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Athens, Santorini & Mykonos Itinerary
A trip by Sandy PapasGreece Travel SecretsAthens, Santorini & Mykonos Itinerary
Athens, Santorini and Mykonos are the most popular destinations in Greece for good reason. Nine nights gives you a real taste of each – and you finish in Athens so a flight delay doesn't threaten your trip home.
Santorini
Days 1–3 of 9 · 3 nightsDespite the cruise ships and the crowds, Santorini remains one of those places that not only meets your expectations but probably exceeds them. The views truly are the stuff of legends.
White Pearl Cavalieri Santorini Imerovigli
Restored wine canavas on the caldera rim in Imerovigli, turned into suites.
9.8 Alternative places to stay
SantoriniDay 1
Kamari beach & Oia
Kamari beach
Kamari Beach is one of the most popular and most visited beach resorts in Santorini. It is located in the seaside village of Kamari. The beach is composed of black volcanic sand and is 5 kilometers long, among the 3 longest beaches in Santorini, with deep crystalline waters and a series of trees. It is fully organized with hundreds of sunbeds and umbrellas, showers, a lifeguard on duty and numerous facilities.
Oia
World’s most iconic sunset on this cliffside village of astounding beauty. Narrow alleys wind their way through whitewashed buildings adorned with blue-domed churches and vibrant bougainvillea, while the island’s caldera and the azure sea, stretching out as far as the eye can see, offer a dramatic backdrop to the scene. Visitors can explore the village's charming streets, lined with boutiques and cafes, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere. Oia was the first village in Greece to become a heritage site as its greatest part has been built below ground level partly hewn within the rock. As the sun sets, the sky transforms into a riot of colors, making for an unforgettable experience that will stay with visitors long after they've left this magical place.
Lauda
Santorinian tradition meets international culinary trends in this award-winning restaurant in a spectacular setting atop the caldera. Cuisine with finesse, precision and impeccable technique. Very good service, impressive wine list. Among its best dishes, the Greek Gamberoni shrimp marinated in soy and cactus, the Scorpion Fish, scorpion biscuit, stonefish foam, and the Iberian pork with dauphinoise potatoes.
SantoriniDay 2
The Caldera Cruise & Ammoudi Bay
Santorini Caldera Cruise
A classic – Red Beach, White Beach, Hot Springs in Palia Kameni, Nea Kameni, swimming, snorkeling, volcanic bath (optional) and a greek meal with beer and wine included on this cruise on a modern catamaran yacht. Capture stunning panoramas of picturesque Santorini and its volcanic lagoon. Transfer from and to your hotel / vacation rental, as well as snorkeling equipment, also included. We will provide full details, and proceed to reservations if you wish, following your booking.
Ammoudi Bay
At the bottom of the scenic village of Oia, lies the charming, small port of Ammoudi. It is a beautiful, tiny cove with crystalline waters and fishing boats lying in the sea. Here there are no beaches, sand, sunbeds and umbrellas but you can have a distinctive experience by swimming from the dock. Nevertheless, it is preferable that you follow the path, past the taverns, that ends up in an awesome diving area with crystal clear waters.
Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna
Dinner in Ammoudi Bay is a Santorini ritual, and Dimitris is the taverna that does it best. Opened in 1989 by Dimitris and Joy, it sits right where the red cliff meets the water – tables close enough to the sea that the catch of the day arrives by boat a few metres away. The fish comes from the same local fishermen the kitchen has worked with for decades, grilled simply with lemon, good bread and cold Assyrtiko. Come for the golden hour, stay until the caldera lights fade.
SantoriniDay 3
Perissa, Pyrgos & the Wineries
Perissa beach
The beautiful Perissa Beach lies at the base of Mesa Vouno Mountain that separates Perissa from Kamari and on its top you can admire the eminent archaeological site of ancient Thera and a superb view. The scenery that the black lava sand along with the sandy sea bottom and the dark blue, crystal clear waters compose is impressive. It is one of the longest and most famous beaches in Santorini, a characteristic sight of the volcanic island. It is a fully organized, cosmopolitan beach with an abundance of comfy lounging chairs, umbrellas and other amenities, like lifeguards, showers and a playground.
