Greece: April or July?
Dec 31st, 2016, 10:31 AM
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Greece: April or July?
Looking to book a trip to Greece with my two teens and husband. July would mean we would get a full two weeks to explore but hot. April would be cooler but really just 10 days (and with it being Easter, worried that a lot will be closed up). We could also go end of August.
We are not the types to lounge around beaches (maybe for a day or two tops). We like to look at ruins. Museums (although teens have limited attention for that), hike. Just walk around and people watch and explore.
Staying 10 days to two weeks we figured we would stay on the mainland and choose one additional island? Like most people, we want to see some of the important sites but like going to small towns, some nature and just enjoy stepping into another way of living. Thanks for advice.
We are not the types to lounge around beaches (maybe for a day or two tops). We like to look at ruins. Museums (although teens have limited attention for that), hike. Just walk around and people watch and explore.
Staying 10 days to two weeks we figured we would stay on the mainland and choose one additional island? Like most people, we want to see some of the important sites but like going to small towns, some nature and just enjoy stepping into another way of living. Thanks for advice.
Dec 31st, 2016, 10:49 AM
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There won't be as much closed during Easter as you may think, except for Easter Sunday (April 16th). Have a look at this Ministry of Culture site which lists the holiday hours of all the museums and archaeological sites: http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh30.jsp
Since you aren't interested in beaches, and want to stay on the mainland, April would be a wonderful time to go. It's also a great opportunity to see the Easter customs and celebrations during this most important Greek holiday:
http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/religion/easter_in_greece
Since you aren't interested in beaches, and want to stay on the mainland, April would be a wonderful time to go. It's also a great opportunity to see the Easter customs and celebrations during this most important Greek holiday:
http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/religion/easter_in_greece
Dec 31st, 2016, 11:26 AM
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With your interests, I suggest visiting Nafplio, which is a charming town close to several major archaeological sites, foremost among them Mycenae (of King Agamemnon fame) and Epidavros with its stunning theater, while you are on the mainland. If it were me, I would also choose April to avoid the heat and crowds of summer.
Dec 31st, 2016, 11:40 AM
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I would take April any time over July or August, even if a few days shorter time period. Especially since you don't care about beaches that much, I wouldn't even consider July-August. I was there early October and it was very pleasant and people were still swimming, actually, on the islands where I went.
I went to 3 islands and was only there about a week or so. But I was on a cruise which made that easy and we only stopped on each for a day (Rhodes and Mykonos, we stopped by Patmos, also, but just a few hours). I was only in Athens the rest of the time although I did a day trip to Delphi via some bus trip. But if you are mainly interested in the mainland, that is easier.
I went to 3 islands and was only there about a week or so. But I was on a cruise which made that easy and we only stopped on each for a day (Rhodes and Mykonos, we stopped by Patmos, also, but just a few hours). I was only in Athens the rest of the time although I did a day trip to Delphi via some bus trip. But if you are mainly interested in the mainland, that is easier.
Dec 31st, 2016, 05:57 PM
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Actuallly,the VERY end of August isn't too bad for crowds, since Europeans have to get their kids back in school by ?Aug. 21 or so, thus the big throngs of package-holiday people will be thinning out. And of course, the sea will be very pleasant swimming, having had 4 months to warm up.
The differences between April 15-30, and say, August 21 - Sept 4, in my observation, are those of ambience:
(1) April, the rains are almost over, occasional showers, but everything is green - lots of wildflowers, even on bone-dry islands like Santorini and Amorgos. By end of August, Greece has gone without rain for 4 months, so things look dusty & brownish, altho of course householders always keep their plants and vines perky and well-watered.
(2) in April, things are "waking up," small hotels are painting their walls, fishermen painting their boats, in village lanes, people are painting fresh outlines around the flagstones. Most places are open, but no crowds, so locals have time to chat & socialize with you. By end of August & early September, shopkeepers & hoteliers have had 8 weeks of busy-busy with High Season crowds (some w rude & demanding clientele), so Mr & Mrs Greek are a little burnt-out. Always hospitable of course, but starting to think about their own families, schools, appointments etc.
