One week in Greece itinerary from Athens

Greece is a small country located in Southeast Europe with a population of around 11 million people. There are many different itineraries available in Greece, depending on your interests and time frame. Greece is also home to numerous stunning islands, each offering its own unique charm, history, and natural beauty. Crete boasts a diverse landscape ranging from stunning beaches to rugged mountains and fertile valleys. Visitors can explore ancient Minoan ruins, hike the Samaria Gorge, relax on the pink sand beaches of Elafonissi, and sample traditional Cretan cuisine. Corfu is worth visiting for some of the most stunning beaches in Greece, with crystal-clear waters and sandy shores. Famous for its iconic white-washed buildings with blue domes, breathtaking sunsets, and volcanic landscapes, Santorini is one of the most popular and romantic destinations in Greece.

In this One week Greece itinerary we will be looking at a quick round trip through the central part and the Peloponnese peninsula starting and ending in Athens, the capital of Greece. By the way, if you have already seen Greece, consider this 10 day Amalfi Coast Itinerary as well. Also, make sure you don’t forget anything from your Greece packing list, such as sunscreen, sunglasses and lots of curiosity to explore this amazing country!

Some facts about Greece before we start:

• Ancient Greece is said to have laid the foundation for Western civilization as well as the Olympic games;
• Greece is a member of EU, currency is Euro;
• Greece is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe;
• Greece is a country of thousands islands (largest is Crete) and lots of world heritage sites;
• Feta is Greek national cheese;
• Greece is a sunny country – over 250 days of sunshine yearly!

Our One week Greece travel itinerary will look like this:

Day 1:  Arrive in Athens

Day 2:  (optional) Full-day Athens

Day 3:  Mycenae and Epidaurus

Day 4:  Monemvasia

Day 5:  Elafonisos and Kalamata

Day 6 (optional):  Relax in Kalamata

Day 7:  Driving to Katakolon

Day 8:  Full day Olympia

Day 9:  Drive to Delphi

Day 10:  Delphi (optional)

Itinerary Mainland Greece Roadtrip

Day 1 of One week Itinerary Mainland Greece Roadtrip:  Arrive in Athens

Getting from the airport to the city

Your fantastic One-week itinerary in Greece starts with an arrival by international flight in Athens. Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos is located 35 km from the city center and can be easily navigated via public transport. For the first couple of days we do not recommend picking a rental car, as you will be mostly exploring the city and the traffic in Athens can be quite challenging.

One of the easiest ways to get to the city is by taxi, but that will not be a cheap option. On average, you are looking at paying around 40 euros. The cheaper option is the metro, which you would have to find by following the train signs inside the terminal. The station is located outside the airport building. The ticket price is 10€ per person.

One of the best and cheapest options is the airport bus, which will only cost you 6 Euro per person and is easier to find. There are several bus routes running to different parts of town.

My Itinerary for One Week in Greece

Day 2: Full-day Athens (optional)

Today you will have a full day dedicated to exploring the ancient treasures of the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel or any nearby cafe.

Acropolis

Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum are Unesco World Heritage sites and true must-dos and should not be skipped by first time visitors. Acropolis is by far the most famous tourist magnet of Athens, depicted on all postcards and travel brochures. The hill was inhabited as far back as the fourth millennium BC. The Parthenon is also located here. Moreover, the Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheum, Dionysos Theatre, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus are all right next to each other.

Give yourself time to explore the ancient monuments and breathe in all the history of this place. Climbing the stairs may be a challenge, so bring enough water and protect yourself from the sun. It’s not too bad and can be compared to ascending the 4th floor of a regular building. The steps can be slippery though, so be careful. We recommend getting there as early as possible to avoid the midday heat.

Tickets can be purchased at the counter or booked in advance, online as a single entry, or a combination ticket that includes other archaeological sites in Athens. You can also take advantage of skip-the-line tickets and a variety of guided walking tours. The ticket price for Acropolis is €10 in winter, €20 in summer, and combined ticket for 7 sites (some with their own museum on site) is €30 all year.

Acropolis Museum

Acropolis Museum is a rather modern and lately constructed museum, that can truly be considered one of the best museums in the World. The museum displays a collection of artifacts found around Acropolis from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. More than 4,250 objects are exhibited over an area of 14,000 square meters.

One of the highlights of this museum is the excavation area under the museum. The museum is built on a few floors, so you can walk down the stairs and see houses and streets that were found during excavations while building the museum. All items displayed are labeled in Greek and English. Take your time exploring the museum and dive into the ancient vibe of this place.

