The Good 7-Day Greece Itinerary

Sugar-cube church buildings topped with sapphire domes sparkle within the solar. Splayed octopi dangle like laundry, and brilliant pops of bougainvillea bloom like pink firecrackers. Scenes like this epitomize the Greek islands, however planning your trip between the Cycladic, the Ionian, the Aegean and the mainland can go away you feeling such as you’d simply achieved just a few photographs of ouzo.

However with Athens changing into one in every of Europe’s coolest capitals, there’s extra motive than ever to cease and admire the graffiti earlier than boarding the ferry. And whereas there are extra Greece getaways than a lifetime’s trip days, seven days is sufficient time to pack in hundreds of years of historical past alongside a pinch-yourself island escape.

Greece Itinerary: Day 1

Do: Monastiraki Sq.
Rack up just a few thousand steps whereas you become familiar with the outlets, cafes, eating places and pulse of central Athens. Stroll round Monastiraki Sq. and Ermou Road, stopping at boutique outlets like Treasure Home, Consuming The Goober and Aumorfia. When the jet lag begins to kick in, cease into one of many dozens of streetside cafes for a Greek espresso. Do this super-strong brew historically served in a copper briki pot at locations like Black Duck Backyard. One cup of this, and also you’ll be capable of maintain strolling effectively into the evening, or take a web page from the Greeks and simply sit again and chill out.

Professional tip: In case you’d like a really Greek memento, e-book an appointment at Anthologist. This boutique showroom sells jewellery, purses, clothes and ceramics, all hand-made by native craftspeople. Additionally they showcase one-of-a-kind antiques and distinctive classic finds.

Eat: Gastone
In case you don’t begin your meal with a Greek salad, are you even in Greece? Not solely are the Greek salads at this trendy diner enormous, however they’re additionally arguably the most effective, effectively, wherever. Two ice-cream scoops of creamy feta sit atop a medley of contemporary tomatoes, cucumbers and onions swimming in top-notch olive oil. Whereas the salad might be sufficient to fill you up, order the crackling pig on the spit. The tremendous salty, crunchy pores and skin is well worth the trans-Atlantic flight alone.

Professional tip: In Greece, they eat dinner late, actually late. So in the event you arrive at 6 pm, you’ll possible be the one ones within the restaurant. However on the plus aspect, you’ll sometimes be seated instantly.

Drink: The Clumsies
Ranked quantity 19 on the World’s 50 Greatest Bars record, The Clumsies is the queen of Athen’s cocktail scene. Though the Aegean Negroni was named 2019’s Greatest Cocktail In The World by Time Out, the Popeye & Olive, made with Tanqueray gin, mint, spinach, inexperienced apple and inexperienced olive, is a savory, candy go-to.

Day 2

Do: The Acropolis
A beacon on a limestone hill, the Parthenon is without doubt one of the world’s most well-known archeological websites. Relationship again to the Bronze Age, this web site has ranged from a citadel to a non secular heart and is now a serious vacationer attraction. This UNESCO World Heritage Website has been underneath restoration for many years and can lastly have the scaffolding eliminated by roughly 2025. With 16,000 day by day guests, crowded is an understatement. However don’t let that deter you. It truly is a should when in Athens. And the easiest way to expertise it’s by way of a neighborhood non-public information like Michael Patmanidis. Set your individual schedule — ideally when it’s much less packed — and he’ll tour you thru the traditional websites, explaining the historical past, folklore and significance. In any other case, it begins to really feel such as you’re simply taking a look at outdated piles of rocks.

Professional tip: Athens is the most well liked capital metropolis in Europe, and it may be downright oppressive in peak summer time. Make sure you slather your self in sunscreen, put on a hat and carry water with you. There aren’t any shops on prime of the Acropolis.