Just a matter of nuance, and everyone differs in what they prefer.
The differences between April 15-30, and say, August 21 - Sept 4, in my observation, are those of ambience:
(1) April, the rains are almost over, occasional showers, but everything is green - lots of wildflowers, even on bone-dry islands like Santorini and Amorgos. By end of August, Greece has gone without rain for 4 months, so things look dusty & brownish, altho of course householders always keep their plants and vines perky and well-watered.
(2) in April, things are "waking up," small hotels are painting their walls, fishermen painting their boats, in village lanes, people are painting fresh outlines around the flagstones. Most places are open, but no crowds, so locals have time to chat & socialize with you. By end of August & early September, shopkeepers & hoteliers have had 8 weeks of busy-busy with High Season crowds (some w rude & demanding clientele), so Mr & Mrs Greek are a little burnt-out. Always hospitable of course, but starting to think about their own families, schools, appointments etc.
Just a matter of nuance, and everyone differs in what they prefer.
Jan 1st, 2017, 12:16 AM
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Different countries in Europe have different school holiday dates, some finish around 21 Aug but equally several continue to the end of August/start of September, including Greece & UK. The throngs of package holiday makers will still be in the resorts at that time.
Jan 1st, 2017, 01:38 AM
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Odin, the last week of August is a brilliant time to be on the islands. Many Greeks begin to return home on the weekend after the August 15th Assumption Day holiday, and some countries, as you say, begin the school year by then. Many hotels, including the one where I stay on Antiparos, even reduce their rates from around the 21st of August. These are the islands with shorter seasons, something you learn with experience.
The touristy islands, e.g. Santorini and Mykonos, and the package holiday resorts frequented by British budget travellers, stay busy right up until the end of August, or even into September.
The touristy islands, e.g. Santorini and Mykonos, and the package holiday resorts frequented by British budget travellers, stay busy right up until the end of August, or even into September.
Jan 1st, 2017, 07:15 PM
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Oh boy... end of August... we could probably do then also.... our kids go back to school after Labor day. Darn. Although TravelerJan you paint a really nice picture of April. Nafplio sounds great. Researching that now. OK I guess I should look at flights. And I want to do maybe Crete? Honestly, I am trying to figure this all out still. So I am reading through these threads with great interest.
Jan 1st, 2017, 09:25 PM
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If your boys will need to swim, April is not possible for that; sea is TOOO chilly and pools are unheated. You could do a 2-weeker from Aug 18 to Sept 3, allow 1-day recovery before School starts Sept 5.
If u want advice on a time-efficient itinerary, it helps a LOT if you supply relevant info such as -- are u East coast or West?? If former, you can fly nonstop from PHL or JFK, arrive 9-9:30 AM & zip right off to 1st destination, leave Athens for end. No point in being in Athens 2x & u must be there night before departure date.
A scenario that's been popular with families like yours, active teens, like to hike, see stuff, explore might work like this:
Day 1 - Jump in rental car 10:30am - drive to Nafplio (2 hrs); if peppy, stop at ancient Nemea en route. Day 2 & 3, enjoy Nafplio & environs.
Day 4 - drive back via Epidaurus - either drop car at airport & fly to farthest island ( Chania/crete?) or at Piraeus & take o'night boat to ditto.
Day 5 -6-7-8 - Crete
Day 9 - Ferry to ?? Naxos?? Antiparos?
Day 11 (evening) - ferry back to Mainland
Day 12-13-14 - Athens Landmark Whirl.
My fave e
If u want advice on a time-efficient itinerary, it helps a LOT if you supply relevant info such as -- are u East coast or West?? If former, you can fly nonstop from PHL or JFK, arrive 9-9:30 AM & zip right off to 1st destination, leave Athens for end. No point in being in Athens 2x & u must be there night before departure date.
