How to Have the Perfect Week in the Greek Islands

Planning a 7-day trip to the Greek Islands and unsure where to begin? In a country with roughly 6000 islands and islets, there’s so much to explore, but organizing a holiday here can be daunting. Between trying to see as much as possible, navigating domestic flights and ferries, and finding the best resorts to stay in, it takes a lot of work.

Having helped many couples and honeymooners organise their vacations to this part of Europe, we know the work involved in putting together an itinerary for a week in the Greek Islands. That’s why we’ve created this article to help you lay the groundwork for a smooth, unforgettable holiday in paradise.

What You Need to Know About Selecting Greek Islands to Visit

Since you’ll be trying to see as much of the Greek islands as possible in a week, focus on a select few rather than trying to see too much. Most people visit two to three, as this allows you to experience the places rather than just ticking boxes.

If you want to make the most of your time, it’s best to stick to one island group instead of bouncing around too much. So if Santorini is high on your list, it makes sense to stay within the Cyclades, especially when you’ve only got seven days. Similarly, those who have always wanted to visit Corfu should spend their holidays in the Ionian Islands.

Don’t forget, you’ll need to factor in the travel time between islands as well. What might seem like a one-hour ferry ride can be a half-day ordeal, including the trip to the port and the wait for transport to your hotel.

Besides getting lost in the glitz and glamor of Mykonos, there are plenty of areas worth exploring. The capital, Chora, is absolutely stunning, with plenty of galleries, such as the Archaeological Museum, and notable religious sites, including the Panagia Paraportiani Church. Little Venice is one of Chora’s must-see spots, featuring a collection of homes lining the waterfront and perched over the open sea, often compared to the Italian city of Venice.

A little east of Chora, you’ll find Ano Mera, which is close to several historic sites, including Mycenaean-era tombs and Gyzi Castle. Head further south and you’ll reach Psarou, a favorite with the ultra-wealthy right by serene beaches like Paraga and Agia Anna.

The Best One-Week Greek Island Itinerary

Santorini (3 Days)

Santorini is the first place everyone thinks of when they imagine the Greek Islands – whitewashed buildings, hilltop churches, and sunsets unlike anywhere else on the planet. Not to forget, this gem in the south Aegean Sea has a big reputation for its world-class accommodation options too. From cave hotels overlooking the ocean to boutique properties, couples are spoiled for choice.

There’s plenty to do in Santorini, so you should dedicate three days of your 1-week Greek island itinerary to see everything. Picture you and your other half catching the sun going down from the beautiful settlement of Oia, resting up on black sand beaches like Perissa Beach, and hiking to Skaros Rock. This is what Santorini is all about!

Paros (2 Days)

At the heart of the Cyclades Islands, there’s nowhere in Greece like Paros. It’s best known for its quaint villages, like Naousa, ancient history enjoyed at locations like the archaic temple of Athena, and an upscale dining scene with a wealth of gorgeous eateries nestled by the ocean.

The vibe here is much more chill, so it’s the perfect place to relax for a few days before moving on to the hustle and bustle of Mykonos.

Some of the highlights of Paros you won’t want to miss on your 1-week Greek island hopping adventure are windsurfing at Golden Beach and discovering the natural beauty of Paros Park. Once evening sets in, Naoussa Port is buzzing with life, with plenty of boujee bars and eateries open late for drinks and dinner.

Mykonos (3 Days)

It’s not a week-long trip in Greece unless you’ve spent some time on Mykonos. A prime destination for luxury travelers, Mykonos is where many like to splurge before finishing their holidays, thanks to the abundance of high-end shopping options and elegant accommodations. The island also has a big reputation for its party scene. It won’t take long before you stumble across one of the many upscale beach clubs, such as Alemagou or Principote.

Besides getting lost in the glitz and glamor of Mykonos, there are plenty of areas worth exploring. The capital, Chora, is absolutely stunning, with plenty of galleries, such as the Archaeological Museum, and notable religious sites, including the Panagia Paraportiani Church. Little Venice is one of Chora’s must-see spots, featuring a collection of homes lining the waterfront and perched over the open sea, often compared to the Italian city of Venice.

A little east of Chora, you’ll find Ano Mera, which is close to several historic sites, including Mycenaean-era tombs and Gyzi Castle. Head further south and you’ll reach Psarou, a favorite with the ultra-wealthy right by serene beaches like Paraga and Agia Anna.

How to Get Around the Greek Islands

There are two main ways to get around the Greek islands: by plane or by boat. That said, not every island has an airport, so you may not be able to take a flight to your destination. Smaller islands like Paxos and Antipaxos, for example, can only be reached by ferry, so getting around by boat is the only option for visiting these locations.

If you’re traveling from the US, you won’t be able to fly directly to most Greek islands. One useful tip for Americans traveling is to fly into Athens first, then catch a domestic flight from there, usually with Aegean Airlines. A number of European budget airlines, including Ryanair and easyJet, also serve the Greek islands from different cities around Europe.

When it comes to ferries, we recommend companies like Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, and SeaJets thanks to their strong connectivity and onboard amenities.

Because many Greek islands are seasonal destinations, most people tend to visit at the same time of year. As a result, flights and ferries can sell out quickly, and prices can be high. However, thanks to our strong network, we can help our clients secure the best possible routes and deals.

When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Greek Islands?

Everyone wants to visit the Greek Islands in summer for the great weather, but it’s also much more crowded during this period, which can make getting around a bit trickier. While there’s no denying that June, July, and August have their advantages, the shoulder months of May and September can be just as enjoyable, with far fewer people and still relatively warm, pleasant temperatures. Generally speaking, most people visit between April and November, which we discuss further in our couples’ honeymoon guide for Greece.

Spend a Week in the Greek Islands with Bliss Honeymoons

As long as you plan your week in the Greek Islands carefully, you’re in for an amazing trip. However, doing it all on your own can be a lot of work, from booking flights and hotels across multiple islands to figuring out transportation once you’re there. There’s really no need to handle all of that yourself when you can seek assistance from an experienced agency like Bliss Honeymoons.

Our team uses our local knowledge and expertise to make sure every detail of your Greek island trip is taken care of. Get in touch with us today to learn more.