How to Spend 10 Days Island-Hopping in Greece: Itinerary for First-Timers

Dreaming of that perfect Greek island hopping adventure with white-washed buildings, azure waters, and ancient ruins, but you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of islands to choose from and the logistics that seem more complicated than planning a space mission?

Having successfully island-hopped through Greece with my family for 10 days—navigating everything from Athens’ ancient Acropolis to Rhodes’ medieval castles and Santorini’s volcanic beaches—I’ve figured out the perfect balance of history, relaxation, and logistics that makes Greek island hopping surprisingly manageable.

This detailed itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors to Greece who want to experience both iconic destinations and hidden gems, those needing practical transportation advice, and travelers who want the classic Greek island experience without the stress of complicated planning.

Greece makes island hopping incredibly accessible, whether you’re motivated by Mamma Mia fantasies (guilty!) or genuine fascination with ancient civilizations.

From watching my 70 year old aunt conquer the rocky path to Red Beach to sharing wine with a view of the Acropolis from our Athens rooftop, I’m sharing every transportation hack, timing tip, and family-tested strategy so you can experience the magic of Greek islands without the logistical nightmares—even if your idea of adventure usually stops at choosing a new Netflix series.

Greek Island Hopping Advice

Best Greek Islands to Visit

My Greek island hopping itinerary covers time in Athens before jetting off to the islands of Rhodes and Santorini.

As I previously mentioned, there are thousands of islands throughout the Aegean and Ionian seas. This means there are many reasons to visit Greece!

We chose these because Rhodes is steeped in history (though Crete was a close second choice for this reason) and Santorini for its limitless beauty and beaches. Rhodes was also recommended by an old colleague of mine for its more family-friendly vibes.

We skipped some islands on purpose because they’re more known for their party atmosphere, which, while traveling with my mother and aunt, wasn’t going to be the family-friendly vibe we were looking for. In particular Mykonos, Paros, and Corfu I was warned about.

Some other islands you may want to consider are Paxos and Antipaxos for a day trip.

Getting to Greece

For those visiting Greece from abroad, your most affordable entry point will likely be Athens, as it is the capital of Greece. If you are coming from a nearby country, however, one of the islands could possibly be more affordable, so make sure to check depending on your origin point.

Upon arriving at Athens airport, we boarded a bus to the city. Taking the bus to the city center is convenient and cost-effective. While this route may not suit everyone depending on your accommodation, Route X95: Syntagma – Athens Airport is ideal if you’re staying in central Athens.

Syntagma Square is located directly in front of the Parliament (Athens Center). It takes approximately 40 minutes to reach Athens Airport. Bus X95 leaves Syntagma Square every 15 to 20 minutes. You can check bus departure times and stops along the route to Athens Airport on their official website.

At the airport, you can board the bus at the specified area on the arrivals level, located between Exit 4 and Exit 5. Buses depart every 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the route.

Tickets can be purchased from bus drivers, at the ticket kiosk in the bus departure area, and at all metro stations throughout Athens. Only one-way tickets are offered, priced at €6, with half-price tickets available for those 65 and older upon presenting valid ID.

If buses aren’t your style or you’re traveling with a large group, you can opt for a taxi to and from the airport. We chose this option on our return because we didn’t want to carry our luggage to the bus stop, and locals warned us about pickpockets on the metro. The taxi cost around €40, which was €10 per person for us. After a long journey, my family appreciated this convenience.

How to Island Hop in Greece

For those visiting

he Greek Islands for the first time, you’ll likely wonder how much of a pain island hopping is. Honestly, it wasn’t a pain, as you have options depending on your preference.

When planning my Greek island hopping itinerary, I checked into both the ferry and flight.

I’ll list the pros and cons below.

By Ferry

Before we start, I did not take the ferry, but I’ll explain how you can and why we chose not to.

Taking a ferry ride is a very popular choice when island hopping around Greece. However, they take far longer than a flight will. They also can run late or be canceled with very little recourse available to you (conversely, flights are pretty frequent).

Additionally, if you get seasick or think you may get seasick, this may not be the transportation option for you as the seas can get rough in the summer.