A scenario that's been popular with families like yours, active teens, like to hike, see stuff, explore might work like this:
Day 1 - Jump in rental car 10:30am - drive to Nafplio (2 hrs); if peppy, stop at ancient Nemea en route. Day 2 & 3, enjoy Nafplio & environs.
Day 4 - drive back via Epidaurus - either drop car at airport & fly to farthest island ( Chania/crete?) or at Piraeus & take o'night boat to ditto.
Day 5 -6-7-8 - Crete
Day 9 - Ferry to ?? Naxos?? Antiparos?
Day 11 (evening) - ferry back to Mainland
Day 12-13-14 - Athens Landmark Whirl.
My fave e
Jan 2nd, 2017, 01:58 AM
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Yes, you could squeeze in two weeks between the last week of August and American Labor Day. Actually that comment about the last week of August was meant specifically for the islands, where people go to get away from mainland heat.
In an earlier post I recommended April because you wrote: "We are not the types to lounge around beaches...", but of course July would be better for swimming. If your kids are anything like me when I was their age, they will still go in the sea even though it is cold.
If your interest lies mainly in walking around and exploring ruins, then the mainland in April would be much better. Think of mild temperatures, wildflowers in bloom, and no crowds. You could hire a car to get around, and see far more than on the islands by ferry.
Sea temperatures in the south coast of the Peloponnese (around Kalamata) are a little warmer than the islands, and there are some stunning beaches in that area. While there, you can also see Ancient Messini, a huge archeological site that gets hardly any visitors.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/heimda...57627739427148
In an earlier post I recommended April because you wrote: "We are not the types to lounge around beaches...", but of course July would be better for swimming. If your kids are anything like me when I was their age, they will still go in the sea even though it is cold.
If your interest lies mainly in walking around and exploring ruins, then the mainland in April would be much better. Think of mild temperatures, wildflowers in bloom, and no crowds. You could hire a car to get around, and see far more than on the islands by ferry.
Sea temperatures in the south coast of the Peloponnese (around Kalamata) are a little warmer than the islands, and there are some stunning beaches in that area. While there, you can also see Ancient Messini, a huge archeological site that gets hardly any visitors.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/heimda...57627739427148
Jan 2nd, 2017, 05:14 AM
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YES PLEASE Itinerary help.
OK I am now leaning towards April and doing 11-14 days. (Looking at flights).
You all are so helpful.
We are leaving from New York. Swimming on the beach is really not that important and one of my sons and my husband tend to wilt in the heat and get dramatic (eye roll). So spring with less crowds is appealing. My husband gets VERY sea sick so he turned green at the thought of an overnight ferry. SO maybe a quick flight if we go to an island.
I am loving the idea of Peloponnese and that is now on my itinerary so thank you. Any other suggestions for where to go on the main island?
Crete in April? Fly directly to Crete from Athens and then Rent a car.
Interests: poking around ruins, hiking, exploring in the car, small towns, museums, important archeological sites, sitting in a cafe, even poking around on the beach off-season.
We do like apartments when possible since we are traveling.
Now for a very ignorant question. How many people speak English. I will of course try to learn some basic Greek phrases but it seems daunting!
OK I am now leaning towards April and doing 11-14 days. (Looking at flights).
You all are so helpful.
We are leaving from New York. Swimming on the beach is really not that important and one of my sons and my husband tend to wilt in the heat and get dramatic (eye roll). So spring with less crowds is appealing. My husband gets VERY sea sick so he turned green at the thought of an overnight ferry. SO maybe a quick flight if we go to an island.
I am loving the idea of Peloponnese and that is now on my itinerary so thank you. Any other suggestions for where to go on the main island?
Crete in April? Fly directly to Crete from Athens and then Rent a car.
Interests: poking around ruins, hiking, exploring in the car, small towns, museums, important archeological sites, sitting in a cafe, even poking around on the beach off-season.
