Explore Greece: A 7 Day Greek Island Hopping Itinerary through Paros, Naxos, and Santorini
Greece, with its stunning islands, beautiful beaches and aesthetic quaint insta-worthy towns, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and typical Greek charm. If you’re planning a week-long getaway, exploring the Aegean islands of Paros, Naxos, and Santorini promises an unforgettable experience. Here’s a detailed 7 day Greece itinerary to plan the Ultimate Greek Island Hoping Getaway!
When to visit the Greek Islands
The best time to visit the Greek Islands is in summer, between May and October. You will find that many places close in the winter months so it is best to avoid all together at this time.
Another popular option, which is what we chose is to travel to Greece in the shoulder season. You will find everything is still open, however there will be ALOT less tourists and it will be CHEAPER! Although the weather is a little milder, it is still beautiful.
The Greek Islands peak season is between July and August, when a lot of the European Countries have their annual holidays. This will be when prices are at their peak as well as the crowds.
Day 1-2: Paros (Greece Itinerary 7 Days)
Paros, nestled in the heart of the Aegean islands, is the PINK Greek Island gem awaiting exploration for travelers seeking a blend of stunning beaches and quintessential Greece culture and architecture.
Paros, is like a mini PINK Santorini, but cheaper and quieter, making it the perfect place to start your 7 day Greece itinerary, island hopping through the best Greek Islands!
Getting to Paros, Greece
Option 1: Ferry from Piraeus Port, Athens
Your international flight will likely land you in Athens. If you plan to spend a night in Athens then taking the ferry is probably going to be a great option for you. However, if you are planning on going straight to one of the islands, then we recommend Option 2, which is to take a flight direct to your first Island.
In our suggested 7 Day Greece Itinerary we suggest you start in Paros
Getting to Paros from Athens is relatively straightforward, offering several options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make the journey:
1. Ferry Operators with regular ferry services to Paros from Athens:
- Blue Star Ferries
- Hellenic Seaways
- SeaJets
2. Ferry Schedule and Duration:
- Ferries depart from Piraeus Port in Athens multiple times a day, typically in the morning and evening.
- The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours depending on the type of ferry.
3. Booking Tickets:
- It’s advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (summer months).
- Tickets can be purchased online through ferry operator websites or through a third-party booking site which searches for ALL options, like this one.
5. Arrival in Paros:
- Ferries arrive at Parikia, the main port of Paros. From there, you can easily reach your accommodation by taxi, bus, or even on foot if it’s nearby.
Option 2: Flight from Athens International Airport (ATH) to Paros National Airport (PAS)
1. Airlines:
- Olympic Air: Offers direct flights from Athens to Paros.
- Sky Express: Provides flights connecting Athens with Paros.
2. Flight Schedule and Duration:
- Flight duration is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, making it the quickest and easiest option to reach Paros from Athens.
- Flights operate several times a day.
3. Booking Tickets:
- Book flights online through airline websites or third party booking platforms like trip.com.
- Book well in advance to secure the best prices.
5. Arrival in Paros:
- Paros National Airport (PAS) is located near Aliki village, approximately 9 kilometers southwest of Parikia.
- Taxis and rental cars are available at the airport.
Tips for Traveling to Paros from Athens:
- During peak tourist seasons (July-August) its highly advised to book your transfers and accommodation in advance.
Areas in Paros to Explore:
- Parikia: is the picturesque capital of Paros and where you will arrive or depart from by Ferry. It’s a bustling town, and you’ll enjoying weaving through the laneways filled with shops and restaurants selling authentic Greek food and loads of souvenirs, fashions, jewelry or homewares. Parikia charms with its stunning aesthetics, featuring whitewashed houses, vibrant bougainvillea and accents of Santorini’s iconic blue hues.
- Naoussa: The town I have named the ‘Pink Santorini’. It is a cute beachside fishing village located by the harbor. Alot like Parikia you’ll find many great souvenir shops, and traditional Greek food in the labyrinth of alleyways. You will also enjoy the beautiful sunset views and loads of CATS.
Things to Do in Paros:
- Beaches: Spend a relaxing day at Golden Beach or Santa Maria Beach, known for their crystal-clear waters and water sports.
