The ultimate Greece itinerary 7 days

Greece has a lot to offer, from archaeological sites that span thousands of years to small islands with unique charm — and you'd be surprised at how much you can really pack into just a week. Here is our guide to creating the ultimate 7 day Greece itinerary, with a mix of idyllic islands, fantastic landscapes, and of course, incredible cuisine.

The ultimate Greece itinerary for 7 days

Together with our Greece travel experts, we created this ultimate 7-day itinerary taking you through ancient ruins, postcard-perfect islands, and mouthwatering cuisine.

Day 1-2: Athens

The best place to start a 7 day Greece itinerary is in Athens. As the capital of Greece and a city with over 3,400 years of history, Athens is where democracy and Western civilization were born. You'll find a fascinating mix of ancient ruins and a modern, vibrant urban vibe.

Things to do in Athens

Begin your trip with a visit to the Acropolis and Parthenon — two of Greece’s most iconic landmarks. Afterward, you might want to explore the Ancient Agora, which was once the center of Athenian life. 

If you enjoy walking through scenic neighborhoods, the Plaka district, with its narrow streets, traditional architecture, and small shops, is a charming area to discover. It’s also a great place to have a meal. To delve deeper into the country's history, the National Archaeological Museum houses a remarkable collection of artifacts that span Greece’s past.

One of the best parts of Athens is how easy it is to explore on foot—many top sites are just a short walk from each other.

Where to stay in Athens

Here are some of our favorite places to stay — but for a more thorough look don’t miss our guide to where to stay in Athens. 

• Best for a boutique stay: Kimon Hotel Athens blends modern comfort with traditional Greek hospitality. Its stylish rooms, rooftop terrace overlooking the Acropolis, and central Plaka location make it a great choice for a memorable stay.
• Best for historical charm: Regal Hotel Mitropoleos is a restored neoclassical gem with classic decor, period features, and a prime location, offering old-world charm.
• Best for eco-conscious luxury: Coco-Mat Hotel Athens combines sustainability with comfort, featuring organic mattresses and eco-friendly practices for a luxurious stay.

Day 3: Day trip to Nafplion 

On Day 3, take a break from the buzz of Athens with a day trip to Nafplion, Greece’s first modern capital. The town’s Venetian architecture might make you feel like you’ve stepped into another era. 

If you’re up for a bit of a workout, climb up to the Palamidi Fortress for sweeping views over the town and the Argolic Gulf. Afterward, you could head to the ancient Theater of Epidaurus, famous for its near-perfect acoustics and incredible preservation. After your day, head back to Athens for the night.

Day 3-5: Kefalonia

Next, head to Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands. The island has a mix of quiet villages, scenic beaches, and historical sites, making it a good choice whether you’re interested in nature or local culture.

Things to do in Kefalonia

A good starting point is Myrtos Beach, famous for its vivid turquoise water and white pebble shore. For a change of scenery, take a trip to Assos Village, a small fishing village that’s surrounded by hills and features a 16th-century Venetian castle. 

If you’re interested in a unique natural attraction, you could take a boat tour of the Melissani Cave — an underground lake where sunlight streams through a collapsed roof, creating striking reflections on the water. For a relaxed evening, stroll around Argostoli, the island’s main town, where you’ll find a lively waterfront and plenty of local cafés.

Where to stay in Kefalonia

While there are plenty of accommodations in Kefalonia, here are a few of our favorites:

• Best for a boutique stay: Aura Boutique. This stylish hotel offers personalized service and chic accommodations in a central location.
• Best for couples: Erolidae Villas. These romantic villas feature private pools and stunning sea views, perfect for a secluded getaway.
• Best for families: White Rocks Hotel Kefalonia. With spacious rooms, a kids' club, and multiple pools, this resort caters to guests of all ages.

How to get to Kefalonia from Athens

You can either fly directly from Athens (about an hour) or take a longer journey by bus or car to the port of Kyllini and board a ferry—offering a more scenic approach to the island.

Day 5-7: Lefkada

Lefkada is linked to the mainland by a floating bridge, making it one of the easiest Ionian islands to reach. It’s a mix of rugged coastlines, small villages, and lesser-known beaches, offering plenty of spots to explore without large crowds.

Things to do in Lefkada

To get a sense of the island’s natural beauty, start at Porto Katsiki, a beach framed by high cliffs and clear blue waters. For a more low-key spot, Milos Beach offers a quieter setting for swimming or relaxing by the shore. 

