Greece is an amazing and beautiful country filled with ancient sites and stunning islands. It is one of my favorite European countries that I have traveled to. In this travel guide, I will be sharing all the details on how you can spend five days in Greece. This five day itinerary includes time spent in Mykonos and Santorini, including an optional day in Athens. You will get to explore the historical sites, wander through charming towns, relax on spectacular beaches, and try delicious Mediterranean food.
Five Days in Greece Itinerary
Day 1 – Mykonos
Day 2 – Mykonos
Day 3 – Santorini
Day 4 – Santorini
Day 5 – Santorini
Day 6 – Athens
How to Get to Greece
Greece has several major airports, but the most convenient one to travel to is Athens International Airport. Once you are in Greece, there are several options to travel around the country. To get to multiple Greek islands, you can either take a plane or ferry.
Plane: Domestic flights are the fastest option for traveling between major cities and islands in Greece. Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air operate numerous domestic routes between Athens airport and several islands.
Ferry: Ferries are also a popular and more affordable transportation option for traveling between islands.
Five Days in Greece
Days 1-2: Mykonos
Mykonos is a stunning Greek island located in the Aegean Sea. It is one of Greece’s most popular islands to visit. This will be the first stop on our five days in Greece itinerary. It is known for its nightlife, beautiful beaches, and charming town. Mykonos is a small island so it can easily be explored in a few days. On this five-day tour, we will be spending our first two days in Mykonos.
How to Get to Mykonos
There are two ways you can get to Mykonos – plane or ferry. However, since we are only spending five days in Greece, I recommend flying to maximize your time exploring. The flight from Athens to Mykonos is only 35-50 minutes so it goes by super quick!
If you are spending more time in Greece, taking the ferry from Athens to Mykonos is a more affordable option, but it does take 5-6 hours to get there.
Where to Stay in Mykonos
If you are deciding where to stay in Mykonos, one thing to think about is whether or not you want to stay by the beaches or in Mykonos Town.
Mykonos Town is the heart of the island. This is where you will find all the cute blue and white alleyways. Many restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, and clubs can be found here. There are also museums and galleries in the area to learn more about Greek culture. If you are interested in the nightlife or being walking distance to the boutique shops and restaurants, I recommend staying at a hotel in or near Mykonos Town.
If you want to be close to a beach and to the town, I recommend staying near Ornos Beach. This beach is one of the most popular beaches to visit and it is super family-friendly. From here, it’s only a 15 minute drive to Mykonos Town. You can find a bunch of beach front restaurants and there is a variety of hotels and luxury villas on and around the beach. This is the perfect option if you are looking to stay on the beach and be close to Mykonos Town.
If you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation, I recommend staying near Elia Beach. This is about 25 minutes from Mykonos Town. This beach doesn’t get too crowded so its perfect if you are looking to relax and unwind. You will find many luxury boutique hotels in the area.
Where to Eat in Mykonos
Mykonos is filled with so many great restaurants. Every meal we had was absolutely delicious! Here are the best restaurants in Mykonos:
Thioni Restaurant – This was the restaurant within our hotel, Semeli. We had dinner here on our first night in Mykonos. We split a bunch of appetizers and they were amazing. The shrimp and octopus were delicious.
Nammos – The first beach we explored was Psarou Beach. We were starving for lunch so we picked a restaurant close by and we stumbled upon this one. We were glad we did because it was so good! It was a bit pricey but the food was amazing! We tried grilled squid stuffed with peppers and cheese and the grilled octopus over mashed fava beans. Yum!
Yialo Yialo – This restaurant is near Platys Gialos beach and serves fresh seafood. We ordered grilled shrimp and sea bass. They de-bone the fish right in front of you – which is so nice!
Niko’s Taverna – This restaurant is in the middle of Mykonos town and was recommended by our cab driver. It is great authentic traditional Greek food that is super affordable!
Nice N Easy – This restaurant is in Little Venice in Mykonos town. Make a reservation by 7 and get a table right by the water. It is the perfect place to watch the sunset. They have great seafood. Their fried calamari was the best I ever had!
