Greek Islands 7 Days Travel Guide
The Ultimate 7-Day Greek Islands Odyssey
The Greek Islands represent one of the most enchanting destinations in the Mediterranean, offering a perfect blend of ancient history, stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and unforgettable culinary experiences. This comprehensive 7-day itinerary will guide you through four of the most spectacular Cycladic islands: the romantic cliffs of Santorini, the cosmopolitan beaches of Mykonos, the authentic charm of Paros, and the mythological landscapes of Naxos. Each island possesses its own unique character and attractions, promising an adventure that will create memories to last a lifetime.
Santorini: The Jewel of the Aegean
Island Characteristics
Santorini, officially known as Thira, is the most photographed island in Greece and arguably one of the most iconic destinations in the entire world. This crescent-shaped island is actually the remnant of a massive volcanic caldera that was created by one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history around 3,600 years ago. This catastrophic event gave birth to the island’s most distinctive feature: the dramatic caldera cliffs that plunge nearly 300 meters into the deep blue Aegean Sea.
The island’s architecture is instantly recognizable, featuring the famous white-washed cubic houses with bright blue domed churches that cascade down the cliffsides like a waterfall of architecture. The volcanic soil has blessed Santorini with unique black, red, and white sand beaches, and the mineral-rich earth produces some of Greece’s most distinctive wines, particularly the crisp Assyrtiko variety. With a permanent population of around 15,000 that swells to accommodate millions of visitors annually, Santorini maintains its allure as a destination for romance, luxury, and breathtaking sunsets.
Day 1: Northern Santorini
Fira (The Capital): Begin your Greek adventure in Fira, Santorini’s vibrant capital perched on the caldera edge. The town is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with boutique shops, art galleries, jewelry stores, and countless cafes offering stunning views. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Thera to understand the island’s ancient Minoan past, and don’t miss the Cable Car Station area where you can witness the famous sunset while sipping a cocktail at one of the many cliffside bars. The town comes alive in the evening with restaurants serving fresh seafood and traditional Greek mezze.
Oia Village: In the late afternoon, make your way to Oia, located at the northern tip of the island. This is the most picturesque village in Santorini, famous worldwide for its sunset views. Arrive at least two hours before sunset to explore the narrow alleys, visit the Maritime Museum, and browse the sophisticated art galleries and bookshops. The sunset from Oia’s castle ruins draws crowds from around the world, and for good reason—watching the sun sink into the Aegean while painting the white buildings in shades of pink and gold is truly magical. For dinner, reserve a table at one of the caldera-view restaurants to enjoy modern Greek cuisine against an unforgettable backdrop.
Day 2: Southern Santorini and Beaches
Akrotiri Archaeological Site: Start your second day at this fascinating ancient Minoan settlement, often called the “Pompeii of the Aegean.” The site was perfectly preserved under volcanic ash from the Bronze Age eruption and offers remarkable insights into advanced ancient civilization with its multi-story buildings, sophisticated drainage systems, and beautiful frescoes.
Red Beach: Located near Akrotiri, this is one of Santorini’s most unique beaches, named for its striking red and black volcanic cliffs. While the beach itself is small and pebbly, the dramatic scenery is unforgettable. Arrive early to secure a good spot, and bring water shoes as the surface can be rough.
Perissa and Kamari Beaches: Spend your afternoon at these famous black sand beaches on the eastern coast. Perissa is more laid-back with beach bars and tavernas lining the shore, while Kamari is slightly more organized with rows of sunbeds. The black volcanic sand gets hot, so flip-flops are essential. Enjoy water sports, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and fresh grilled fish at beachfront restaurants.
Wine Tour: Santorini’s volcanic soil produces exceptional wines. Visit wineries like Santo Wines or Venetsanos Winery for guided tours and tastings. Learn about the unique kouloura vine training method developed to protect grapes from strong winds, and sample the island’s signature Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and sweet Vinsanto wines while enjoying panoramic caldera views.
