Last Updated on April 20, 2026 by Tracy

Plan the perfect Athens and Crete itinerary with this three-generation Greece trip guide featuring travel tips, historic sites, incredible food, and island adventures.

Last spring I had the privilege of taking a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Greece with two of the most important people in my life – my mom and my daughter. Traveling to new places is always magical, but this three-generation trip to Greece was even more special.

We spent our time exploring Athens and the island of Crete, creating an unforgettable Athens and Crete itinerary filled with historic landmarks, incredible food, seaside villages, and meaningful moments together. From the Acropolis towering above Athens to sunset views over the Aegean Sea in Crete, every day brought new memories.

If you’re planning a family trip to Greece or looking for inspiration for an Athens and Crete travel itinerary, here’s everything we experienced – along with travel tips I learned along the way.

Our Athens and Crete Itinerary: A Three-Generation Greece Adventure

For my daughter Sadie and me, our adventure started in Tampa where we hopped on a plane and flew to Boston to meet my mom, Marlene. From Boston we flew to Athens, Greece, and after an 8.5 hour flight and a 7-hour time difference we landed at 8 am local time ready to begin our adventure.

2 Days in Athens: History, Culture, and Incredible Views

Once we landed we headed to our hotel, the Fresh Hotel, which is part of the Marriott family, so we were able to use points for our two-night stay.

Fortunately one of our rooms was ready so we could change clothes and freshen up before heading out to explore the city.

We started off with 10 am rooftop cocktails with an incredible view of the Acropolis. After a little time to relax we headed out to tour the city on a tuk tuk. A tuk tuk is similar to an electric golf cart and it’s the perfect way to tour Athens.

Our driver was a little crazy – and a ton of fun – and we got to see a lot during our three-hour tour. It was also a great way to get some fresh air and wake ourselves up after the long flight.

One of the stops on our tour of Athens was the Holy Church of Saint Dionysius, the oldest Christian church in Greece. On the exterior of the church there are gorgeous hand-carved wooden doors, but the artwork doesn’t stop there. Inside you’ll find stunning Byzantine-style frescoes, mosaics, stained glass windows, and more that will take your breath away with their beauty.

After the church we watched the changing of the guards at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier. The monument is guarded by the Evzones, an elite unit of the Hellenic Army. The changing of the guards happens every hour, and on Sundays at 11 am there is a special ceremony with official costumes and a military band.

We also had the opportunity to see the original Olympic Stadium, which was really neat. The start of every Olympic Games still begins here with the ceremonial passing of the torch.

We visited Syntagma Square and the Hellenic Parliament building as well. Athens is considered to be the birthplace of democracy as we know it.

After our tour we decided to stretch our legs by walking through the town of Plaka and enjoying a late lunch before heading back to the hotel to unpack and enjoy a few more rooftop cocktails.

Visiting the Acropolis and Parthenon

We only had two days in Athens but we managed to pack a lot into them.

The Parthenon Was Built to Honor Athena

The most famous structure on the Acropolis is the Parthenon, a magnificent temple dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war.

Construction of the Parthenon began in 447 BCE and was completed in 438 BCE, although decorative work continued for several years afterward.

The Caryatid Statues Are Actually Columns

One of the most recognizable features of the Erechtheion is the Porch of the Caryatids —- the six elegant female statues that act as structural columns supporting the roof of the porch.

The statues you see on the Acropolis today are replicas, while the originals are preserved inside the Acropolis Museum to protect them from pollution and weather damage.

On our second day we visited the Acropolis and the Parthenon, one of the most famous historic landmarks in the world. The Parthenon is made completely of marble and, although it is constantly undergoing restoration work, about 85% of the original structure still stands today.

Did you know that the Acropolis is over 2,500 years old?

The Acropolis of Athens dates back to the 5th century BCE, during what is known as the Golden Age of Athens. Many of the famous buildings on the hill were constructed between 447 and 406 BCE, making them more than 2,400 years old.

