotel with a view of Acropolis on Booking.com

Corfu: Day 3- 4

From Athens, catch a flight or a bus and ferry to Corfu . The island is not as crowded and it’s totally different than the Cyclades. It is located between Italy and mainland Greece.

Some of the things to do in Corfu include: visiting the Old Fortress, exploring the Old Town and soaking up the sun on the beach.

>>read more about Getting from Athens to Corfu

A night in Corfu in June 2020 will set you back from €20 per night in a studio for 2 adults, on the beach.

>>book a flight to Corfu and look for a budget hotel in Corfu

Meteora : Day 5 – 6

Get back to Athens and travel to Meteora . Both train and bus tickets cost about the same and the travel time is almost 5 h. Walk up the stairs to the monasteries and visit the museum to learn about the Orthodox monastic life. Remember to dress appropriately (no sleeveless blouse or shorts).

It’s advisable to spend a night in Kalampaka (where the trains and buses stop on their way to/from Athens and Thessaloniki) before traveling to Thessaloniki the next day. A double room costs from €37 per night.

>>read more about Getting from Athens to Meteora and read more about Visiting the Monasteries of Meteora

Thessaloniki: Day 7 – 8

Travel by train or bus to Thessaloniki (travel time: about 3 hours). A good idea is to look for hotels near the White Tower , as you’ll be able to plan the sightseeing easily from here.

Some of the free things to do in Thessaloniki include walking in the Old Town, visiting the Church of Agios Dimitros or various museums. Of course, you shouldn’t miss learning more about the White Tower and visit the museum located within.

A night in Thessaloniki costs from €32 per night for a double room.

>>read more about Getting from Meteora to Thessaloniki

Mykonos : Day 9

To get from Thessaloniki to Mykonos, the only option is by air.

Mykonos is known as a party island, but you surely don’t need to stick to just that while here. Take a stroll on the narrow streets of Little Venice, take photos of the windmills, soak up the sun or shop.

In June 2020, expect to pay from €61 per night for a double room in a pension.

Should you decide to spend more than a day here (and maybe cut back on the time spent in Thessaloniki), then consider a day trip to Delos. Or, you can escape to the nearby Ios, a lovely island that is fast becoming a partying hub and a romantic getaway.

>>read about the Things to do in Mykonos

Santorini: Day 10

Catch a ferry to Santorini and prepare to end your vacation in style. Try the local wines, watch the sunset at Oia or explore the ancient site of Akrotiri.

Santorini is definitely the most romantic island in Greece so if you travel with your loved one you’ll find plenty of cute things to do together. Don’t be shy to pack a picnic basket and enjoy some relaxing time on the beach.

>>read more about the Things to do in Santorini

There are plenty of hotels to choose from and prices start as low as €36 per night in a double room in June 2020. Studios for two start at €38 per night (close to the beach).

>>read more about Ferries from Mykonos to Santorini

Note: The article was written in February 2012; hotel prices have been updated in Feb 2020.

Photo credits : Athens, Corfu , Meteora , Thessaloniki , Mykonos , Santorini