Kastro’s Restaurant – This restaurant is located in Little Venice with stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Their food is prepared with locally-sourced ingredients and they are known for their seafood and sushi.
Interni – This is a chic restaurant that is located right in the middle of town in a beautiful courtyard. They serve delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine.
Spilia Seaside Restaurant – This is a cool restaurant that is nestled in a beautiful cave by the sea near Agia Anna Beach. I recommend getting a table right by the water. You have to try their lobster pasta and grilled octopus.
Avra Restaurant – This restaurant is a hidden gem that is tucked away in a charming courtyard In Chora. They are known for their authentic Greek cuisine. Some of the items on their menu include homemade moussaka, grilled meats, and fresh salads.
Remezzo – This restaurant is located on a hill overlooking the Old Port of Mykonos. You will get panoramic views of the sea and the sunset. The menu features a mix of Mediterranean and international cuisine.
Things to do in Mykonos
Mykonos Town (Chora)
Chora, often referred to as Mykonos Town, is the main town and capital of Mykonos. It’s one of the most famous and picturesque towns in Greece. The town is filled with charming whitewashed buildings with blue doors and shutters. You can spend an entire afternoon wandering through the narrow streets and little alleyways. They are filled with boutiques, cafes, restaurants, ice cream shops and bars. For shopping, you will find everything from designer boutiques to souvenir shops.
Nightlife
Mykonos Town is also known for its vibrant nightlife scene. From cozy cocktail bars to bustling nightclubs, there is something for everyone. They have a bunch of awesome beach clubs and bars such as Paradise Beach Club, Scorpios, Nammos, and Cavo Paradiso that are known for their extravagant parties. Many places even host sunset parties.
Little Venice
Little Venice is a cute neighborhood within Mykonos Town that is located on the western edge of the town’s waterfront. It is known for its rows of colorful 18th century Venetian inspired buildings lining the seafront. The waterfront is filled with cafes, bars and restaurants. Little Venice is also a perfect spot to watch the sunset.
Delos Island
Delos is a small island located southwest of Mykonos. It is an archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich history and significance in ancient Greek mythology. Delos was a sacred island in ancient Greece and is known as the birthplace of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis. Some of the highlights that you can see on your visit include the Terrace of the Lions, Temple of Apollo, House of Dolphins, and the Archaeological Museum of Delos.
Several ferry companies operate daily excursions from Mykonos to Delos from April through October. The ride takes around 30 minutes by boat, which makes it a perfect day trip from Mykonos. You can purchase tickets to Delos from the port of Mykonos either in advance or on the day of your trip. You can even book a guided tour that include transportation to Delos.
Best Beaches in Mykonos
On one of your five days in Greece, you have to spend time on one of Mykonos’ beaches. Mykonos has a so many beautiful beaches and each one has its own unique charm. Here are some of the best beaches in Mykonos:
- Paradise Beach: Paradise Beach is one of the most famous and lively beaches in Mykonos. It is known for its golden sand, crystal clear waters and fun party scene. The beach is lined with beach bars and clubs playing music throughout the day and night. It is easily accessible from Mykonos Town – only a short drive from the city center.
- Super Paradise Beach: This beach is right next to Paradise Beach and also has a party atmosphere. It has more high-end facilities and services. You will find upscale beach clubs with VIP areas, gourmet restaurants, stylish loungers and great beach service. This is a great spot if you are looking for a more luxurious and pampered beach experience.
- Psarou Beach: This is one of the most popular and upscale beaches that is located on the southern coast of Mykonos. The beach has a stunning backdrop that is filled with rocky cliffs and hillsides. It’s also home to some of the most exclusive beach clubs and restaurants on the island such as Nammos Beach Club. They have a range of facilities and services such as sunbeds and umbrellas to rent, beachside cafes and restaurants, showers and changing facilities. You can even rent jet skis, paddle boards, and go parasailing.
