plwoo

My wife and I are planning a X-mas vacation (8 days) in Europe. The first place that comes to mind is Greece because it is the southern most part of Europe. Can anyone provide me with their experiences in Greece during X-mas (weather, places to go, islands, etc)? We tend to to enjoy smaller towns and probably would not want to spend the whole time in Athens. Are the islands available for visiting/staying? Will there be much to see/do during this time?

Thanks.

oddy

Islands? I assume you can go to Hydra or Aegina, but if I were in your shoes, I would choose to enjoy the winter in Greece. Did you know that Greece has more than 21 ski-resorts? Parnasos Mt is a 2 and 1/2 hours from Athens. The town of Arahova is considered to be the alter-ego of Mykonos during the winter. Kalavrita is another ski-resort 2 hours away from Athens. The town of Kalavrita is very nice. On the other hand, you can choose to go to Pilio, Karpenisi or Mainalo. All of them are fantastic places to be.

JimSteel

Remember that the Greeks are Orthodox Christians and do not celebrate Xmas on the 25th December but on the 6th January. This might have some relevance.

GeoffHamer

Both 25 and 26 December are public holidays in Greece, as well as 6 January.
I've been to Greece twice around Christmas and can only say that the weather can be varied. It might be mild and sunny, it might rain, or it might be cold and windy. The mountains look beautiful covered in snow. The islands are very quiet and very few hotels or restaurants stay open, but there will be something available on the main islands. I'd suggest getting an overnight ship to Crete which will have the best weather and is big enough not to depend on tourism.

P_M

plwoo, I've already answered you on the other thread you posted with this exact same question. Please click your name and you will find it.