We do like apartments when possible since we are traveling.
Now for a very ignorant question. How many people speak English. I will of course try to learn some basic Greek phrases but it seems daunting!
Jan 2nd, 2017, 05:59 AM
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Crete is the only island that comes even close to the Peloponnese in the sheer number of archeological sites, so that would be an option.
Were you to choose the Peloponnese, you could base yourself part of the time in Nafplio to see the many sites in that area. You could even take a short day trip to Spetses (10 min ferry) or Hydra (20 min ferry) from small ports near Nafplio.
Others are more familiar with this area than me, but proceeding south from Nafplio is Monemvasia, and then heading west along the coast, the sights in the link in my previous post. If you have the time, you could stop at Olympia, then across the Rio-Antiro Bridge near Patras to Delphi before returning to Athens. Not sure how much of that you could do in your time frame, though.
Not many foreigners speak Greek, so most Greeks who deal with tourists can speak English, even using the language to converse with Germans, Dutch, Scandinavians, etc who also speak English. Road signs and signs on businesses are usually in both Greek and English alphabets. You won't have a problem making yourself understood except perhaps in the most remote villages. Learning a few courtesy phrases in Greek will be appreciated.
Were you to choose the Peloponnese, you could base yourself part of the time in Nafplio to see the many sites in that area. You could even take a short day trip to Spetses (10 min ferry) or Hydra (20 min ferry) from small ports near Nafplio.
Others are more familiar with this area than me, but proceeding south from Nafplio is Monemvasia, and then heading west along the coast, the sights in the link in my previous post. If you have the time, you could stop at Olympia, then across the Rio-Antiro Bridge near Patras to Delphi before returning to Athens. Not sure how much of that you could do in your time frame, though.
Not many foreigners speak Greek, so most Greeks who deal with tourists can speak English, even using the language to converse with Germans, Dutch, Scandinavians, etc who also speak English. Road signs and signs on businesses are usually in both Greek and English alphabets. You won't have a problem making yourself understood except perhaps in the most remote villages. Learning a few courtesy phrases in Greek will be appreciated.
Jan 2nd, 2017, 05:59 AM
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Just read through this thread & see you are now veering towards April, excellent choice, the celebrations are the biggest of the year here, far more important than Christmas.
Looking at your interests I suggest spending the whole of the time on the Peloponnese & Athens. For a quick island experience (with sights) you can easily do a day trip to Aegina, only around an hour on the ferry, then either just wander the harbour & back streets of the town, along with a visit to Kollona, a site just a few minutes walk from the ferry, or get a car & see more of the island.
The Peloponnese will easily fill your time as well as all your wishes, it has sites, scenery, mountains, villages in abundance! I visited numerous times & lived there for 7 years, always something to see, somewhere different to go, never got bored. Likewise now I've been in Athens for nearly 4 years
The only thing that matters is getting the right location for Easter & accommodation booked. Once you find your flight dates & can assess where along the itinerary you might be by then we can make suggestions.
Looking at your interests I suggest spending the whole of the time on the Peloponnese & Athens. For a quick island experience (with sights) you can easily do a day trip to Aegina, only around an hour on the ferry, then either just wander the harbour & back streets of the town, along with a visit to Kollona, a site just a few minutes walk from the ferry, or get a car & see more of the island.
The Peloponnese will easily fill your time as well as all your wishes, it has sites, scenery, mountains, villages in abundance! I visited numerous times & lived there for 7 years, always something to see, somewhere different to go, never got bored. Likewise now I've been in Athens for nearly 4 years
The only thing that matters is getting the right location for Easter & accommodation booked. Once you find your flight dates & can assess where along the itinerary you might be by then we can make suggestions.
Jan 2nd, 2017, 06:56 AM
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I am feeling convinced to stay on the mainland (and I like weather in the 50s!)
but MY main concern is so much seems to be closed Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday. Our vacation time would be basically around April 7-19th? Which means if we do Athens last, we won't see museums or important sites (OK so do Athens first!). But I can see now, I need to book soon for outside of Athens since so many people take their holidays then.