Wander: Plaka
Submit-Parthenon, stroll down by way of Plaka, the oldest neighborhood in Athens. Impeccably preserved, its slender streets are simply as they have been lots of of years in the past and primed for exploring. Cease into the Benizelos Mansion, the oldest home within the metropolis, now a museum honoring its Ottoman roots. If you will discover Anafiotika, a neighborhood inside a neighborhood, its sloping whitewashed buildings and plush inexperienced gardens are the right reprieve.

Eat: Feyrouz
There’s at all times a line at this buzzy Levantine avenue meals spot. Situated down a small alley in Central Athens, this family-owned favourite serves conventional Center Jap/Mediterranean conventional fare. Sandwiches like kushbasi, spiced pork with smoked eggplant and mozzarella stuffed inside do-it-yourself bread, crank out of the small kitchen. Instantly throughout the road is their candy store, and it’s effectively value saving room for. Attempt tremendous creamy ice cream, rice puddings, halva and baklava.

Professional tip: Seating right here may be very restricted, so in the event you see an open stool in both store, leap on it.

Drink: A For Athens
If rooftop ingesting have been an Olympic sport, Athens would take the gold medal. Evidently, there are loads of choices, however among the many greatest is A for Athens. Image-perfect views of the Acropolis seem on the highest ground of a resort with the identical title. Its Odyssey-themed cocktail menu contains cheap drinks like Calypso, made with Absolut Vodka flavored with sesame, ardour fruit, salted caramel and citrus.

Professional tip: Rooftop seating is a scorching commodity, so you should definitely e-book a desk effectively upfront and request one within the outside part with a fantastic view. 

Eat: Seychelles
A neighborhood favourite within the Metaxourgeio neighborhood, Seychelles is busy lengthy into the evening. Its convivial tavern really feel is instantly welcoming, making the inevitable wait really feel like no biggie. As soon as you might be sat, feast on salt cod croquettes with a garlic mayo dipping sauce and grilled lamb kabobs sitting on a crimson pepper unfold. The hand-made pappardelle topped with a conventional beef and lamb ragout, and Cretan cheese is a must-order.

Day 3

Wander: Central Athens “Varvakios” Market
Greatest visited within the morning, it’s an thrilling look into on a regular basis life is like in Athens. Robust scents, from uncooked fish to native spices, might be overpowering, however the power right here is electrical. Wander the assorted stalls watching yia yias haggle for his or her day by day groceries and buy a handful of ripe figs.

Professional tip: In case you’d wish to delve deeper into the market, e-book a tour by way of any variety of firms like Athens Strolling Excursions.

Eat: Oinomageireio Epirus
Recognized merely as Epirus, this Athens establishment contained in the Central Market has been serving conventional bites since 1898. They’ve a prolonged menu with dishes like tzatziki and lamb in lemon sauce, however their soup is the star. The fish or chickpea soup will fulfill, however in the event you’re feeling adventurous, go for the patsa, a meaty soup full of tripe and different cow elements.

Do: The Acropolis Museum
Housing a very powerful finds and artifacts from the Acropolis, this museum is devoted to a deeper take a look at the tradition and historical past of historic Greece. Certain, the air-conditioning is a large plus on a scorching Athenian day, however this beloved museum is the nation’s greatest. See remarkably intact statues on the highest ground and a stay archaeological excavation web site on the underside. Plus, its cafe has nice views of the Parthenon.

Eat: Karamanlidika
At Karamanlidika, they concentrate on two issues: meat and cheese. So put your belief within the very succesful arms of the crew right here as they organize a locally-sourced cheese and cold-cut platter to finish all of them. Pair it with a bottle of Greek wine, and also you’ve received your self the right Athenian night.

Professional tip: Save room for the complimentary Greek yogurt topped with a dollop of candy carrot jam handed out on the finish of the meal. You’ll by no means take a look at yogurt the identical manner once more.

Day 4

Eat: KORA
The proper ferry snack, KORA Bakery makes the most effective pastries in Athens. So, line up early and get one in every of every on provide that day. Simply you should definitely eat the croissant first, ideally whereas it’s nonetheless heat, and put together your self for an insanely buttery, flaky pastry that provides Paris’ boulangeries a run for his or her cash.