A pro, however, is that if you’re taking a car with you, you can take it on the ferry for an additional cost.

By Air

With the travel destinations I’ve listed on this Greek island hopping itinerary, it wound up being faster and cheaper to fly most of the time. We headed from Athens to Rhodes, then onto Santorini, before returning to Athens.

The downside was that to get from Rhodes to Santorini, we had to fly back to Athens first. Yes, it was kinda annoying, but it saved us a boatload of time.

Most islands do not have direct flights to one another, making the ferry system a popular but sometimes unreliable mode of transport due to delays and high winds.

However, if you choose differently or add islands, check which option is more affordable or faster, as it varies greatly depending on your destination.

We flew on Aegean Airlines for all transfers. Please note that this airline charges for checked luggage. My aunt and cousin only brought a carry-on, so we didn’t incur any fees for them. However, my mom and I decided to check our bags, which meant we had to pay for those.

Athens to Rhodes
By air: 1 hour
Average price is $100
By ferry: Between 13 and 20 hours
Average price of a foot passenger is $159

Rhodes to Santorini
By air: 3 hours and 20 minutes
Average price is $200
By ferry: 14 hours and 30 minutes on average
Average price of a foot passenger is $132

Santorini to Athens
By air: 1 hour
Average price is $100
By ferry: 5 hours and 30 minutes on average
Average price of a foot passenger is $190

What To Pack For Greece

I’m not going to list everything; that’s what my packing list for Greece is for, but I will note some differences from your ‘typical’ list that you may need during your island-hopping trip in Greece.

Non-white Swimsuit: This may sound a bit weird, but the Red Beach in Santorini can stain your clothing. So, to avoid that, I highly recommend not wearing a white swimsuit while in Santorini.

Dramamine: If you take the ferry, you may want to bring Dramamine in case you get seasick. I’ve never gotten seasick, but I’ve heard from so many others who have, and given how long some of the ferries take, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Shoes with Flat Bottoms: I know, weirdly worded, but since there are SO many cobblestones in Athens and on the Greek islands, I’d be remiss not to bring it up. Wearing heeled boots or high heels will likely only cause trouble—and likely a broken ankle. I found flat-bottomed platform sandals for my nights (these are a similar pair). I wanted to dress up a bit. Otherwise, I was in sandals or sneakers.

Water Shoes: Especially if you plan on visiting a rocky beach such as Anthony Quinn Bay or Ladiko Bay, water shoes are essential to your Greek island hopping itinerary. Unfortunately, we didn’t have them with us, but we would have enjoyed the beach a ton more had we.

Looking for some inspiration before you go? Check out these 📺 films shot in Greece

10 Day Island Hopping Greece Itinerary

Day 1: Land in Athens

As I mentioned earlier, if you are traveling from abroad, you’ll likely be flying into Athens.

As we were coming from different parts of the USA, we chose to stay in Athens for a few days just in case anyone had any trouble getting in. Having been delayed before, this is such a fear of mine that I now build this into my planning.

Additionally, the flight from California took about 15 hours (not including getting to the airport and such), so the first day was a bit of a wash as we were all rather tired.

So, what we did instead was hang out on the roof of our hotel, the Downtown Athens Lofts, with a bottle of wine as it had an incredible view of the Acropolis.

Day 2: The Acropolis, Acropolis Museum + Library of Hadrian

The Acropolis

We started our first full day at the iFeel Brunch Restaurant. Our hotel had recommended it as a nearby place to grab breakfast.

We then walked toward the Acropolis, Athens’s most iconic landmark and arguably its most renowned architectural marvel. My best advice for visiting the Acropolis is to arrive right when it opens in the morning to steer clear of large crowds.

If you or someone in your group has difficulty walking or with mobility, there’s an elevator available to avoid having to walk all the way to the Acropolis. It’s conveniently located just after the ticket booth.

We purchased the “Acropolis and 6 Archaeological Sites Combo Ticket,” which didn’t include a tour guide, so Rick Steve’s free audio guide was the perfect way to supplement the combo ticket. His site has a “Listen” section where you can listen, download, or view a map of his commentary.