Pyrgos
Pyrgos is a big village, with many mediaeval houses and noteworthy churches offering an excellent view of the island
Wine Tasting Tour
Volcanic soil, sea spray, and 3,500 years of winemaking – Santorini's vineyards produce whites unlike anywhere else. A half-day tour visits two or three estates, sampling Assyrtiko (crisp, mineral, electric), Nykteri (barrel-aged and honeyed), and Vinsanto (sun-dried grapes turned liquid amber). The vines grow pruned into low baskets – kouloura – to shield grapes from the Aegean wind. Santo Wines and Venetsanos have caldera-view terraces; Domaine Sigalas is the serious oenophile's pick. Most tours include local cheese and olive pairings. Book a sunset session if available – the caldera turns gold through a wine glass.
PK Cocktail Bar
The longest running bar in Santorini, with its three terraces perched on the caldera, Palia Kameni Bar is an upscale hotspot in Fira. Particularly popular during sunset, an event that can only be more enjoyable in front of a glass of champagne or a signature cocktail.
Mykonos
Days 4–6 of 9 · 3 nightsMykonos is a very summer-focused destination – outside those months many things are closed. Three days lets you do both the famous beach clubs and the Town stroll, with Delos in between for a quieter day.
Sugar Blue Mykonos
Three quiet Cycladic apartments above Agia Sofia, five minutes from Mykonos Town.
9.8 Alternative places to stay
MykonosDay 1
Little Venice & the windmills
Ornos beach
The Mykonos beach where families actually relax – a sheltered bay a few minutes from town, with water so calm it barely counts as swimming against a current. Ornos sits on the south-west coast, close enough to Mykonos Town to reach by bus or a short taxi, with a run of tavernas and cafés right along the sand for lunch without planning ahead. The bay is protected, so the water stays shallow and flat even when the meltemi is blowing everywhere else. The western tip catches a clean sunset with a fraction of the crowd at the windmills back in town.
Mykonos Town
This is one of the most beautiful towns in Cyclades, one that has maintained its beautiful, unaffected and austere Aegean style intact. Narrow cobblestone-laid streets, small freshly whitewashed houses with blue windows and small wooden balconies, pots filled with multicoloured and fragrant flowers, churches, museums and streets lined with shops with a bustling trade create a remarkable picture. In the summertime the narrow streets are full of people walking about and visiting the luxurious shops and boutiques or having fun in the famous clubs and restaurants. The harbour is equally picturesque and among the multicoloured fishing boats you get a glimpse of Petros, the famous pelican and the mascot of the island.
Windmills
South of Chora, between Alefkandra and the district of Niochori, seven mills overlooking the sea dominate the surrounding landscape. There used to be ten of them in the past. They were used to grind cereals until the early 20th century taking advantage of the north winds that blow over the island
Little Venice
An 18th century district, dominated by grand captains' mansions with colourful balconies and stylish windows. With balconies perched over the sea, pictures of the famous Italian city spring to mind. Relax at a waterfront café and admire the view of the quaint windmills standing imposingly on the hillside above, set against a luminous blue backdrop
Paraportiani Church
Paraportiani is the most well-known and one of the most ancient churches of the island. It was built between the 16th and the 17th century. It consists of a two-storey compound of five churches (four of them are on the basis of the compound, while the fifth one is on top of them, like a dome), that was built at the location where a tower of the island's medieval castle used to stand. The four churches are: Agios Efstathios (at the centre of the compound basis), Agioi Anargyroi, Agios Sozon and Agia Anastasia. The church was named after a small gate (‘paraporti') on the castle wall near it.
