Your 7-Day Athens & Santorini Trip: Parthenon & Beyond

Arrive at Athens International Airport (ATH). Take the Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) directly to Monastiraki Square (approx. 45-50 min, cost 10-12 per person) for efficient transfer to your hotel. Check into your accommodation or drop off luggage, allowing for a smooth start to your Athenian adventure.

"Athens International Airport is a nicely run and functional airport. Several interesting notes: Unless you are arriving from a CONUS airport, you should anticipate using a mobile stairs and a bus to move from the plane to the terminal. This airport is generally very busy. This airport has dedicated smoking areas in an enclosed space inside the airport. The baggage claim process is generally very quick. It is about an hour drive from the airport to Syntagma Square."— Captain Travel

Ascend to the iconic Acropolis, an ancient citadel that houses some of the world's most famous historical monuments, including the majestic Parthenon. Explore the ruins and take in the panoramic views of Athens.

"An incredible place. The cultural heritage of the Greeks and the world. History is felt on every corner, on every stone. Beautiful and well-maintained. On the holidays, there are many tourists, incomparably more than any other attraction. During the hottest hours, the attraction may be closed."— Sylwia Pierog

Wander through the Ancient Agora, the historical heart of public life in ancient Athens. Discover the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos, which houses a museum depicting daily life in antiquity.

"The Ancient Agora of Athens is absolutely spectacular and a must-see for any culture enthusiast. The complex is extensive and filled with remarkable ruins that truly bring ancient Athens to life. The Temple of Hephaestus is one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples and a real highlight. The small museum in the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos is also worth a visit, with interesting artifacts that add valuable context. As a bonus, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Parthenon rising above the ruins. An unforgettable experience."— Witold Rudziński

Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Acropolis by visiting its modern museum. Marvel at artifacts found on the Acropolis site, including sculptures from the Parthenon, meticulously displayed in a stunning architectural setting.

"Acropolis Museum has absolutely stunning exhibits and offers a deep immersion into ancient history. Walking through the museum gives a real sense of how people lived in those times - their daily life, traditions, and many subtle details that bring the ancient world to life. Using an audio guide helps a lot, and visiting with a professional guide would make the experience even richer. The stories behind the artifacts truly change how you see the museum. One thing to keep in mind: large backpacks are not allowed inside, and the staff can sometimes come across as a bit strict or unfriendly, probably because they are very careful about protecting the exhibits."— Sergei Ermin

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Monastiraki Square, a bustling hub in Athens. Browse the eclectic stalls of the nearby Flea Market, offering everything from souvenirs to vintage finds, and soak in the local energy.

"Flea Market – Υπαίθρια Αγορά 🛍️🌞✨ A huge open‑air market with endless shops — you can truly find anything you want, from clothes and accessories to souvenirs and unique local items. The area is lively, colorful, and full of energy, perfect for walking around and exploring. There are also so many restaurant options 🍽️, making it easy to stop for a snack, coffee, or a full meal while you shop. A great place for variety, atmosphere, and discovering something new 🌟."— Bent_uaq

Visit the historic Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble and site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Walk on the ancient track and imagine the roar of the crowds.

"Opening hours are daily 8 am to 7 pm. In winter till 5 pm. A true Athens gem! The Panathenaic Stadium is all in white marble and dating back to 330 BC, is absolutely breathtaking. Cost is €12 to enter (€1.50 for restrooms) A historic must-see you won’t forget!"— carine

Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Athens' central municipal market, Varvakios. Observe local life as vendors sell fresh produce, meats, fish, spices, and cheeses. A vibrant display of Athenian daily life.

"Anyone interested in food should spend an hour or two at the Varvakios Market. If you are staying in an apartment with cooking facilities it is a great place to buy meat and fish. Lamb, pork, chicken, and every kind of Mediterranean fish imaginable are sold here. The fish hall was especially impressive. It actually smelled really good! A stroll through the market is a great way to soak up some local color. The neighborhood is populated with additional shops selling spices, olive oil, and all sorts of other Greek food-related items."— Mark Kortum

Delve into Greece's rich past at the National Archaeological Museum, home to an extensive collection of artifacts from prehistoric times to late antiquity, including significant sculptures, pottery, and jewelry.

