Quantcast
Channel: Two Week Traveller
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 11

2 Weeks in Greece: 4 Itineraries

$
0
0

Greece is a country located in Southeast Europe on the Southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula. It shares borders with North Macedonia and Bulgaria to the North, Albania to the Northwest, and Turkey to the East.

The Sea of Crete also borders Greece, and the Mediterranean Sea can be found to the South and the Ionian Sea to the West, while the Aegean Sea lies to the East.

When I first visited Greece, I couldn’t believe my eyes. The preservation of ancient ruins, the culture, the food, and the people – this country is a must-visit. Aside from its ethereal places, it is also well-known for Greek mythology, which is often referenced in both classic literary and pop culture.

The Olympics are inspired by the ancient Olympics held in Greece, and this country is considered the cradle of Western civilisation. With 2 weeks in Greece, you might not be able to cover everything, but it’s a start.

ALSO CHECK-OUT: 2 weeks in South Europe and 2 weeks in Europe

BASIC TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR GREECE

4 images - top left is the Athens' ruins. Top right is the traditional white houses in Santorini. Bottom right is Crete's Heraklion palace by the water. Bottom left is the Meteora monastery on top of a hill - 2 Weeks in Greece Itinerary

Before we dive into the travel plan, let’s briefly discuss things you should know about vacationing in Greece. This includes when to go, estimated cost, transportation, and more, which will help you create a customised 2-week travel itinerary.

When is the best time to travel to Greece

The best time to visit Greece is late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are thinner. Peak season is July-August, offering warm waters and vibrant nightlife but also drawing large crowds and high prices.

The rainy season typically occurs in winter, from November to February, making it less ideal for beach activities. However, it is a great time for a cultural trip and a more laid-back vacation in Greece.

Are 2 weeks enough for Greece

Two weeks is a reasonable time to explore Greece’s highlights, but it won’t allow you to see everything. You could spend a week on the mainland visiting Athens and historical sites like Delphi and Meteora, and another week island-hopping among popular spots like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete.

The main idea here is to ask yourself what are your priorities. Is it to enjoy the beaches and islands? Is it to explore the ruins? Write down the top cities you have in mind, then choose 3-4. From there, you can start an ideal 2-week Greece itinerary.

How to get around

To travel between Greek cities, you can opt for domestic flights, trains, or long-distance buses called “KTEL”. For island-hopping, ferries are the most popular choice, though flights are available for certain routes.

Within cities, public transportation like buses, trams, and the Metro are convenient, especially in Athens. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available, such as Beat, e-Taxi, and FreeNow.

One thing to keep in mind is the travelling between the islands in southern Greece. While there is an extensive network of ferry routes, taking flights usually means you often have to connect back to Athens.

Another option is to rent a car. Many people do this since there are “car ferries”, which allow you to bring your rented car to some islands. Renting a car or scooter can offer flexibility for exploring islands or rural areas.

Language and currency

The main language in Greece is Greek. However, English is widely understood in tourist areas, major cities, and among younger Greeks. While you might encounter some language barriers in rural areas, most menus, signs, and tourist spot information are in English.

So yes, tourists can generally get around comfortably using English, but learning a few basic Greek phrases is always appreciated.

The main currency in Greece is the Euro (€). While some tourist-heavy areas may accept major foreign currencies like the U.S. Dollar, it’s generally best to use Euros for transactions.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist spots, but cash is preferred in smaller establishments and remote areas. ATMs are readily available. Overall, it’s advisable to carry both cash and a card while travelling for 2 weeks in Greece.

Visa

Greece is part of the EU and the government has implemented the Schengen State visa policy. This means that if you have a passport from the most countries in the Americas, the UK, East Europe, Australia, Singapore, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Malaysia, and UAE, you can travel and stay in Greece (or the Schengen State), for up to 90 days in a 180 calendar day.

Visitors that hold a passport from an EU member have a freedom of movement in Greece. The rest of the world must apply for a visa in advance to the nearest Greek Embassy or Consulate.

