If you're looking for a mix of city exploration and island relaxation, this 5 Day Greece itinerary is for you.
During your 5 days in Greece, you'll discover Athen's ancient history and creative energy, and Hydra Island's serene beauty and bohemian charm.
This itinerary is designed for easy travel, with Hydra Island just a short 1.25 hr ferry ride away from Athens. Although Hydra is close to the capital city, the car-free island feels like a well-kept-secret among European travellers with its stunning swimming coves, beach bars, chic boutiques, fresh cuisine and vibrant art scene.
Overview: 5 Days in Greece
Day 1: Athens - Eat authentic Greek cuisine, enjoy the city's creative energy and take in Acropolis views on buzzing rooftops. Days 2-4: Hydra - Unwind on the car-free island known for its bohemian charm, art scene, idyllic swimming coves and vibrant atmosphere. Day 5: Athens - Explore the Acropolis and Parthenon and uncover Athen's diverse culinary scene. |
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5 Day Greece Itinerary
Day 1: Athens
Athens is an energetic city where ancient history meets a fresh, contemporary perspective. In recent years, a wave of creatives have flocked to the city, turning neighbourhoods into vibrant cultural hubs. This dynamic fusion of the old and new makes Athens a unique destination to visit.
⚠️ Check out our guide on getting from the Athens airport to the city centre and why we don't recommend taking the train.
The most convenient option is to book a private driver through Welcome Pickups who will meet you at airport arrivals with a sign. The cost is similar to Uber and the drivers are local English speakers.Where to stay your first night in Athens
Our room and breakfast at Monsieur Didot
The 20th-century Athenian neoclassical house has been beautifully transformed into a boutique hotel with just 7 rooms. It's located on a quiet street in the stylish Kolonaki neighbourhood and is easy to get around from.
At Monsieur Didot, a decadent breakfast is included with your stay and can be delivered to your room. We loved how we could customize our order on the breakfast cards. Check rates. 🛋️ Browse more stays in AthensWhat to do your first day in Athens
Clockwise from top left: Bios rooftop, Greek architecture, Couleur Locale, gyro from Prodorpion
Once you’ve checked into your hotel, take it slow on your first day by relaxing and soaking in the ancient city views. The Acropolis and Parthenon are undoubtedly the crown jewels of Athens and our favourite way to take them in was by hanging out on rooftops.
Enjoy Acropolis views and the city's creative energy at Bios
Athens' art scene has blossomed in recent years, especially as creatives were drawn to the city during the economic downturn when it became more affordable. This wave of talent has transformed neighbourhoods into cultural hubs, blending ancient history with a thriving contemporary art movement.
One of our favourite spots to soak in this vibrant atmosphere was Bios, a rooftop bar at an arts centre that attracts a creative crowd. It’s a laidback place to sip cocktails, relax in sun loungers and take in views of the Acropolis.
Eat an authentic gyro at Prodorpion
Fill up on a gyro at Prodorpion, a favourite among locals for its authentic and affordable Greek cuisine. If you haven't heard of a gyro, it's a tasty pita filled with seasoned meat (typically pork or chicken), fresh veggies, fries and tzatziki (greek yogurt and cucumber sauce). It's a great value at 3.20 euros per gyro.
See the acropolis glow at night at Couleur Locale
After dinner, stroll through the lively streets to Couleur Locale, an electric rooftop bar where you can see the Acropolis illuminated at night.
The atmosphere buzzes with energy in the evening, with daily DJ sets matching the lively scene. It's a fun spot to unwind and soak in the nightlife.
Day 2-4: Hydra Island
Hydra Island
Hydra Island is a peaceful, car-free getaway with scenic swimming coves, chic shopping, vibrant nightlife and fresh, authentic cuisine. Its bohemian charm, sophisticated atmosphere and proximity to Athens make it a well-kept secret among European travellers.
See our top tips for getting to Hydra from Athens and which ferry company we prefer.