Do: Hop On The Ferry To Sifnos
In Greece, ferries are a portal to the islands. It’s essential to e-book your ferry upfront through the summer time season as they refill quick. SeaJets has a day by day quick ferry from the primary port of Piraeus to Kamares port in Sifnos. Barring any points, it ought to take two and a half hours to succeed in paradise.
Professional tip: The ferry ticket system right here generally is a bit antiquated. When potential, choose in your ticket to be despatched to your e-mail and ask your resort to print it out for you. In any other case, you’ll must funds further time to go to their location on the port and decide it up your self. In case you’d somewhat get there in 45 minutes flat, non-public helicopter rides for as much as 4 can be found, however you’ll must shell out just a few thousand {dollars}.

Keep: Verina Astra
Sweeping views of the brilliant blue Aegean greet you at Verina Astra. This 16-suite resort embraces pure tones, colours and linens that culminate into a country but stylishly charming aesthetic.

Do: Embrace Island Time
Time strikes slower within the Cyclades, and isn’t that what trip is all about? Spend the remainder of the day stress-free at Verina Astra. Lounge by the infinity pool, learn a e-book in your non-public verandah or e-book a Deep Tissue Greek Botanical Therapeutic massage on the Bostani Spa. If you could stretch your legs after the ferry trip, ask the workers right here to level you right down to their “secret” seaside. A winding pathway to the left of the church on the water leads you to water-washed boulders perfect for stretching out a towel and leaping into the water — just like the locals do.

Eat: Bostani Bar & Restaurant
Fortunately for visitors, Verina Astra has the most effective eating places on the island. Perched excessive above the ocean, e-book a desk for sundown to attempt elevated variations of conventional dishes made with native produce. Order dishes like tomatoes and strawberries with mastic-flavored goat cheese and rooster, a well-liked island protein.

Day 5

Do: Go to The Native Seashores
After a locally-made breakfast of Greek yogurt and fruit, make your method to Chrisopigi Monastery and check out the seashores on both aspect. To your proper is a small, rocky cove the place you could discover just a few nude sunbathers. And to your left is a a lot bigger seaside known as Apokofto. Each seashores can get fairly crowded, so if it’s simpler, stroll down the white staircase to the rocks instantly underneath the Monastery and leap in that manner.

Professional tip: E book a automotive or an ATV to freely get across the island, and do it early, as provides run out.

Eat: Symposio
Good for just a few beachside bites, this conventional taverna is run by a husband and spouse crew. Order the octopus salad, stuffed wine leaves, aubergine and Greek salad with contemporary island cheese. The veggies served right here come from the couple’s backyard, and the fish from the ocean at your toes.

Wander: Apollonia
The biggest of all of the villages on Sifnos, Apollonia is taken into account the capital. Meander the streets till you discover “Steno,” a slender alleyway full of outlets, eating places and bars. Cease into varied jewellery shops for Greek-style gold earrings or pottery shops promoting conventional Sifnos ceramics.

Professional tip: Cease into Botzi 93, a hole-in-the-wall bar with a phenomenal rooftop, for contemporary cocktails and a chat with the proprietor/artist, Frixos.

Eat: Sundown In Troulaki
That is the spot of Sifnos for sunset-seekers. Run by a household, the son Girogos has taken over the kitchen after his father died final yr. The main focus right here is conventional dishes — achieved exceptionally effectively. Order a mish-mash of issues from the oven-baked potatoes smothered in olive oil, salt and topped with native cheese to Mastelo, lamb slow-cooked in a clay pot, sometimes reserved for Easter feasts.

Professional tip: Reservations listed below are an absolute should. Request a desk with nice sundown views and marvel on the watercolor sky.

Day 6

Do: Artemonas
One of many island’s most lovely villages, Artemonas is thought for its historic mansions. Stroll the labyrinth of slender alleyways, previous youngsters promoting painted rocks, and admire these grand properties. The village’s outdated elementary college can be value exploring. Transformed into varied artwork reveals, this partially-intact college is an enchanting take a look at native village life.

