Our 12-Day Greece Itinerary
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This summer, we embarked on a 12-day family vacation, traversing through the jewels of Greece – the idyllic islands of Santorini and Naxos, culminating our trip in the heart of Athens. This Greece itinerary offers a beautiful glimpse into this country’s diverse offerings.
As first-time visitors, we faced the daunting task of planning the trip, specifically singling out the islands to visit amidst the incredible options. Coordinating travel logistics between the islands also proved to be time-consuming and required thorough research. However, hindsight and firsthand experience have shown us what we could amend to streamline our future journeys across the remaining islands.
Thus, sit back as we walk you through our family’s 12-day Greece itinerary, highlighting our unforgettable experiences and the insights we gained that will help refine our future trips.
Santorini – Three Nights
Staying in a Traditional Cave House
We began our Greece itinerary by flying from London straight to Santorini. Here, we spent three nights in a traditional cave house nestled into the cliffs of Oia.
With our kids in tow, we wanted accommodations with extra space so we could all spread out and enjoy the view; Gabbiano Cave Houses fit that bill. Our one-bedroom cave house gave us a generous amount of space, a private pool, and one of the most picturesque views I’ve ever experienced.
What we Did
Throughout our four-day stay in Santorini, we explored Oia, visited Ammoudi Bay, took a boat tour around the caldera, and were fortunate enough to witness some of the world’s most stunning sunsets right from our pool.
What We Would Change
We enjoyed our time in Santorini, but if we were to repeat this Greece itinerary again with our kids, we would tweak a few things. For instance, we could cut our time here from three nights to two.
While Santorini is undeniably beautiful, it is quite expensive, and it also admittedly offers less in terms of children’s entertainment. The reality is that Santorini may not be the most kid-friendly location. This wasn’t news to us; we were aware before visiting. My kids are more mature and can appreciate Santorini’s scenic beauty, but eventually, even teenagers can grow weary of admiring the landscape.
One Last Reflection on Santorini
Reflecting more on our Greece itinerary, particularly our time in Santorini, I would also reconsider our decision to go on a boat tour here. We chose a daytime tour of the caldera and hot springs, and it was a letdown for all of us. We had high expectations based on our fantastic boat tour of the Amalfi Coast the previous year, and this experience didn’t measure up. It was no less costly than the Amalfi tour, even though it was shorter, lacked the personal touch, and did not include lunch*. This left us all feeling somewhat dissatisfied. In hindsight, I’d prefer to save the boat tour for another island.
* There was a disconnect between the tour company, which told us this was a 4-hour tour with a lovely lunch, and the boat captain, who insisted it was a 3-hour tour with no lunch and talked us out of seeing one of the key sights, suggesting we wouldn’t have time. The tour company made it right by giving us some money back; however, it was a somewhat wasted experience.
Naxos: Six Nights
After leaving Santorini, we traveled by Blue Star Ferries to Naxos, our next destination on our 12-day Greece itinerary. For six nights, we settled into a delightful villa in Agia Anna. Our villa offered two bedrooms, a private pool, and a convenient location just a five-minute walk to the beach.
Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades Islands, won us over with its abundant offerings, including stunning beaches, enchanting mountain villages, a lively city center, ancient ruins, scrumptious food, and plenty of traditional Greek warmth and hospitality.
Unstructured R&R
Our time on Naxos was mainly unstructured. We only had two scheduled activities: a memorable cooking class at Perivoli Farm Experience and an evening fishing experience that coincided with the sunset. The remainder of our time was spent lazily soaking up the sun on the beach, exploring the various towns and villages, and indulging in much-needed rest and relaxation.
Rent a Car
We decided to rent a car for our stay in Naxos to fully explore the island’s broad range of attractions. Our rental company, Summer Cars and Bikes, provided excellent service, delivering and picking up our vehicle directly from our villa. This arrangement added a sense of freedom and flexibility to our visit, which we greatly appreciated.
Memorable Experiences and Dining in Naxos:
Perivoli Naxian Farm Experience:
This culinary journey was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our Naxos stay. As Naxos is renowned for its delicious food, it seemed natural to learn about its preparation. We toured the family farm and olive groves, a truly informative and engaging experience. Our children even had the opportunity to collect eggs that were later featured in our cooking lessons. Post-tour, we undertook a traditional wood-fire cooking lesson at the family house, culminating in a sumptuous meal that ranked among our best during our trip.
Exploring Chora and the Villages of Naxos:
Having a car made it easy for us to explore the island’s main town and outlying villages. We relished our evening drives into Chora, where we treated ourselves to dinner while watching the sunset paint the sky behind the Temple of Apollo. Chora, with its vibrant buzz, a variety of eateries, and bustling shops, was an entertaining location to spend our evenings.
Beach Escapades:
A Greece itinerary would only be complete with some beach time, and visiting Naxos in July was a perfect cue to frequent the beaches. Maragas in Plaka was our favorite beach, easily accessible by foot from our villa. We spent idyllic days under rentable umbrellas, lounging on chairs, and taking languid swims in the clear Aegean waters.
Fishing Trip:
This was not your run-of-the-mill, average fishing trip where you fish with poles but instead an immersive experience. Along with the crew, we cast nets, hauled in our catch, and grilled it fresh. The highlight for my son was steering the boat back to the harbor — an exhilarating end to a captivating day.