The theater nearby is still in use today – in fact, musician Yanni performed a concert there a few years ago.

Today the Acropolis of Athens is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

It attracts millions of visitors each year who come to experience the incredible history and breathtaking views of Athens from the top of the hill.

Since the Acropolis is an extremely popular tourist destination, be prepared for crowds and lines, especially if you visit on a weekend.

The Acropolis Museum

When construction began on the Acropolis Museum, archaeologists realized there was an entire ancient village buried underneath the site.

Today the museum is built above the ruins with glass floors, allowing visitors to see the ancient structures beneath their feet while exploring the exhibits above. Not only can you learn about Ancient Greek civilization, you can also see how people once lived in this historic area.

A Greek Cooking Class in Athens

As part of our Athens adventure, I scheduled a cooking class with a local named Penelope through Traveling Spoon — an activity that I knew all three generations would enjoy.

We met Penelope at her apartment before heading out to a local fish and meat market. Visiting local markets while traveling is one of my favorite things to do because you can experience so much culture just by seeing where locals shop for their daily ingredients. As you can see my mom and daughter were a little skeptical of all the fresh fish and meats everywhere 😉

After gathering everything we needed, we returned to her apartment to enjoy a glass of wine and prepare some amazing fresh seafood dishes. The beauty of these dishes is the simplicity. Fresh ingredients cooked simply. It was perfection, and the company was even better!

The cooking class was a wonderful experience for all of us. Sadie wasn’t a big fan of tearing the heads off our fresh shrimp, thankfully my mom didn’t mind that task!

After our delicious homemade meal we ended the evening the same way we started the trip, back on the rooftop enjoying cocktails and a gorgeous sunset.

One of my favorite parts of traveling is experiencing local cuisine, and Greek food is absolutely incredible. When we got home, I couldn’t wait to recreate some of our favorite dishes, like this Traditional Greek Moussaka recipe!

Exploring Crete: Beaches, Villages, and Local Experiences

After two busy days in Athens we took a short flight to Crete, Greece’s largest island.

Crete feels like its own world – full of mountains, beaches, charming villages, and mythology. Legend has it that Zeus himself was born here, and walking around the island it’s easy to see why this place has inspired so many stories.

We stayed in Elounda, a town on Crete’s northeast coast, at the beautiful Cayo Exclusive Resort and Spa. Perched on a hillside overlooking the Aegean Sea, the resort quickly became our sanctuary.

From our balcony we could watch the water sparkle in the morning and enjoy incredible sunsets in the evening.

Elounda itself was a delight with small beaches, charming shops, and easy access to boat trips to Spinalonga Island, which has Venetian ruins and a moving history as a former leper colony. We walked into town everyday, whether it was for a coffee at our favorite cafe, to shop, or to have a cocktail!

Where We Stayed in Crete: Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa

Our villa at the magnificent Cayo Resort included three floors with a bedroom and bathroom for each of us, three balconies with amazing views, two patios, and a private pool!

The resort is located in the small seaside village of Plaka in northeastern Crete and overlooks the turquoise waters of Mirabello Bay and the historic island of Spinalonga. The hillside setting means almost every room has sweeping views of the sea, which makes waking up here incredibly special.

The resort is connected by small funicular railways that take guests between different levels of the property, which was actually a fun way to get around and enjoy the views.

Food lovers will appreciate the dining options at Cayo. The resort has several restaurants and bars serving everything from traditional Greek dishes to Mediterranean cuisine.

The resort was absolutely incredible with fantastic food, wonderful staff, and exceptional views everywhere you looked.

Rooms with Private Pools and Sea Views

One of the things that makes Cayo Resort extra special is that many of the rooms and suites have private pools overlooking the Aegean Sea. The resort has over 100 rooms, suites, and villas designed with modern architecture and natural materials that blend beautifully with the surrounding landscape.