Where to stay in Hydra
Hydra may not have an extensive range of hotels, but its charming apartments and guesthouses offer a delightful alternative. We found that staying about a five minute walk from Hydra Port struck the perfect balance - far enough to enjoy peace and quiet, yet close enough to avoid too much of a steep climb.
Our stay at the Sunset Studio at Hydra Dream Houses was excellent - it provided a serene atmosphere and was just a short stroll from the main area. We loved relaxing on our private terrace with a glass of wine and taking in the view. 🛌 Browse more stays on Hydra IslandWhat to do in Hydra
See our comprehensive 3 Day Hydra Itinerary, which includes the best swimming spots, where to eat, and unique experiences you don't want to miss.
Here are the highlights:
- 🧜♀️ Beach hop along the coastal path and get drinks at cliffside beach bars
- 🍴Dine at tucked-away hotspots
- 👡 Shop Greek designers at chic boutiques
- 🏖 Take a day trip to a remote beach
- 🌞 Visit a former slaughterhouse turned cutting-edge art gallery
- 🎞 Watch a movie under the stars
- 🍹 Experience Hydra's vibrant nightlife
Read the full 3 day Hydra itinerary here.
For more activities, don't miss our list of 18 fun things to do on Hydra Island.
Day 5: Athens
Catch a morning ferry from Hydra to Athens so you have the full day to explore. We recommend staying again at Monsieur Didot - it's easy to drop off your bags before check-in time.
What to do your last day in Athens
Clockwise from top left: Ancient Greek Sandals, Birdman, Athens at night, Line bar
Grab a healthy lunch at Me Kolonaki
From Monsieur Didot, it's just a 10 minute walk to Me Kolonaki, a chic bistro serving healthy lunch items, like power bowls and open-faced toasts. They also serve fresh juices and smoothies.
Do a walking tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon
Book a late afternoon walking tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon - just the view alone is spectacular. This Acropolis and Parthenon Guided Walking Tour through Viator includes a licensed archeologist as your tour guide and skip-the-line access. Browse more tours on Viator.Treat yourself to a pair of Ancient Greek Sandals
Don't miss popping into the flagship store of Ancient Greek Sandals, where local artisans craft timeless sandals using traditional techniques. This iconic brand is a celebration of Greek heritage and is also worn by celebrities.
Dine at Birdman
For your last night, switch up Greek cuisine with Japanese. We didn’t expect Birdman to become one of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had.
Inspired by Tokyo's late-night eateries, this intimate pub serves contemporary yakitori (grilled meat and veggie skewers) on an open fire and wagyu beef nigiri that melt in your mouth.
Pair your meal with a glass of sake and enjoy the tunes on their Hi-Fi music system. Book your table.
Drink cocktails at one of the world's best bars
Athens has a burgeoning cocktail scene, with 3 bars on the World's 50 Best Bars List. Ranked #12 on the prestigious list is Line Bar, a former art gallery turned industrial bar specializing in made-from-scratch drinks.
Try one of their innovative cocktails and book a table in the outdoor courtyard. Reservations are recommended.
Enjoy your 5 days in Greece!
Extension options:
This itinerary can easily be extended by adding a day to Athens or a day to Hydra - there is a lot to do in both places!
Or, combine Athens and Hydra with a trip to Santorini. See our 8 Day Greece itinerary and guide on 7 ways to do Oia, Santorini on a budget.
Get started on planning your trip to Greece
- 🛌 Book your accommodation: in Athens and Hydra
- 🚕 Book your airport transfer: to Athens city centre with Welcome Pickups
- ⛴️ Reserve your ferry to Hydra: Direct Ferries
- ✈️ Compare flights: with Skyscanner
Don't forget about travel insurance
👩⚕️ For affordable travel insurance: go with SafetyWing - it's budget-friendly and you can even buy it while abroad, but note the max medical coverage is $250,000 USD. 🏥 For comprehensive travel insurance: go with World Nomads - it's more expensive, but the max emergency medical coverage is $5-10 million, depending on the plan.Save and pin this 5 Day Greece itinerary for later:
