10 Days in Greece for First-Time Visitors — Athens, Delphi, Meteora, Santorini + Smart Alternatives

Ten days… Four destinations. From Athens’ ancient history, to the mystical cliffs of Meteora, to the whitewashed beauty of the Greek islands…this itinerary will help you see the very best of Greece on your first visit.

I’ve shared a lot of detailed guides here for Athens, Santorini, Meteora, and Delphi… but today, I’m putting it all together into one big itinerary for your first trip to Greece.

This is a realistic 10-day plan that blends history, stunning landscapes, and a little island time. It’s paced so you’re not rushing from place to place every single day, and I’ll also share a few “learned the hard way” tips so your trip runs smoother than mine did in a few spots.

Here’s the route I recommend for a first trip to Greece:

• Start in Athens for a couple of days,
  
• Then stop in Delphi on the way to Meteora and spend one night there (although two nights would be ideal if you want more time for the monasteries),
  
• Return to Athens for a night before flying to Santorini for three days,
  
• Then finish back in Athens for your last night before flying home.
  

You could also swap Santorini for another island like Naxos, Paros, or Milos if you want fewer crowds, especially in the summer. 

Now that you have the big picture, let’s talk about the best ways to get between each stop, and we’ll get into more detail about the places I just mentioned.

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Getting Around in Greece (before we get into it)

Transportation is one of those things that can make or break how smooth your trip feels.

On the mainland (Athens ⇄ Delphi ⇄ Meteora), you’ve got a few options. Renting a car gives you total flexibility, but Athens traffic can be chaotic, and parking at the monasteries in Meteora can be tight. 

Trains are scenic and avoid traffic, but you’ll need a taxi or bus from the station to your hotel. Buses are budget-friendly but not as fast.

My personal favorite for these routes is a private driver or small-group tour—especially if you’re combining Delphi and Meteora in the same trip. It’s the most stress-free option, and you don’t have to wedge a car into a cliffside parking spot.

From Athens to the islands like Santorini, you can either fly or take a ferry. Flying is fastest (about 55 minutes), but ferries are scenic and can be cheaper. Fast ferries usually take 4.5 to 5.5 hours; slow ferries can be 6 to 9 hours.

One thing I can’t stress enough—don’t try to get from Meteora to Athens and then straight to the islands on the same day. When we returned from Meteora, flooding had washed out roads and it took twice as long to get back. If I’d had a flight or ferry booked that night, I would’ve missed it. It’s a good idea to build in a buffer night in Athens on both the way out and back. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself.

Now, let’s get into my 10-day Greece itinerary!

Day 1 — in Athens: The Acropolis and Ancient Highlights

We’re starting in Athens, because it’s almost impossible to visit Greece and not spend at least a little time in one of the world’s oldest cities.

I recommend starting your very first morning with the Acropolis. Not only is it the most famous site in Athens, but if the weather turns bad, it can actually close for the day—as we learned when rain made the marble stairs too slippery. Going early in your trip means you have wiggle room to rearrange if that happens.

When you’re up there, take your time. The Parthenon is the star, but don’t miss the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, the Theater of Dionysus, and the Herodeon. The views over Athens are incredible too.

Once you’ve finished exploring, it’s just a short walk to the Acropolis Museum. This is one of my favorite museums in the world—it’s bright, beautifully designed, and you can even see archaeological excavations under your feet through the glass floors.

In the afternoon, make your way to the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Only a few columns remain, but standing next to them gives you an idea of just how massive this temple once was. From there, head to the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896.

For dinner, I love grabbing a table at Dionysos Zonar’s, where you can enjoy great food and incredible Acropolis views as it’s lit up at night.

Day 2 — in Athens: More Ancient Sites or a Sunset at Poseidon’s Temple

This morning, explore the Roman Agora and the Tower of the Winds, basically the ancient version of a weather station, then wander over to Hadrian’s Library.

By lunchtime, you’ll probably be near Monastiraki Square, which is a great place to grab something to eat and maybe pick up a few souvenirs.

In the afternoon, you’ve got a choice. You can stay in the city and visit the National Archaeological Museum (perfect if you want more history and air conditioning), or you can take a trip out to Cape Sounion to see the Temple of Poseidon. It’s about an hour and a half each way from Athens, but watching the sun set over the Aegean from here is unforgettable.

If you stay in Athens, you could also take a food tour or cooking class—both are a really fun way to spend your last evening before heading north.

Day 3 — Athens → Delphi → Meteora

Leave Athens early today—around 7:00 a.m.—and head for Delphi. This was considered the center of the ancient Greek world, where people came to seek advice from the Oracle of Apollo.

Walk along the Sacred Way, past the treasuries and up to the Temple of Apollo. If you have the energy, keep going to the theatre and the stadium.

Before you go, stop in the Delphi Archaeological Museum. Not only is it filled with beautiful artifacts, but it’s also a nice break from the sun.

Plan about three hours here total, then grab lunch in town. I had a great meal with mountain views at Taverna Vakhos.

From Delphi, it’s about four hours to Meteora. As you get close, the landscape changes and these enormous sandstone pillars start rising up around you—it’s absolutely breathtaking.