Our room featured:

• A spacious terrace with seating
• Stunning views of the water and Spinalonga Island
• A private pool perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring
• A workout area
• Large marble bathroom with luxury amenities

While there were plenty of activities at the resort, you know we still had to get out and explore the island.

Why We Loved Staying at Cayo Resort

For our family trip, Cayo Resort was the perfect place to unwind after busy days exploring Athens and Crete. Between the breathtaking sea views, incredible food, and peaceful atmosphere, it felt like a true escape. Not to mention, there are three incredible pools, a spa and a yoga and fitness center. The amenities are perfection!

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a multi-generational vacation like ours, this resort offers a beautiful and comfortable home base while visiting Crete. It’s a great mix of luxury relaxation and convenient access to explore Crete.

Things to Do Near Cayo Resort in Crete

• Boat trip to Spinalonga
• Plaka village restaurants
• Elounda harbor
• Explore Agios Nikolaos town

Another reason Cayo Resort is a great place to stay is its location. It’s about an hour from Heraklion Airport and close to several charming villages and historic sites in eastern Crete.

A Boat Day in Crete

Saturday was our fourth day of vacation and our first full day in Crete. It was also the day before Easter with many local celebrations and feasts planned.

We woke up early to enjoy the sunrise before spending some time relaxing by the resort pools.

Later we went on a boating adventure with Meraki Cruises. It was a windy day and we had the boat all to ourselves. They served us lunch and wine, so much delicious food! And all fresh – one thing we really learned to love about Greek food was the simplicity and freshness. YUM!

It was a wonderful experience that all three generations could truly enjoy together.

The cruise was actually a few hours long and we went through the bay, saw the ruins, and it was just breathtaking!

We even stopped to dip our toes in the water!

Experiencing Greek Easter

After our cruise we visited Stone Beach before heading back to the resort to prepare for Holy Saturday dinner.

Later that evening we traveled to the nearby town of Agios Nikolaos to experience the midnight Easter celebrations. We didn’t take many pictures here as it was a very sacred experience, there were times that we felt (as tourists) that we shouldn’t be there to witness everything…but everyone was welcoming and it really was incredible!

Easter Sunday in Greece is a very big celebration. One of the most well-known traditions is cracking the red eggs, which symbolize the blood of Christ and resurrection.

Families play a game called Tsougrisma, where you tap your egg against someone else’s. Whoever cracks their opponent’s egg on both ends is said to have good luck for the rest of the year.

There was also singing, dancing, and an incredible feast at the hotel, with traditional Greek dancers performing for more than three hours. We sat there and enjoyed every single minute, it was truly something we will never get to experience again….if you happen to be in Greece over Easter, be sure to take a part of all their traditions!

We even got to join in on the dancing 🙂

A Day Trip to Santorini

On our last full day in Crete we took a ferry to Santorini, and I would highly recommend it. Since we were only there for about 5 hours, we got a local guide – which I also highly recommend!

The ferry only runs once each way per day, so you can’t be late. Once you arrive you have about five hours to explore, but we managed to pack quite a lot into that short time.

We wandered the narrow streets lined with white-washed buildings and iconic blue-domed churches, one of the most recognizable sights in all of Greece. We ate, sipped wine and look in all the water views and embraced….everything! Santorini is also famous for its wine, thanks to its unique volcanic soil. If you enjoy learning about wine while traveling, you might also enjoy exploring some of my wine tips and pairings.

While visiting Santorini, Sadie and my mom both got their first tattoos before we headed back to Crete!

We originally planned a wine tasting and lunch at Venetsanos Winery, but with limited time on the island, we ended up cancelling it so that we didn’t feel rushed.

For a closer look at our trip, I’ve shared some of our favorite moments on Instagram – swipe through our Highlight or check out these posts: [post 1], [post 2].

Greek Food and Local Flavors

One of Greece’s greatest gifts is its food, and we made it a point to let the menus guide us.