If you enjoy visiting museums, consider reading this guide about Vatican Museum in Rome, Italy and Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Day 3: Mycenae and Epidaurus

Today you will pick up your rental car for the upcoming week. We recommend picking up from the airport, in order to avoid driving in Athens city center, which can be stressful sometimes. Additionally, picking up from the airport is usually cheaper. All major international car rental companies have offices in Athens airport, so choose any you like or have a membership with. It’s going to be a long day, so make sure to head for an early start.

Going to Crete as well? Have a look at this guide how to rent a car in Crete, Greece!

Corinth Canal

On the way south to our first place of interest, we should make a stop at Corinth Canal – a narrow passage that separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland. The canal is only 6.4 kilometers in length and 21.4 meters wide. It’s not a huge attraction on its own, but as we will be passing it anyway, why not make a quick stop and have a look? It’s a great photo spot and has recently become a tourist magnet.

Archaeological Site Mycenae and Citadel and Treasury of Atreus

Our next stop is for true history fans. Located on a small hill, the site was inhabited since the Neolithic times (about 4000 BC) but reached its peak during the Late Bronze Age (1350-1200 BC). In the second millennium BC, Mycenae was one of the major centers of Greek civilization. In order to fully enjoy this place, it is strongly recommended to hire a guide. Make sure to pre-book in advance, guides are usually available in Mycenae. The entrance fee is 12 Euros.

The Treasury of Atreus or Tomb of Agamemnon was constructed during the Bronze Age around 1250 BC. It reminds of Egyptian tombs. The tomb can be reached from Archaeological Site Mycenae by foot or by taking a short car drive. The visit will take you no more than 30 min and the entrance fee is included in the previous site ticket already.

The Great Theatre of Epidaurus

Our final stop will be the Theater of Epidaurus, which is around a 50-minute drive away from the Mycenae. This majestic theater was built with dedication to the ancient Greek God of medicine, Asclepius, at the end of the 4th century BC. With a total capacity of up to 14000 viewers, it is one of the most beautiful Greek theaters you will ever see. Back in the day, it was used for music, singing, and dramatic games.

You should have no problem finding a parking spot and it is free. Theater ticket price: 12 Euro. After your visit, take the final drive to your home for the day – Nauplion. Driving time – around 30 min.

Nauplion

Tonight, we will stay at a small seaside town called Nauplion. For a budget holiday we recommend Nafplia Hotel 2* and Filoxenion Hotel 3*, for a little upscale experience, have a look at Hotel Ippoliti 4* or Athena hotel 4*.

Things to look for in Nauplion:

• Komboloyia – handmade best-selling souvenir in the old town.
• Nauplion promenade with charming small cafes and seafood restaurants facing the sea.
• Palamidi fortress/castle for a good workout.

Day 4:  Monemvasia

Today we will discover the medieval city of Monemvasia – arguably the most romantic place in the whole of Greece. The drive from Nauplion is 195km and will take around 3 hours. The drive is not going to be that difficult, as we will make a stop at one very famous historical place – Sparta!

Sparta

As you may have heard, Sparta used to be a prominent city-state in ancient Greece. Known for winning the Athens at the Peloponnesian War (between 431 and 404 BC), this tiny state was heavily militarized. Military training and physical development were among the highest priorities back in the day. You may have seen some Hollywood movies that were inspired by the courage of Spartan soldiers, such as Spartacus and 300.

The drive to Sparta from Nauplion is not too long – 120km (1 hour 40 minutes). Depending on how much time you’d like to spend in Sparta, there are some sightseeing you can do here:

Statue of Leonidas and Acropolis / Ancient Theater

Known from the myths of the 300 Spartans and also depicted in Hollywood movies, Leonidas was the king of the Greek city-state of Sparta. A bronze statue that you can see today was erected in 1968 and has a sign “ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ” (“Come and take them”). That was his answer to Xerxes when he proposed to stop the war and spare the Spartan army if they lay down their weapons.

The acropolis is sadly not very well preserved. What you can see today, are:

• The temple of Athena Chalkioikos
• The ancient theatre of Sparta
• Circular building of unknown use
• Remains of shops
• Remains of a large Basilica of the Middle Byzantine period

Compared to other sights seen during this trip, the ones in Sparta may not be worth your time.

Museum of the Olive and Greek olive oil

If you are really interested in one of the most well-known Greek products – olive oil – this museum is a must! This small museum will guide you into the world of olive oil production, the technology behind it, its history, and its culture. You will see how it became such an important part of the Greek economy from the very early stages of history, the way it was presented in mythology, religion, and ancient art, and what products can be made with it.

Mystras

We strongly recommend taking a small detour and driving to the abandoned 1832 city of Mystras. Today, these breathtaking medieval ruins, standing in a beautiful landscape, are a great reminder of how powerful the former Byzantine capital, the ‘wonder of the Morea’, once was. The ruins are dating from between 1271 and 1460 and are very well preserved!