Professional tip: Cease for a Greek Freddo, an espresso-blended iced espresso, at Kitrino Podilat, aka Yellow Bike. Arguably the most effective pastry store on the island, they serve lovely desserts like crème brulée, lemon pie and do-it-yourself ice cream.

Eat: Margarita
Situated on the finish of the city sq., it’s unimaginable to overlook this beloved taverna. All the time packed, be part of the group ready for a desk, and Elena, the beautiful proprietor, will do her greatest to make room. Meals listed below are tremendous native and equally as comforting, from the moussaka to the rooster souvlaki to the baklava. However the must-try dish right here is the Revithia, a chickpea soup and a basic Sifnos dish sometimes served on Sundays. 

Do: Hike
With greater than 60 miles of mountaineering trails, Sifnos is without doubt one of the greatest journey islands in all of Greece. There are 10 main trails to select from, relying in your health stage and talent to sweat it out within the scorching Greek solar. However in the event you’re sport, the island’s craggy cliffs, lots of of quaint church buildings, olive groves and blooming juniper timber are effectively value lacing up your footwear for.

Eat: Limanaki Fish Tavern
Staying true to the time period “day by day catch,” Limanaki grills and fries up regardless of the proprietor catches on his fishing boat that day. Household-run, no-frills, however extremely charming, this spot is a scrumptious gem within the seaside village of Faros. Ask what the chef recommends that day, and also you’ll possible get a glimpse of your fish plucked from the Aegean just a few hours earlier.

Day 7

Do: Seaside It
In your final day in Greece, it appears solely proper to go to the seaside. Vathi is a big stretch of sand in a village of the identical title. Delicate sand, light water and simple accessibility make this an island favourite. Vathi additionally has loads of timber to supply shade, however there are just a few locations the place you may lease chairs and an umbrella for the day. In case you’d somewhat beach-hop, head to Faros and transfer between Fassolou, Faros and Glifo seashores.

Eat: Manolis
Search for the blue and white checkered tablecloths at this beachside taverna. Easy but scrumptious needs to be the slogan right here as a result of no place in Vathi does it higher. Basic dishes like grilled octopus, rice-stuffed peppers, Greek salad, moussaka and French fries are menu staples.

Wander: Kastro
Constructed on prime of a hill overlooking the ocean, Kastro is an historic village, the previous historic capital of Sifnos and the island’s most attention-grabbing. Its claim-to-fame is the Instagrammable Church of the Seven Martyrs, jutting out into the ocean through a rocky path and making for one severely cool shot. And through the day, locals hang around on the rocks under, conserving cool within the refreshing waters. However there’s extra to this village than the church. Rumored to be hundreds of years outdated, strolling these small alleyways, admiring the structure, the views and the village cats.

Drink: Loggia Wine Bar
You’ll in all probability stroll previous this bar a number of instances whilst you discover Kastro — you simply couldn’t see it. However as soon as the clock strikes 7 p.m., this makeshift bar seems alongside the cliffside. Tables and chairs line the walkway as a rickety, hand-made bar holds rows of wine glasses. There are solely a handful of wines on the menu — all Greek. Order a glass of rosé and their olive tapenade and watch the waves crash under.

Professional tip: With such restricted seating making a reservation here’s a should.

Eat: Cantina
Situated at Seralia Seaside, under Kastro village, Kantina is a zero-waste restaurant. Native, sustainable and, in fact, seasonal components grace the menu right here. Extra experimental and progressive than your conventional taverna, the menu contains beef coronary heart grilled on charcoal and dry-aged fish collar bone with spices. Its rugged locale, distinctive but scrumptious plates and real enthusiasm for Greek meals make this one in every of Sifnos’ most enjoyable eating places.

Professional tip: E book on-line right here effectively earlier than you’ve boarded your flight for Greece.