Thoughts on Naxos
Our experience in Naxos was genuinely delightful, and we wouldn’t alter much about it. Our entire time here was a highlight of our Greece itinerary. However, in retrospect, we might consider staying somewhere directly on the beach or in town. Our rental was large, peaceful and gorgeous, but we are a family who tends to like to be more in the center of things.
Athens: Two Nights
Don’t Shortchange Athens
The last leg of our Greece itinerary was Athens. We loved Athens. If there’s one thing we’d tweak about our stay, it’s the duration. Although our two-night stay was enjoyable, an additional night would have allowed us more time to explore Athens’ vibrant culture and history. Before our trip, we heard a recurring theme: “Spend no more than a day in Athens.” However, we quickly grew fond of the city’s blend of history and modernity.
Where We Stayed
We chose Athenian Residences as our home base within the Psyrri neighborhood of Athens. This apartment-style hotel was an ideal choice for our family, offering a clean and cozy apartment with ample room to relax. Moreover, the much-welcomed pool was a refreshing respite during the sweltering days of July. Our stay also came with a delicious breakfast delivered right to our door each morning. The staff was amazing; Dimitris, our host, went above and beyond to help us with anything we needed. Thank you, Dimitris!
What We Did
Over our two-day stay, we immersed ourselves in the city’s notable attractions and neighborhoods. We purchased the Acropolis combination ticket in advance, which includes the Acropolis and six other archeological sites. We explored the Acropolis, meandered around charming Plaka, indulged in shopping at Monastiraki, and familiarized ourselves with Psyrri and other neighboring areas. An additional night would have left room for more Athenian exploration, something to keep in mind when putting together future Greece itineraries!
Unforgettable Dining Experiences in Athens:
Little Kook:
Our hotel was conveniently situated just around the corner from this eccentric, fantasy-inspired café. It was always on our route, leading us to take delight in some of their delectable treats. It was sure an extra treat for this Disney fan that Little Kook’s current theme is Snow White inspired. Who knew that I would get my Disney fix in Athens?!
Bairaktari:
Tucked away in the bustling area of Monastiraki Square, we were initially drawn to Bairaktari due to its captivating live music and lively ambiance. However, the impressive culinary offerings quickly became the highlight of our visit.
Nikitas:
Our hotel host, Dimitris recommended this dining gem. The suggestion was so spot-on that it left us wishing we had pursued more of his recommendations. Nikitas, known for its fresh and scrumptious traditional Greek fare, radiates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The amicable staff makes you feel like a longtime friend stopping by. Had we not visited it on our last day, an encore visit would have been guaranteed.
Electra Roof Garden at the Palace Hotel:
This was a pre-planned indulgence in our itinerary, with the aim to dine under the mesmerizing view of the Acropolis. Undeniably, it was an enchanting sight, complemented by an equally exceptional culinary spread. The experience, while more expensive than average, proved worth the elevated price, offering unmatched vistas and top-tier service.
Additional Advice when Planning a Greek Adventure
Early Booking for Accommodations:
If you are planning your Greece itinerary during the summer, it would be best to secure your accommodations early. I initially assumed a six-month lead time would suffice, but I discovered that apartments and hotels with family-size rooms in beach locations are usually booked nine months to a year in advance. Hence, selecting and booking your accommodations as early as possible is beneficial.
Time of the Year:
Given our commitment to a traditional school schedule, we typically organize our vacation during the summer, which led us to visit Greece in July. However, if we plan it again, June is our preferred choice. The weather in June is slightly milder than July, yet pleasantly warm enough to enjoy the gorgeous beaches. Additionally, June brings the advantage of fewer tourists. Though the crowds in early July were manageable, we noticed an increase as we neared August – the popular European vacation period.
Ferry Service:
Make your ferry bookings well in advance, particularly if you’re traveling in summer. We used Blue Star Ferries for both our journeys and had an excellent experience. Preferring a smoother ride due to occasional seasickness, we opted for the larger, slower ferries. Also, if your budget allows, consider booking a business class ticket for a more comfortable journey. For our longer voyage to Athens, we booked a cabin – an investment we found worthwhile for the clean, comfortable space to rest during the six-hour journey.
Opinions vs Personal Choices:
We received various suggestions when planning a Greece itinerary, including skipping Athens. But we decided to focus on what we wanted: a deep dive into Greek culture and history. Athens turned out to be a high point, brimming with rich heritage, city life, and culinary delights.
In a nutshell, while advice is helpful, always align your travel plans with your individual preferences. Surprises, like our amazing Athens experience, often await when you chart your own path.
Incorporate Locals’ Guidance:
When you’re in a new place, it’s vital to leave some room in your plans for spontaneous adventures. We found that local insight was invaluable during our Greek journey. From hidden gems to the best tavernas, locals consistently provided insider tips that enriched our experience significantly.
Remember, locals have a passion for their home and are often eager to share its magic with visitors. Letting them guide you can lead to unexpected delights and a more authentic experience, proving to be a highlight of your travel story.
Final Thoughts
Greece is a cornucopia of beauty, culture, and culinary delights waiting to be explored. This 12-day itinerary gave us just a taste of what Greece has to offer. Always remember, your journey becomes more enriching when tailored to your personal interests, tapping into local wisdom and leaving room for spontaneous discoveries. Set out on your Greek adventure with an open mind and heart—every twist, turn, and encounter is a part of your unique travel story. Happy traveling!
Check out my Two Weeks in Italy if you want even more travel itineraries.
Mom of two and seeking sanity in the everyday. Let’s chat about family, school struggles, travel, and living our best life. Located in the San Francisco Bay area.
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