9 days in Athens & Fira Itinerary

One of the world's most ancient cities, Athens remains Europe's undisputed historical and cultural capital.

Visit Acropolis of Athens and Lion Gate for their historical value. Family-friendly places like Acropolis Museum and Plaka will thrill your kids. Explore Athens' surroundings by going to Fortress Palamidi (in Nafplio), Citadel and Treasury of Atreus (in Mycenae) and Temple of Poseidon (in Sounio). There's still lots to do: delve into the distant past at Temple of Hephaestus, appreciate the history behind Erechtheion, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Church of Kapnikarea.

To find more things to do, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Athens online itinerary planner.

If you are flying in from United Kingdom, the closest major aiport is Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport. Expect a daytime high around 28°C in October, and nighttime lows around 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Wed) so you can travel to Fira.

Fira, the busy capital of Santorini, sits on the very edge of a volcanic caldera.

Get some historical perspective at Akrotiri and Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. You'll explore and learn at Wine Museum Koutsogiannopoulos and La Ponta. There's still lots to do: do a tasting at Venetsanos Winery, step into the grandiose world of Byzantine Castle Ruins, enjoy the sand and surf at Red Beach, and don't miss a visit to Sunset in Oia.

For reviews, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Fira online trip maker.

Traveling by flight from Athens to Fira takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can ride a ferry; or do a combination of flight, taxi, and ferry. In October, daily temperatures in Fira can reach 27°C, while at night they dip to 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Sat) early enough to travel back home.