Greece is a country with an incredible amount of history, culture, islands, and landscapes to explore. With so much to see and do, many travelers wonder if 5 days is enough time to properly experience Greece.
The quick answer is that 5 days is just enough time to get a small taste of what Greece has to offer. You can see some of the major attractions and destinations, but you will only be able to scratch the surface. With careful planning, 5 days allows you to see Athens and some Greek islands or mainland destinations.
How much of Greece can you see in 5 days?
In 5 days in Greece, you can expect to be able to see:
- Athens for 2 days
- Mykonos or Santorini for 2 days
- One other island or mainland destination for a day trip
Some popular 5 day Greece itineraries include:
- Athens – Mykonos – Santorini
- Athens – Nafplio – Hydra
- Athens – Delphi – Meteora
You will only be able to spend a limited time on each island or in each destination. But it does allow you to see some top highlights and get a taste of what each place offers.
Pros of 5 days in Greece
Spending 5 days in Greece has some advantages:
- You can see top destinations like Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini
- It allows you to island hop and see both the Cyclades and Saronic Gulf islands
- You can pair Athens with some top historical sites like Delphi or Meteora
- It provides a good introduction and overview of what Greece offers
- With limited time, you will be forced to focus on top things to do and see
If you only have 5 days to spend in Greece, it is certainly better than nothing. Those with limited vacation time will get a quick taste of this magical country.
Cons of 5 days in Greece
However, spending only 5 days in Greece does have some drawbacks:
- You will only be able to briefly visit each destination, not truly experience it
- It does not allow enough time to visit Greece’s many islands or see the mainland fully
- You may spend a lot of time traveling between destinations rather than exploring
- It is a very rushed pace with no time for relaxation or spontaneity
- You will not be able to see many important ancient sites, museums, villages, beaches, etc
With so many incredible places to explore in Greece, it is simply not enough time to fully experience everything. 5 days provides just a small snapshot rather than an in-depth experience.
How to make the most of 5 days in Greece
If you only have 5 days in Greece, here are some tips to make sure you maximize your time:
- Carefully plan your itinerary around your interests – focus on either island hopping or visiting ancient sites rather than trying to do both
- Fly into Athens and fly between destinations to maximize time
- Stay in each place 2 nights to have 1 full day rather than packing up each day
- Prioritize the top 2-4 things to do in each location
- Book advanced tickets for major sites like the Acropolis to skip lines
- Use ferries rather than hydrofoils between islands to save time and money
- Stay in very central accommodations to minimize transport time
- Have a general plan but be flexible – don’t try to over-schedule days
With some savvy trip planning, you can craft a 5 day Greece itinerary that hits the highlights and makes the most of your limited time. It will require some early mornings, long days, and efficient travel between destinations.
Recommended 5 day Greece itineraries
Here are some recommended 5 day Greece itineraries that maximize what you can see and do:
Athens and the Cyclades Islands
Day 1: Arrive in Athens, visit top sights like the Acropolis and Plaka neighborhood
Day 2: Ferry to Mykonos, explore Mykonos Town, beaches, windmills
Day 3: Ferry to Santorini, visit Oia town, see sunset over the caldera
Day 4: More exploring in Santorini – visit ancient sites, beaches, villages
Day 5: Ferry back to Athens, depart home from Athens
Athens and the Saronic Gulf Islands
Day 1: Arrive in Athens, visit the Acropolis and Archaeological Museum
Day 2: Day trip to ancient sites like Delphi, Sounio, or Corinth
Day 3: Ferry to Hydra, explore the car-free island
Day 4: Ferry to Spetses, see the Old Town and beaches
Day 5: More time in Spetses before flying out of Athens
Athens and the Greek Mainland
Day 1: Arrive in Athens, visit the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum
Day 2: Day trip to Delphi to see ancient ruins and stunning scenery
Day 3: Train to Meteora, see cliffside monasteries
Day 4: Train to Nafplio, wander the Old Town, visit Mycenae
Day 5: Day trip to Ancient Corinth and Corinth Canal before departing Athens
With ferry transit time, these itineraries include about 2 nights on the islands or mainland destinations. This allows 1 full day to see the highlights in each place.