Mykonos: The Island of the Winds
Island Characteristics
Mykonos is synonymous with glamour, nightlife, and cosmopolitan energy. Known as the “Ibiza of Greece,” this island has successfully balanced its traditional Cycladic heritage with modern international sophistication. The island’s iconic windmills have become a symbol recognized worldwide, standing proudly against the backdrop of azure skies and turquoise waters.
Unlike Santorini’s dramatic topography, Mykonos features a more gentle, rocky landscape dotted with pristine beaches and charming whitewashed villages. The island’s maze-like streets in Mykonos Town (Chora) were intentionally designed to confuse pirates in centuries past, and today they delight visitors with their labyrinthine charm. Mykonos is famous for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, world-class beach clubs, celebrity sightings, and ancient archaeological sites. The island embodies a unique duality: traditional Greek island life coexists harmoniously with cutting-edge restaurants, designer boutiques, and pulsating nightclubs.
Day 3: Mykonos Town and Cultural Highlights
Mykonos Town (Chora): Dedicate your morning to exploring the island’s capital, a stunning maze of narrow streets where getting lost is part of the charm. The town is characterized by its snow-white buildings with colorful doors and window frames, bougainvillea cascading from balconies, and countless cats lounging in the shade. Visit Matogianni Street, the main shopping thoroughfare lined with boutiques selling everything from local sandals to international designer brands.
Little Venice (Alefkandra): This is perhaps the most photographed spot in Mykonos Town. Colorful 18th-century houses built right on the water’s edge create a romantic setting reminiscent of Venice. Visit in late afternoon to watch the sunset from one of the trendy bars like Galleraki or Caprice, where you can sip cocktails with your feet almost touching the waves.
The Windmills (Kato Mili): These five iconic windmills on a hill overlooking the town are Mykonos’s most famous landmark. Built by the Venetians in the 16th century to mill wheat, they now serve as the perfect photo opportunity, especially at sunset when they’re beautifully silhouetted against the colorful sky.
Paraportiani Church: This architectural marvel is actually five churches built into one, creating an asymmetrical white structure that looks like it’s melting. Dating from the 15th century, it’s one of the most photographed churches in Greece and a prime example of Cycladic architecture.
Archaeological Museum and Maritime Museum: For culture enthusiasts, these museums offer insights into Mykonos’s rich history, from ancient pottery and sculptures to maritime traditions and historical documents.
Day 4: Beaches and Delos
Delos Island Excursion: Take a morning boat trip to Delos, one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to Greek mythology, Delos was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. The uninhabited island is an open-air museum featuring remarkable ruins including the Terrace of the Lions, ancient theaters, houses with stunning mosaics, and temples dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. A guided tour is highly recommended to fully appreciate the historical significance. The round trip takes about 4-5 hours including exploration time.
Beach Hopping: Mykonos boasts some of the Mediterranean’s finest beaches, each with its own personality:
Paradise Beach: Famous for its party atmosphere, this beach features beach clubs with world-renowned DJs, especially during summer months. The golden sand and clear waters attract a young, energetic crowd ready to dance from afternoon until dawn.
Super Paradise Beach: A continuation of the party scene, this LGBTQ+-friendly beach is known for its inclusive atmosphere, great music, and lively beach bars like Jackie O’ Beach Club.
Elia Beach: The longest beach on Mykonos offers a more relaxed vibe compared to Paradise. It’s popular with the LGBTQ+ community and features excellent facilities, water sports, and quality beach restaurants.
Psarou Beach: This is where celebrities and luxury-seekers congregate. Home to the famous Nammos beach club, Psarou offers upscale dining, pristine waters, and people-watching opportunities.
Ornos Beach: Family-friendly and well-organized, this sheltered bay is perfect for those seeking calm waters and a more relaxed atmosphere. Excellent tavernas line the waterfront.
Agios Sostis: For those seeking tranquility away from crowds, this unspoiled beach has no facilities but offers natural beauty and peace.
