Priya Malhotra
Europe Travel Writer
Greece is one of the world's most photogenic destinations — the iconic blue-domed churches of Santorini, the wild nightlife of Mykonos, the ancient ruins of Athens, and turquoise Aegean waters that look too perfect to be real. A 10-day Greece trip covering Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos is the classic route — and this guide will help you plan every detail.
Best Time to Visit Greece
**May–June** and **September–October** are the ideal times — warm weather (24–30°C), calm seas, and fewer crowds than the peak summer months. **July–August** is high season with temperatures up to 38°C, packed beaches, and premium prices. Spring (April) has wildflowers and cultural festivals but the sea is still cold for swimming. Winter (November–March) sees most island businesses closed.
10-Day Greece Itinerary
Day-by-Day Plan
| Day | Base | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1–2 | Athens | Acropolis & Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, Plaka old town, Monastiraki flea market |
| Day 3 | Athens | Cape Sounion (Temple of Poseidon), Athens Riviera beach, farewell mezze dinner |
| Day 4–6 | Santorini | Ferry or fly to Santorini; Oia village, caldera sunset, wine tour, Black Sand Beach |
| Day 7 | Santorini | Akrotiri archaeological site, Fira to Oia cliff walk, catamaran sailing at sunset |
| Day 8–9 | Mykonos | High-speed ferry to Mykonos; windmills, Little Venice, Paradise Beach |
| Day 10 | Athens | Ferry back, afternoon flight home |
Schengen Visa for Indians
India requires a **Schengen Tourist Visa** for Greece. Apply through the Greek Consulate or VFS Global. Required documents include a valid passport, confirmed hotel and return flight bookings, travel insurance (€30,000 coverage), and bank statements showing sufficient funds. Processing takes 10–15 working days; apply 4–6 weeks ahead. The same Schengen visa is valid for other European Union countries.
Getting Between Greek Islands
- **High-speed ferry** — Athens (Piraeus port) to Santorini: 5–7 hours; to Mykonos: 3–5 hours; book on ferriesingreece.com or directly with Hellenic Seaways
- **Domestic flight** — Athens to Santorini: 45 min; Athens to Mykonos: 40 min; Olympic Air and Sky Express run frequent services
- **Slow ferry** — overnight options save a hotel night but are less comfortable
- **Inter-island** — Santorini to Mykonos: 2–3 hours by high-speed ferry
Greek Food Guide
- **Moussaka** — layered eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel; the definitive Greek comfort food
- **Souvlaki & Gyros** — grilled meat skewers or wrapped in pita with tzatziki; the Greek street food
- **Fresh Seafood** — grilled octopus, sea bass, and prawns on any island taverna; always ask for the catch of the day
- **Spanakopita** — flaky filo pastry filled with spinach and feta; perfect snack
- **Greek Salad (Horiatiki)** — tomato, cucumber, olives, and a thick slab of feta; tastes best in Greece
- **Baklava** — honey-soaked filo pastry with nuts; Athens' Monastiraki market has the best
Budget Guide
Daily Cost in Greece
| Category | Athens | Santorini | Mykonos |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget accommodation | €30–60 | €80–150 | €80–160 |
| Mid-range hotel | €100–200 | €250–500 | €200–450 |
| Meals | €20–40/day | €40–80/day | €50–100/day |
| Total (mid-range) | ~€150–250/day | ~€300–600/day | ~€280–550/day |
Pro Tip
Watch the sunset from Oia in Santorini — but arrive at least 1 hour early as the cliffside fills with hundreds of tourists. The view from Firostefani, a 15-minute walk south, is equally stunning with far fewer crowds.