Cost of 2 weeks in Greece vacation

It can be hard to say what it will cost you to plan a trip for 14 days since it all depends on your level of comfort, style, and the season. But to give you some ideas:

  • Affordable: Budget travellers can expect to spend around €900-€1,300. This includes staying in hostels, eating at cheaper tavernas, and using public transport. Activities like sightseeing and beach visits are generally low-cost.
  • Mid-Range: For a more comfortable experience, plan on spending €1,800-€3,500. This includes 3-star hotels, dining at mid-range restaurants, and some guided tours or activities. You might also include some inter-island ferry tickets or domestic flights.
  • Luxury: If you’re aiming for a luxury experience, budgets start at €5,000 and can go much higher. This covers 5-star hotels, fine dining, private transfers, and exclusive experiences like yacht rentals or private tours.

Travel arrangement tips

MAP OF TOP SITES AND ACTIVITIES IN GREECE

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

2 WEEKS IN GREECE ITINERARY

In this article, I created 4 different itineraries based on your travel preferences. If you prefer slow travel, activity, or adrenaline-filled travels, go to locations rich in historical sites and the like.

Additionally, you can swap cities and islands around. Just keep in mind that transportation can be a bit of a hassle if you choose places that are far from one another. In that case, you might spend more time in terminals and airports.

RELATED POST: 2 weeks in Croatia itineraries

Itinerary #1: First-timers/Beach Trail (Athens, Mykonos, Crete, Paros, Santorini, Milos)

The first 2 weeks in Greece itinerary is perfect for first-timers because it has a little bit of everything, from iconic landmarks to vibrant nightlife, and for those who prefer lesser crowds, cities with a laid-back vibe, you name it.

I also added locations here that are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plus, some of these locations offer tons of day trips to nearby cities or landmarks, so you’ll really get to see a lot of places through this itinerary.

Athens for 3 days

Athens is the capital of Greece. It has tons of iconic landmarks, historical sites, and monuments. Aside from that, it has huge shopping malls, a lively night scene, and world-class museums.

Personally, for historical enthusiasts, Athens alone could easily eat up your 14 days in Greece.

It is actually a perfect starting point, as most of the locations here are walkable. You can also reach various locations by diverse modes of transport via rail, air, sea, and driving. A transfer from the airport to your hotel might make your arrival more hassle-free.

Athens also offers many day tours here, such as day trips to Olympia, Corinth, Delphi, and the Saronic Islands. Other must-visit locations are the Acropolis Museum, Agora, Parthenon, and various temples.

Mykonos or Crete for 3 days

Mykonos and Crete both have different sceneries and experiences to offer, so in this part of the article, I’ll highlight what each island is famous for so that you can decide where to go from Athens.

Mykonos is a small island that belongs to the Cyclades group, so it can be included in island hopping trips. It is well-known for its nightlife, the main town Chora because of its architecture, and a day trip to the archaeological site of Delos.

Conversely, Crete has tons of traditional villages and picturesque towns, with tiny cafes, restaurants, and marinas, so even if it is way larger than Mykonos, Crete has a more laid-back vibe. Some of the must-visit towns include Agios Nikolaos, Anogia, Choudetsi, Heraklion, and Rethymno.

The travel options from Athens to Mykonos are by ferry and plane. The slowest boat takes 5 hours to reach your destination, while high-speed ferries will take more than 2 hours.

Ferries, especially high-speed ones, are more advisable than plane rides since they are cheaper. Besides, the travel time difference isn’t that far. Flying duration is 30 to 45 minutes.

The travel options from Athens to Crete are also the same, but Crete is further compared to Mykonos, so the travel duration is longer. The ferry ride can travel between 8 to 16 hours, depending on the route. In contrast, the plane ride is just over an hour.

2 images - on the left is the Athens' ruins with a sunset background. On the right is the Meteora monastery on top of the hill

Paros for 3 days

Paros is a Greek island located in the Central Aegean Sea. It is also included in the Cyclades island group. It is known for its festivals, parties, high-quality white marble, and beaches.

