ladydem

Hello,

We are spending almost 6 weeks in Europe this summer, and planning to visit Greece for 18 days starting last week of June. Out of several options discussed with our kids(ages 13 and 9), they seem to be most excited about Greece because they find greek history and mythology fascinating and also like the idea of island hopping.

Based on our early research and flight/ferry connections, here is what itinerary looks like:

Day 1: Arrive in Athens from Paris. Day trips to Hydra, Delphi (6 nights in Athens)
Day 7: Athens to Naxos ferry arriving in Naxos in the afternoon (4 nights in Naxos)
Day 11: Naxos to Santorini ferry (3 nights in Santorini)
Day 14: Santorini to Crete Ferry (4 nights in Crete)
Day 19: Fly back to Paris.

There is a good chance that kids and I will stay in Crete for 2-3 days more but my husband will need to fly back to Paris on day 19.

Does our high level plan look good? We definitely want to visit Athens and Santorini. For the second island, I think Naxos seems like a right choice but I am also researching more to see if Milos or Paros might work better. Any suggestions? We decided to end the trip in Crete since it has enough to do in case we decide to extend the trip and also because it has direct flight back to Paris.

Many thanks in advance!

Heimdall

elpida

I would definately agree about Crete.
For sure you need more days and probably 3 nights at Santorini are not necessary. The beaches are not perfect... the best Kamari go to Imba beach bar and Theros.... But again less than moderate in comparison to crete's.
Where are you staying in Crete? I hope Chania which are the best.. Best food, ambiente, wonderful beaches like Phalaserna and Elafonisi. Do not miss going day trip to Knossos.
For Athens apart from the classical ones Acropolis, museums etc definately go to an Ancient Drama performance as you may only have in Athens and in Epidaurus. In Athens its for the first year and you may find with subtitles in English. There is also Tholos museum for kids as it is a representation of Ancient Athens where you walk among temples.... Have a look on internet for fimonoitheate and Tholos.
Avoid eating in Plaka as it is too touristic and try fresh fish by the beach. I would suggest Mikrolimano and Faliro. If you want to stay in City center for food try Mani Mani, Agora, Feedel and Koukaki area the food is quite decent

Have very good time and try to avoid the Touristic places
​

ladydem

Thanks, Heimdall and Elpida! Now I see that going to Crete might not work as well as I had hoped. Heraklion has better options for ferry and flights so that's what I was considering as my base -- but looks like Chania is the better part. We could stay on Chania side for total 6-7 days but that's going to be complicated as my husband needs to go back to Paris after 4 days.

So -- if we remove Crete from the plan all together (and save it for another time ), where do you suggest spending 4-6 days? May be I should consider adding Mykonos since it has direct flight options? Or, another island and then go back to Athens for the flight back?

kja

If you can add time to Crete, I don't think you'd regret it.
And even if it means relocating for a night, you might consider staying in Delphi for a night -- otherwise, it can make for a (do-able) but very long day trip.

I visited all of the places you've mentioned except Hydra; you might find some useful information in my trip report:
With Gratitude for a Glorious Solo Month in Greece

Greece is delightful -- enjoy!

joannyc

neckervd

There ARE direct flights from Chania to Paris: Transavia/Airfrance, about every second day. Daily flights with plane change at Athens.
But Heraklion isn't that far away. If you make a loop through Western Crete and proceed up to the archeological site of Phaistos too, you will closer to Heraklion than to Chania.
If you leave Santorini on a Tuesday or Saturday, you may take the slow ferry straight to Rethymnon (Santorini dp 17.30).
I would take 1 day from each, Athens, Naxos and Santorini and add these 3 days to Crete.

ooogra

So much depends on what you want for a Greek Island Experience: Culture, history, archeological/historic sights, more locals than tourists, traditional Greek Food and way of life or shopping, partying, nightlife, laying around on a beach, the buzz of crowds and spending money on tourist souvenirs rather than traditional Greek products.Lots of options for islands that may offer more tradition: Naxos, Amorgos, Sifnos, Milos, Lemnos, Thassos, Ikaria, Chios, Samos and lots more.

Regarding mainland, the Peloponesse (Olympia, Kalamata, Monemvasia) and central Greece (Olympus, Meteora, Delphi) are both very beautiful regions, but the Peloponesse is easier to drive through, as it's less mountainous, thus less time spent driving. The coastline of the western part is just amazing. You'll certainly enjoy the ride! And there's so more to the mainland Greece than just Athens.

elpida

Peloponnese that proposed you is a beautiful place but not if your husband leaves earlier as it is by car from Athens. I would suggest big islands like Rodoes that have many flights abroad. But you can still look for flights from Chania.
For Mykonos depends on your budget as you may need a fortune and good nerves as you have to have everything booked beforehand... Like beach bench, restaurant etc

Heimdall

If someone posts a question about their proposed itinerary I don't think it is very helpful to suggest something completely different, unless the proposed itinerary is clearly impractical. Ladydem, there is nothing wrong with what you propose, it is only a question of timing for each island. Personally I've never been to Crete because I prefer smaller islands, but it has a lot to offer, and direct flights to Paris for your husband as well.

My suggestions are based on what I feel would be best for you rather than my personal preferences, which would be Paros/Antiparos, but it would be a shame to miss Santorini. It was my ninth trip to the Cyclades before I went to Santorini, but am very glad I did. Since then I have been back to Santorini a second time.

ladydem

Thank you everyone for taking the time to give suggestions. It's really helpful and I appreciate it!

kja Thanks for sharing your trip report! What a trip!!!

neckervd good to know about Rethymnon ferry and direct flight from Chania to Paris. Now I realize that flight and ferry options significantly from day to day.

ooogra elpida Our interests are history and historic sights, local/traditional markets, nature, wandering around in town in general, family time/down time so some beach time would be great. Our interests definitely NOT include shopping, partying, nightlife. Peloponnese is very tempting but I don't want to rush through many places. Said that, once I have overall plan locked down, I will see if part of that can be included in days reserved as Athens. I have ruled out Mykonos in favor of Naxos/Paros based on what we want to do.

Heimdall Thanks again! May I ask for reasons why you prefer Paros over Naxos?

Heimdall

travelerjan

All power to Heimdall --- I love Antiparos also, more than Paros ... and will not go on and on About Naxos, will just link 2 albums by my friend Stanbr --
Trip around Naxos

Flickr Slideshows (Photostreams)