bbk511

My husband and I will be traveling to Greece first two weeks in October.
So far it is our intention to spend 3 days in Athens (possibly do a day trip to Hydra during this stay)
Then on to Santorini for 4-5 nights. At the end of the trip we had intended to go to the Peloponese for 4-5 days but that leaves us time for one more island to visit before we go there.
Cant decide which island. Have considered Crete, Paros, Naxos.
Some parameters- We are in our sixties, We are not hikers, we like to stay in luxury and we prefer not to move every 2 days. We enjoy local cuisine, and don't plan a vacation around the meals.
We do like to take private tours of the special archeological and historic sites and enjoy the beautiful and varied landscapes and beaches, although we don't plan to sit at the beach so late in the season. It makes sense to us to experience an island that is different from Santorini but not too difficult to get to. A few hours by ferry is fine but don't want to have to fly or travel too long.
Suggestions? Top Islands and why?

Also, while we are in the Peloponese: any suggestions as to best area to stay? I've heard Napflion is great but seems like there are other options too.

Lastly, do you know what would be the top 3 luxury hotels in Peloponese?

kja

Greece is a delight!

Some comments:

Are you flying into and out of Athens? If so, consider putting all of your time there at the end of your trip, as you will want to be there the night before your flight.

3 days is, IMO, not much for Athens.

I’m not sure how you calculate that you will have “time for one more island”—I’m counting at least 11 nights (4 nights in Athens gives you 3 days there, plus at least 4 nights on Santorini and 4 in the Peloponnese), and you say you have two weeks. Perhaps you can clarify?

Crete easily merits 1 to 2 weeks. Naxos easily merits at least 3 full days. I didn’t visit Paros.

IMO, Nafplion is a great base not only for it’s own charm, but also because it offers ready access to quite a few diverse archeological sites. I’m not sure any single base in the Peloponnese offers quite the same range, but I could be wrong!

You might find some useful information (but not luxury hotel recommendations!) in my trip report:
With Gratitude for a Glorious Solo Month in Greece

bbk511

Thank you kja
Let me clarify
I have 3 nights athens
4 nights santorini
1 night at end to be close to athens or airport
that leaves me 7 more nights to figure out.
It seems like Crete needs a lot of time-
Would you opt for Crete over Peloponese and spend 7 nights there in 2 different cities?
would you do Hydra or Spetses as a few days instead of Hydra as a day trip? Is there another island proximate to santorini that might make sense?
Thanks for the advice


Would you just do two other islands and skip peloponese- feel like 7 nights in peloponese is too long
I did consider Athens at end of trip- i know thats also a good suggestion, but thought our preference was to do the big city thing at the beginning

Odin

I think your itinerary is fine with a couple of tweaks maybe. I also like the big city thing at the beginning of a trip, cities seem so grimy after spending time by the sea, islands & countryside etc, your last night is in Athens so no worries about not making it to the mainland for your flight home. 4 nights in Santorini might be one night too many, at least for me, 3 nights in Athens is about right IMO.
In Peloponnese, what kind of luxury hotel are you looking for, one by the beach, traditional, modern etc? It's a large area so some luxurious hotels might not be where you want to be. Westin Resort Costa Navarino for instance, but there are some luxurious properties in Monemvasia, Porto Heli and other places. Beginning October might be still ok for the beach.

kja

Crete is very different than the Cylades; both are very different than the Peloponnese; all of them are different than Athens, and you haven't even mentioned places like Delphi.... None of us can tell you what will prove most interesting to you. Good luck!