14 Day Greece Travel Itinerary | Beyond the Isles

Greece is a Mediterranean country iconically known for its idyllic islands and while there's nothing wrong with unwinding in paradise for a couple of weeks you have to know there's more to this incredible place than the popular Greek isles. I'm going to give you our recommendations for a 14-day Greece itinerary that will give you a well-rounded perspective of everything Greece has to offer from the iconic Santorini to the incredible mountains of Meteora. I really love this trip and I think you will too. The best time to take this trip is from April to June or September to October when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. July through August is the peak tourist season with higher temperatures and crowded destinations especially on the islands. Winter is quieter with cooler temperatures but many accommodations, attractions, and transportation options shut down. Go when you're able with these factors in mind. While this itinerary aims to get you beyond the isles we're not saying you should completely avoid them. Santorini is famous for a reason and is one of the best in our opinion. We recommend two to three full days in Santorini to unwind and explore. If you're on a budget avoid staying in Ia. Look towards Fira for a good balance between affordability and accessibility or stay in a neighboring village for even cheaper options. While you're in Fira take a walk to the Three Bells Church for some picturesque views or turn it into a proper hike and visit Skaros Rock and its Venetian fortress ruins as well. Visit the village of Akrotiri and its ancient ruins to learn about the well-preserved Minoan settlement and while you're there see the nearby Red Sand Beach. If you want to go a little further head over to the Akrotiri lighthouse for great views and photo ops. Go for a hike on the scenic trail between Fira and Ia and stay in Ia for the famous sunset if you're able. Buses and taxis run back to Fira after sunset. Take a boat tour to the nearby volcanic island of Nea Kameni or simply enjoy the view of the caldera from the overlooking tavernas with a glass of local wine and an authentic Greek feast. Try ordering family style and be sure to include some fava with Santorini capers. Route back through Athens by plane or take a ferry to the ancient island of Crete. There are many prime options for places to visit in Crete and this itinerary just gives you a taste of it. If you really want to explore it you'll need to reserve at least a week for this huge island. For a four-day glimpse we suggest exploring the old towns of Raythenno and Chania with some day trips to nearby mountains and beaches. Spend your first couple of days relaxing in Raythenno's old town by the Venetian harbor. Choose one of the many restaurants in the charming alleys to get acquainted with Crete's unique cuisine. Enjoy some local wine or beer and taste Crete's infamous rusk salads, cheese pastries, and lamb or mutton dishes. To get in touch with the Venetian and Ottoman influence on Crete, explore the 16th century Venetian fortezzo on Raythenno's coastline. Navigate to the charming harbor of Chania for the rest of your time. Wander the alleys of this colorful old town and explore the nearby Venetian fortress. You can walk out to the lighthouse and seawall that protects the harbor or just enjoy it from afar. For hiking enthusiasts look to the white mountains south of Chania. The Samaria Gorge and other areas have beautiful trails and great views. For those seeking a more relaxing experience, consider a day trip to Elefonisi beach and the chapel of Saint Nicholas on the west coast. Regardless of your choice destinations, Crete will not disappoint. Your next destination is Nafplio. Just under two hours south of Athens, this coastal town will give you a taste of the Peloponnese peninsula. It serves as a wonderful hub to see the ancient theater of Epidaurus or the ruins of Mycenae. You can see both in one day by bus, car, or with a tour if you're so inclined. Nafplio also has some impressive local historic sites. The Palamedie fortress perched above the city is the most stark and notable. Climb the 1,000 steps for a great workout and fantastic views. The fortress itself is also full of interesting ruins to explore. Some other local options are Bortzi Fortress on the island off the coast and Acro Nafplio Castle. Even if you don't care to explore inside these attractions, they lend a lot of interest to Nafplio and its harbor. There are so many wonderful restaurants throughout the old town and plenty of shops to explore and be sure to spend some time by the water enjoying the views. Next on the agenda is Kalabaka and Meteora, the incredible mountaintop monasteries in central Greece. It's a four to five hour journey from Athens but well worth the transit. You can get there by train, bus, or car with enjoyable views along the route. We recommend two nights in Kalabaka. Spend the better part of a day exploring your choice monasteries and the views surrounding them. If you enjoy casual hiking, we recommend taking a bus to the Great Meteora Monastery and walking back downhill to Kalabaka, hitting any combination of Varlam, Rosano, and Agios Nikolaos on the way back. You can enter the monasteries and buy trinkets as souvenirs. If you aren't wearing pants or a long skirt, they'll provide a wrap for you to cover your legs. We don't often recommend such a fast turnaround trip but this one is well worth it purely for the mountains and monasteries. Finally, head back to Athens to dive into rich culture and impressive food. Stay in the Plaka, Syri, or Pangradi district for proximity to key sites. Spend a few hours at the Acropolis to see the Parthenon and other temples and be sure to explore the nearby ruins such as the Theater of Dionysus. The Acropolis Museum is also very impressive if you're history inclined and there's no shortage of other museums around Athens. If you're anything like me, you've had plenty of gyros by this point but make sure you swing by Okostas in Athens for some delicious souvlaki. Be sure to explore the Plaka and Monastiraki districts to observe how Athens has married ancient ruins with modern civilization. Don't miss the Ancient Agora and Hadrian's Library. Some other key sites to explore are Panathinaikos Stadium, the Athens National Garden, Temple of Zeus, and Hadrian's Ark. For some great views of the city, consider Nix Hill and the National Observatory or Mount Lycabettus. There's no shortage of things to see in Athens and you'll be pressed to see it all within a few days but regardless you won't be disappointed. We also won't blame you for extending your trip by a day or two to absorb it all. After 14 days of exploring these diverse destinations in Greece, you'll have a broader perspective of the country that you can't get just from the islands. This is one of my favorite trips I've ever taken and I still dream about the food. If you learned anything new in this video, we'd really appreciate it if you tap that like button and if you've been to Greece, let us know what your favorite place was. Happy travels!