It is very strategically located as it’s usually the first ferry port from Athens to the Cyclades islands. A couple of tourist attractions here are Paros Park, the Archeological Museum of Paros, Venetian Castle, Agios Konstantinos Church, Valley of Butterflies, and more.

In either Mykonos or Crete to Paros, you must check the ferry options as there are no direct flights; you need to connect to Athens. The travel time from Crete to Paros via ferry is almost 4 hours, while from Mykonos to Paros, it takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Santorini in 3 days

Santorini is an island in the Southern Aegean Sea, around 200 km from the mainland. It is also the Southernmost member of the Cyclades group of islands.

Santorini is well-known as the site of the largest volcanic eruption recorded in history. This is the island you want to go to if you’ve seen those white stone houses facing the ocean in travel magazines and social media.

Aside from that, it is also renowned worldwide for its architecture, oftentimes replicated and turned into tourist attractions. Other places to visit include Red Beach, Fira, Caldera, Akrotiri Archeological Site, and more.

The distance between Paros and Santorini is 43 nautical miles, which is approximately 89 kilometres. You can reach Santorini from Paros through a ferry ride. The travel duration is anywhere between almost 2 hours to almost 4 hours, depending on the boat speed and boat line that you’ll ride.

You should book an airport transfer to make this travel day much easier.

Milos for 2 days

Milos is a volcanic Greek island in the Aegean Sea, north of the Sea of Crete. 2 archaeological artefacts found here are now in The Louvre and The British Museum. This place is famous for its otherworldly beaches and volcanic landscape.

Some places to visit here include Pollonia, Klima, and other fishing villages, Tsigrado Beach, Kastro, The Ancient Theater, and more. You can do a half-day cruise to Kleftiko as well.

The distance between Santorini and Milos is 95 km, but there are no direct flights, so it would be better to take a ferry instead. The travel duration lasts from anywhere between 2 hours to 5 hours and 40 minutes.

It is a perfect place to end your trip because aside from the archaeological sites brimming with history, it also has tons of scenic views because of the abundance of minerals and colourful rock formations formed after the volcanic eruption thousands of years ago.

Itinerary #2: Historical and Culture (Athens, Mycenae, Delphi, Crete, Meteora, Corfu)

This second itinerary is perfect for history and culture buffs because the locations I included here are filled with historical and archaeological sites left and right, particularly in the Athens/Mainland Greece area.

Aside from that, if you want to take a break from the crowd and unwind, tons of wineries in Athens will loosen you up and lift your mood. It is followed by Crete, which is another laidback destination with a lot of charms.

And then Meteora, which is well-known for its rock formation and offers tons of outdoor activities. Finally, Corfu, where you could lay on the shore to your heart’s content, which is a perfect way to end a trip.

2 images - on the left is the traditional white houses in Santorini by the cliff. On the right is the Heraklion Palace in Crete by the water

Athens for 6 days

The first stop for your 2 weeks in Greece is Athens. You might be wondering why the advisable duration of stay here is so long. It’s because there are so many historical sites here, and most of them could be accomplished as day trips, so Athens can serve as your base location for a couple of days.

Some of the day trips include 1-day cruise in Aegina, Poros, Spetses, and Hydra, which was home to the critically acclaimed musician Leonard Cohen, as well as other famous playwrights.

Athens offers Meteora day trips, though it’s going to be a long day for sure as there are tons of things to do and sights to see there. Arrange an airport transfer to your hotel for a more convenient start of your vacation.

Crete/Knossos for 3 days

We already previously established that Crete is a very large and laidback place with lots of places to explore, including Knossos. It is a Bronze Age archaeological site and was a major centre of the Minoan Civilization.

Some of the things to do and places to visit at or near Knossos include visiting its Palace, Heraklion City tour, Mount Ida hiking, Crete Historical Museum, or swimming at the nearby beaches. There is also a waterpark in Heraklion for those who prefer pools over beaches.

There are a couple of ways to reach Crete if you’re from Athens. There are locations where ferry rides are more advisable, but for this one, I highly recommend riding the plane unless you rent a car and plan to bring it with you.

