Greek Island Hopping in September: A Perfect 10-Day Itinerary
As the summer sun begins to mellow, and the crowds of vacationers thin out, September unveils a secret treasure of the Mediterranean: the enchanting Greek Islands. If you’ve ever dreamt of azure waters, picturesque villages, and a blissful escape, now is the time to make it a reality. Greece in September offers the ideal blend of balmy weather, cultural exploration, and serene landscapes. In this 10-day island-hopping adventure, you will discover the magic of Greece during this golden month. From the vibrant nightlife of Mykonos to the breathtaking sunsets of Santorini and the rich history of Crete, this is a carefully crafted itinerary to show you the allure of Greek island hopping in September. With pleasant weather and fewer crowds, September, October, or even May are great times to put this itinerary into use. Plus you can use this itinerary wherever you go because even though there might be more tourists, the adventure stays the same!
Greek Island Hopping in September: A Perfect 10-Day Itinerary
Day One: Arrive in Athens
Flying to Athens is the perfect way to start your Greek island hopping. It is a common entry point for international travelers as many airlines fly direct to Athens from all over the world.
What to do in athens
If you have time to explore Athens, its historical sites are a captivating blend of ancient wonders and charming neighborhoods. The Acropolis, a symbol of Western civilization, boasts iconic structures like the Parthenon and Erechtheion, offering an unparalleled journey into ancient Greece’s architectural and cultural achievements. Meanwhile, the Plaka district, nestled at the Acropolis’ base, exudes old-world charm with its cobblestone streets, neoclassical architecture, and traditional tavernasβa place where history and contemporary Greek culture seamlessly converge.
Backpacking to the ferry
Sunrise in Athens
Where to Stay
Staying in the city center is the best idea if you are planning on exploring Athens. However, depending on if you are taking a ferry or a flight to the islands, you may want to stay closer to the ferry port or the airport. Electra Hotel Athens is a hotel I definitely suggest because it is often praised for its central location in the heart of Athens. It is typically within walking distance of major attractions like the Acropolis, Plaka district, Syntagma Square, and the National Gardens, making it easy and convenient to see the sights you want to see before heading to the islands. They have 4.5 stars with over a thousand reviews on google.Β
Day Two: Athens to Mykonos
To travel from Athens to Mykonos, you have two main options: a ferry or a flight. By ferry, you can choose to depart from either Piraeus or Rafina port, depending on your location and preference. Check the ferry schedules, book your ticket, and arrive at the port at least 30-60 minutes before departure. The ferry ride takes about 2.5 to 5 hours, offering scenic views of the Aegean Sea. Alternatively, you can book a direct flight from Athens International Airport to Mykonos Island National Airport, which takes approximately 30-45 minutes. Upon arrival in Mykonos, you can easily find transportation to your destination on the island. Your choice between the two modes of transport depends on your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences.
What Mykonos is Known for
Mykonos is known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and it’s all-white architecture. Exploring Mykonos is an enchanting and energetic way to explore one of the most upbeat islands Greece has to offer. Many beaches have internationally known clubs and restaurants that showcase some of the top DJs from around the world.Β Cultural landmarks include the windmills, Little Venice, and Chora (Mykonos Town)
Mykonos Town
Iconic beach bar
Where to Stay
Day Three: Mykonos
Mykonos offers an array of captivating experiences. Explore the vibrant streets of Mykonos Town with its iconic windmills and charming Little Venice. Indulge in beachside dining, savoring Mediterranean flavors while gazing at the azure waters. For beach lovers, Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach beckon with lively beach clubs and crystal-clear seas. These world-renowned shores are perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying the island’s renowned nightlife. Please visit my blog post for a full and extensive list of things to do in Mykonos.Β
Also below are three epic day trips and tours you can do in Mykonos that offer a delightful blend of relaxation, exploration, and entertainment to be discovered.
Day Four: Mykonos to Naxo
What naxos is Known for
Naxos is known for its relaxed atmosphere and stunning beaches. It boasts many traditional villages and delicious foods. It is also a great spot for those who like outdoor adventures including hiking and windsurfing.Β
Where to Stay
The best place for you to stay depends on your preferences and the type of experience you’re seeking. Naxos Town (Chora) is the most popular place to stay because the picturesque streets offer history, culture, and convenience. You will find a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, shops, and nightlife options. Agios Georgios Beach is another perfect place to stay as it is only a short walk to Naxos Town but is located right on the water with waterfront hotels, ideal for couples and families. Plaka Beach is great for those looking for a quieter, more tranquil experience.