- Ornos Beach: This is a family friendly beach located on the southwestern coast of Mykonos. It has shallow and calm waters which make it perfect for swimming. You can also rent water sports, sunbeds, and umbrellas here. This is a great option for families and people looking for a relaxed beach day.
- Platis Gialos Beach: This beach is one of the most popular and well known beaches. The water is mostly calm and shallow so it’s perfect for swimming. On this beach, you will find sun beds and umbrellas for rent, water sports, and beachfront restaurants. In the evening, the beach also transforms into a fun nightlife scene where you can enjoy drinks and music at their beach bars and clubs.
- Elia Beach: This is one of the largest beaches in Mykonos. It is known for its long stretch of golden sand and crystal clear waters. It’s located in a bay surrounded by rocky hills and you get beautiful views of the Aegean Sea. You will also find restaurants and sun beds and umbrellas for rent. Elia Beach is easily accessible by car, taxi and bus from Mykonos Town. You can also book boat excursions from here to explore other beaches, secluded coves, and Delos Island.
- Agios Ioannis Beach: This beach is beautiful where you get stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the island of Delos. They have calm and shallow waters that make it perfect for families. This beach has a more calm and relaxed vibe compared to other beaches. They also have sun beds and umbrellas available and a few beach bars.
Windmills
The windmills of Mykonos are one of the island’s most iconic and recognizable landmarks. The windmills, known as “Kato Mili” in Greek, are a huge part of Mykonos’ history and cultural heritage. They were built by the Venetians during the 16th century when windmills were used to grind wheat and barley. They are located on a hill overlooking Mykonos Town and the harbor. It’s a great photo spot and you will get to see amazing views.
Days 3-5: Santorini
The next three days on your five days in Greece itinerary will be spent in Santorini. Santorini is one of the most beautiful places in Greece. It is a gorgeous island located in the southern Aegean Sea. It is famous for its charming villages, high cliffs, incredible views and romantic sunsets.
How to Get to Santorini from Mykonos
Traveling from Mykonos to Santorini is super easy and can be done by either ferry or flight.
Ferry: The ferry ride from Mykonos to Santorini takes between 2-3.5 hours depending on the ferry you choose (high speed or conventional). We booked our two hour ferry tickets here and the one we took was the SeaJets Champion Jet 1. I was super nervous because I thought I was going to get seasick, but this ferry was huge so you didn’t feel much movement. I recommend booking the ferry in advanced and getting to the port one hour early to pick up your tickets. It isn’t super organized so there were just crowds of people waiting for the ferry. There wasn’t anyone instructing you to get in a line so as soon as you see the ferry approaching, I recommend getting close to the front so you can get inside to get a good seat.
Flight: The flight from Mykonos to Santorini is super short, usually around 30 minutes. Flights to Santorini depart from Mykonos Island National Airport and arrive at Santorini (Thira) National Airport.
Where to Stay in Santorini
Santorini is made up of several towns and villages. Choosing where to stay can be a tough decision. I did a lot of research to learn about the different towns in Santorini. Each one is different so it depends on what kind of vibe you are looking for. Here is a summary of each of the towns to help you decide where to stay:
Fira (Thira)
Fira is the capital city and largest town of Santorini. It is located on the western side of the island on top of the caldera cliffs. It has stunning views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea. Fira is known for its whitewashed buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, boutique shops, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife. It has a bunch of different restaurants, bars, cafes, and clubs. This is a good place to stay if you are interested in the nightlife scene.
Oia
Oia is a charming village located on the northern tip of Santorini and it’s is one of the most famous towns in Santorini. It is known for its iconic blue domed churches, whitewashed buildings, and beautiful sunsets. It has breathtaking views of the caldera and the sea. In Oia, you will find upscale boutique hotels, luxury villas, art galleries and high-end shopping boutiques. It has a more relaxed and romantic vibe compared to Fira. This is a popular choice for honeymooners and couples looking for a romantic getaway.