This is because flying is faster, with a travel duration of more or less 3 hours while ferry rides last from anywhere between 7 hours to 16 hours, depending on the ferry line, ferry type, and route.

Meteora for 2 days

Meteora is a rock formation found in the region of Trikala in Thessaly, Greece. It is famous for hosting the most precipitously built and largest complexes of Eastern Orthodox Monasteries, second in terms of importance to Mount Athos. It is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The distance between Crete and Meteora is 584 km. There aren’t any direct transportation options, so you have to ride multiple rides before you can go to Meteora, but once you are here, it will all be worth it.

2 images - on the left is the shoreline and clear emerald waters of Corfu surrounded by lush green trees. On the right is the ruins and ancient columns in Delphi

Corfu for 3 days

Corfu is a Greek Island in the Ionian Sea. It is administered by 3 municipalities with the islands of Ereikoussa, Mathraki, and Orthonoi. It is famous for its cluster of colourful buildings dating back to the Venetian period.

While staying here during your two weeks in Greece, you could try out local foods through a guided tour around Old Town, explore Corfu on a jeep safari, or through an Odyssey-themed boat tour.

There are two ways to reach Corfu if you’re coming from Meteora. The fastest way is to drive to Igoumenitsa and then take a ferry, with a travel time of around 3 hours and 30 minutes. The cheapest option is to take a ferry solely, but it has a travel time of 6 hours.

Corfu is the ideal place to end your trip because aside from the pristine beaches and its rich military history, you’ll also find tons of quiet hideaways, unique views, and generally a laidback village lifestyle where you can just unwind to the fullest.

The cheapest option is to ride the bus and ferry, and then the bus again, which has a travel time of almost 18 hours, while the fastest is to ride the plane and then take the bus, which has a travel time of 7 to 9 hours, depending on the route.

Itinerary #3: Away from Tourists (Northern Greece)

This third itinerary also highlights laid-back locations, perfect for those not fond of crowds, long queues, and the like.

There are a couple of not-so-popular places included here which are as good, if not better, than the famous tourist spots in Greece, so for me, you also need to check out these locations.

Another good thing about places that aren’t as famous as the usual tourist spots is that they generally have lower rates, so this is also perfect if you’re on a tight budget but still want to experience Greece.

Kavala for 3 days

Kavala is a city found in Northern Greece and is the principal seaport of Eastern Macedonia. It is also known as the Blue City because it is built on a rocky headland surrounded by turquoise blue waters.

It is a centre of fishing, commerce, tourism, and oil-related activities. Some of its tourist spots include Imaret, Kavala Fortress, Halil Bey Mosque, Ammolofoi Beach, Kavala Archeological Museum, and more.

Kavala is a perfect place to start your trip because it has everything that a tourist will want to see. Mountains, beaches, significant monuments, cityscapes, and local cuisine.

For international tourists, if you arrive in Athens, you can book a non-stop domestic flight, which is a bit over 3 hours.

Thessaloniki for 3 days

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and the capital of the geographic region of Macedonia. It is known for its vivid nightlife, ancient monuments, and a plethora of shopping options.

A lot of people also consider it the food capital of Greece. Aside from the wonderful locations here, there are also tons of day trips from this place, including Mount Athos, the Ancient City of Dion, Mount Olympus, and Meteora.

You can reach Thessaloniki from Kavala by land transportation. You can either ride the bus or drive. Riding the bus has a travel duration of more than two hours, while driving has a travel duration of more than an hour.

Vergina for 3 days

Vergina is a small town in Northern Greece that is famous for the ancient Aigai site, which is the first capital of Macedon. It was also the burial site of Macedonian Kings and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its significance in Western civilisation.

There are 3 ways to reach Vergina if you’re travelling from Thessaloniki, and the cheapest option is by bus, with tickets costing around $44. Other options include booking a taxi or driving, which both take around 50 minutes.

Meteora for 2 days

One should not skip Meteora during these 2 weeks in Greece because besides its history and natural beauty. It also offer many activities like horseback riding, hiking, biking, mountain climbing, and rafting through the Pinios River.