In Athens we enjoyed classic Greek dishes like Greek salads, grilled meats, the freshest most amazing seafood and vegetables, warm bread with olive oil, and sweet treats.

In Crete the cuisine felt even more local and seasonal, olive oils that tasted unlike anything I have had here in the states, fresh fish straight from the sea, and ice cream.

Meals in Greece are meant to be slow, shared, and full of conversation. Some of my favorite memories from the trip happened around the dining table.

Is Athens and Crete a Good Combination for a Greece Trip?

Athens and Crete complement each other beautifully.

Athens offers incredible history, ancient ruins, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-famous landmarks.

Crete provides stunning beaches, mountain landscapes, charming villages, and a slower pace that invites you to relax and soak in the scenery.

Together they create an experience that works perfectly. I did use a travel agent to help with all the details of this trip (and many of our other trips!), if you need a good one, reach out to me, happy to give you her information.

When to Visit Greece

We traveled in April, which turned out to be a fantastic time to visit Greece. Cayo Exclusive Resort actually just opened the weekend before we got there, so we felt like it was our own private oasis!

The weather was warm enough for exploring during the day but cool enough for light sweaters at night. By traveling before the peak summer season we avoided extreme heat and heavy tourist crowds.

The best times to visit Greece are generally April through June and September through October. However, April is typically cooler, but we were 100% okay with that….it made walking around much more enjoyable.

Tips To Share About Our Greece Trip

Wear comfortable walking shoes

Athens is built on stone and uneven pathways. You’ll climb stairs and cover more ground than you expect.

Use offline maps

Many street signs in Athens are written only in Greek. Downloading offline maps ahead of time made navigating much easier.

Embrace the local dining schedule

Lunch is typically the largest meal of the day, while dinner happens later in the evening.

Don’t overschedule

Some of our favorite moments were unplanned – sitting at a café, watching the waves, or relaxing by the pool.

Additional Things to Do in Crete

If you have extra time on the island, here are a few wonderful activities to consider.

Visit Spinalonga Island

Explore Venetian fortress walls and learn about the island’s fascinating history.

Tour Knossos Palace

A must for Greek mythology fans, believed to be connected to the legend of the Minotaur.

Explore Chania Old Town

Colorful buildings, waterfront cafés, and charming shops make this harbor town unforgettable.

Relax at Balos Lagoon or Elafonissi Beach

Turquoise waters and soft sand make these beaches look like something from a postcard.

Top Places to Stay in Crete

Cayo Resort, Elounda

The resort where we stayed, with breathtaking sea views and luxurious villas.

Domes of Elounda

A luxury resort known for spacious suites and excellent dining.

Creta Palace

A family-friendly resort with farm-to-table dining.

Creta Maris Resort

A larger resort with activities like mini golf and movie nights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Athens and Crete

How many days do you need in Athens and Crete?

Two days in Athens and several days in Crete is a great balance between historic sightseeing and relaxing island time. We didn’t need anymore than 2 nights in Athens.

Is Crete good for a family trip?

Yes! Crete offers beautiful beaches, welcoming towns, incredible food, and plenty of activities for travelers of all ages.

What is the best time to visit Greece?

April through June and September through October offer beautiful weather and fewer crowds than peak summer months.

Final Thoughts on Our Three-Generation Greece Trip

This vacation was the perfect choice for a three-generation trip. My mom, my daughter, and I all loved it, and we made memories we will treasure forever. We are almost done with our scrapbook!

From ancient ruins in Athens to sunsets over the Aegean Sea in Crete, Greece gave us experiences that brought us closer together.

We would absolutely return to both Athens and Crete again.

Traveling through Greece also reminded me how much I love the fresh ingredients and simple flavors of Mediterranean cooking. If you enjoy Greek flavors too, you may also love this Mediterranean-inspired recipe.

Have you been to Greece? What were your favorite things to do in Athens or Crete? I’d love to hear your travel tips!