Depending on your timing, either check into your hotel in Kalambaka or Kastraki, then head to Sunset Rock (also called Psaropetra). Or vice versa.  It’s a popular spot, so arrive at least half an hour before sunset to get a good view. If you’re not great with heights, like me, don’t worry, you can still enjoy the view without going all the way to the edge.

Day 4 — Meteora: Monasteries in the Sky

Meteora means “suspended in the air,” and that’s exactly how these monasteries feel. Today is all about exploring them.

There are six active monasteries open to visitors, but only five will be open on any given day—each closes one day a week. My favorites are the Great Meteoron for its history and museum, Varlaam for its gardens and views, and Rousanou, a peaceful nunnery that’s easier to reach than some of the others.

Dress modestly, shoulders and knees covered, and wear good walking shoes. There are a lot of stairs here, and it’s not wheelchair accessible. Bring small bills for the 5 euro entry fee at each monastery, and please remember that photography inside the churches is not allowed.

After a full day of exploring, have dinner in town and rest up for tomorrow’s drive.

Day 5 — Meteora → Athens

Today you’ll make your way back to Athens. (You can also use the morning to visit one more monastery if you like!) Whether you’re driving, taking a train, or on a tour, it’s about four to five hours.

This is your buffer night before heading to the islands. Use the evening to enjoy a relaxed dinner—maybe in Plaka or Psiri—and get a good night’s sleep.

Day 6 — Athens → Santorini: Catamaran Cruise + Sunset in Oia

Fly to Santorini bright and early this morning—it’s less than an hour in the air.

Once you’ve checked in, I recommend starting your time here with a catamaran cruise. Most include stops at Red Beach, White Beach, the Caldera hot springs, and Ammoudi Bay. Wear a dark swimsuit for the hot springs—the minerals can stain lighter colors.

Back on land, it’s time for that famous Oia sunset. My favorite way to enjoy it is from a hotel terrace with a glass of wine, or over dinner in Ammoudi Bay. The castle viewpoint is popular, but it’s so crowded you can barely move.

Day 7 — Santorini: Fira to Oia Hike + Armeni Dinner

This was my favorite day on Santorini. The Fira to Oia hike is about six miles and takes around three to four hours, depending on your pace. The views of the caldera are stunning the entire way. Start early to avoid the heat, wear a hat, and bring water.

Afterwards, relax at your hotel pool, then head down to Armeni Restaurant for dinner. It’s a small, family-run fish tavern with the freshest seafood we had on the island. You can walk there from Oia, but arranging their little boat transfer from Ammoudi Bay is much more fun and much easier.

Day 8 — Santorini: Oia + Optional Wine Tour or Photoshoot

Spend your last day exploring Oia—visit the Blue Domes, take photos by the windmills, and do some shopping in the boutiques. 

For the afternoon, you could visit a winery for tastings or book one of the island’s famous flying dress photoshoots like I did.

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Alternatives to Santorini in Peak Season

I love Santorini, especially in shoulder season, but summer crowds can be intense. If that’s a dealbreaker for you, here are some great alternatives:

• Naxos has long beaches, fantastic food, and a more laid-back vibe.
  
• Paros has charming Cycladic villages and is a good base for exploring nearby islands.
  
• Milos is famous for its unique rock formations and hidden coves.
  

You can swap Santorini for any of these and still follow the rest of the itinerary.

Day 9 — Back to Athens

Fly or ferry back to Athens for your final night. This makes your departure day much less stressful. Use the evening for last-minute shopping or a fancy farewell dinner. You could even try a Dinner In The Sky. I tried to book it for our last night, but it was already sold out. The concept looks so fun: you’re strapped into seats at a table that’s lifted high above the city while you enjoy a multi-course meal with panoramic views. Definitely book well in advance if that’s on your bucket list.

Day 10 — Fly Home

Time to say goodbye to Greece—though I suspect you’ll already be planning your next trip on the flight home.

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Where to Stay

Athens:

• Hotel Grande Bretagne – this is a luxury hotel and a great place for using Marriott Bonvoy points. They also have a beautiful pool area and an amazing rooftop restaurant with views of the Acropolis.
• Ava Hotel & Suites – these are spacious rooms on a quiet street in Plaka, plus it’s an easy walk to major sights.

Meteora:

• There are many different options to choose from…stay in Kalambaka for more restaurant options, and Kastraki for a quieter village feel. 
• We stayed at the Dellas Boutique Hotel in Kastraki and loved it!
  

Santorini:

• Ikies Santorini in Oia—it’s boutique, romantic, and has the best sunset views without the crowds.
  

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That’s my 10-day Greece itinerary. If you want more detail on any of these stops, check out my dedicated guides for Athens, Delphi, Meteora, and Santorini—I’ll link to them below. And let me know in the comments which part of Greece you’re most excited to see.

• Read more: What to Pack for Greece + FREE Printable Packing List
• Read more: How to Spend 2 Days in Athens, Greece: An Easy Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
• Read more: Ultimate Delphi, Greece Travel Guide: The Perfect Day Trip From Athens
• Read more: My Honest IKIES Santorini Review – The Best Hotel in Santorini?
• Read more: 3 Days in Santorini: A Laid-Back Santorini Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
• Read more: Meteora, Greece Travel Guide: Exploring the Surreal Monasteries
• Read more: Behind the Scenes of a Flying Dress Photoshoot: My Honest Experience with Exclusive Photos & Videos