Athens, Mykonos to Crete Road Trip by Car Rental – Greece

The Scenic Greece Trip Itinerary for Perfect Holiday

Planning a trip to Greece? If yes, then you have reached the right place as we have just the perfect travel itinerary for you. Greece, in one word, is an amazing country filled with scenic views, history, food, culture, blue waters, and much more. This country has something to offer to visitors of all tastes and budgets. Visiting Greece once is never enough; you will definitely come back here for more. Greece is a culturally diverse country that can be as economical or as luxurious as your budget will allow.

Experience some of the best aspects of Greece and explore its islands on this itinerary. You can start your journey from Athens, and go back in time with a visit to the Acropolis and other ancient ruins around the city. Then head into the islands, by starting a tour of Mykonos, then off to all historical sites and traditional villages of Crete before you return to Athens. From the fuss of Athens to the relaxing beaches of Mykonos, Greece will turn out to be a delightful surprise that will leave you wanting more. Spend about a week in Greece and follow the below-mentioned itinerary to make the most of your trip.

The Best Timeto Visit Greece

With all these beautiful destinations, one can plan this Greek itinerary throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Greece is in Spring(May) and autumn(Sept-Oct). This way, one can avoid crowded areas during the summer peak season.

Athens

  • Recommended days:2-3
  • Famous for:Historical Landmarks, Works of Art, etc

Start your trip from Athens, which is the capital of Greece and one of the oldest cities in the world. Athens is filled with historical landmarks as well as has a rich nightlife. Spend around 2-3 days here at best to explore the city. One can here find a lot of hotels that suit every kind of budget, but if possible, make sure to pick a hotel with a view or roof terrace. And, enjoy a glass of wine in the evening with a view of the Acropolis in the distance.

Where to Stayin Athens

  • Hotel Grande Bretagne:best luxury hotel
  • Athens Center Square:budget hotel with spacious rooms
  • COCO-MAT Athens Jumelle:4 Star hotel that offers modern design and high quality

Places to Eatin Athens

  • Ta KaramanlidikaTouFani:best for traditional Greek deli experience
  • Klimataria:Greek food, music & dance
  • Orizontes:fine dining on Athens’s most scenic terrace

Athens to Mykonosvia Road

While it will take almost 5 hours to reach Mykonos from Athens. So, check out the following places that you can visit in Athens and also some spots to satisfy your taste buds.

  • Via Stadiou, head to Syntagma Square, which is formerly a palace, the parliament building, that has been the place for many political events.
  • Take EO91 and explore the ancient stories surrounding you with a mythology tour and head to landmarks like the Acropolis, the Agora, and the ancient cemetery at Kerameikos. Visit the Acropolis Museum, which exhibits a multitude of artifacts removed from the hill of the Acropolis. Have lunch in the museum’s cafe, with beautiful views of the artifacts’ former hilltop home.
  • Furthering on EO91 or Stadiou, explore Parthenon and Erectheum that is popular among tourists for taking pictures.

Mykonos

  • Recommended days:1-2
  • Famous for:Beach bars, iconic landmarks, massive dance clubs, etc

After Athens, you can move on to Mykonos, which is another Greek island that is a hit with tourists. Mykonos is well-known for its beautiful white homes, windmills, majestic sea view along with vibrant night scenes. The best way to reach Mykonos is by taking a ferry from Santorini, which would take in about 3 hours. Therefore, it is advisable to get a ferry early morning if you are on a strict schedule. One can do plenty of things here, starting by taking cobbled narrow streets to visit Mykono’s old Town. This place is one of the offbeat spots of the country that will be a good change if you are used to the city scrappers.

The simplicity of this place will surely brighten up your day. In these cobbled streets, you can find many hidden gems of eateries producing authentic Greek culinary wonders. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, spend some quality time here, sip onto fine wine, under the starry sky.

Where to Stayin Mykonos

  • Anax Resort and Spa:a luxury resort on a seafront location
  • Mykonos Dream Villas:free WiFi, an outdoor pool and a restaurant
  • Tharroe of Mykonos Boutique Hotel:on the top of a small hill, offers breathtaking views

Places to Eatin Mykonos

  • Funky Kitchen:Mykonos most creative fusion restaurants
  • Kadena:expect dishes like risotto and orzo pasta
  • Pepper:perfect for a quick lunch or snack

Mykonos to Cretevia Road

The drive between Mykonos to Crete can take up to 13 hours via Iraklio – Santorini, therefore we recommend a few pit stops.

  • Drive through via Dilos-Mikonosand make a stop at Delos. Travel back in time by visiting the archaeological site at Delos, which is one of ancient Greece’s most sacred sites. You can also explore historic landmarks like the Terrace of the Lions and the island museum.
  • Furthering on route Mikonos-Naxos,pause at Santorini and take a stroll through famous Oia, to find the hidden gems. You can even explore the medieval villages at Megalochori and Pyrgos. Also, try wine tasting at the caldera’s edge while watching the sun setting into the Aegean.
  • Driving via Iraklio-Santorinican allow travelers to pause and explore the magnificent Palace of Knossos. Follow it up with a stroll through the streets of Heraklion, and explore the old city’s medieval streets with architectural sites representing the island’s Venetian past.

Crete

  • Recommended days:2-3
  • Famous for:fine-sand beaches, White Mountains, Museums, etc

Crete is the perfect addition to this travel itinerary!! Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, has almost everything from sandy beaches to majestic white mountains. The island also offers some great Greek mythological history being said to be the birthplace of Zeus, the god of the sky, lightning, and thunder.

While traveling Crete don’t forget to visit Chania and Heraklion. Both of these cities have gorgeous Churches, scenic old towns, and lots of places to shop and eat. Each city is worth at least a half-day visit with many options to explore.

Also, Chania is the best area to stay in Crete, if you are here for the first time. The city is both an ancient town and one of the four provinces of Crete.

During your stay in Crete, make sure to try the unique Cretan food. Enjoy a boat ride to historical Spinalonga. And, explore the beautiful beaches of Elounda. You can also visit the famous attractions like Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Monastery of Arkadi, Vai Beach, and Rocca a Mare Fortress

Where to Stayin Crete

  • Domes Zeen Chania:luxury hotel, an outdoor swimming pool
  • La Mer Resort & Spa- Adults only:a spa center and a sauna
  • Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel:swimming pool with a spacious sun terrace and sun loungers

Places to Eatin Crete

  • Tamam restaurant:traditional Cretan cuisine
  • Peskesi Restaurant:beautiful decor with a large selection of menu
  • Zefyros Family Fish Taverna:varied menu, amazing seafood pasta

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