Athens, Delphi, Meteora, Santorini: 12-day Greece itinerary

The most common mistake when setting up a Greece route is to devote all of your time to the islands. However, some of the country's most impressive sites are on the mainland: the mountainside oracle of Delphi and the rock-pillared monasteries of Meteora are sights that have no equivalent on any island. A route that covers both gives a much more varied trip in the same amount of time.

This route is based on 12 days: You start in Athens, go north on the mainland, then cross the Aegean and return from Santorini.

Day distribution: how many nights where?

Athens: three days

• Acropolis is on the rocky hill visible from all over the city, and the Parthenon has been standing for 2,500 years; The marble columns are slightly inclined inward, this optical correction makes the structure look flat when viewed from a distance. The area is completely shadowless and the marble floor is slippery; Entering when the doors open at eight in the morning is the only way to avoid both the heat and the crowds. The combination ticket covers all six surrounding ancient sites and is valid for five days.
• Plaka The oldest neighborhood at the foot of the Acropolis; narrow stone streets, neoclassical houses and courtyard taverns together. The Anafiotika section consists of white houses built by craftsmen from the Cyclades islands to resemble their own villages. It looks like an island neighborhood in the middle of the city.
• The Acropolis Museum is just below the site and through the glass floor you see the excavation site under your feet; The Parthenon friezes are arranged on the upper floor, in the same direction and on the same scale as the temple. Allow two hours.
• Delphi 2.5 hours by car from Athens; Ancient oracle center built on the slopes of Mount Parnassos. In the ancient world, this place was considered the center of the world and city states made their decisions based on the answers received from here. The area can be visited uphill, the museum is small, but the Arabacı statue deserves a visit on its own.

Meteora: surprise stop of the route

Meteora is the most talked about but most skipped stop after the islands. Monasteries were founded in the 14th century on top of giant rock columns rising from the plain; In the beginning, it was possible to get there only with a rope and network system. Today, six monasteries are open to visitors and can be reached by stairs.

• Allow a full day for Meteora: not all monasteries are open on the same day, each has a different closed day and you should check the calendar before going. There is a dress code; Skirts are mandatory for women and are given at the entrance.
• Reserve a separate evening for sunset. The rock pillars change color completely in the western light and the viewing points can be reached by vehicle; This is the second half of the visit, independent of the monastery tour.
• The town of Kalabaka is right below the monasteries and is 4.5 hours from Athens and 2.5 hours from Thessaloniki by train. You can come without a car, but a local tour or taxi is required to get between the monasteries.
• Thessaloniki Promenade if you are going to extend the route north: Thessaloniki's seaside promenade ends at the White Tower and the city is much less touristy than Athens. 2.5 hours to Meteora.

Islands: which one, how many nights?

• Oia View At the northern tip of Santorini and one of the world's most crowded spots for sunset; For a good place, you need to go at least an hour before. Alternatively, looking at it from the walking route along the caldera is both calm and more impressive.
• The Akrotiri excavation site is Santorini's least known asset: a bronze age city buried under volcanic ash, standing with its streets and two-storey houses. Since it is closed and shaded, it is the only area that can be visited in the midday heat.
• Mykonos Wind Mills date from the 16th century and line the hill above the harbour; In the Little Venice section below, the houses look directly at the sea. The island is small, two nights is enough.
• Old Town of Rhodes or Old Town of Corfu for those who want an alternative route: both are walled medieval centers and are much greener and much cheaper than the Cyclades.
• Palace of Knossos is in Crete and is considered the oldest known city in Europe; The center of the Minoan civilization is a labyrinth-like structure with 1,300 rooms. If Crete is added to the route, it requires at least three nights, the island is large.

Transportation: ferry or plane?

• Fast ferries are canceled in the tide, conventional ferries are slower but more durable; It is safer to choose the slow one in windy periods.
• Renting a car on the mainland saves time: Going to Delphi and Meteora by public transport divides the day into two. On the islands, scooters or local buses are sufficient instead of cars.
• In Santorini, the road between the port and the towns is steeply winding; If you are coming by ferry and renting a car, be prepared to drive.
• On domestic flights, hand luggage allowance is low and additional baggage is expensive; The ferry is completely free in this regard.

When to go?

May-June and September-early October are the best periods for this route: the sea is warm, ancient sites can be visited, and prices are not at their peak. July and August are both very hot and very crowded; In unshaded areas such as the Acropolis and Delphi, noon temperatures exceed 38 degrees, and on some days the areas are closed at noon. Between November and March, most of the islands are closed and ferry services become infrequent; At that time, set the route on Athens, Delphi and Meteora.