Paros: The Authentic Cycladic Experience
Island Characteristics
Paros offers a refreshing contrast to the tourist-heavy atmosphere of Santorini and Mykonos, presenting visitors with a more authentic and laid-back Greek island experience. This centrally located island in the Cyclades has long been famous for its pristine white Parian marble, which was used to create some of the ancient world’s most magnificent sculptures, including the Venus de Milo.
The island features a diverse landscape of rolling hills, fertile valleys, traditional villages with flower-draped streets, and some of the finest beaches in the Cyclades. Paros strikes a perfect balance between development and tradition—it offers excellent infrastructure and amenities for tourists while maintaining its genuine Greek character and charm. The locals are known for their warmth and hospitality, and you’ll find fewer crowds and more reasonable prices than on its more famous neighbors. The island is also a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, particularly windsurfers and kitesurfers who flock to Golden Beach and New Golden Beach for world-class conditions.
Parikia (The Capital)
Morning Exploration: Arrive in Parikia, the island’s main port and capital, where ferries from Mykonos dock regularly. The town immediately charms visitors with its traditional Cycladic architecture, winding marble-paved streets, and vibrant atmosphere. Start at the waterfront promenade lined with cafes, tavernas, and shops.
Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani: This Byzantine marvel, also known as the Church of 100 Doors, is one of the most important religious monuments in Greece. Dating back to the 4th century AD, the complex includes three churches, a baptistery, and a collection of rare Byzantine icons. According to legend, 99 doors have been found, and when the 100th is discovered, Constantinople will return to Greek hands. The architecture and spiritual atmosphere make this a must-visit.
Old Town (Kastro): Wander through the medieval old quarter built on ancient ruins. The walls incorporate marble columns and other pieces from ancient temples, creating a fascinating layering of history. Discover hidden chapels, boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes tucked into narrow alleyways.
Naoussa Village: In the afternoon, head to this picture-perfect fishing village on the northern coast. Naoussa has maintained its traditional character while developing into a sophisticated destination. The harbor is lined with colorful fishing boats, and the waterfront features excellent seafood restaurants where you can watch the sunset. Explore the small Venetian castle ruins, browse boutiques and art galleries, and enjoy the relaxed yet cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Kolimbithres Beach: Located near Naoussa, this unique beach is famous for its massive granite rock formations sculpted by wind and sea into smooth, organic shapes. The rocks create small coves and natural pools, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Beach bars provide refreshments and the bay is protected from winds.
Santa Maria Beach: This organized sandy beach near Naoussa is popular with families and water sports enthusiasts. The beach offers windsurfing and kitesurfing schools, beach volleyball, and clear shallow waters ideal for children.
Inland Villages
Lefkes: If time permits, visit this mountain village considered the most beautiful on Paros. Built amphitheatrically on the island’s slopes, Lefkes features marble-paved streets, neoclassical mansions, and the impressive Church of Agia Triada. The village offers stunning panoramic views and traditional tavernas serving home-cooked meals.
Marpissa and Marmara: These traditional villages showcase authentic Parian life with their marble fountains, elderly locals chatting in squares, and family-run tavernas serving local specialties.
Naxos: The Island of Endless Discoveries
Island Characteristics
Naxos is the largest and most fertile island in the Cyclades, offering an incredibly diverse range of experiences that set it apart from its neighbors. While other Cycladic islands can feel barren and rocky, Naxos boasts lush green valleys, potato and olive groves, citrus orchards, and vegetable gardens that have earned it the nickname “the green island.” This agricultural abundance translates to exceptional local cuisine featuring fresh produce, artisanal cheeses like the famous graviera and arseniko, and unique distilled spirits like kitron.
The island is steeped in Greek mythology as the legendary birthplace of Zeus and the island where Theseus abandoned Ariadne, who was then rescued and married by Dionysus, the god of wine. This mythological heritage is complemented by impressive Venetian and Byzantine monuments, ancient ruins, and a spectacular Venetian castle dominating the main town.