In order to make your visit more comfortable, consider parking at the lower level first, explore the area, and then drive up to the upper town. The lower and middle areas is quite large, so make sure to plan your time accordingly. The entry fee is 12€

Monemvasia

Our final stop for the day is the lovely island town of Monemvasia. The drive from Sparta/Mystras is around 90km and will take 1 hour and 30 minutes. The town has a beautiful medieval fortress, which you can attempt to climb if you are up for it. One interesting fact: Monemvasia is Europe’s only castle that has never ceased being inhabited. The town has a unique fairy tale atmosphere. Forget the time while walking the cobbled paths, enjoy the views of Byzantine churches, mansions, and the deep blue Myrtoan Sea. This is an ideal place to see the sunset and finish this amazing, full of adventures, day in the Peloponnese.

Make the Most of Your Time in Greece

Day 5:  Elafonisos and Kalamata

Elafonisos

It’s time to unpack your swimsuits! Today we are going to enjoy some true beach fun! Start your day early and head to Vigklafia Harbor.  Driving time is 50 min (36km). We are going to board a small ferry crossing over to Elafonisos – a tiny island with amazing turquoise blue water and clean beaches. It only takes 8 minutes to reach the island. You can either do that with your car or without, depending on whether you’d like to drive around the island. The ferry price is 1€ per adult and 11€ for the car. Tickets cannot be booked in advance and are cash only.

There is not much to do in Elafonisos besides the obvious beach activities. Simos Beach is a rather peaceful and very clean beach with soft white sand and a beautiful sea – ideal for snorkeling. Take your time exploring the dunes and breathing the fresh sea breeze. When you get hungry, have lunch at the harbor area in one of the numerous waterfront tavernas. By the way – did you know there is a beach called Elafonissi in Crete, the largest island in Greece! If you enjoy beach holidays, have a look at this fantastic beach day trip to Loutro in Crete as well.

Kalamata

We will be spending the rest of the afternoon driving from Vigklafia to our final destination for the day – Kalamata. It’s going to be quite a long drive –  210km and just under 3 hours. Make sure to take breaks and rest. We will not be stopping for any sightseeing along the way, as the drive is too long anyway.

Kalamata is a coastal port town on the south of the Peloponnese. The town is a perfect spot for a 2-night base and exploring the surrounding areas. The town has a lot to offer and we will start exploring it first thing in the morning. But first, we need to check in the hotel and enjoy a lovely dinner.

Kalamata Marina area has many cozy tavernas offering fresh seafood and delicious gyros. Pick any you like and enjoy the lovely atmosphere of a typical Greek family-run restaurant.

Day 6:  Relax in Kalamata (optional)

Today is the only day when we are not going to have a lot of driving hours. This is totally up to you – whether you’d like to spend this day relaxing on the beach, strolling through the streets of the old town and peeking into the shops, or taking one of the possible day tours. Here are some ideas on how to spend this day outside of Kalamata.

Hike Polylimnio waterfalls

Take a short (50min, 38km car drive to the Mavrilimna Riverside parking lot and follow the crowds or the signs along the river. Get closer to Greek nature by following the trail. The main lakes are Mavrilimna with the waterfall and the spectacular Great Waterfall Kadi. You can swim in the lakes, too. The whole trip will take you around 1,5 hours.

Do you enjoy hiking? then you might also like Hiking in Crete. Samaria Gorge Hike is one of the longest and prettiest hikes in whole Greece!

Day Trip to Pylos, Methoni, and Voidokilia Beach

Located only 50km from Kalamata, the small town of Pylos is a lovely small seaside town with many historical and natural attractions. Pylos is a lot like the numerous Greek islands with its unique architecture and the color of the houses. Formerly known as Navarino (Italian name), it’s history dates back to the Mycеneаn period.  Local products that should not be missed, are olives, grapes, raisins, figs, citrus, and vegetables.

The main attractions are:

• Neokastro Castle founded in 1573
• Archaeological Museum
• Three Admirals’ Square, dedicated to three admirals who battled in the Battle of Navarino
• Archaeological site Ancient Pylos

The castle of Methoni is one of the most important fortress complexes in Greece. Built by Venetians in 1209, it continues to impress even after centuries of being in ruins. Today, this is a beautiful archaeological site that covers 9.3 hectares. Admission is 2€ per adult, Open daily 08:30 – 20:00, Closed on Tuesdays!

The last stop for the day (or the first one, however, you like it) would be Voidokilia Beach – arguably one of the most attractive beaches in Greece due to no infrastructure. There isn’t much to do except for the obvious beach activities, such as sunbathing and swimming.