"A massive disappointment – not worth the 20 € entry fee Unfortunately, my visit to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens was a huge letdown. Despite visiting in February, the interior was stiflingly hot and stuffy. The exhibitions are monotonous, and the presentation is subpar: terrible lighting casts shadows over the artifacts, and the information plaques are placed at knee height, making them nearly impossible to read comfortably. Furthermore, many rooms were cordoned off with tape and inaccessible. The museum’s layout is poorly organized, with no clearly marked visitor path, causing us to wander back into the same rooms repeatedly. To make matters worse, the official museum app we downloaded was completely useless and provided no real value. The lowest point, however, was the state of the restrooms. There was no toilet paper, no paper towels, no toilet seats, and the flushes were broken. On top of that, there was an overpowering smell of chemicals. It is unacceptable for an institution of this stature to be so poorly maintained. I honestly cannot recommend it – for 20 €, there are far better-managed sites to visit in Athens."— Aleksandra

Wander through the elegant Zappeion Hall, an architectural neoclassical masterpiece, then find tranquility amidst the lush greenery and diverse flora of the adjacent National Garden, a public park in the heart of Athens.

"Zappeion Garden is a peaceful oasis right in the heart of Athens. It’s the perfect place to take a relaxing walk, enjoy nature, and escape the city’s noise for a while. The garden is beautifully maintained, with shaded pathways, fountains, and elegant neoclassical architecture surrounding it. I especially loved how close it is to major landmarks like the National Garden, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Syntagma Square, everything feels connected yet calm. There’s also a lovely café inside where you can sit under the trees and enjoy a coffee or light meal. Whether you’re looking for a quiet morning stroll or an afternoon break after sightseeing, Zappeion Garden is one of the most charming and refreshing spots in Athens."— Tüvana Keskin

Take the funicular up Lycabettus Hill, Athens' highest point, for breathtaking panoramic views of the entire city, including the Acropolis and the Aegean Sea, especially stunning as the sun sets.

"This is the highest point in the whole of Athens. You can see the entire view of Athens from here including the famous Olympic stadium, Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus and other great monuments in Athina. It is a nice walk up the hill to the top and even an easier walk back down once you have enjoyed the great view up there."— D K

Explore the ancient marketplace of Roman Athens, including the well-preserved Tower of the Winds, an ancient meteorological station and clock.

"Not much to see here anymore but the ruins of course. It was closed when we were there. But it is very visible from the gate. There were cats by the gate and we saw someone brought food for them. How nice! Hadrian's Library is also nearby."— Anne Chin

Visit the impressive national cathedral of Greece, an important religious and architectural landmark in central Athens.

"I visited the Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation today and was truly impressed by its beauty and atmosphere. From the outside it looks grand and historic, but stepping inside is where it really shines. The interior is stunning, with beautiful icons, intricate details, and a peaceful, reverent ambience that makes you want to slow down and take everything in. Despite being right in the heart of Athens, the church feels calm and spiritual, offering a quiet moment away from the busy streets outside. It's not just a place of worship but also an important part of Greek history and Orthodox tradition. Whether you're religious or simply interested in culture, architecture, or history, this church is well worth a visit. A beautiful and meaningful stop in central Athens"— AsabaYT

Discover a comprehensive collection of Greek art and cultural artifacts from prehistory to the present day, housed in a beautiful neoclassical mansion.

"The museum is located on a main avenue, with an entrance fee of €12.50. We visited on a weekday around noon, and it was very quiet, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The layout inside the museum is extremely easy to follow. The exhibits are clearly numbered, and you simply move from one section to the next, with each number representing works from a specific historical period. This makes the visit very smooth and well-organized. Because it was so calm, walking through the museum was truly pleasant and relaxing. In addition, the collection includes many impressive and high-quality artifacts. We genuinely enjoyed our visit. I would definitely recommend this museum to anyone visiting Athens."— Fakı AKIN

Relax with a leisurely walk along the beautiful Marina Flisvos, enjoying the sea breeze, views of luxury yachts, and coastal ambiance.

"Μαρίνα Φλοίσβου is a beautiful and vibrant marina in Athens, perfect for a relaxing stroll or enjoying the sea breeze. The area is clean, well-maintained, and offers stunning views of yachts, the water, and the sunset. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and seating areas, making it a great spot for families, couples, or friends to spend a leisurely afternoon. The atmosphere is lively yet peaceful, and it’s very accessible from the city."— syed Ishaq Pasha

Indulge in 'Loukoumades', traditional Greek fried dough balls drenched in honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon, at a highly-rated dessert shop.

