Greece itinerary: Athens, Paros, Milos and Santorini
This 1,827 km route connects four major Greek destinations: Athens, Paros, Milos, and Santorini. The itinerary spans approximately 70 minutes of travel time and covers Greece's most popular islands alongside its historic capital, ideal for a two-week Greek vacation.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Choosing islands
- End
- Santorini
- Stops
- 11
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Choosing islands
- Paros
- Athens
- Acropolis — Elevated fortified citadel in central Athens housing the Parthenon temple dedicated to goddess Athena, built in 447 BC using Pentelic marble.
- Parthenon
- Monastiraki Square
- Plaka
- Victoria Station — Central Athens metro station providing efficient public transport connections throughout the city and serving as a transport hub for visitors.
- Piraeus Port — Major ferry terminal in Athens serving as the departure point for island-hopping journeys to the Greek Cyclades islands including Paros, Milos, and Santorini.
- Milos
- Santorini
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Visit the Acropolis at 8am when gates open to avoid crowds and heat, or use GetYourGuide to buy a tour with skip-the-line tickets.
- Timing
- Travel in May, June, September, or October instead of July and August for better weather, fewer crowds, and decent pricing.
- Avoid
- Avoid visiting Athens between June-August when temperatures can reach 114°F (43°C). Bring sun cream and hat if you must visit then.
- Transport
- Use the Athens Metro to get around. A 24-hour ticket costs 4 euros; multi-day passes (2, 5 days) are available.
- Transport
- Take the metro from Athens airport into town for 9 euros per person instead of a taxi (around 40 euros).
- Save money
- Book all ferry routes in advance using third-party apps like FerryHopper. Longer ferries are cheaper and less busy than fast options.
- Save money
- Ferry costs range from 12-90 euros for the same route depending on ferry type and timing. Plan accommodation around ferry bookings.
- Where to stay
- Stay near Monastiraki Square or in areas like Plaka, Psirri, Makriyanni, or Koukaki for convenient access to Athens attractions.
- Food
- Try traditional Greek breakfast items like spinach and cheese pie (spanakopita). These are affordable and commonly eaten for breakfast.
- Tip
- Book ferry tickets FIRST, then accommodation, then island transport to align your itinerary with best ferry prices.
- Transport
- Use buses on the islands as a budget-friendly transport option. Example: 3.60 euros for both travelers in Paros.
- Tip
- Flying into Athens is slightly cheaper than direct international flights to island airports, though ferry costs roughly balance it out.
Video on this route
The ULTIMATE GREECE Itinerary🇬🇷😍 | Paros, Milos, Santorini, Athens