Kalamata boat tours

Do you enjoy sea cruises? If you are visiting Greece anywhere between March and the end of October, then this one may be for you. Board the small yacht (max 46 people) for a day full of adventure that includes a meal (sightseeing tickets are usually for an extra charge, so bring cash). Also, if you are lucky, you may have a chance of spotting the dolphins!

If a full-day cruise doesn’t sound attractive, there is a sunset cruise option as well. These cruises are shorter (usually 2 hours) and will give you a great perspective of Kalamata and a romantic setting to watch the sunset. A complimentary glass of wine is included! More information about boat tours can be found here.

Day 7:  Driving to Katakolon 

If you haven’t taken the day trip to Pylos the day before, this may be a good idea to drive through all the sights mentioned above before heading to the final stop for the day – the town of Katakolon. You will have just enough time to enjoy the beauty of Pylos and drive the scenic seaside road. The distance between Pylos and Katakolon is 125km (2 hours drive).

Messene

An alternative to taking a seaside road, there is a detour via Messene. This town is often overlooked and is considered an underrated travel destination. Only a 30km drive from Kalamata, this archaeological site offers a nice glimpse at how the people used to live centuries ago. Some parts have been restored, such as the stadium. Beware that the Messene archaeological site may be difficult to find.

Day 8: Full-day Olympia

Today we are going to visit the famous Olympia – the birthplace of the Olympic Games! After a short (40min) drive from our hotel base in Katakolon, we will arrive in the picturesque small town and religious sanctuary of ancient Greece – Olympia! The Olympic games were held here for 1100 years, up until 393 AD.

Ancient Olympia

Wandering around the ancient Olympia you will get a good feel of how the games used to be held. We would recommend hiring a guide, if possible. Otherwise, bring a guidebook or print out some material beforehand, in order to have some information, as there are no tour guides outside the gates offering excursions.

Olympia Archaeological Museum

Visit the museum in order to get an even better understanding of what the ancient Olympic games looked like. Interesting fact – this museum was the first museum in Greece outside of Athens, opened in 1882! Entrance fee: 12€.

Museum of the History of the Olympic Games

Visiting this museum will give a better understanding of the historical development of the Olympic Games and other similar festivals. Among the artifacts displayed are bronze and clay geometric figurines of warriors, equipment used by athletes, and statues of athletes. The majority of the items come from Olympia, others are from all over Greece.

Day 9:  Drive to Delphi

Today we will relocate to a small town near Delphi called Itea. Take your time and navigate through rural Western Greece. The whole trip is 212km and would take you roughly 3 hours if driving nonstop. However, there are a couple of noteworthy attractions along the way.

 Clermont – Castel Tornese

Chlemoutsi is a medieval castle built in the early 1220s and is one of the finest fortifications of the early period of Frankish rule in Greece. The castle is located 226 meters above sea level with a view of the Ionian Sea as well as Zakynthos and Kefalonia. Drive time from Katakolon – 45min. Ticket price: 4€. Closed on Tuesdays.

Venetian Castle of Nafpaktos

The Castle of Nafpaktos is one of the most beautiful castles in Greece. The castle is known for its defensive walls constructed on the sides of the hill shaped of a pyramid. From the castle walls, beautiful views of Bay of Patras can be observed.

Drive time from Chlemoutsi is 1 hour 30 min. You will be passing a very beautiful bridge along the way: Rio–Antirrio Bridge. It is one of the world’s longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges, linking the Peloponnese peninsula to mainland Greece.

Day 10:  Delphi (optional)

On the last day of our amazing One week itinerary Greece Itinerary, we should not skip the visit to world-famous site called Delphi (formerly known as Pytho) – known as the seat of the famous oracle Pythia – priestess of Apollo, who was often consulted with by ancient rulers.

From the main entrance, we should follow the route uphill to the Temple of Apollo (built in the 4th century BC). One of the better-preserved sights in Deplhi is the Theater, which back in days could accommodate up to 5000 viewers and where Pythian Games were held from 590 BC onward.

Delphi National Archaeological Museum

More artifacts found on site can be explored in the Delphi Archaeological Museum, including friezes, Large Sphynx of Naxos statues, two identical man-sized Kouroi, votive offerings, and stele.

Ticket price for both Delphi Museum & Archaeological Site is 12€.

Modern Delphi is a tourist town and you will have no problem finding a nice restaurant to freshen up and prepare for the last drive of this trip – back to Athens. Trip time is 2hours 30 min, it is around 185km. Depending on when your flight is leaving, we would recommend spending one night in Athens to have enough rest after this amazing trip, shop for some last souvenirs and have some more gyros and souvlaki before you leave.

Have a great Holiday in Greece!