Greek Islands in 10 Days: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Milos

Most Greek island itineraries online cram 5 islands into a week. The reality of Aegean ferry schedules makes that a blur of embarkation gates. Here's the 10-day plan that actually works.

Route: Athens (2) → Milos (2) → Santorini (3) → Mykonos (2) → Athens (1, return)

Ferries where possible. Flights only for connections that would eat 10+ hours by sea.

Days 1-2: Athens

Most people want to leave Athens fast. Give it 2 full days.

Day 1: Acropolis at 8 AM opening (€30 combo ticket). Acropolis Museum in afternoon (€15). Plaka neighborhood for dinner. Day 2: Ancient Agora (€10, combo), National Archaeological Museum (€12, world-class, skipped by most tourists), Anafiotika for walk.

Days 3-4: Milos (the underrated gem)

Flight to Milos (75 min from Athens, €90) — ferries take 5-7 hours.

Milos is volcanic, with over 70 beaches, and FAR fewer tourists than Santorini. This is the island everyone regrets not visiting.

Day 3: Rent ATV ($30/day) or car. Kleftiko sea caves (boat trip €45). Sarakiniko beach — lunar white landscape. Day 4: Plathiena, Firopotamos, and Papafragas beaches. Plaka village at sunset.

Accommodation: $120-200/night in season.

Days 5-7: Santorini

Ferry from Milos (2.5 hours, $50).

Day 5: Arrive, settle in Imerovigli or Firostefani (quieter than Fira, same views). Sunset in Oia — BUT get there at 6 PM, not 7:30 like everyone else. Stake your spot at Kastro Oia or on the walk to Amoudi Bay.

Day 6: Boat tour around the caldera (€60-120), hot springs (smelly, skip), Thirasia lunch, Nea Kameni volcano.

Day 7: Wine tasting tour (€90) — Santo Wines (touristy but convenient), Gavalas Winery (serious), Vassaltis (modern).

Don't miss: Akrotiri archaeological site (€12) — Minoan Pompeii, most important prehistoric site in Europe.

Accommodation: $250-500/night in peak. This is where Greece gets expensive.

Days 8-9: Mykonos

Ferry Santorini to Mykonos (2.5 hours, $55).

Day 8: Chora (Mykonos Town), Little Venice, the windmills. Lunch in Little Venice, dinner in Ano Mera. Day 9: Beach day. Elia for quiet, Paradise for party, Psarou for celebrity-spot.

Mykonos is expensive and party-focused. If you're not into beach clubs or nightlife, skip it and give Milos or Santorini an extra day.

Day 10: Return to Athens

Flight back from Mykonos (45 min, $80) or ferry (5.5 hours, $60). Final dinner in Athens, flight home next day.

Booking tips

Ferries: Book 4-6 weeks ahead in peak season. Blue Star and Seajets are the main operators. Ferryhopper app is the easiest booking platform.
Accommodations: 3 months ahead for Santorini cave hotels with caldera views. Less critical for Milos and Athens.
Flights: Domestic Greek flights are cheap and fast. Use them for the first/last legs. Middle legs should be ferries for the experience.

Cost (2 people, 10 days, shoulder season)

Flights US: $800-1,200
Domestic flights + ferries: $350 for 2
Accommodation: ~$2,100 (mix of budget and Santorini splurge)
Food: $80/day × 10 = $800
Sights + tours: $500 for 2
Rental cars/ATVs: $150

Total: $4,700-5,100 for 2 people with flights.

Peak season (July-August) adds 30-50% to accommodation costs. Go May-early June or September for best value.