Imerovigli
Imerovigli is a village located between Fira and Oia that is located high on the caldera cliffs. It has amazing views of the caldera, the sea, and the surrounding volcanic landscape. In this town, you will also find luxurious hotels and upscale restaurants, but at a more affordable rate than Oia. This town is a great place to stay if you are looking for a more quiet and relaxed vibe.
This is the town where we stayed and we loved it. We liked that it was away from the crowds and felt more relaxing. I also thought the sunset views from here was just as beautiful as in Oia. This town is also in a super convenient location to get to other towns – twenty minute cab ride to Oia and ten minute cab to Fira.
Firostefani
Firostefani is a small and more traditional village located just north of Fira. Even though it its considered a separate town, it is actually an extension of Fira. It has similar panoramic views of the caldera and the sea. This is a great place to stay if you are looking to stay somewhere more quiet, but still be super close to the lively city of Fira.
Perissa and Perivolos
Perissa and Perivolos are coastal villages located on the southeastern coast of Santorini. These towns are known for their black sand beaches. They have a more laid back and casual vibe and focus more on beachfront activities. This is a popular destination to stay for budget travelers and families that are looking for a more affordable accommodations and beach activities.
Where to Eat in Santorini
Ambrosia Restaurant – This restaurant is in Oia. It has the most amazing view of the caldera and volcano. It’s so romantic and the food is delicious.
Pito Gyros – This is a great quick lunch spot in Oia. We heard so many good things about this place. It’s supposedly one of the best places to get gyros in Santorini. I got the chicken pita gyro and it was so good! I highly recommend.
Lolita’s Gelato – This is one of the best gelato places in Oia. They have so many flavors to choose from. Their pistachio gelato is so good!
Melenio Cafe & Patisserie – This is a tiny little bakery in Oia where you can find the best baklava.
Selene Restaurant – This restaurant is located in the village of Pyrgos and offers a fine dining experience with an incredible wine list and traditional dishes made with local ingredients.
La Maison Restaurant – This restaurant is in Imerovigli that has panoramic views of the caldera.
1800 Floga Restaurant – This is an elegant restaurant located in a mansion in the heart of Oia that serves seasonal dishes.
Lycabettus Restaurant – A romantic restaurant located in Fira that overlooks the caldera.
Best Things to do in Santorini
Wine Tasting
Santorini has amazing wine because of its volcanic soil and unique types of grapes. I highly recommend visiting one of the island’s many wineries.
We went to Santo Winery for lunch and wine tasting. You can get a tasting of six, ten, or sixteen different types of wine. The wine was so good and the views are incredible!
Hike from Fira to Oia
On one of your five days in Greece, you have to hike from Fira to Oia. The hike from Fira to Oia is one of the most popular and scenic trails in Santorini. Throughout the trail, you get breathtaking views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea. The hike is six miles and takes about 2.5 to 4 hours to complete depending on your pace and how often you stop. This trail takes you through the villages of Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia. Along the trail, you will also pass by cafes, restaurants and shops where you can take a break, use the restroom, and grab a snack.
We started in Imerovigli since the path was right by our hotel, Regina Mare. It took us about two hours to get to Oia.
The hike is pretty easy. It gets rocky and hilly in some parts, but most of the time you are walking on a cobblestone or dirt path. Some people wore hiking and athletic gear, but you don’t need to. I just recommend wearing comfortable shoes. I wore a loose flowy dress and sneakers. We visited at the end of the April so it wasn’t super hot, but the sun is strong so definitely wear sunscreen and bring a lot of water if you are going in the summer.
Boat Tour
Taking a boat tour in Santorini is the best way to explore the island’s coastline, volcanic landscape and the surrounding islands. Here are the different boat tour options that you can book:
- Caldera Cruises: These tours typically depart from the Old Port in Fira where you get to take a relaxing cruise around the caldera. You will get to see the amazing cliffs of Santorini, visit volcanic islands such as Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, and explore hidden caves and coves along the coast.
- Sunset Cruises: These boat tours are super popular because you get to see the iconic Santorini sunset from the water. We booked a sunset cruise and the sunset views from the water are absolutely stunning!
