The Acropolis and the caldera

Who it is for

For a long weekend or a week between ancient Greece and an island.

Not for anyone who wants a quiet island in July and August, when Santorini is crowded.

The strategy

Athens comes first, with the Acropolis at the start, and Santorini comes next, by boat or on a short flight.

What you will see

• Acropolis and Parthenon, Athens. The site brings together the Parthenon (447–432 BC), the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion with its porch of the Caryatids.
• Oia's Kastro and Ammoudi, Santorini. The ruins of Agios Nikolaos castle are the late-afternoon lookout.

Day by day

Athens

1. 1
   Day 1: The Acropolis, the museum and the hill

   1. 1Acropolis and ParthenonOne to two hoursEssential
   2. 2Acropolis MuseumEssential
2. 2
   Day 2: The Agora, the market, and the Archaeological Museum

   1. 4Ancient Agora and HephaisteionWorth a visit
   2. 5KerameikosUp to half an hourWorth a visit
   3. 3National Archaeological MuseumOne to two hoursEssential
3. 3
   Day 3: The port, the sea and the view · if you have more time

   1. 7Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center (SNFCC)Worth a visit
   2. Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro)Up to half an hourIf there is time
   3. 6LycabettusUp to half an hourWorth a visit
   4. 1Acropolis and ParthenonOne to two hoursEssential

Santorini

1. 4
   Day 4: The caldera rim, from Fira to Oia

   
2. 5
   Day 5: Volcano, Thirasia, and vineyards

   
3. 6
   Day 6: Bronze Age and black sand · if you have more time