Kastro's
Kastro's Bar is located in Little Venice, on the side of world famous Paraportiani Church, you can have your meal sitting on the balcony in the edge of a small Cycladic home. Kastro's was the leading cocktail bar in Mykonos for 37 years before becoming a restaurant serving first-rate Greek and Mediterranean inspired cuisine. The menu features great dishes such as chicken in moschofilero wine, pork escallops served with caramelised strawberries, lobster medallion with black truffle, beef fillet with shrimps in a lobster sauce, and lamb souvlaki with a peppermint sauce.
Caprice of Mykonos
The jet-setters choice haunt from dusk until dawn is the Caprice Bar in the Little Venice district of Mykonos. Caprice Mykonos Bar is perched on the seafront of Little Venice with a stunning view of the Aegean Sunset. A traditional-style setting with some of Greece's finest cocktails and laid-back, sun-soaked mood prevails throughout the day and belies the exciting environment that takes over after sunset. Before your night begins and as the evening wanes, listen to the water lap at the stone in a serene setting as the Mediterranean ocean and sky change colors before your eyes.
MykonosDay 2
Psarou & the beachclub legends
Psarou beach
This small turquoise bay can be defined as the social Mecca of Mykonos. Attracting International and Greek celebrities, Psarou beach offers a 5 star luxury experience, for those who manage to secure the highly desired sun beds. Yachts make Psarou their first anchoring choice, and to eat at the infamous beach restaurant, make sure to reserve well in advance.
Super Paradise beach
Super Paradise is perhaps the most famous beach in Mykonos. Considered one of the most beautiful, Super Paradise Beach is located 6,5km from the Chora and is accessible by bus, boats from Platis Gialos and Ornos, and provides generous parking. Famous for its beach parties, Super Paradise is a must for party animals. Don't be shocked if you see nudists in the far corners.
Jackie O' Beach Club
Located above the dazzling turquoise waters of Super Paradise "hanging" on the cliff, the legendary Jackie O' Beach Club (owned by the duo behind the legendary JackieO' Bar) attracts a diverse crowd of happy partygoers. The restaurant seats 150 people and there is also a large open bar, pool, Jacuzzi and private lounge areas, as well as direct access to the beach. Famous chef Christoforos Peskias blends traditional Cycladic flavours with modern Mediterranean cuisine, while renowned mixologist Giannis Bakos presents a refreshing cocktail menu. This club also has a strong LGBT draw, with drag performances by resident performer Priscilla nightly at 7pm.
Avli tou Thodori
For those who dream of dining on the beach in Mykonos, Avli Tou Thodori is the perfect restaurant for that. This is one of the most romantic places for a date night at Platys Gialos beach, where you can opt for indoor or outdoor seating. With its lively ambiance, this restaurant is also splendid for gatherings among friends and family as it serves a variety of dishes, from Greek Mediterranean to Italian, satisfying diners with different tastes and preferences. Many people raved about the stuffed chicken, grilled seafood and klefitko, a local lamb dish, from Avli Tou Thodori. Famed for their friendly and prompt service, guests are treated to complimentary traditional Greek donut dessert after their meals. To experience true Greek hospitality, you have to visit this highly rated restaurant.
Scorpios
For those looking for an alternative to the maddening beach parties, Scorpios is the place to be. Set on Paraga beach, this hedonistic beach club, which also works as restaurant as well, offers laidback beach fun, people watching sessions and excellent cocktails, while at sundown, the line-up of local and international DJs bring their talent to offer memorable parties. Privacy reigns supreme until the Sunset Rituals begin around 18:30 each day, igniting the nocturnal energies of Scorpios Beach.
