amylynn83

I am going to Greece next June for my honeymoon. How many days should I spend in Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens? We will be visiting other places while we are there as well. I am the kind of traveler that likes to see and do as much as possible. Not really into museums or sitting on a beach for too long two three hours at the most. Also is it faster to take a ferry or a plane from Athens to the islands? I am thinking they will be similar considering airport wait times, taxiing, etc. and what are some of your other favorite places to visit in greece ? I need some advice thank you!!!

brotherleelove2004

The ferry takes 5-8 hours from Athens to Santorini or Mykonos. The plane takes 30 minutes. You do the math.

joannyc

Meteora was one of my favorite places in Greece!

https://www.google.com/search?q=mete...&bih=672&dpr=1

HappyTrvlr

Napflion, Delphi.

Heimdall

First of all, congratulations! How many days total will you have for the honeymoon?

Most people feel three days per island is the minimum, but of course more is better. Remember even when you fly, you use most of the day checking in and out of hotels, transfer to the port/airport, etc, so don't count that as time on an island. Moving from one island to another is also time consuming.

There are many things to see on the mainland, and joannyc & HappyTrvlr have made some good suggestions.

amylynn83

Thanks everyone! Heimdall thank you! And I will have two weeks 14 days give or take. I wanted to go to Meteora and Delphi. I heard they are day trips so I don't think they will take up much time. I have been reading a lot of different opinions about the different places. Some say there isn't a lot to do on Mykonos. I am a busy traveler so I like to do as much as possible but not spend to much time in museums or laying at the beach specifically. I'm just struggling how to split up my time and if I could make it to another place I between.

Thanks for all the help !
Amy

Heimdall

Hi Amy,

If you could arrange a one or two night trip to Delphi and Meteora together, that would save some time going back and forth to Athens. If you don't want to drive, there are Athens-based tour companies that can take you there. Check out http://www.gotours.com.gr/en/tour/show/10. There are similar tours offered by Chat, Key, and other companies.

Mykonos is a great island, but most people go there primarily for beaches and nightlife. Even if you aren't into ancient sites, a day trip to Delos is well worthwhile. See my Flickr album: http://www.flickr.com/photos/heimdal...7627791957268/. You could take a day trip to the island of Tinos, or book one of the sailing trips around Mykonos.

An alternative would be going to Naxos or Paros, which are also beach oriented, but it's possible to take day trips to Delos and Mykonos from there. Naxos has some beautiful mountain villages, to give you a taste of what the islands were like before tourism. From Paros you could also visit my favourite island, Antiparos, or take one of the fun round-island cruises: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Capta...88632217901851

PetrosB3

First of all, I am Greek so I have some suggestions the foreigners never heard of so, trust me. Lets start:

Athens is for 3 days.
Museums: The New Acropolis Museum and The National Archaeological Museum. These are the 2 Basic Museums, you can't leave Athens without seeing its Glorious Past even if you are not a museums fan you will love them.
Attractions: The Parthenon, Temple of Hephaestus (Agora), Tower of the Winds, Monument of Lysikrates.
Activities: Take a walk in Plaka, Anafiotika, Gazi. Shopping in Ermou. Go to Filopappos Hill for the best View of The Acropolis. Watch a Vintage film in the Legendary Cine Thisio.
Food: "ManhManh" Laconic Contemporary Cuisine, "Mavros Gatos" an Excellent Taverna, "To Koutouki tou Marathoniti" the Original Greek Taverna, not to be missed, "Ariston" the best tiropita, spanakopita etc in Athens, "Spondi" has Michelin Stars and is very expensive, but it's your honeymoon and the food is superb. Check that out: http://www.culinarybackstreets.com/category/athens/

And now the Islands:

Sifnos: One of the most charming islands of the Cyclades. If the first thing which comes to your mind when you think of Greece are the white washed houses with blue doors and windows and domed churches of the same colours this is your place. Sifnos is a sophisticated island, for quality tourists which search for a calmness and relaxation. The beautiful town of Kastro is the ancient capital of Sifnos, and is even mentioned by Homer itself. It was a powerful and rich Ancient Kingdom, which became rich by its Silver Mines. The Sifniots were so rich that they built a Treausury in Delphi which the Ancient Greeks believed it was the most beautiful Treausury in Delphi, even better than the Athenian. Due to its abundance in Silver which made the Kingdom rich, the beaches in Sifnos are shining because in the sand there is silver dust. Kastro is on a hill, fortified, looking on the sea and the little chapel of the Virgin "Panagia Poulati" on the sea rock of Kastro, is simply stunning. The atmospheric village of Artemonas gives you an idea how Cyclades looked like before the Hordes of the Tourists. The Church of Crysopigi with the legend of the Saracen Pirates is not to be missed. The island is famous for its excellent pottery, an Ancient tradition, and for its food as it is the birthplace of Tselementes, inventor of Moussaka and the most important cooker of Greece.

Rhodes: It has the biggest inhabited Medieval City in Europe. The City of Rhodes is a mix of Greece (Ancient Monuments and Byzantine Churches), Turkey (Ottoman Mosques and Hamams) The Crusaders (The Great Castle and Walls of Rhodes and the Palace of the Grand Master) and Jews (Synagogues). All these civilizations formed one of the most charming cities in Europe. The whole city is protected by UNESCO. It always was a Grand City since antiquity. It was a very powerful city-state, and it was a "must" for the Roman Elite to study Philosophy in Rhodes during the Roman Imperial Period. Don't forget it hosted one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, the Colossus of Rhodes. The island of Rhodes, has some great beaches, it has the Valley of the Butterflies, charming villages and towns. The City of Lindos is also gorgeous, it has not the cosmopolitan air of the City of Rhodes, but it is a beautiful typical Rhodian town, with its own Castle and Ancient Acropolis. It was one of the most important cities of Ancient Rhodes.

Symi: It is so beautiful, you believe it is fake. Small Neoclassical doll houses are settled around the port like in a kids drawing. It is simply unique.

Kastellorizo/Megisti: Most tourists do no even know its existence, it is in a remote location right under Minor Asia. This island, is probably the most relaxing place in Europe. The Chora, is a small gem and it is all yours since as I said most tourists don't know its existence. Swimming eating by the sea walking in the Chora, Ancient Monuments and sleeping is what will you do all day. The crystal waters are extremely clean, ideal for swimming.

And Santorini ofcourse.

amylynn83

You guys have been so helpful I will look into all your suggestions! and thank you PetrosB3 for your insider information and your welcome into your beautiful country!