Awe-inspiring ancient attractions. Idyllic islands. Majestic mountains. Fabulous food, and world-class wine. Greece pretty much has it all. As a result, it’s not easy to get to grips with planning trips, which is where our suggested itineraries for how to spend 7 days in Greece are helpful. Read on to be inspired by four unique itineraries that’ll you help you get to the heart of glorious Greece. You’ll be surprised how much you can see and do in 7 days.
Want to experience the best of Greece’s cultural and natural attractions in a single 7-day trip? Our Cultural and Natural sites of Athens and the Peloponnese has your name all over it.
Kicking off in the capital, your first day in Athens will see you enjoy a guided tour of the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum.
After having your fill of ancient culture, visiting the Plaka and Monastiraki districts offers opportunities to have your fill of Greek food.
On day 3, you’ll collect your hire car and head to the Isthmus of Corinth to view the Corinth Canal.
From here, the marvels of ancient Mycenae and Nemea await. With the latter surrounded by vineyards, you can enjoy a wine-tasting experience after seeing the site.
Come the afternoon, drive to the ancient city of Sparta.
Your home for night will be gorgeous Guesthouse Mazaraki near Mystras — it offers views of Mystras castle, Sparta, and Mount Taygetos.
Corinthian Canal, Greece © Shutterstock
Mystras, Greece © Shutterstock
On the 4th day of your trip, you’ll venture to medieval Mystras on the slopes of Mount Taygetos.
Here you’ll be dazzled by Byzantine beauty before driving to the Mani region to board a boat that’ll see you enchanted by the Alepotripa and Vlichada caves.
Next, visit Areopoli to be charmed by Byzantine churches. While in town, taste traditional bread in the 180-year-old bakery.
Later, bliss out on Limeni beach before dining in a local fish restaurant.
On day 5, you’ll move through the Messenian region and visit the archaeological site of Ancient Messene.
Following this, move to the pretty seaside town of Pylos. Visit its splendid Venetian castle before bathing in the crystal-clear waters of Voidokilia beach and visiting the Lagoon of Gialova.
Next morning, you’ll visit 13th-century Chlemoutsi Castle ahead of discovering the secrets of organic honey at a farm.
The remainder of day 6 will be spent exploring the ancient site of Olympia.
The last day of your trip will take you to lovely Langadia, a traditional village tucked on the slopes of Mount Mainalon. From here, head to the seaside town of Loutraki.
After enjoying a treatment at the local thermal spa, indulge your taste buds in a restaurant overlooking the Corinthian Bay before returning Athens.
Olympia, Greece © Oleg Znamenskiy/Shutterstock
Check out this overview of the 7 days Greece itinerary.
Inspired? Book this trip now!
Mycenae, Greece © Shutterstock
If you’re into myths, you’ll love our itinerary that covers Epirus and Athens: the Ancient Sites.
After arriving in Athens, explore the city on foot, perhaps on a walking tour that focuses on food or history.
On day 2, collect your hire car and head northwest to the awe-inspiring Epirus region.
Kick off your adventure with a stop in ancient Arta, which is known for its medieval and Byzantine attractions.
After lunching in a traditional tavern, travel to Ioannina — the captivating capital of Epirus.
On the 3rd day of your trip, explore Ioannina Castle — the oldest Byzantine castle in Greece — and visit Lake Pamvotida.
After this, the town of Zitsa offers opportunities to taste wine and shop in boutiques.
Vikos Gorge, Zagori, Greece © Shutterstock
Ruins of Dodona, Epirus, northwestern Greece © Shutterstock
Day 4 will see you venture to the Zagori region. Highlights of this day include viewing Vikos Gorge, and visiting the villages of Zagorochoria.
Legends are in store on day 5, when you’ll visit Dodona — an ancient sanctuary and oracle of Zeus.
After touring the Hellenistic theatre, journey towards Parga. Here you can relax and bathe in the sea before dining at a beachfront restaurant.
On day 6, more mythic experiences await in Cassope and Necromanteion.
Nearby, you could take a boat trip from the village of Ammoudia to be regaled by stories of Hades and Persephone.
On day 7, visit the Roman city of Nicopolis before enjoying lunch in a traditional tavern in Preveza and returning to Athens.
Ready to dive into a myth-packed adventure? Find out more about this trip.
Lycabettus hill, Athens, Greece © Shutterstock
Check out this overview of the 7 days Greece itinerary.
National Garden, Athens, Greece © Shutterstock
If you’re looking for an idyllic island experience, why not discover Naxos in style?
Before heading to this scenic stunner, you'll have time to take a guided tour of Athens to see some of the city's must-see sights, among them the magnificent Acropolis.
Day 2 will see you transported to Naxos by speedboat. Your rental car will be waiting, so you can whisk yourself away to your luxury villa, perhaps stopping off at a beach.
You might want to devote day 3 to the beach, where the turquoise shimmer of the Naxian sea awaits.
Naxos island, Greece © Shutterstock
Little Venice, Mykonos, Greece © Shutterstock
The pace quickens on day 4, when you could take a day trip to two contrasting islands.
Though the smallest island in the Aegean, Delos — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — was once esteemed as Greece's most sacred island.
Meanwhile, cosmopolitan Mykonos is a great place to eat, drink and make merry.
Come day 5, take time to immerse yourself in Naxos. The villages of the island’s mountainous interior brim with charm.
Alternatively, you could take a horse-riding tour, or enjoy a culinary experience.
On your last full day on the island, explore the Small Cyclades islands on a catamaran trip.
Charmed by the sound of discovering Naxos in style? Discover more.
Take a culinary tour to sample the island's best food © AS Food studio/Shutterstock
Check out this overview of the 7 days Greece itinerary.
Acropolis, Athens © Shutterstock
To uncover Greece in scenic style, this Mainland Greece itinerary will see you stay in a secluded private villa in the stunning Southern Peloponnese.
On arrival in Athens, collect your rental car and start your self-drive trip.
After stopping to see the Corinth Canal and ancient site of Epidavros, the wonders of Nafplion await.
One of the region’s most beautiful towns, it’s worth pausing here before pressing on to Kardamyli — your home for the next few days.
Corinthian Canal, Greece © Shutterstock
Come day 2, you might want chill by your private pool, or head to the beach.
Day 3 could see you exploring the wider Mani region, including the Caves of Diros.
After lunching in Areopoli, the clear waters of Limeni beach awaits, along with fantastic fish restaurants.
Adventure is in store on day 4, courtesty of kayaking at the foot of the mighty Taygetus mountain.
Day 5 affords opportunities to chill in the lovely coastal village of Gythion before heading to medieval Mystras and ancient Sparta.
More ancient majesty can be experienced on day 6 if you visit the archaeological site of Ancient Messene before exploring the Messinian Olive Valley.
Inspired? Read more detail on this customisable itinerary.
Greece is a great destination for gourmands © Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock
Statue of Leonidas of Sparta, Greece © Shutterstock
Check out this overview of the 7 days Greece itinerary.
Temple of Hephaestus and the Acropolis, Athens © Shutterstock
Alternatively, if you’re not keen on planning, browse our customisable Greece itineraries, and talk to our local Greece travel experts.
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written by
Joanne Owen
updated 15.11.2023