After further reading you have convinced me that Pelopennese looks great. A trip to Meteora looks amazing, Ancient Messini. Again, we are losing a few days because of the Easter holiday. I am assuming these sites will be closed for the holiday too and I do think having a guide for some (or as many as my teens will tolerate) is essential.
but MY main concern is so much seems to be closed Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday. Our vacation time would be basically around April 7-19th? Which means if we do Athens last, we won't see museums or important sites (OK so do Athens first!). But I can see now, I need to book soon for outside of Athens since so many people take their holidays then.
After further reading you have convinced me that Pelopennese looks great. A trip to Meteora looks amazing, Ancient Messini. Again, we are losing a few days because of the Easter holiday. I am assuming these sites will be closed for the holiday too and I do think having a guide for some (or as many as my teens will tolerate) is essential.
Jan 2nd, 2017, 07:36 AM
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RubyTwins, if you look back at the very first post, you will see the Odysseus link, which shows the holiday hours for all the important museums and archeological sites. Most will be closed on Easter Sunday but open on other days.
Go to each site or museum, click on "Information", and scroll down to "Holidays". For example, the National Archeological Museum is open from 12:00 - 18:00 on Good Friday, 08:00 - 17:00 on Holy Saturday, closed on Easter Sunday, and open 08:00 - 20:00 on Easter Monday. Delphi is also closed on Easter Sunday but open on other days. Check the other sites yourself.
Go to each site or museum, click on "Information", and scroll down to "Holidays". For example, the National Archeological Museum is open from 12:00 - 18:00 on Good Friday, 08:00 - 17:00 on Holy Saturday, closed on Easter Sunday, and open 08:00 - 20:00 on Easter Monday. Delphi is also closed on Easter Sunday but open on other days. Check the other sites yourself.
Jan 2nd, 2017, 08:08 AM
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The times vary for each site so careful planning will be needed, but you will find something to do or see each day. Easter Sunday is when the sites & museums will definitely be closed, some on the Monday too & reduced hours Friday & maybe Saturday. However, there is Lycavetos hill, philopapou hill, mars hill, changing of the guard at syntagma all still options every day.
Check them all nearer the time as some still have 2016 dates & hours.
The important times fit Easter will be Friday evening around dusk (varies of course depending on date, but usually around 8.30-9pm) for the epitaphios processions from most churches, it's the 'sad' day with some bells sounding a slow continuous tolling. Saturday evening is atmospheric at midnight when after the church service the priest lights the candles of the people nearest to him & they in turn light others from theirs. This is the joyful time when you are greeted with 'Christos Anesti' (Christ has arisen), the response is 'Alithos Anesti' (He has truly arisen). People then try to get home with their candles still lit & scorch the mark of the cross above their door. This is also when people feast on some traditional foods after the fasting of Lent, kokoretsi & margueritsa being on most menus. On the Sunday it's again a lot of eating & drinking, you will find some places in Plaka serving the traditional fare.
Check them all nearer the time as some still have 2016 dates & hours.
The important times fit Easter will be Friday evening around dusk (varies of course depending on date, but usually around 8.30-9pm) for the epitaphios processions from most churches, it's the 'sad' day with some bells sounding a slow continuous tolling. Saturday evening is atmospheric at midnight when after the church service the priest lights the candles of the people nearest to him & they in turn light others from theirs. This is the joyful time when you are greeted with 'Christos Anesti' (Christ has arisen), the response is 'Alithos Anesti' (He has truly arisen). People then try to get home with their candles still lit & scorch the mark of the cross above their door. This is also when people feast on some traditional foods after the fasting of Lent, kokoretsi & margueritsa being on most menus. On the Sunday it's again a lot of eating & drinking, you will find some places in Plaka serving the traditional fare.
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