- Volcano + Hot Spring Tours: These tours take you to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni where you can hike to the crater and explore. Many tours also include a stop at the hot springs where you can swim in the mineral rich waters.
- Island Hopping Tours: These tours let you explore nearby islands where you can visit secluded beaches and swim in the best snorkeling spots around Santorini.
Sunset in Oia
Oia is the best place to watch the sunset in Santorini. It is absolutely beautiful and it totally makes sense why so many people gather around to watch it. Keep in mind that it does get crowded, especially during the high season, so I recommend finding a spot ahead of time.
Explore Fira
I recommend spending some time in Fira, the capital of Santorini. You can wander along the cliffside paths and enjoy stunning views of the caldera. Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera to learn about Santorini’s ancient history and archaeological finds. You can stroll through Fira’s main square that is lined with shops, boutiques, and souvenir stores. Explore the Old Port where you can walk around the harbor area. You can also take a cable car ride from the Old Port to the town’s main square. Fira is also filled with beautiful Orthodox churches like the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral.
Beaches in Santorini
Even though the coastline of Santorini is made up of dramatic cliffs and volcanic formations, there are several beaches that you can visit to relax and swim. Here are some of Santorini’s most popular beaches:
- Perissa Beach: This is one of the island’s most famous beach. It has black volcanic sand and crystal clear waters. At this beach, you can find water sport activities, beach bars, restaurants, and sun beds to lounge on.
- Kamari Beach: This is another popular black sand beach that offers a wide range of activities like water sports, beach volleyball courts and beachfront restaurants.
- Red Beach (Kokkini Paralia): Red Beach is one of Santorini’s most unique beach that is known for its dramatic red cliffs and turquoise waters. Even though this is a small beach that tends to get crowded, it is truly stunning and a great spot for snorkeling. Keep in mind that you do have to go on a short hike from the parking area to get here.
- Monolithos Beach: This beach is known for its shallow waters and family friendly amenities. They have sun beds, umbrellas, and several restaurants. It’s a perfect beach for swimming.
- White Beach (Aspri Paralia): This beach is more secluded since it is only accessible by boat or hiking trail from Red Beach. It’s perfect for relaxing and snorkeling.
- Amoudi Bay: Even though this is not a traditional beach, I still wanted to include it on this list. This is a cute fishing village located below the town of Oia. You will find beautiful clear waters, colorful fishing boats, and great seafood restaurants. This is also a fun spot to go cliff jumping!
Optional Last Day: Athens
Even though these five days in Greece only includes Mykonos and Santorini, I wanted to include an optional day in Athens. Athens is most likely the city that you will be flying home from so it might make it convenient to spend at least one day here.
Athens is filled with so much history, culture and delicious food. Even though it is impossible to see everything in just one day, you can still make the most of your time by visiting some of the city’s must-see attractions. Here are some of the things you can do in one day in Athens:
- Acropolis and Parthenon: This is an ancient citadel located high above the city. Here you can explore the ancient ruins of the iconic Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the Propylaea.
- Acropolis Museum: This museum has a great collection of artifacts and sculptures from the Acropolis where you can learn about Greek history and culture.
- Plaka: This is a historic neighborhood near the Acropolis. You can wander through the charming streets and check out the shops, cafes, and restaurants.
- Monastiraki: Monastiraki has a main square that is filled with a bunch of restaurants and they have a flea market that is filled with stalls of antiques, clothing, souvenirs and more!
- Ancient Agora: Explore well-preserved ruins such as the Temple of Hephaestus, the Stoa of Attalos and the Agora Museum.
- National Gardens: The National Gardens of Athens is home to a diverse collection of plants, trees, and flowers from around the world. Within the gardens, you will find a small zoo, a children’s playground, and a botanical museum.
- Syntagma Square and Parliament Building: Head to Syntagma Square to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament Building. This event takes place every hour.
Hope you enjoyed my post on how to spend five days in Greece!