Day Five: Naxos
Firstly exploring Naxos town is a wonderful way to discover its Venetian Architecture, archaeological sites, and vibrant waterfront. You can also spend the day relaxing on some of the beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters including Agips Procopio, Agia Anna, Plaka, and Mikri Vigla. Water sports enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for windsurfing, scuba diving, and more! Another great outdoor adventure includes hiking Mount Zas for breathtaking views of the island. Villages including the Apiranthos, Filoti, and Kronos showcase the authentic island-life and traditional architecture. Some of the best local cuisines include Naxian potatoes, graviera cheese, and fresh seafood.
Naxos offers a diverse range of activities and experiences, making it a fantastic destination for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, beachgoers, and foodies alike. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins or basking in the sun on its beautiful beaches, Get Your Guide has something in Naxos for everyone.
Day six: Naxos to Santorini
To travel from Naxos to Santorini, you can typically take a ferry or a high-speed catamaran. Check the ferry schedules and book your ticket in advance, especially during the high tourist season. The ferry ride between Naxos and Santorini offers scenic views of the Aegean Sea and takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours by high-speed catamaran or slightly longer by conventional ferry. Disembark at Santorini’s main port, Athinios, where you can easily find transportation to explore the island’s picturesque villages, stunning caldera views, and beautiful beaches.
What Santorini is Known for
Santorini is the most iconic island making it the most popular. Traveling to Santorini in September will really help diffuse some of the larger crowds. Although, Santorini is always going to be a very popular spot. It has beautiful whitewashed villages located on the side of dramatic cliffs which give it the best sunset views in the world. It has world renown beaches, wineries, and plenty of ancient ruins.Β
View of Fira
Exploring Fira
Where to Stay
Santorini offers a variety of picturesque villages and areas to stay in, each with its own charm and ambiance. Oia is Santorini’s most sought-after destination. It is a romantic village that has plenty of luxury boutique hotels and upscale restaurants, making it ideal for honeymooners or couples. Fira (Thira) is the capital of Santorini and is a bustling town of restaurants, bars, and nightlife. Plus it offers a range of accommodations including Airbnbs. These two spots are really the only two I would suggest as they give the best iconic Santorini feel. Check the best prices for hotels below!
Day seven: santorini
Below you can also book your boat tour where you can swim in hot springs and enjoy stunning sea views.
Day eight: Santorini to crete
The ferry or flight journey from Santorini to Crete is a popular route connecting two iconic Greek islands. If you opt for the ferry, you’ll board from Santorini’s Athinios Port, and depending on the type of ferry, the trip can take anywhere from 1.5 to 4 hours. These ferries offer both indoor and outdoor seating, providing passengers with opportunities to enjoy the stunning Aegean Sea views along the way. Alternatively, you can take a direct flight from Santorini National Airport to Crete’s major airports, Heraklion or Chania, with a flight time of around 30 to 45 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option for travelers looking to maximize their time exploring the diverse landscapes and rich history of Crete.
What crete is Known for
Crete is known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and beautiful beaches. It is famous for being the birthplace of the ancient Minoan civilizations. It is also an island with abundant beautiful beaches and home to Europeβs largest gorges. You will definitely be able to explore, hike, and relax when visiting Crete.
Where to Stay
Crete, as Greece’s largest island, offers a variety of neighborhoods and regions to stay in, each with its own distinct character and appeal. Heraklion is the islandβs capital and largest city with plenty of accommodation options. It is a convenient spot for exploring archaeological sites. Chania (Hania) is a picturesque Venetian Old Town that is waterfront. Agios Nikolaos is the islandβs coastal town and it is known for its quieter ambiance and boutique hotels.Β
Day nine: Crete
There is so much to do in Crete including hiking the Samaria Gorge, exploring Knossos Palace, and relaxing on Elafonissi Beach. Chaniaβs Old Town is filled with Venetian and Ottoman architecture. You can explore the local markets, lighthouses, and historic harbor. There is also an archaeological site at Phaistos which is rich in history. Discover the Dikteon Cave which is the birthplace of Zeus in Greek mythology.Β
Another great option is doing an excursion like the Cretan cooking class below.
Day ten: departure from crete
There are many options when returning to Athens from Crete. You can take a ferry like the above method as a popular and scenic route. The main ferry ports on Crete are Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymno. It can take anywhere from 5 to 9 houses. There are plenty of direct flights to Athens and it is the fastest way to return to the mainland. The two airports in Crete are Heraklion Airport (HER) and Chania Airport (CHQ).
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