"Tasty location. Ordered honey & cinnamon lukumades, chocolate ice-cream and an espresso. The donuts are good, not too sweet, but nothing special. The ice-cream is homemade and it was yummy. The coffee was also ok. It can get really busy, even on a weekday. Big plus for the clean restroom."— Irisha

Begin your day by visiting the colossal ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, a former gargantuan temple dedicated to the king of the gods. Reflect on the sheer scale and ambition of ancient Greek architecture.

"Another great piece of Ancient Greece. This was a a great place to take in the history and imagine. However the downsides outweighed the positives! The cost was €20 per person! You could explore only from a distance. The QR codes didn’t work. There was very little any signage and no information at the entrance. Nobody was helpful at the entrance or the concession area. You could literally stand outside a get photos and observe from there. A group of school kids were there and they were very rude. This is the first place we’ve visited and gained no knowledge from at all! While it was neat to see, sadly we were disappointed."— DElightful Photography

Depart from your hotel in Monastiraki and transfer to Athens International Airport for your flight to Santorini.

"Very professional service. The driver was courteous. Strongly recommended!"— Anastasios Tsitsakis

Allow ample time for check-in, baggage drop-off, and security procedures before your domestic flight.

"Athens International Airport is a nicely run and functional airport. Several interesting notes: Unless you are arriving from a CONUS airport, you should anticipate using a mobile stairs and a bus to move from the plane to the terminal. This airport is generally very busy. This airport has dedicated smoking areas in an enclosed space inside the airport. The baggage claim process is generally very quick. It is about an hour drive from the airport to Syntagma Square."— Captain Travel

Head to Perissa Black Sand Beach, famous for its unique dark volcanic sand and clear waters. Enjoy a relaxing swim, sunbathe, or take a leisurely coastal walk along the shore.

"We just had a weeks stay here at the black sandy beach. we booked last minute and just wanted a small local and friendly hotel, that’s just what we got. The hotel small and compact, well maintained with lots of little peaceful areas you can still peacefully to read a book or just have time out if you don’t want the pool / beach. Lovely welcoming staff who are always around to help and answer any questions, apologies I forgot your names :-( The rooms are cleaned immaculately everyday with fresh towels if needed. Small bathroom, with toilet and shower cubicle and sink, big enough for small hotel, twin room. Toilets are provided and are good quality. The room itself was a little small, the wall paintings are unique, not my cup of tea. Tv in the room but all in Greek. Kettle and necessaries provided daily or just pick Up some more at breakfast. Fridge in the room, kept freezing and leaking. Safe in the room was provided. Small intimate pool, clean and cosy, but you are 3 mins away from the beach and the resort strip along the coast. In town there are bars are tavernas etc. breakfast is basic, but has everything you need and is tasty. Rooms have large balconies or terrace, rooms are fitted with shutters if you want a black out. If you are venturing out I recommend read the reviews then go and have a look as some top restaurant are not the best the just cater for volume and there are tavernas and beach bars out there that will rip you off. Definitely get the bus out and about and see places, cheap and easy to use. As the island is a volcano, get some beach shoes to go on the sands and in the sea. Expensive resort compared to the rest of Greece, but somewhere to put on your to visit list. Thanks for the relaxing stay . Efaristho x"— Stuart James

Explore the remarkably preserved ruins of a Minoan Bronze Age city, often referred to as the 'Minoan Pompeii,' buried under volcanic ash for millennia. This site provides fascinating insights into ancient Cycladic life.

"The archaeological site of Akrotiri is a must visit when on Santorini. This is a Minoan port and town that was buried when the volcano of Thera blew up sometime around 1,600 BC. The exact date is debated by scholars. It is a beautiful snapshot of Bronze Age life and ruins. The site is straight forward to navigate and understand. Suggest pairing seeing this site with the museum in Fira town to better understand the full depth of the site."— Captain Travel

Visit Santorini's unique Red Beach, characterized by its striking red volcanic sand and towering cliffs. Enjoy the dramatic landscape and take photos of this natural wonder.

"To reach Red Beach, you have to walk for about ten minutes from the parking area along a rough, uneven path, but it’s definitely worth it. The beach is covered with fine pebbles and is truly very beautiful. It can get quite crowded, so it’s best to go there early in the morning — that’s when you can really enjoy the peace and quiet."— Nam Truong

Experience a guided tour and tasting at Santo Wines, one of Santorini's most renowned wineries. Learn about the unique volcanic soil and indigenous Assyrtiko grape, concluding with a tasting of several local wines while enjoying caldera views.

