Greece is easy to love and surprisingly easy to over-plan. Athens needs two days, the islands need more ferry planning than most people expect, and the best island depends on whether you want nightlife, beaches or villages.

These guides compare the islands honestly, explain ferries and flights between them and lay out a 10-day route that avoids spending half the trip in transit.

For a first trip, two days in Athens and eight on one or two islands is plenty. Santorini and Mykonos are the famous picks, while Naxos, Paros and Crete often give better value and more space.

Ferries run less often outside summer, so build in a buffer day before any flight home. Check the sailing days before you book the next hotel.

Part of Europe Destinations & Itineraries guides. Browse the other topics there to keep planning.