jaydreb5

Hi all. I'm new to the Greece forum, as I have never been to Greece before.

My wife and I are looking at Greece for our next vacation sometime this summer (Jun-July). We would probably have 8 nights for the trip (arrive on Saturday and leave the following Sunday). We are coming from the U.S.

My wife has been to Athens before. I have never been, but I am more interested in the islands than Athens, although my wife is pleading with me to at least allow some time in Athens. I am looking to relax and not battle the heat/crowds of Athens.

ONE VERY IMPORTANT NOTE IS THAT I GET VERY SEASICK AND CANNOT DO BOATS/FERRIES. ISLANDS WILL NEED TO BE ACCESSIBLE BY AIR.

Question 1: what would a reasonable 8-night itinerary look like if we decided to just do the Greek isles? For example, could we split up our time between Santorini and either Crete or Rhodes?

We're pretty sure we want to visit Santorini (we're interested in laid-back vacation; beautiful scenery, etc.). Can't decide between Rhodes and Crete. Any insight there?

(My ancestors came from Crete and Rhodes, which is why I would like to visit one of these islands).

Question 2: What would a reasonable 8-night itinerary look like if we decided that we did want to spend some time in Athens? I presume that in this case we could only do one of the islands?

Anyway, I know this post is very broad but I would appreciate any insight people might have.

monicapileggi

For 8 nights, I would narrow down to three locations: Athens, Santorini and Rhodes. Crete is quite large and would need lots of days there.

Monica

jaydreb5

Thank you Monica. I am leaning towards doing what you suggest.

Does the order of the islands matter? Easier/better to do Rhodes--> Santorini or vice versa?

Is 4 nights Santorini, 3 nights Rhodes, 1 night Athens a workable scenario?

Or should it be 3 nights Santorini, 3 nights Rhodes, 2 nights Athens?

travelerjan

Santorini is lovely but it is a small island and all about the view, whereas the classical part of Athens represents 4,000 years+ of history and art. Keep santorini to 3 nights at most, so at least you can have 2 nights in Athens. Read up on it, you'll get more out of it. Check out the AthensInfoGuide -- read Walk #3. Fascinating.

jaydreb5

Thank you Travelerjan.

If we did the 2 nights in Athens, would you recommend doing them at the beginning of the trip or at the end of the trip?

monicapileggi

I don't think it makes a difference where you begin/end your trip. I would check flights to see which has the best schedules/times.

My husband and I did a trip where we flew to Athens, changed planes and flew to Santorini for 3 nights; then we took the boat to Naxo, then do Paros and then to Athens. You can read my journal - it might give you some ideas.

http://greece2001mjp.homestead.com/greece2001.html

Monica

travelerjan

I would say, end of trip. That way you don't have to worry about getting your flight back to the US ... and also I always feel you get more out of Athens after you've been immersed in Greek culture for even a few days.

By the way, Ihope that in Rhodes you will be staying in the Old City, not in some cookie=cutter International Hotel on a beach. You can do that in the US or the caribbean. Instead stay in the city, then rent a car and drive south to the beaches and west to the less crowded parts of the island.

And I HOPE you plan this for June, not july... you have NO idea how hot it can be in Greece in July -- and the European holiday throng will make for huge crowds. June june june.

travelerjan

Almost forgot to add -- what makes you think Santorini is ideal for a "laid back" vacation. It is the MOST touricized island in all Greeece, with huge cruise ships 2-3 per day,pouring their throngs ashore.

A "laid-back" island vacation in July would have to be a smaller and less- promoted isle, such as AntiParos, or Sifnos or Milos ...or an island large enough to absorb crowds, such as Crete. Santorini has a lovely view, but to get "laid-back" you would have to book a costly "spa" hotel or one of the honeymoon-havens ... and there we are, back in the Caribbean mode, nothing "greek" about it, just an international luxe venue.

jaydreb5

Appreciate all the comments.

I guess by "laid back" I meant in comparison with Athens, but your point is noted.


Are you advising against Santorini, or just saying we need to be prepared for crowds?

travelerjan

No, I guess I'm not advising against it, for a first-timer because when u go home all your friends who've been on cruises will ask "Did you go to Santorini?????" so you'd better go.

I guess I'm just alerting you to the nature of the place. And while I'm at it, you also should be aware that since it is SUCH a honeymoon favorite, the more upscale venues (I am guessing you are not backpackers) may already be booked. These forums are full of brides-to-be complaining in January that they can't get the rooms they've set their hearts on!.

Get thee to an agent and start booking both your flights AND your desired rooms. And for the best results, set a specific price you are willing to pay, so they won't have to guess while searching.

Good luck!!

Gaspard

And "Did you go to Mykonos?"
G.

vhs100

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands so you wouldn't get to see much of it in the time availble.

Rhodes is a good recommendation as is the Old City although this port also receives many cruise liners.

If you do get to Rhodes, try and go to Lindos (enchanting but touristy) but great for meandering around the tiny maze of alleyways and shops/restaurants. There is no traffic beyond the entrance to the village and you can take a donkey ride from the donkey station to the Acropolis - the views up there are amazing!

Lindos is about 1 hr by local bus from Rhodes town.

Enjoy.

Enjoy.

HappyTrvlr

I agree with Travelerjan about Santorini. We spent 6 weeks in Greece and four of those days were on Santorini. We felt as if we had left Greece- it looked like Greece but the natural warmth and hospitality of the Greek people that we had been experiencing elsewhere in the country was missing. Perhaps that was because so many of the workers in the hospitality industry there are not Greek, rather workers from other European countries,including eastern Europe.
It had a more packaged touristy feel with hordes of cruise ship tours arriving daily. Go to Crete and the other islands to find l"aid back"..

monicapileggi

DON'T miss Santorini! I've been there three times now and love it!

Here are links to some photos from a recent trip:

Mykonos: http://www.tabblo.com/studio/stories/view/439848/

Rhodes: http://www.tabblo.com/studio/stories/view/440154/

Santorini: http://www.tabblo.com/studio/stories/view/442240/

Monica

jaydreb5

Wow, thank you all for your helpful suggestions.

Where do people recommend staying in Rhodes? In the Old Town? Near Lindos? Elsewhere?

travelerjan

I say, stay in Old Town, and take taxi/bus to Lindos. If you stay in the right place in Old Town, you'll be away from the (cruise ship) throngs, yet and an easy walk (down cobbled medieval lanes) to all the attractions. We stayed at a little B & B, "Pink Elephant" and loved it, but it may be a bit small for you (10 rms)...
http://pinkelephantpension.com/

Just google "Hotels Old Town Rhodes" and you'll get a ton of them. Two that you may like, on a pretty street but not in the heavy-traffic lane of cruise-shippers:

http://www.travel-rhodes.com/hotels/old_town/marcopolo/

http://www.travel-rhodes.com/hotels/old_town/paris/