Naxos offers something for everyone: endless sandy beaches (some of the best in Greece), traditional mountain villages where time seems to stand still, ancient temples and archaeological sites, excellent hiking trails, and authentic local culture. Despite being the largest Cycladic island, Naxos remains relatively undiscovered by mass tourism, offering excellent value and genuine Greek hospitality.
Day 6: Naxos Town and Beaches
Naxos Town (Chora): Begin your exploration in the island’s capital, where cruise ship passengers on day trips often miss the magic by staying too briefly. The town masterfully blends Venetian and Cycladic architecture, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
Portara (Temple of Apollo): This massive marble doorway is Naxos’s most iconic landmark, standing dramatically on the islet of Palatia connected to the town by a causeway. Dating back to 530 BC, this is all that remains of an unfinished temple to Apollo. The site offers spectacular sunset views and is particularly romantic in the golden hour. According to mythology, this is where Theseus abandoned Ariadne.
Kastro (Venetian Castle): Climb up to the medieval castle district, built by the Venetians in the 13th century. This hilltop neighborhood features magnificent mansions with distinctive heraldic crests, narrow cobbled streets forming a maze-like pattern, and the Archaeological Museum housed in a former Jesuit school. The museum displays significant finds from Naxos and other Cycladic islands, including Cycladic figurines, pottery, and Roman-era mosaics.
Old Town: Below the castle, the old town is a labyrinth of whitewashed alleys filled with shops selling local products, traditional tavernas, and hidden churches. Don’t miss the Barozzi Tower and the Cathedral, and look for local specialties like kitron liqueur and graviera cheese.
Agios Georgios Beach: This long sandy beach is just a short walk from town, making it perfect for a quick swim. The beach offers water sports facilities and is lined with tavernas and cafes.
Western Coast Beaches: The southwest coast is home to some of Greece’s finest beaches, connected by a coastal road. Spend your afternoon beach-hopping:
Agios Prokopios: Regularly ranked among Europe’s best beaches, this 1.5km stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters is partially organized with beach bars and water sports, while other sections remain more natural.
Agia Anna: A family-friendly beach with calm, shallow waters and excellent tavernas serving fresh fish right on the sand.
Plaka Beach: This spectacular 4km-long beach is the crown jewel of Naxos. Soft white sand, cedar trees providing natural shade, and stunning turquoise waters create a Caribbean-like setting. The southern end is quieter and popular with naturists.
Mikri Vigla: Split into two beaches (Parthenos and Limanaki), this area is a mecca for windsurfers and kitesurfers due to consistent winds and excellent conditions. Several surf schools operate here.
Day 7: Mountain Villages and Ancient Sites
Temple of Demeter: Start your day at this remarkably preserved 6th-century BC temple in the Sangri region. The temple was dedicated to Demeter, goddess of agriculture, reflecting Naxos’s fertile land. The site includes a small museum explaining the temple’s history and restoration.
Chalki Village: This charming village was once the island’s capital and is now known for its neoclassical mansions, Byzantine churches, and the Vallindras Kitron Distillery. Visit the distillery to learn about and taste kitron, a unique liqueur made from the leaves of the citron tree, produced only in Naxos. The village has excellent tavernas serving traditional Naxian cuisine.
Apiranthos: Often called the “marble village” because its streets, squares, and buildings are constructed from local marble, Apiranthos sits at 650 meters altitude on Mount Fanari’s slopes. This is perhaps the most beautiful mountain village in the Cyclades, featuring Venetian towers, small archaeological and folklore museums, and traditional kafeneia where elderly men play backgammon. The village has maintained its Cretan dialect and customs brought by settlers centuries ago.
Filoti: The largest mountain village sits at the foot of Mount Zas (Zeus), the highest peak in the Cyclades at 1,004 meters. From here, hiking enthusiasts can trek to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views. The village itself charms visitors with its traditional architecture and the impressive Church of Panagia Filotitissa.
