Greece Itinerary 7 days: Greek Island Hopping


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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

Our Hotel Zefi Hotel in Paros in our Greece itinerary 7 days

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.

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

We decided to stay on Plaka Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Naxos, known as one of the quieter beach locations.



Other Hotels that were on our WISHLIST


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


Other Hotels that were on our WISHLIST




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.


Travel Tips when Island hopping through Greece

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!