7 Breathtaking Places to Visit in Greece: A Perfect 1-Week Itinerary
Babymoon 2.0 In Greece
Whether you are seeking ancient legends or serene coastal drives, Greece is a destination that feels like a living museum. In November 2023, we took a week long trip to Greece while expecting our second baby. We wanted one last big adventure before welcoming him into the world. Flying from Zurich to Athens, we spent seven days exploring the capital and its surrounding gems by car. This guide covers our exact route, the best Halal food spots, and tips for traveling with a toddler.
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Arriving in Athens
- Via Ferry or Bus: Athens is the gateway to the Mediterranean, seamlessly connected by sea and road. To compare the most convenient routes and prices for your journey, you can book through Busbud or local ferry providers.
- Via Flight: Land at Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” (ATH), located approximately 40 minutes from the historic city center. To find the best deals on airfare, search and book your flights here.
Essential Travel Resources for Your Greece Trip
- Over-night Stays: To book a hotel, explore the options available here.
- Stay Connected: Stay connected while exploring without worrying about roaming fees. Grab a local eSIM that fits your data needs here:
- We recommend Airalo for a budget-friendly and basic plan. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim is our top-pick for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Going Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
Day 1: The Heart of Ancient Athens
To follow our detailed exploration of Athens, visit our blog here.
We began our exploration with the Acropolis of Athens. Even with online tickets, we waited 30 minutes to enter, but the site is a masterpiece of Greek mythology and architecture. Using a mobile audio guide, we spent two hours marveling at the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. It is a must visit for everyone.
Pro-tip: Acropolis of Athens has LONG waiting queues. Secure your ticket to Acropolis and Acropolis Museum using the widget below to get ahead of the crowds.
Afterward, we headed to Plaka. This neighborhood is famous for narrow streets and charming cafes. We enjoyed lunch nearby and splurged on Greek souvenirs.
A trip to the Acropolis is incomplete without the Acropolis Museum. We spent 90 minutes there viewing thousands of artifacts. We ended our day in Monastiraki, another vibrant shopping district. After a final hour of walking, we had dinner and drove back to our hotel.
Day 2: Mycenae, Epidaurus, and a Rainy Nafplion
To read our detailed exploration of Mycenae, Epidaurus & Nafplion, visit our blog here.
Pro-Tip: Road-tripping the Peloponnese is a blast, but it’s not the only way to see it! Use the widget below to browse the best guided tours in the region.
On day two, we took a long driving tour. Our first stop was the Archaeological Site of Mycenae, a 90 minute drive from Athens. This UNESCO World Heritage site was once a fortified city. We entered through the famous Lion Gate and explored the ruins for 75 minutes. Our daughter loved the friendly stray cats roaming the scenic landscape.
Next, we drove 40 minutes to the Sanctuary of Asklepios in Epidaurus. This ancient healing center features a stunning theatre. Unfortunately, a violent hailstorm cut our visit short. The visibility was so low that driving was difficult, but we safely made it to our next stop.
Nafplion is a beautiful coastal city. Due to the heavy rain, we explored via car, driving up to the Palamidi Fortress and along the sea. Despite the weather, the views were incredibly scenic.
Day 3: The Pistachio Wonders of Aegina Island
Pro-tip: Book your guided tour from Athens to Aegina using the widget below.
To read in detail about our day-trip to Aegina, visit our blog here.
We took a 45 minute ferry from Piraeus Port to Aegina Island. The ride was affordable and comfortable. Upon arrival, we visited the Temple of Apollo, which offers breathtaking views of the blue Saronic Gulf.
We spent two hours walking the pretty streets of the island searching for pistachio treats. If you visit Aegina, you must try the local pistachios. We enjoyed some ice cream at Aiakeion before catching the ferry back to Athens.
Day 4: The Oracle of Delphi
To read in detail about our day-trip to Delphi, visit our blog here.
Pro-tip: We opted for a rental car, but if you’d prefer a stress-free experience, you can book a professional guided tour to Delphi directly through the widget below.
Delphi is a gem that you cannot skip. The drive from Athens takes about two hours. The Archaeological Site of Delphi is home to the Temple of Apollo and an ancient theatre that left us speechless.
The Archaeological Museum of Delphi is equally impressive, filled with stories of ancient Greek civilization. We finished the day at the Temple of Athena Pronaia, where the architecture blends perfectly with natural beauty. We ended our evening with a meal at an Italian restaurant in the town of Delphi before driving back.
Day 5: Agora and the Temple of Zeus
Pro-tip: Secure your tickets to Ancient Agora of Athens and the Temple of Zeus using the widget below.
Back in Athens, we visited the Ancient Agora. This was once the political and business hub of the city. The Temple of Hephaestus is located here and is one of the best preserved temples in the country.
We spent the afternoon walking through the welcoming streets of Athens. We made quick stops at Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Much of the temple was under construction, but the walk was still enjoyable.
Day 6: Sunset Views at Cape Sounion
To read in detail about our day-trip to Cape Sounion, visit our blog here.
Pro-tip: To book a guided tour of Cape Sounion and temple of Poseidon, secure your ticket here.
We drove one hour to Cape Sounion along a scenic coastal road. The Temple of Poseidon sits on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. We spent two hours exploring the ruins and reading about the history of the temple.
On the way back, we found a deserted beach with soft sand. We spent 30 minutes walking barefoot and enjoying the calm water before returning to the city.
Day 7: Attica Zoological Park
Before our afternoon flight back to Zurich, we visited Attica Zoological Park. It is located near the airport, making it a perfect final stop. Our daughter saw tigers, giraffes, penguins, and more. It was the best way for her to burn off energy before the flight.
Best Halal Food in Athens and Beyond
To read our detailed review on the Halal food options in Greece, visit our blog here.
Finding authentic Halal food made our trip even better. Here are our top recommendations:
- Pak Taka Tak Restaurant (Athens): Authentic Pakistani food. We loved the Chicken Biryani, Seekh Kabab, and Chicken Karahi.
- Cappadocia Grill (Athens): Incredible Turkish cuisine. The Beyti Kebab and Manti are must tries.
- HALAL Big Brother (Athens): Great for quick Arabic fast food like Chicken Gyros.
- Nafplio Falafel (Nafplion): A delicious and affordable vegetarian option.
- IceRoll (Athens): Famous for creamy ice cream rolls.
- Aiakeion (Aegina): The best spot for pistachio baklava and gelato.
Final Remarks
Greece exceeded every expectation we had. Each location offered a unique beauty that pictures cannot fully capture. If you are looking for a blend of history and stunning landscapes, book your flight to Greece today.
Enjoyed this adventure-filled itinerary of Greece? We’d be happy to build a personalized itinerary just for you! Head over to our Custom-Plans page to get started.
If you are looking for travel essentials, check out our Resources section for hand-picked products that make travel stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Greece easy to navigate by car?
Yes, driving to places like Delphi and Mycenae is straightforward, though parking in central Athens can be difficult. We recommend using public garages.
What is the best Halal restaurant in Athens?
Pak Taka Tak is highly recommended for authentic Pakistani food, while Cappadocia Grill is the top choice for Turkish cuisine.
What is the best time to visit the Acropolis?
Go early in the morning and book tickets online to avoid the longest queues, even in the off season.