MykonosDay 3
Delos & Kiki's Tavern
Archaeological site of Delos tour
The birthplace of Apollo – a whole island that is an open-air museum, thirty minutes by boat from Mykonos harbor. The Terrace of the Lions still guards the Sacred Lake after twenty-five centuries. Temples, mosaic floors, a theatre quarter, and a small museum that houses what the wind hasn't claimed. Half-day trips depart mornings from the Old Port; buy your site ticket (€20) on arrival. There's no food, no shade, and no mercy from the midday sun – bring water, a hat, and sturdy shoes. Allow three hours on the island; the afternoon return leaves around 15:00. The mosaics in the House of Dionysus alone are worth the crossing.
Agios Sostis beach
A diamond in the rough, Agios Sostis is located in the Northern part of the island, about 6km from the Chora. Prepare your daily essentials, as there are no bars or sun beds at this boho - retro beach. Preferred by the locals and celebrities, expect ample nudists. The sole tavern at Agios Sostis closes at sunset and offers you the bare essentials; Almost like a glance back thought time, of what Mykonos used to be.
Kiki's Tavern
Kiki's Tavern is a traditional restaurant on a small hill hidden behind Agios Sostis church, in front of a tiny yet beautiful beach. During high season, you might come across a queue of people patiently waiting to sit and enjoy the excellent food served (no reservations policy). Here you will find fresh seafood and vegetables from Mykonos land, delicious recipes that remind of childhood summer flavors and incredible smells coming out from the kitchen and the charcoal BBQ outside. A few tables on the shaded terrace overlooking the sea from above and tree branches hanging around, declaring the marvelous location in nature. The extra friendly, smiley staff is ready to suggest you the best of Kiki's Tavern and the high quality of the products, as well as the all in all, value for money experience will pay you off for the long hour waiting to catch your table. A hidden gem for your list!
Scarpa
Located in the Little Venice area where the sun dips into the sea, this small and trendy place invites you to enjoy excellent drinks and the finest selection of house vibes. This bar stands for good music, attracting many of the regulars of Mykonos and captures the essence of the island nightlife: sea breeze, good people, good music and ultimate location. Get there early as the best seats tend to fill up quickly for sunset and the party goes till sunrise!
Galleraki
Galleraki cocktail bar is an alternative destination in Mykonos, fairly diverse to the mainstream touristy bars of the island. It is housed at a typical white Aegean building dating back to the 19th century with a view of the windmills and Little Venice. Here you will enjoy fresh cocktails, interesting DJ sets and great events.
Athens
Days 7–9 of 9 · 3 nightsAthens is the capital of Greece and home to some of the most iconic and important historical sites and monuments in the world. You could easily spend a month in Athens and only scratch the surface – but three days at the end of an island trip is the perfect tasting menu.
Noble Suites
A 1901 neoclassical house under the Acropolis – four suites of marble and old wood.
9.7 Alternative places to stay
AthensDay 1
The Acropolis & Plaka
The Ultimate Food Tour
Acropolis
The Acropolis is the symbol of Athens, the sacred rock, linking the fabulous ancient civilisation with the modern city. The monuments on the Sacred Rock date back to the prehistoric era and antiquity. The grandeur and beauty of the Sacred Rock attract Greek and foreign visitors. A visit to the Acropolis is a unique experience.
Acropolis Museum
It is one of the most important contemporary works of architecture in Athens. Its construction, designed by architects B. Tschumi and Mih. Fotiadis was completed in 2007. Standing only 300m away from the Acropolis, its total area covers 21,000 sq.m, while it offers a display area of 14,000 sq.m. It is made of steel, glass and concrete; it uses natural light efficiently so that its 4,000 exhibits would show off. The last level (The Parthenon room) has the dimensions and the direction of the Parthenon and it has been rotated by 23 degrees in relation to the rest of the building so that the visitor would have an immediate view of the monument. The surrounding area, visible from the glass floor of the ground level, functions as an openair museum-excavation. The main entrance is on Dionyssiou Areopagitou Street. In addition, the imposing Weiller building stands in the vicinity. Having been built by German architect W. Von Weiller, it combines Byzantine style masonry and neoclassical decorative patterns. Initially it was used as a military hospital and later as police unit headquarters, whereas since 1987 it houses the Acropolis Research Centre
Kostas
Amazing gyros – a tiny grill on Agia Irini Square that has been doing pork souvlaki the same way for decades. A handful of stools, a queue that moves fast, and the smell of charcoal two streets away. Grab one (or two) in the pita, open the wax paper on the square, and you've understood why this is the Athens food pilgrimage.