A couple of other tourist attractions here are Theopetra Cave, the Natural History Museum of Meteora and Mushroom Museum, the Great Meteoron Monastery, and more.

The distance between Meteora and Vergina is around 103 km. The mode of transportation options are riding the bus or driving. Driving is both cheaper, and you’ll reach your destination faster. It has a travel time of 2 hours and costs around $35-$55.

2 images - on the left is the ancient wall in Kavala. On teh right is the ancient tower of Thessaloniki

Athens for 3 days

Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world and is a must-visit as it has so much to offer. You’ll get to see a couple of essential cultural attractions here, such as The Temple of Olympian Zeus and The Temple of Hephaestus.

There are also a couple of beaches nearby for those who want their daily dose of sun and sand and, of course, numerous rooftop restaurants that offer a perfect view of the Parthenon.

There are a couple of ways to reach Athens from Meteora, and the most recommended is riding the train, which has a travel time of 4 and a half hours or taking the bus.

Athens is the perfect place to end your journey because it’s highly possible that your roundtrip flight is arriving and leaving here.

Itinerary #4: Enjoy the Beach (Athens, Mykonos, Crete, Naxos or Thera)

This is the last but definitely not the least itinerary option for those who are staying for 14 days in Greece. This is curated for those who love the beach.

The locations here are filled with crystal clear beaches, blue skies, and white sands. The islands included here are all located south of Athens, though getting from one island to another can be tricky, so it’s important to plan in advance to see if a ferry or a domestic flight is available to avoid any hassles or roadblocks on your trip.

Athens for 4 days

Start here because Athens has everything that you will need. You can get all of your essentials here, get your money changed, arrange for ferry services, or go to car rental shops, you name it, it’s all here.

You can also see a lot of historical sights here, so you can have your fill of history before you go and visit beaches and islands on the next stops of this itinerary.

Mykonos for 3 days

Mykonos is a Greek Island lying between Paros, Naxos, Syros, and Tinos. It is also known as The Island of the Winds because of the strong winds that usually blow on the island, and it is parallel to Ibiza in terms of vibrant nightlife.

Some of the must-see attractions here include Mykonos Windmills, Paraportiani Church, Little Venice, and Cavo Paradiso, among others. You can also rent a motorbike to tour the city.

There are 3 ways to reach Mykonos from Athens. You can fly directly from Athens to Mykonos, you can also ride the car ferry or the ferry, which is the cheapest option. The travel time for flying is more than 3 hours, but it’s only more than 2 hours for car ferries.

Crete for 3 days

Crete is the largest and most populous Greek island, the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea, and the 88th largest island in the world. Crete is a must-visit because aside from great landscapes and good food, it also has some of the best wines, vibrant nightlife, and mountain towns.

Some of the must-visit places here include Psychro, Samaria Gorge, Elafonissi Beach, Lychnostatis Open Air Museum, Old Venetian Port of Chania, and more.

Personally, this is my favourite Greek island. Yes, it’s a popular one and quite busy. But it’s a big island. It means you can easily find a little spot to relax and enjoy a serene atmosphere, but at the same time, you can find everything you want from the main town.

In order to reach Crete from Mykonos, you could fly, ride the car ferry, or ferry. The travel duration for a car ferry ride is 4 and a half hours while flying has a travel time of 4 hours to 4 hours and 30 minutes because most flights connect back to Athens.

2 images - on the left is a view of beautiful coastline of Mykonos. On the right is the ruins of Naxos

Naxos or Santorini for 4 days

Naxos is considered one of the most beautiful Greek islands. It is well-known for its impressive monuments and expansive natural landscapes, filled with various greenery such as mountains, green valleys, and forests.

Some of its iconic landmarks include Portara, Chora, which is the main town, Plaka, Kastro, and more. Compared to Santorini, Naxos is quieter, so this might be perfect for those who aren’t fond of crowds, and since it’s not that well-known, the prices are generally lower.