Should you stay longer than 5 days in Greece?
Most travelers would recommend staying longer than 5 days in Greece if possible. With so much diversity among the islands and mainland, more time allows you to have a fuller experience.
Two weeks in Greece would be ideal – that would allow time to visit Athens, the Cyclades, the Saronic Gulf, the Peloponnese, and even spots like Meteora on the mainland. It would allow a more relaxed pace with time to soak in each incredible destination.
If you don’t have two full weeks, 7-10 days in Greece still allows you to see the top highlights. You could comfortably split time between Athen, the Cyclades, the Saronic Gulf islands, and the Peloponnese. With a more moderately rushed pace, you would still have time to properly enjoy Greece’s beauty.
Even adding just 2-3 more days would make a big difference from a tight 5 day trip. You may not be able to see every corner of Greece, but it allows you to experience the top destinations without as much stress.
Greece regions to focus on for 5 days
Given the limited time, it’s recommended to focus your 5 days in Greece around:
- Athens – A must to see incredible ancient sites like the Acropolis. 2 days is ideal.
- Greek Islands – Visit the hilltowns of Santorini and Mykonos in the Cyclades or car-free islands like Hydra in the Saronic Gulf.
- Mainland Day Trips – Experience historical sites like Delphi, Meteora, Mycenae, Olympia (if you don’t island hop).
Trying to stretch 5 days across Athens, the islands, and mainland Greece is not recommended – better to focus on Athens and either the islands or the mainland.
Top things to do with 5 days in Greece
These are the top things you should prioritize seeing and doing with 5 days in Greece:
1. Explore Athens
A trip to Greece inevitably begins in lively Athens. Be sure to visit:
- The Acropolis and Parthenon
- The Acropolis Museum
- Ancient Agora
- Plaka neighborhood
- National Archaeological Museum
2. Island hop the Cyclades
Santorini and Mykonos are beautiful highlights of the Cyclades islands. Enjoy:
- Picturesque villages like Oia on Santorini
- Volcanic scenery across Santorini
- Luxurious Mediterranean beaches on Mykonos
- Windmills and breathtaking sunsets
3. Relax on the Saronic Gulf Islands
The Saronic Gulf islands like Hydra and Spetses are perfect for relaxation. Enjoy:
- The charming car-free island of Hydra
- Seafood tavernas and peaceful village life
- Crystal clear waters for swimming and boating
4. Take a Day Trip from Athens
Visit Delphi, Sounio, or other historical sites on a quick day trip from Athens:
- Consult the Oracle at Delphi
- Marvel at Meteora’s cliffside monasteries
- Take in the views at the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio
5. Savor the Local Food
Indulge in incredible Greek cuisine during your trip:
- Fresh seafood – grilled fish, octopus salad, fried calamari
- Classic Greek salad with feta, olives, and tomatoes
- Moussaka, pastitsio, keftedes
- Phyllo treats like spanakopita and baklava
Sample 5 day Greece itinerary
Here is a detailed sample itinerary for 5 days in Greece during the summer to maximize your time:
| Day | Destination | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Athens |
|
| Day 2 | Athens |
|
| Day 3 | Mykonos |
|
| Day 4 | Santorini |
|
| Day 5 | Athens |
|
This itinerary takes you on a loop through the Cyclades while still allowing enough time to see Athens’ highlights. The ferries provide a scenic way to travel between the islands. Be sure to book ferries and accommodations well in advance during the busy summer season.
Is 5 days enough time for Greece?
In summary, 5 days in Greece is just enough time to get a small taste of what this magical country has to offer. You will be able to see some amazing ancient sites and experience islands like Santorini and Mykonos. However, you will only be scratching the surface and will miss out on many destinations.
While a longer trip would be ideal, 5 days in Greece can be an incredible introduction to the country’s history and beauty. With savvy planning focused on your top interests, you can craft an unforgettable 5 day itinerary. Just don’t expect to be completely relaxed or see absolutely everything on such a quick trip.
With so much diversity across over 6000 islands and the mainland, Greece is a place you will want to return to. Once you get a small taste during 5 days there, you will likely already be dreaming of your next, longer trip!