"This place is one of my favorite wine experiences in the world. The variety of wines are interesting and the combination with the views makes it one of the best wine tastings in Europe and it’s even better during sunset. I’ve visited twice and highly recommend it for anyone visiting the island."— Simileoluwa Adebajo

Discover the charming caldera-side village of Oia with a guided walking tour. Explore its whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and winding alleys, gaining insights into its history, architecture, and unique culture.

"My family and I took a walking tour through 3 villages with Lydia and it was absolutely amazing! The views were incredible and we were away from the crowds. Lydia really made the experience - she was so personable & such a joy to be around. She taught us so much about the history and culture and it felt like we were friends at the end! Truly was one of the highlights of the trip!! These Arizonans can’t rave about it enough!! Can’t wait to go back :)"— KatieChiodo

Find a prime spot to witness the world-famous Oia sunset, a truly magical experience as the sun dips below the Aegean Sea, casting vibrant colors across the sky and the caldera.

"We visited early December, luckily we got a sunny day and Fira looked so magical and picturesque. The whitewashed buildings glowing ever so brightly in the sun rays and the pristine water of the Aegean sea hosting cruises on their day trips, was nothing short of a fairy tale imagination. The walk from Fira to Imerovigli was dotted by churches on the way, the famous three bells of fira and countless bougainvilleas greeting at every step of the way! Loved it! After sundown the place looks equally magical with the lights twinkling and sparkling in the farthest hotels and stays, making it feel ever so dreamy!"— Aditi Dam

Wander through the winding alleys of Pyrgos, Santorini's highest village, known for its traditional Cycladic architecture, panoramic views, and the ruins of a Venetian castle. Enjoy a quieter, more authentic island experience.

Immerse yourself in the picturesque village of Imerovigli, known for its stunning caldera views, traditional architecture, and quiet atmosphere. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through its charming alleys and capture breathtaking photos.

"An hour walk from Fira, this magnificent town of Imerovigli provides the best views of the whitewashed cottages, blue domed churches and the vast expanse of the Aegean Sea. You would find cats dozing or basking, or taking a casual stroll. If you visit in December like I did, you would perhaps find more cats than locals. The perks of visiting in the quiet season being, you can soak in the beauty as much you want without having to make your way through people and the madness of the peak season! Very magical and make sure you spend some time here if you are hiking from Fira to Oia!"— Aditi Dam

From Imerovigli, take a scenic hike to Skaros Rock, a prominent volcanic rock with the ruins of a Venetian fortress. Enjoy panoramic views of the caldera, the Aegean Sea, and the surrounding villages.

"Skaros Rock is one of the most impressive spots on Santorini. The hike is absolutely worth it – the views over the caldera are breathtaking, especially around sunset. Standing on this massive rock, you truly feel the history and raw beauty of the island. Since we are staying at Villa Vinea, it was only a three-minute drive to Skaros, which made it incredibly easy for us to visit – and we honestly wanted to go there so much. It completely lived up to our expectations. The path down is a bit adventurous, so make sure to wear good shoes, but that’s part of the charm. And if you continue further down the trail, you’ll even discover a small, sweet hidden gem waiting for you. A must-visit when staying in Imerovigli – pure Santorini magic."— Nam Truong

Spend some time browsing the charming local shops in Fira. Look for unique souvenirs like local art, jewelry, or volcanic stone crafts to remember your trip to Santorini.

Transfer from your hotel to Santorini (Thira) International Airport (JTR) for your international flight home to New York, NY. Allow ample time for check-in and security.

"Santorini International Airport (IATA: JTR), also known as Thira Airport, is the primary gateway to the island, located approximately 6 kilometres southeast of the capital city, Fira. Airport Facilities Renovated in 2021, the terminal is modern but can become crowded during peak summer months. Connectivity: Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available via the "Fraport Free" network. Financial Services: Multiple ATMs (Eurobank, Piraeus, Euronet) and a OneExchange currency booth are located in the arrivals area. Dining & Shopping: Includes Hellenic Duty Free Shops, small souvenir stores, and several cafes/restaurants both before and after security. Luggage: There are no luggage storage or locker facilities available at the terminal. Major Airlines The airport serves as a hub for domestic carriers and numerous international seasonal flights. Domestic: Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, and Sky Express provide year-round connections to Athens. International: Seasonal carriers include Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, British Airways, and Lufthansa."— Dr .Ovilia Fernandes