Kouros Statues: Naxos is home to several massive unfinished kouros (ancient statues of nude young men) from the 7th-6th centuries BC. The most famous are the Kouros of Apollonas and the Kouros of Flerio. These marble giants, still attached to the quarries where they were carved, offer fascinating insights into ancient sculptural techniques and the island’s marble-working tradition.
Melanes Valley: This fertile valley features flowing water (a rarity in the Cyclades), Byzantine churches, and one of the famous kouroi. The landscape is lush with olive groves and orchards.
Practical Information for Your Island-Hopping Adventure
Getting Between Islands
Ferry connections between these islands are frequent during summer months (May-October), with multiple daily departures. High-speed ferries (catamarans) connect Santorini-Mykonos (2-3 hours), Mykonos-Paros (45 minutes-1 hour), and Paros-Naxos (30-45 minutes). Regular ferries are cheaper but slower. Book tickets in advance during peak season (July-August) through websites like Ferryhopper or directly with companies like SeaJets, Blue Star Ferries, and Golden Star Ferries. Small planes also connect Santorini and Mykonos to Athens if you prefer flying between islands.
Best Time to Visit
May-June and September-October offer ideal conditions: pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and better prices. July-August are peak season with guaranteed sunshine but maximum tourists and high prices. April and November are shoulder season with unpredictable weather but great deals. Winter (December-March) sees many businesses closed, though it offers authentic local life.
Accommodation Tips
Book well in advance for summer travel. Santorini and Mykonos are most expensive; consider staying in less touristy areas. Paros and Naxos offer excellent value. Cave houses in Santorini, beach hotels in Mykonos, traditional guesthouses in Paros, and mountain retreats in Naxos each provide unique experiences. Many accommodations offer free port/airport transfers if you book directly.
What to Pack
Essentials include high-SPF sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, reef-safe toiletries, comfortable walking shoes, light layers for evening breezes, swimwear, power adapters (European two-pin), and a reusable water bottle. Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries. Pack light as you’ll be moving between islands.
Local Cuisine to Try
Don’t miss fava (yellow split pea puree) from Santorini, kopanisti (spicy cheese spread) from Mykonos, xinotiri cheese from Paros, arseniko cheese from Naxos, fresh seafood everywhere, Greek salad with real feta, grilled octopus, moussaka, souvlaki, and local wines, especially Assyrtiko from Santorini. Try traditional pastries like loukoumades (honey dumplings) and galaktoboureko (custard pie).
Money Matters
Greece uses the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for small tavernas, beach bars, and villages. ATMs are available in main towns but may be scarce in remote areas. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up or leaving 5-10% is customary.
Cultural Etiquette
Greeks are friendly and hospitable. Learn a few basic phrases (kalimera – good morning, efharisto – thank you, parakalo – please/you’re welcome). Dress respectfully in religious sites. Avoid discussing politics. Take your time over meals – dining is a social occasion. Siesta time (2-5 PM) is still observed in smaller villages.
Conclusion: Your Perfect Greek Island Adventure Awaits
These seven days exploring Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, and Naxos will provide you with a comprehensive taste of what makes the Greek Islands so magical and irresistible. From Santorini’s dramatic caldera sunsets and ancient ruins to Mykonos’s cosmopolitan beaches and legendary nightlife, from Paros’s authentic charm and marble-paved streets to Naxos’s mythological heritage and pristine beaches, each island contributes its unique personality to create an unforgettable Mediterranean odyssey.
You’ll return home with memories of azure waters lapping against sun-bleached shores, the taste of fresh seafood and local wine, the warmth of Greek hospitality, and the timeless beauty of Cycladic architecture. Whether you’re seeking romance, adventure, culture, relaxation, or all of the above, these four islands deliver in spectacular fashion. The only challenge will be choosing which island to return to first, because one visit to the Greek Islands is never enough.
As the Greeks say, “Kalo taxidi!” – Have a good journey!