Plaka
Plaka, also known as the "neighbourhood of the gods," is the oldest neighbourhood of Athens. Walking on its paved narrow streets you get the feeling that you are travelling back in time. The origin of the name of the neighbourhood is unknown, although theories abound. According to popular belief, Plaka was named after a slab of stone that was found near the church of Ayios Georgios Alexandrias, in the vicinity of the theatre of Dionysos. The beautiful neoclassical style colour of the houses, the architecture, the well-kept gardens, and the beauty and atmosphere of the neighbourhood are enchanting. In Plaka the air you breathe is different; it is lighter, cleaner, and fragrant, like a gift of the gods. When you visit Plaka you should bring a map, because you might get lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys. In Adrianou Street, the central street of the neighbourhood, as in other streets in the area, you will find shops selling traditional products, souvenirs, Greek folk art and handicrafts, etc.
Yiasemi
Yiasemi is a café in Athens, Greece on busy Mnisikleous -a steep, stepped, pedestrian street in the Plaka area that leads down from the Acropolis and is lined with cafés and restaurants. It feels like one of the more characterful offerings on the street, with two separate indoor spaces, seating outside on the steps (of course), tons of plants and flowers, and adorable mismatched furnishings and décor. There's a selection of meze and other dishes but your best bet is to grab a tea or Greek coffee and something sweet to snack on – one of the homemade pies or the honey-drenched, big-enough-to-share baklava. Yiasemi is a nice mix of locals and tourists, buzzy and busy without feeling rushed, and offers superb people-watching
Brettos
The oldest distillery in Athens, pouring since 1909 – and after dark its back wall of glowing bottles is one of the most photographed interiors in Plaka. Brettos still makes its own ouzo, tsipouro and a long shelf of fruit liqueurs; take a stool at the marble counter and taste through them, or point at a colour and see what arrives. A small room with a big history, perfectly placed for a nightcap after dinner in the old town.
AthensDay 2
Syntagma, the Evzones & Monastiraki
Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square is Athens' central square. The name of the square is derived from an uprising on 3 September 1843, of the people and the guard of Athens before the then Royal Palace building, (what is now the Parliament), demanding that King Otto grant a Constitution (Syntagma means Constitution). Syntagma Square and Omonia Square are the two central locations of the city. You should not be surprised when you ask directions if people refer to Syntagma square. Plaka, Acropolis, the Cathedral, the National Garden, Ermou Str, and Kolonaki, are located in the vicinity of Syntagma Square. You will find fashionable cafes and small restaurants located here. The square is busy around the clock. At the kiosks you will find miscellaneous items, ranging from aspirin to souvenirs, newspapers and foreign magazines.
Greek Parliament
Dominating Syntagma Square, the building was the residence of the first king of Greece Otto. The building was constructed from 1836 to 1842. George A', who succeeded Otto on the throne, also resided in the palace. During his reign, two successive fires destroyed the building, making it unsuitable for use as a royal residence. In 1924 the government decided to situate Parliament in the building. Reconstruction work was completed in 1934. The interior was redesigned by architect A. Kriezis. In Parliament you will find national treasures, such as the first Greek Constitution, a collection of valuable paintings and a large library.