If you’re seeking impressive viewpoints, head to Cape Lefkatas, where you can take in the rugged coastal scenery. We recommend visiting the lighthouse during sunset. For a more exciting outing, consider exploring Nidri, a resort town with good restaurants and shops. You can also take a boat trip to nearby islets like Meganisi or Skorpios if you’re curious to see the surrounding area.

Where to stay in Lefkada

Here are a few of our favorite places to stay in Lefkada, or browse more accommodations at any budget.

• For a boutique stay: Edward Art Boutique Hotel. This elegant property offers uniquely decorated rooms, personalized service, and a peaceful atmosphere in the heart of Lefkada Town.
• For couples: Hotel Tesoro. Nestled in a quiet area with stunning sea views, this adults-only hotel provides romantic suites, a rooftop terrace, and easy access to beautiful beaches.
• For families: Hotel Grand Nefeli. Located near Nidri, this family-friendly resort features spacious rooms, a large pool area with kids' activities, and convenient access to nearby attractions.

How to get to Lefkada from Kefalonia

Take the ferry from Fiskardo in Kefalonia to Nidri in Lefkada (about 1.5 hours). Alternatively, you can travel via Ithaca or return to the mainland and drive across the causeway to Lefkada.

Island hopping around the Greek islands

Why settle for just one island when you can hop between several in Greece? Sure, Santorini and Mykonos get all the attention, but if you skip places like Naxos, Crete, or Rhodes, you're missing out.

Island-hopping is one of the best parts of traveling in Greece. Though many islands do have their own airports, many find that ferries are a fun part of the trip. They tend to be cheap and allow you to explore more islands — after all, there are over 200 of them. 

The Cyclades are one of our favorites for island hopping because of the great beaches. You can hop from one island to the next with ferries that take only about an hour. Whether you’re after quiet beaches, charming villages, or lively nightlife, the Greek islands are definitely worth taking a trip to. 

Rough Guides tip: Want to dedicate your vacation to one of the Greek Islands? Explore our Crete itinerary and Santorini itinerary.

Planning your 7-day Greece itinerary

Our tailor-made trips make traveling easy. Our trips are designed by local travel experts and are completely customizable. Skip the hours of research it takes to create your dream trip.

Make sure to read our final tips for this Greece itinerary for 7 days.

Editors tip: Looking for travel inspiration and tips for your trip to Greece? Our Rough Guide to Greece has even more tips for Greece on a budget.

When to visit Greece

When it comes to timing your trip to Greece, seasons matter. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the best times to go. You’ll avoid the summer crowds, find better deals, and still enjoy that beautiful Mediterranean sunshine. If you're looking for more energy and don't mind higher prices and larger crowds, summer is your season. But for most, those shoulder months are the way to go.

Getting around Greece

Island-hopping is one of the highlights of traveling in Greece, and ferries are the best way to do it. They often run, and are reasonably priced, but make sure to book in advance during peak season to secure a spot. 

If you're short on time or not a fan of boats, domestic flights are another great option. They’re often cheaper than you’d expect and can cut down your travel time significantly.

In Athens, you’ll find public transport that is pretty well-connected: particularly the buses. 

Money, exchange rates, and tipping

Greece uses euros, and cards are widely accepted, so you don't need to carry a lot of cash around. Tipping isn't required, but it's always appreciated—leaving a few euros for good service is a nice gesture. For the best exchange rates, skip the airport kiosks and use local banks or ATMs instead. 

Passports, visas, and other protocols

Greece is part of the Schengen Zone, which allows travelers from many countries, including the U.S., to stay for up to 90 days without a visa. However, it's always a good idea to check the official government website for the most up-to-date visa requirements and travel protocols.  

Also, double-check that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your departure date to avoid any hassles. For added peace of mind, you might want to consider purchasing travel insurance to cover any unexpected situations before you leave as well.

Final thoughts and tips

If you have the time, you might want to consider extending your trip to see more of Greece, including the mainland and some of the lesser-known islands. Beyond the typical tourist spots, places like Delphi and Olympia offer a great opportunity to experience Greece’s ancient sites in a less crowded setting. 

When it comes to the islands, you might want to skip Santorini and Mykonos. They’re beautiful but often packed with tourists. Instead, explore quieter islands where you can enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere and fewer crowds. Greece has so much more to offer if you venture off the beaten path. Sometimes just sitting in a village café and watching everyday life can be just as memorable.