7 Days in the Greek Islands

Arrive at Santorini Airport (JTR) or ferry port. Private transfer to Canaves Oia Epitome (5★, €700/night) — the most spectacular hotel on the caldera with private plunge pools.

Walk from the hotel through Oia's marble lanes. Discover the famous three blue domes and the Oia Castle ruins — the most iconic sunset spot on Earth.

Oia sunset. Find a spot on the castle ruins or the pedestrian path. Yes, it's crowded — and yes, it's absolutely worth it. The sun melting into the Aegean behind the caldera is unforgettable.

Dinner at Ambrosia ($120/person) — cliffside fine dining in a 300-year-old cave house. Mediterranean cuisine with the caldera lights twinkling below.

Caldera boat cruise ($80/person, half-day). Sail past the volcano island (Nea Kameni), swim in the hot springs, and visit Thirassia island. The catamaran with barbecue lunch is the way to go.

Lunch at Ammoudi Bay at Dimitris ($30/person) — fresh grilled octopus and saganaki (fried cheese) right on the water at the fishing port below Oia.

Explore Imerovigli ("the balcony to the Aegean") and Fira. The 10km cliff path connecting Oia-Imerovigli-Fira is the most beautiful walk in Greece. Allow 2-3 hours.

Wine tasting at Santo Wines ($25/person) — the winery with the absolute best caldera views. The flight of Assyrtiko wines and the sunset tasting are magical.

Dinner at Metaxi Mas ($30/person) in Exo Gonia — a hidden gem away from the caldera crowds. Cretan-Santorini cuisine loved by locals. The fava and grilled octopus with honey are standouts.

Morning coffee at Melenio ($5) in Oia watching the caldera wake up. Last walk through the village before the crowds arrive.

High-speed ferry from Santorini to Mykonos (2.5 hrs, €75/person, SeaJets). Book a Platinum seat for the upper deck with fewer passengers.

Arrive in Mykonos. Check into Cavo Tagoo (5★, €500/night) — the most iconic hotel with its famous infinity pool overlooking the Aegean.

Explore Mykonos Town (Chora): get intentionally lost in the labyrinth of whitewashed streets. Little Venice — waterfront houses with balconies over the sea — and the iconic windmills.

Sunset cocktails at 180° Sunset Bar ($18/drink) — the best sunset view in Mykonos, up in the hills above town. Go by 5:30 PM for a good seat.

Dinner at Koursaros ($60/person) in Little Venice — elegant seafood with sushi and Mediterranean fusion. Then bar hop: Scarpa Bar for cocktails on the water, Caprice for dancing.

Paradise Beach: the most famous beach in Mykonos. Sunbeds (€30/pair), turquoise water, and the legendary Tropicana Beach Bar. Music starts at 4 PM but the morning is serene.

Lunch at Nikolas Taverna ($25/person) on Agia Anna (Paraga) Beach — traditional Greek taverna in a stunning cove. The grilled sardines and Greek salad are perfect.

Super Paradise Beach — the glamorous cousin. JackieO' Beach Club is the see-and-be-seen spot. Sunbeds €50-100, but the people-watching is free.

Rent an ATV ($35/day) to explore the island's hidden coves. Agios Sostis — the last unorganized beach — is a local secret with a tiny family taverna.

Night out: start at Interni ($75/person) for dinner in a magical courtyard. Then Cavo Paradiso (€30-50 cover) — the legendary cliffside club where world-class DJs play until sunrise.

Ferry to Delos (30 min, €20 round-trip). The sacred island — birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. One of Greece's most important archaeological sites with no permanent residents (no one is allowed to be born or die here).

Explore Delos Archaeological Site (€12/person entry). The Terrace of the Lions (7th century BC), the House of Dionysus with its mosaic floors, and the Sacred Lake. Allow 3 hours.

Return ferry to Mykonos.

Late lunch at Sakis Grill ($10/person) — the best gyros in Mykonos, a hole-in-the-wall in town since 1972. The pork gyros pita is perfection.

Relax at hotel pool. Afternoon nap — you'll need it for tonight.

Dinner at M-eating ($45/person) in Mykonos Town — contemporary Greek with a creative twist. The lamb with honey and thyme is unforgettable.

Astra Bar — a hidden open-air bar in a ruined 18th-century house. Candles, stars, and incredible cocktails.

Farewell breakfast at Katerina's ($18/person) in Little Venice — the lowest balcony over the sea. Coffee and yogurt while the waves splash beneath you.

High-speed ferry back to Santorini (2.5 hrs). Check into Katikies Garden (5★, €450/night) in Fira — a former monastery turned luxury hotel in the heart of town.

Late lunch at Lucky's Souvlakis ($5/person) in Fira — a tiny family-run counter since 1982. The pork souvlaki is the best €5 you'll spend in Greece.

Akrotiri Archaeological Site (€15/person) — the "Minoan Pompeii." A 3,600-year-old Bronze Age city buried by the volcanic eruption, preserved under ash. Walk through the covered excavation.

Red Beach (free access, 10-min hike from Akrotiri) — dramatic red volcanic cliffs plunging into crystal-clear water. Best for photos; the beach itself is small.

Farewell dinner at Selene ($90/person) in Pyrgos — the most important restaurant in Santorini's culinary renaissance. Multi-course tasting menu in a former cathedral.

Sunrise from the hotel terrace. One last look at the caldera with its cliffs, white houses, and blue domes.

Breakfast at Galini Café ($10/person) in Fira — a quiet spot with caldera views without the Oia premium. Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts.

Last souvenir shopping in Fira: Santorini wines (Vinsanto is the local dessert wine), olive oil, and handmade leather sandals from the artisans on Ypapantis Street.

Depart for Santorini Airport (JTR). Taxi (€25, 15 min). Tiny airport — arrive 1.5 hours before European flights, 2 hours before international connections.