⏳ Duration: 2 hours

The Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum are separate entities, and unfortunately, the Acropolis ticket does not also cover the museum. It is a separate ticket of €10 or €15, depending on when you visit.

I truly appreciated visiting the Acropolis Museum after our time at the Acropolis, as it deepened my understanding of what we had just experienced. The museum features an audio guide that helps you discover the hidden stories behind sixty of its masterpieces, exhibited across several floors. Don’t forget to visit the area under the museum, as ruins are beneath!

⏳ Duration: 2 hours

The Library of Hadrian

The Library of Hadrian was included with our combined ticket, but I don’t think we would have visited it otherwise, as there’s not much to see here.

Hadrian’s Library, established by Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 132, stands on the north side of the Acropolis in Athens. However, nearly 2,000 years later, little remains of it.

I had planned for this visit to last an hour, but we spent about 20 minutes there. Most of that time was me taking pictures of everything, even though there wasn’t much to capture. If you’re looking for a skip in Athens on this Greek island hopping itinerary, I’d recommend skipping this.

⏳ Duration: 20 minutes

Day 3: Ancient Agora + Shopping in Athens

The Ancient Agora

On our second day in Athens, we started at the Ancient Agora, which is impressively large! I was surprised to learn it’s a 30-acre outdoor archaeological site.

Because of its size, I found myself hurrying my family along, even though I would have preferred a more leisurely visit. Unfortunately, we needed to catch our flight to Rhodes, leaving me no other option. If I could redo this experience, I would dedicate 3-4 hours here.

An agora, which translates to “market,” was a public area in ancient Greek city-states. It was primarily used for commerce, gatherings, or residential purposes.

The Ancient Agora was also part of our “Acropolis and 6 Archaeological Sites Combo Ticket.” Again, you can use the wonderful Rick Steve’s free audio guide for commentary.

On his site, in the “Listen” section, you can listen to the audio, download it, or view a map. I recommend using the map since it will direct you along the route. You risk getting lost without it, as the audio follows a specific path.

⏳ Duration: 3-4 hours

Shopping in Athens

While my family enjoys shopping, I do not. To accommodate everyone’s interests, I included two markets in our itinerary. Fortunately, several of these markets exist in Athens, so if this interests you, you’re in luck!

If shopping isn’t your forte, I suggest adding the National Archaeological Museum or the Temple of Olympian Zeus, covered by the combo pass, to your Greek island hopping itinerary.

🇬🇷 For even more info, including extensive details on attractions, where to stay, transportation, and general tips, check out my two days in Athens itinerary.

Fly to Rhodes

Once we finished shopping, we returned to our hotel before departing for the airport to catch our Aegean Airlines flight to Rhodes that evening.

As Rhodes is one of the larger islands in Greece, we decided it was better to get a rental car rather than rely on bus transport as many of its sites are spread out.

When I rented the car, I had to have an international driver’s permit, which was easy enough to get at AAA for $20 before my trip.

I arranged the rental in advance and informed them of our landing time, so they had transportation ready to take us to the car rental facility.

💡 Travel Tip: Maps.me is a great navigation tool if you have no data or Wi-Fi while traveling.

Day 4: A Day in Rhodes’ Old Town

We began our day with breakfast at our hotel, Mitsis La Vita Beach Hotel, which was a very affordable place to stay, so much so that we could afford two rooms rather than booking one large one, as we had in Athens and Santorini.

Mitsis La Vita Beach Hotel is right on the ocean and a lovely place to stay. Breakfast was included—a rarity these days, and it was delicious!

Castle of the Old Town

The city of Rhodes consists of two parts: the New Town and the Old Town.

The Old Town is a medieval area built inside a castle featuring six gateways, which brings me to the only thing I didn’t consider about the Old Town—you have to park outside of it.

Once you’ve parked, you can walk through one of the gateways into Old Town.

Within the city walls, you’ll discover churches, mosques, palaces, squares, gardens, and courtyards, along with souvenir shops, cafes, boutiques, and jewelers.

⏳ Duration: 2-3 hours

Palace of the Grand Masters

The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes is a medieval fortress located in Rhodes’s Old Town.

It once served as a citadel for the Knights Hospitaller, functioning as a palace, headquarters, and stronghold.