Thera, on the other hand, is an ancient, perfectly round volcano island that is now known as Santorini. It is famous for its divine sunsets, the historical site of Akrotiri, as well as red, black, and white sand beaches.

If you prefer crowds and vibrant nightlife, then Santorini is the better option for you. It is also closer to Athens as it would only take you 50 minutes to reach your destination.

Another travel option from Athens to Santorini is by ferry ride, which has a travel time of 4 to 7 hours, depending on the boat type. As for Athens to Naxos, you can ride the car ferry, ferry, or fly.

Flying is the fastest option, with a travel time of more than 2 hours. I prefer to end the trip in Naxos because of its multifaceted landscape since it is a mountainous island. Before you arrive in Santorini, arrange a transport to your hotel.

Being a part of the Cyclades group, it is also near other islands, so you would be able to have a fun island-hopping experience. It also has a nice climate all year round, perfect for vacationers.

WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN GREECE (per city)

This list of things to do in Greece can help you plan your 2 weeks in Greece itinerary. This list also includes tours and sightseeing activities you can book. If you’re visiting from June to August, book your tickets in advance to ensure you’ll one one for the dates you will be there.

Athens

Corfu

Crete

Kavala

  • Kavala Beach
  • Kavala Archaeological Museum
  • Rapsani Beach
  • Tobacco Museum of Municipality of Kavala
  • Kavala Fortress
  • Waterfalls of Kavala
  • Thasos Island

Mykonoskv

Paros

Naxos

Santorini

Thessaloniki

LOCAL GREEK DISHES AND DRINKS TO TRY

3 images - on the left is a bowl of Tzatziki. in the middle is a gyro. On the right is baklava on a dessert bowl

They say the Mediterranean diet is an amazing way to stay healthy due to its rich in healthy fats and centred on plant-based foods. Perhaps here’s your chance to give it a try. Here’s a list of Greek dishes that you must give a shot during your visit:

  • Moussaka: A layered dish of eggplant, meat, and béchamel sauce.
  • Souvlaki: Skewered and grilled meat, often served in a pita wrap.
  • Tzatziki: A yogurt-based dip flavored with cucumber and garlic.
  • Spanakopita: A spinach and cheese pie wrapped in flaky phyllo dough.
  • Gyro: Rotisserie-cooked meat served with vegetables and sauce in a pita.
  • Saganaki: Fried cheese, often flambéed tableside.
  • Pastitsio: A baked pasta dish with meat and béchamel sauce.
  • Dolmades: Grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs.
  • Baklava: A sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo, filled with nuts and honey.
  • Galaktoboureko: A custard pie wrapped in phyllo.
  • Loukoumades: Deep-fried dough balls covered in syrup.
  • Kourabiedes: Almond shortbread cookies coated in powdered sugar.
  • Ouzo: A strong anise-flavoured liquor.
  • Retsina: A unique pine-resin flavoured wine.
  • Frappé: A popular iced coffee drink.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN GREECE (per city)

Accommodations are the ones that get booked up fast, especially during the peak season. There awesome hotels, which are well-located and decently-priced gets snatched quick, so book your room as soon as you know the dates.

Athens

Corfu

Crete

Kavala

Meteora

Mykonos

Naxos

Paros

Santorini

Thessaloniki

SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN GREECE

I can’t believe that we have already reached the end of the article. I was so drawn to everything Greece has to offer that I didn’t realise that I was already writing the last parts of it.

However, I believe I wasn’t able to share everything yet as there are still more reasons to visit Greece. One of those is its tons of natural Geothermal wonders that will revitalise and rejuvenate you. In fact, they have more than 800 geographical thermal springs locations all throughout the country.

Aside from that, you wouldn’t want to miss many off-the-beaten paths in Greece. Metsovo, Kastoria, Volos, Karpenisi, Tinos, Spetses, and Folegandros are some of the locations that come to mind.

I hope that this compilation of amazing travel itineraries of 2 weeks in Greece has been useful in your planning.

TO SAVE THIS ITINERARY, PIN THIS IMAGE BELOW:


Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 11

Latest Images

Trending Articles





Latest Images