How to Plan an Athens and Crete Itinerary (Sample 7-Day Trip)

If you’re planning a trip to Greece and trying to decide how to divide your time, combining Athens and Crete is a wonderful way to experience both ancient history and beautiful island life. Athens offers iconic historic landmarks and vibrant city culture, while Crete gives you stunning beaches, charming villages, and incredible food.

Here’s a sample 7-day Athens and Crete itinerary similar to the one we experienced on our three-generation Greece trip.

Day 1: Arrive in Athens

Most international flights arrive in Athens in the morning, so plan for a relaxed first day to adjust to the time change.

After checking into your hotel, spend some time exploring the area around your hotel or enjoying a meal at a rooftop restaurant with views of the Acropolis. Seeing the Parthenon lit up at night is a magical way to start your trip.

Things to do your first day:

• Walk through the Plaka neighborhood
• Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant
• Take in sunset views of the Acropolis

Day 2: Explore Historic Athens

Your second day is perfect for exploring Athens’ incredible history.

Start the morning by visiting the Acropolis, one of the most famous ancient sites in the world. Then head to the Acropolis Museum, which beautifully displays artifacts discovered at the archaeological site.

Later in the day, explore the city with a guided tour or even a fun tuk tuk ride like we did.

Highlights to consider:

• The Acropolis and Parthenon
• Acropolis Museum
• Changing of the Guards at Syntagma Square
• Athens Central Market
• A Greek cooking class in the evening

Day 3: Travel to Crete

On the third day, take a short flight from Athens to Crete. Flights typically take about 45–60 minutes, making it easy to continue your Greek adventure on the island.

After arriving in Crete, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or exploring a nearby beach.

This is also a great time to enjoy your first traditional Cretan meal featuring fresh seafood, olive oil, local cheeses, and regional wines.

Day 4: Explore Elounda and Plaka

Spend the day exploring the beautiful coastal towns near Elounda.

The small fishing village of Plaka is charming and peaceful, with seaside restaurants and incredible views across the water to Spinalonga Island.

Things to enjoy nearby:

• Walking through Plaka village
• Lunch at a waterfront taverna
• Relaxing on the beach
• Sunset views over Mirabello Bay

Day 5: Boat Tour Along the Coast of Crete

One of our favorite experiences in Crete was taking a boat tour along the island’s stunning coastline.

The crystal-clear water, dramatic cliffs, and hidden coves make for an unforgettable day on the water. Many boat tours also include opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying local food and drinks.

This is a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of Crete.

Day 6: Day Trip to Santorini

If you have time, consider taking a day trip to Santorini from Crete.

While Santorini is famous for its white buildings and blue domes, it’s also known for its volcanic wines and incredible views of the caldera.

Popular experiences include:

• Visiting a local winery
• Exploring the town of Oia
• Watching the famous Santorini sunset

Even a single day on this iconic island is unforgettable.

Day 7: Relax and Depart

Spend your final day relaxing and soaking in the last views of the Aegean Sea before heading to the airport for your flight home.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, take one last swim, or walk through a nearby village before saying goodbye to Greece.

Why Athens and Crete Are Perfect for a Greece Itinerary

Athens and Crete make an ideal combination because they offer two very different but complementary travel experiences.

Athens immerses you in ancient history with world-famous landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon, while Crete invites you to slow down and enjoy beautiful beaches, traditional villages, and incredible Mediterranean cuisine.

For families, couples, or multi-generational trips like ours, this combination creates a well-balanced and unforgettable Greek vacation.

Planning a trip to Greece? Save this Athens and Crete itinerary for later on Pinterest!

If you love exploring Europe as much as we do, be sure to check out some of our other favorite European vacations:

• Our Family Adventure to Iceland
• Copenhagen Itinerary and Our Favorite Things To Do

Be sure to check out all my travel tips and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for more adventures.