- Exploring Paros by ATV: One of the best ways to explore Paros is by hiring a Quad bike. This gives you the freedom to explore some more off the beaten track beaches and spots that make up the island.
- Prices range from $35 -$75 Euros depending on the season, length of hire, and the size of the Quad / ATV
- Sailing tour: Take a sailing tour around the beautiful waters of Paros or to discover nearby islands.
- Horse riding: Enjoy a horse ride along scenic trails to beaches, and weather and conditions permitting, in the sea. Trot along the sands and in the shallows with a local guide. See a local tour company who specializes in these special adventures
Where we stayed in Paros
Zefi Hotel & Suites
Zefi Hotel & Suites is located right in the heart of Naoussa. It is the perfect base to explore the cute pink city. The Hotel offers a great breakfast, lovely pool and poolside bar. PLUS the rooms are stunning, some featuring private pools or spas!!
Open in Booking.com – Zefi Hotel & Suites Paros
See more Traveller Photos and Reviews on Tripadvisor
Other Hotels that were on our WISHLIST
These hotels all feature in our SAVED WISHLIST and are all in great central locations, with dreamy suites, views and standout features that set them apart.
- Number 1 Resort in Naoussa : Saint Andrea Seaside Resort
- Magnificent Pool Overlooking Noausa: Villa Irina
- Suites with Private Pools & VIEWS: Paros Agnanti Resort & Spa
- Beachfront & Spa Suites: Kalypso Hotel
Day 3-4: Naxos (Greece Itinerary 7 Days)
Stop 2 in our 7 day Greece Island Hoping Itinerary is Naxos! Naxos was one of our favorite stops, we hired a car and explored the whole island, and there was so much to explore.
Getting to Naxos
You easiest way to get to Naxos (from Paros) is by ferry.
Tickets should be purchased (in advance) and can be booked through a third-party booking site, which searches for ALL options in one site, like this one.
Things to do in Naxos
Naxo, Greece Itinerary Highlights:
- Naxos Town (Chora): Explore the labyrinthine alleys of Chora city.
- Shopping: We loved exploring the souvenir shops that weaved through the alleys of Chora. They sold everything from fashion, homewares, jewelry and souvenirs. (TIP: Alot of shops shut for an hour or two around lunchtime)
- Visit Portara the Temple of Apolla: This is Naxos’ most famous historical landmark. This large marble doorway structure dates back to 530 BC. Located at the tip of the headland in Chora Naxos, it’s a great add on to a day in Chora.
- Hire a Car and go explore the beautiful beaches and mountain ranges of Naxos. You can book in advance, especially if you are traveling in peak season. We use a third-party search site to book rental cars, like Rentalcars.com. They search ALL CAR COMPANIES in the one search, to make sure you get the best deal.
- Panermos Beach: Take the time to make this drive, it’s worth it. Even the drive was incredible, winding up and down the mountain ranges. Stopping for goats, donkeys and viewpoints.
- Apeiranthos: This mountain village is known for its paved alleys and traditional tavernas and incredible mountain views.
- Beach Hopping: Discover beautiful beaches like Agios Prokopios, Agios Anna and Plaka Beach. All beaches are ideal for swimming and sunbaking. TIP: There is a local bus that runs between these beaches and Chora Town.
Things to Do:
- Catarmaran Sailing Tour: What screams you’re in Greece more than taking a yacht or Catamaran and sailing through the Greek islands on a day tour… like this one:
- Rina Cave and Koufonisia – Best way to visit these two top attractions is by booking a tour like this one. Spend the day discovering the crystal clear turquoise water of both Rina’s Cave and Koufonisia. Tour includes a barbeque lunch plus plenty of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Wine Tour: Visit the beautiful St. Anna Winery, enjoy a small group and tour the vineyard’s facilities to learn about the ancient and modern ways of making Greek wine. Finish off your tour with a wine tasting and paired with local products made right on the farm. Find out more here
- Other Popular Naxos Tours:
Where we stayed in Naxos
Check it out Dream on Plaka
We decided to stay on Plaka Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Naxos, known as one of the quieter beach locations.
We stayed at Dream on Plaka and we LOVED it! It was located straight across from the beautiful beach with day beds and towels for guests to use. Rooms were modern and had a true Greek style aesthetic. One of our favorite features was definitely the spa on the deck, which overlooked Plaka Beach. There were a few beachfront restaurants close by, and it was a short drive or local bus ride away from the busier towns of Agios Prokopios and Agios Anna or Chora Town.