Monastiraki
A distinctive old Athens area, with narrow, irregularly criss-crossing streets, and small buildings, characteristic of Ottoman and to some extent Byzantine urban planning. On the outdoor stands of street sellers, or the small shops on the central roads you can find anything, such as shoes, clothes, old and new furniture, old books and magazines, souvenirs, jewellery, hats, bronze objects, new and used records and CDs and traditional Greek instruments (bouzouki, touberleki). Shopping or walking in Monastiraki is an unforgettable experience. You will be stunned by the variety and quality of things you can buy in the market
Athinaikon
An Athens institution since 1932, Athinaikon is where the city goes for proper ouzomezedes – shrimp croquettes, fried smelt, mussels saganaki – on marble tables under old photographs. It moved premises with its regulars over the decades and never lost the habit of doing simple things properly. Order a carafe of ouzo and a spread of small plates; service is brisk, portions honest, the bill kinder than the neighbourhood suggests. Between Syntagma and Monastiraki, it is the natural dinner after the Evzones' changing of the guard.
360 Cocktail Bar
On the roof above Monastiraki Square, 360 earns its name – the terrace looks straight across the rooftops to the Acropolis, floodlit after dusk. Come at golden hour, take a seat at the rail, and watch the city switch on below with a well-made cocktail in hand. It fills up fast for sunset (book ahead in summer); the view does the heavy lifting and the drinks keep up.
AthensDay 3
The Central Market, Psirri & Little Kook
Central Municipal Athens Market
Varvakeios Municipal (Central) Market is a rectangular building (1886) with a large covered court. There are a total of 73 food stalls (meat market, fish market, vegetable market and groceries) in the interior and exterior sections. The market is covered with a glass and metal roof and has symmetrical windows. You will find here small restaurants (eating-houses) with fresh food, attracting Athenians especially after midnight. There is a small grove on the square (Varvakeios Square) across the street.
Psirri
A colourful neoclassical Athens neighbourhood, encompassed by Athinas Str, Ermou Str, and Evripidou Str. It is a busy neighbourhood, especially in the night. You will find on its narrow alleys a multitude of cafes, small bars, clubs, restaurants, ouzorestaurants, and taverns with live Greek music, theatres, galleries, art galleries, and antique shops. Following the liberation of Greece (1833), veteran freedom fighters and immigrants from the provinces settled in the neighbourhood. They opened cottage industries and workshops, which have given the neighbourhood a distinctive character. In the early 1990s, following a series of construction works, the neighbourhood became a popular nightlife and residential area. The churches in the area are also quite interesting, such as Ayioi Anargyroi, Ayios Demetrios, Ayios Gregorios (Armenian), et al. Iroon square, the central square, is a good place for you to start your walk.
Little Kook
Half café, half stage set – Little Kook turns its corner of Psirri into a full fairy tale, themed decorations spilling across the whole street and changing completely several times a year. Expect towering cakes, hot chocolate and a queue of people photographing the façade before they even sit down. It is unapologetically over the top, which is exactly the point – come for dessert and the spectacle after wandering Psirri's lanes.
Lithos Taverna
Tucked into a Psirri side street, Lithos does my favourite Moussaka in Athens – layered the way your grandmother would approve, sitting in front of you within minutes of ordering. The room is stone-walled and unfussy, the wine comes in carafes, and the kitchen turns out the Greek classics with just enough finesse to make the regulars regulars.
The Clumsies
Whether for the high-class cocktails, homely food, open-armed Greek hospitality or charming ambience, The Clumsies is a place in which everyone feels at home. Set in a townhouse in downtown Athens, The Clumsies freely flows through the ground floor, from the statement bar at the front to the quieter back room and terrace where you'll find a wide staircase that climbs to a private bar and billiard table. If the provision of homely hospitality has been fundamental to the success of The Clumsies, its latest menu narrows in on the customer further. The Clumsies Revisited is a compilation of the bar's greatest hits, with simplified methodologies for guests to recreate the cocktail magic at home. A bar launched on a tight budget in a recession by two aspiring young bartenders – Vasilis Kyritsis and Nikos Bakoulis – The Clumsies was a smash from the start with locals and international travellers alike. For the past five years it's been able to call The World's 50 Best Bars its home too.