The Palace underwent restoration in the 1930s. Visitors can now explore its collection of mosaic floors sourced from the island’s monuments, along with medieval furniture.

The site also features two permanent exhibitions that provide insights into the history of Rhodes, spanning from its founding in 408 BC to its conquest by the Ottomans in 1522.

⏳ Duration: 2 hours

Street of the Knights

The Street of the Knights stands out as one of the best-preserved medieval streets globally—which makes it one of the top things to see in Rhodes.

In addition to its cobblestones, its arched doorways were designed to be spacious enough for a horse and carriage or a knight on horseback.

This road features seven inns that symbolize the countries of origin of the Knights of St. John. These inns were established by the Knights Hospitaller, who governed Rhodes and were organized into seven ‘tongues’—England, France, Germany, Italy, Aragon, Auvergne, and Provence—each tasked with overseeing a particular part of the fortifications.

⏳ Duration: 15-30 Minutes

Archaeological Museum of Rhodes (Hospital of the Knights)

Another destination in Old Town is the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, often referred to as the Hospital of the Knights, which once served the Knights Hospitaller. Established in 1440, its primary exhibition features discoveries from Ialissos and Kamiros, along with a selection of marble statues and artifacts.

⏳ Duration: 2 hours

Hippocrates Square

In Old Town, Hippocrates Square features a variety of souvenirs, restaurants, cafes, and bars. This lively square comes alive at night and is a great place to grab a bite to eat. We ate some great gyros here!

In the southeast corner of the Square stands the Kastellanía, a structure that once served as a medieval courthouse and commercial tribunal for the Knights. It now operates as the public library and town archives.

⏳ Duration: 15 minutes – 1 hour (depending on what you eat/drink)

Day 5: Beach Day in Rhodes

Anthony Quinn Bay / Ladiko Bay

Anthony Quinn Bay and Ladiko Bay are adjacent, which is why they are grouped. Named for the actor who starred in The Guns of Navarone, filmed here in 1961, Anthony Quinn Bay is among the most scenic beaches in Rhodes. This popularity, however, also means it can be pretty crowded.

My issue with both beaches is that there are sharp rocks, which make wading into the water a bit treacherous unless you have water shoes.

You can rent lounge chairs, umbrellas, and/or snorkeling equipment. Additionally, there’s a bar and cafeteria available.

If I could do this Greek island hopping itinerary again, I would opt for a day cruise instead of this beach, as it would simplify the logistics of arriving, securing a spot, and dealing with rocky issues.

⏳ Duration: Depends on how long you want to stay at the beach.

Kallithea Thermal Springs and Bar

The Kallithea Thermal Springs was pitched to me as “steamy waters of the springs are not only relaxing, but are known for their healing powers. The springs are surrounded by exquisite coves and towering pine trees making it a relaxing spot to enjoy. After exploring the thermal springs, you can head down to one of Kallithea’s many beaches which are known for their warm water making them a great place to take a quick swim.”

They offer an excellent restaurant where I enjoyed my best meal in Greece—the salmon. During my visit, the place was not crowded, and the beach was more accessible since it wasn’t overly rocky. I would choose it over Anthony Quinn Bay if the view matched, but if you’re seeking a more relaxed or family-oriented experience, Kallithea Thermal Springs might be right for you.

⏳ Duration: Depends on how long you want to stay at the beach.

Day 6: Stroll in an Ancient Park + Valley of the Butterflies

Rodini Park

Rodini Park is historic in that it was probably the first landscaped park in the world. Romans popularized it, leaving a bit of an aqueduct here that runs along a natural stream.

The shaded walkways, rich with flora, are fantastic for a stroll. There’s also a tomb carved into the rock that dates from the Hellenist period—it is known as the tomb of the Ptolemies.

If parks aren’t your forte, I suggest adding Lindos Village to your Greek island hopping itinerary as it features a clifftop Acropolis.

⏳ Duration: 1 hour

Valley of the Butterflies

A must-see attraction in Rhodes is the Valley of the Butterflies. Every year, from June to August, this remarkable location welcomes millions of butterflies. You can visit outside these months; just don’t get your hopes up about seeing many butterflies.