We have also put together a guide of the BEST Hotels in Naxos, and a breakdown of each area, so that you can choose where you should stay that will suit your needs and your vibe.
Other Hotels that were on our WISHLIST
- Want something with a view & private pool: Liana Beach Hotel & Spa
- Beachfront Luxury: Santana Beach
- Beachfront convenience, close to Chora: Ippokampos Hotel
- Luxurious with a private pool on deck: Nikos & Maria Apartments
Day 5-7: Santorini (Greece Itinerary 7 Days)
Santorini is the kind of destination that EVERYONE has to visit at least once in their lives and should be included in any Greece Itinerary. It’s ICONIC and beautiful city, Oia is one of the most recognizable locations in the World. And for good reason, ITS STUNNING!!
Getting to Santorini
Once again, the best way to get from Naxos to Santorini is to take a ferry. These depart many times a day, and in peak season should be booked in advance.
Things to do in Santorini
Highlights:
- Oia: Famous for its stunning white curved buildings and Santorini Blue features. Oia offers insta-worthy views of whitewashed buildings against the deep blue sea.
- Fira: A bustling capital with its cliffside cafes, shops, and museums.
- Akrotiri Archaeological Site: Isa an ancient Minoan city preserved under volcanic ash.
Things to Do:
- Wine Tasting: Visit local wineries to taste Santorini’s distinctive Assyrtiko wines, cultivated in volcanic soil. Like this local Tour: Santorini Wine Adventure with 12 Wine Tastings, Tapas and Sunset
- Caldera Cruise: Take a boat tour to explore volcanic islands, hot springs, and secluded beaches accessible only by water. Like this one:
- Red Beach: Relax at this unique beach with striking red cliffs and clear waters.
- Other Popular Santorini Day Tours:
Where we stayed in Santorini
We wanted to stay close to Oia, and had to keep within our budget so chose Volcanic Arc Suites. It offers a great location and aesthetics for a fraction of the price of the suites right in Oia itself. The location was a short walk to the center of Oia. The pool was a highlight and all the suites had pool access, with a lovely deck that connected your room to the pool.
Other Hotels that were on our WISHLIST
Next Time we go to Santorini, I think I would spend the extra money to experience a pool villa right in Oia area… like this property right here…
Oia Spirit Boutique Residences
Or this one, Delta Suites
OR even this one Armenaki … WOW
Other Hotels (perhaps a little more budget friendly) These all featured in my SAVED LIST on bookings.com and all deserve a special mention. They are still central to exploring Oia.
- Epic View from the Pool: Anchor Suites
- Stunning pool suites with views Santo Mine Oia Suites
- Traditional Rooms: Finikia Memories Hotel
- Traditional Family run Hotel: Anemoessa Villa
Travel Tips when Island hopping through Greece
- Closures: Some islands and places completely close in Winter.
- Windy: Greece is an extremely windy place, especially in summer.
- Ferry / Flight & Accommodation: Book everything in advance, especially during peak season as things will book out.
- Ferry Cancelations: We had a ferry cancelled due to windy weather conditions, so this is something to keep in mind. You may end up forced to spend an extra night somewhere and loose time elsewhere. We wished we booked an extra ‘spare’ night everywhere for this reason.
- Wifi: To stay connected, we use a esim, like Airalo, it helps us stay connected without having to find a local sim and change out sim cards.
- Cash vs. Cards: While major establishments accept cards, it’s advisable to carry some cash, especially in smaller towns and villages. We also use a WISE Travel Card, it offers the BEST rates, so much better an any Bank or Credit Card or even Foreign Exchange.
- Local Cuisine: Sample authentic Greek dishes like gyros, moussaka, souvlaki, and fresh seafood at local tavernas.
- Respect Local Customs: Greeks are warm and welcoming, but it’s polite to greet with a friendly “Kalimera” (good morning) or “Kalispera” (good evening).
If 7 days is not quite enough on your Greece itinerary, why not island hop through other local Greek islands like Ios, Milos or the party island of Mykonos.
No matter how many days you spend in Greece, or where you go, Greece promises a vacation like no other. So Enjoy!
