The mainland and the islands: 2 weeks to combine the two facets of Greece

There are several airports offering direct links between France and Greece, but Athens, the country's capital, remains the most logical gateway. You'll have no trouble finding a flight on the dates of your choice.

As the airport is quite a distance from the centre, chances are that the day will be limited to a stroll around the historic heart of Athens, in the tourist districts of Monastiraki and Plaka, with a breathtaking view of the Acropolis lit up at night.

A great introduction!

Where to stay in Athens?

Car hire is preferable for the first week, so that you still have freedom of movement. Today we have a big stage ahead of us: a 4-hour drive from Athens to Kastraki, at the foot of the Meteors.

An early start and a break at a historic site that has left its mark on Greek history: Thermopylae (the Hot Gates), site of one of the most famous battles of Antiquity between the Greeks and the Persians.

The road crosses the vast agricultural plains of Thessaly before reaching the peaceful village of Kastraki, for a first stroll in the breathtaking scenery of Meteora.

Where to stay in Meteora?

Let's concentrate today on visiting the famous hilltop monasteries of Meteora. It's a very short drive from one site to another. It's best to put on some good shoes and follow the local footpaths to stretch your legs!

From Kastraki, there are paths leading to the emblematic monasteries of Varlaam and Grand Meteora: arriving on foot is even more impressive!

Today we're heading south. It will take just 3 hours to see the foothills of Mount Parnassus, in the heart of Central Greece, rising to an altitude of 2,457 metres! It's a mountainous route that gives you a good idea of the scenery in mainland Greece.

Before arriving, the road overlooks a valley covered with olive trees, plunging down towards the Gulf of Corinth. This afternoon, we have time to go down to the seaside, to the pretty village of Galaxidi, for our first dip in the sea, before setting down our bags in Delphi for 2 nights.

Where to stay in Delphi?

Meet in front of the entrance to the site of Delphi as soon as it opens in the morning, before the tourist buses arrive.

This is one of the most famous sites in Greece, and one of the most beautiful testimonies to the ancient world. Set in a mountainous landscape with splendid views, the archaeological site of Delphi will charm even the most reluctant of visitors.

A full visit to the site and its museum takes a good half-day. To complete the tour, why not make a detour to Arachova, a wealthy resort on Mount Parnassus, before returning to Delphi for the evening?

By car, Athens is less than a 2? hour drive from Delphi. The good news is that this gives us a good day to start exploring the capital.

Head to Syntagma Square, in front of the Greek Parliament, to watch the comical changing of the guard. Not far away, the Benaki Museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of Greece, before exploring the main pedestrian and shopping streets of Athens, along Ermou and Aiolou.

To round off the day, head off to the ever-bustling backstreets of Psiri, one of the capital's most dynamic districts.

Where to stay in Athens?

Let's take advantage of our time in Athens, and our last day with the car, to explore the Athenian Riviera, as a prelude to what awaits us on the islands.

The aim will be to reach Cape Sounion, at the southern tip of Attica, where the magnificent temple of Poseidon stands. Offshore, the first Cyclades are in sight!

The site is even more captivating in the declining sunshine at the end of the day, so don't hesitate to stop off at one of the many beaches and seaside resorts on the Riviera, before heading to the port of Piraeus for the night.

Where to stay in Piraeus?

Sleeping in Piraeus offers the advantage of easy access to the boats leaving for the islands, usually early in the morning. Today we set sail for the first island of our trip, Sifnos!

This pretty Cyclade, covered in olive trees, is a delight for walkers, with its pretty, well-marked paths. Drop your bags in Apollonas, the typical little capital with its white houses and chapels, and set off directly on foot to visit Kastro, a white village perched on its rocky outcrop.

Spend the evening in the gentle bustle of Apollonas.

Where to stay in Sifnos?

Still on foot, set off well-shod from the centre of Apollonas in the direction of Profitis Ilias, the summit of Sifnos. At the top is a monastery open to visitors, offering breathtaking views of the island.

Then continue your walk to Vathy, along beautiful Cycladic paths. The arrival on the bay of Vathy and its large sandy beach is spectacular.

End the day on a terrace by the water, before returning home.

A short crossing takes us from the port of Sifnos to the port of Milos: Adamas. This is where we stay for 3 consecutive nights.

A short hop on a bus takes you to the beautiful beach of Sarakiniko, the symbol of Milos. This entire stretch of the north coast is covered in white tufa, a reminder of the island's volcanic origins. This dazzling landscape contrasts with the intense blue of the Aegean Sea: a unique lunar setting to explore all day long!

Evening in Adamas, always lively along the seafront.

Where to stay in Milos?

From the port of Adamas, a number of boats can take you on a cruise around Milos, discovering natural sites that would otherwise be difficult to access.

Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Sikia cave, then around the spectacular cliffs of Kleftiko, in the south-west of the island. Mask and snorkel, stops on the beaches, meals and good humour are all part of a great day out.

If the meltem doesn't allow the excursion, take refuge on the beautiful beaches of the south (Paliochori, Fyriplaka...), always sheltered from the north wind.

Note that Milos and Athens are linked by boat, but there are also a few domestic flights which make the journey much shorter: it's up to you to choose the best time and the best price.

In the morning, a late departure allows you to explore the north-east of Milos: the capital, Plaka, for a final Cycladic setting, Klima, a fishing village with its feet in the water, and between the two, the group of archaeological remains where the Venus of Milos was found, now on display at the Louvre.

Where to stay in Athens?

We've kept the great symbol of Greece to conclude this trip. Early in the morning, as soon as the site opens to avoid the crowds, head for the entrance to the Athens Acropolis, for an in-depth visit of the Parthenon and the other temples that make it up.

Then round off your visit with the Acropolis Museum, a must-see and certainly the most beautiful museum in the whole of Athens. While you're in the area, don't miss the narrow streets of Anafiotika, a Cycladic-style district at the foot of the Acropolis.