As a nature reserve, “Butterfly Valley” is a habitat filled with flora, paved paths, ponds, waterfalls, and natural beauty. The only sound visitors are the chirping of the cicadas and running water as you’re encouraged to stay quiet.

You can also hike up to a point where you’ll encounter a small church. If you’re up for the hike, it’s certainly worth the visit.

⏳ Duration: 1-1.5 hours

🇬🇷 For even more info, including extensive details on where to stay, transportation, and general tips, check out my Rhodes travel guide.

Fly to Santorini

We returned to our hotel before returning the car, then departed for the airport to catch our flight to Athens. After a short layover, we took a second flight to Santorini that evening.

We landed in Santorini just before midnight, so I arranged for the hotel to pick us up, as the buses don’t run at that hour.

If you also land early or very late, know this: The buses start running after 7 a.m. and end around 9 p.m. You can also take taxis and Uber in Santorini, so that’s an additional option.

Whether you land during those hours or not, you’ll need to know how to get around Santorini, and the cheapest way is on the buses called “KTEL Buses.”

You can buy tickets directly on the bus using cash. The local buses allow you to travel from anywhere on the island to any destination. However, you often need to pass through Fira to change buses, as this is the central hub where all routes start and end. Here, you can find their scheduled times and routes.

There are many bus routes during the summer but only a few during the winter. And the KTEL Buses can be rather busy during the summertime.

Day 7: Beach Day in Santorini

Perissa Black Beach

Perissa Black Beach features distinctive black sand, a result of the island’s volcanic activity. The eruptions that created it are so unique that this type of black sandy beach is not found elsewhere in the Aegean.

As a result, Santorini boasts several black sand beaches, including Perivolos, Kamari Beach, and Perissa. Each of these locations offers umbrellas, sunbeds, bars, and restaurants. Additionally, you can try water sports like jet skiing and parasailing here.

If you enjoy beach parties, some of these locations host them; be sure to check their event calendars for the dates of your visit. I don’t remember it feeling very festive, but perhaps I visited too early or on a quieter day.

⏳ Duration: Depends on how long you want to stay at the beach.

Dinner in Oia

Oia! It’s where those blue domes and white-washed walls are and is what you think of when picturing a Greek island. It’s a lovely place to walk around, snap some pics, and grab a sunset meal, which is precisely what we did.

You can also visit Oia during the day on a boat, or you can go during the day or evening as I did, which is what I recommend. This way, you can stroll through town, visit the churches and stores, and get a feel for the town up close.

We booked a taxi through our hotel to get to the Pelekanos Restaurant. From drop-off, it was only a short walk up to the restaurant.

From Pelekanos’ terrace, you oversee the caldera and get a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire island.

During our visit in September, I scheduled our dinner reservation for 6 pm. This allowed us time to explore Oia before sunset. We then enjoyed our meal and drinks while watching the sun set over the water. Keep in mind that this timing may vary depending on the season of your visit.

Drinks in Fira

We stayed at a hotel in Fira, Villa Soula, but Fira itself was an entirely different experience at night.

The atmosphere is fantastic any time, but it leans more towards a party feel in the evening with bustling bars and music. My cousin and I enjoyed a girls’ night out, and I absolutely loved it! If that’s your scene, I highly recommend it.

Just a quick safety tip: the drinks we ordered were quite potent! We visited the Tropical Bar and definitely got our money’s worth.

Day 8: The Archeological Site of Akrotiri + Red Beach

Akrotiri

Akrotiri is a settlement from the Minoan Bronze Age. While many overlook that Santorini is a volcanic island in Greece today, the impact of viewing this settlement—which was obliterated during the Theran eruption around the 16th century BC and subsequently covered in volcanic ash—is unforgettable.

Similar to Pompeii, the settlement was encapsulated by volcanic ash, allowing ancient frescoes, artifacts, and artworks to be preserved.

While Pompeii is more well-known, Akrotiri is significantly older. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried Pompeii in 79 AD, whereas ancient Akrotiri was established between 5000 and 3000 BC and became a flourishing agricultural hub by approximately 2000 BC.

⏳ Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours

Red Beach

The island’s volcanic elements give Red Beach its distinctive color. Although it’s a small beach, it attracts many visitors and is bordered by large rocks. If you can get there, it’s an excellent place to snorkel, as there’s a lot of marine life.

You can get here by car, but you can also visit by bus. However, if I were to do this all over again, I’d go by boat. Why? Because it’s one hell of a place to get to!

There’s a narrow trail—though I’m reluctant to call it that—that goes up to Red Beach. If you’re dressed in white or light colors, be aware that the red sand might stain your clothes.

My family tried climbing over the rocks along this path. However, only my aunt and cousin made it down to the beach. My mom struggles with knee issues, making it difficult for her to navigate the rocky trail. Therefore, if you have any mobility concerns, I strongly advise against attempting this trek.

If you do make it, there is a beach with a few umbrellas and sunbeds but no bar, so bring whatever you want to eat or drink with you!

As I mentioned, if I had the chance to redo this Greek island hopping itinerary, I would take a boat to the seaside of this beach. These tours typically cover other popular beaches, enabling you to explore multiple spots in one trip. Some even offer a chance to see the Volcano!

⏳ Duration: 1 – 2 hours

Dinner in Fira

Another fantastic spot to watch the sunset is Fanari in Fira. Its proximity to our hotel allowed us to walk there for dinner. Originally an old family bakery with a history spanning over a century, it now operates as a restaurant.

Fanari takes pride in being a privately owned establishment at the Caldera, blending “creative” elements with traditional tastes. It highlights local products and showcases the flavors of Santorini’s cuisine.

Day 9: Museum of Prehistoric Thera + Shopping

Museum of Prehistoric Thera

When people imagine Santorini, they think of Oia, but there is a lot of history here, and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera helps remind visitors of that.

The Museum of Prehistoric Thera highlights Akrotiri to illustrate the life and culture of Thira in the Prehistoric era. It features exhibits of art, pottery, artifacts, and frescoes that showcase the civilization that flourished in this area many centuries ago.

The exhibition that truly captivates is “Thera Wall Paintings: Masterpieces of Aegean Prehistory.” These remarkable wall paintings are showcased as they would have appeared in the settlement rooms, evoking the sensation of strolling through the settlement itself.

⏳ Duration: 1.5 hours

Plateia Theotokopoulou

As I mentioned in my Athens city guide, my family loves shopping. Personally, it’s not my favorite activity. Nevertheless, to keep everyone happy, we headed to Plateia Theotokopoulou (Theotokopoulou Square), the central square in Fira.

Plateia Theotokopoulou features a network of bustling streets brimming with shops and visitors. It is the largest town in Santorini, offering a diverse range of products including jewelry, souvenirs, and clothing. Additionally, you’ll discover numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars in the area.

If shopping isn’t your forte, I suggest adding Ancient Thira, Archaeological Museum of Thera, or Fira Old Port to your Greek island hopping itinerary.

Fly to Athens

In the evening, we returned to the airport via the KTEL buses, boarded a one-hour flight back to Athens, and stayed there for the night.

🇬🇷 For even more info, including extensive details on attractions, where to stay, transportation, check out my three day Santorini itinerary.

Day 10: Depart from Athens

The following day, we took a taxi to the airport from our hotel before departing to separate destinations; I headed to Lisbon, Portugal, while the rest of my family returned to the USA.

Final Thoughts on this Greece Island Hopping Itinerary

I hope this Greek island hopping itinerary answers your questions on how to see Santorini, Rhodes, and Athens in 10 days. Even though it’s not my usual solo travel adventure, we still were able to cover a lot of ground and experience a lot during this time.

My aunt, cousin, and I had a wonderful time, though my mother lamented seeing “a lot of rocks.” Despite this, I highly recommend adding a Greek island hopping itinerary to your bucket list.

FAQs

Related Greece Travel Guides

• Simple 10-Day Greek Island Hopping Itinerary For First-Timers
• What to Wear in Greece: A Practical Packing Guide for Women
• How to Travel the Greek Islands: Quick and Leisurely Ways
• 30 Scenic Movies Set in Greece You Need to Watch Before You Visit

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