Honeymoon in June 2016 Mykonos - Santorini - Athens
Dec 13th, 2015, 01:54 PM
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Honeymoon in June 2016 Mykonos - Santorini - Athens
Hello -
My fiance and I ( late 20's) will be booking our honeymoon to Greece for this coming summer!! I've read lots of past forums regarding the above cities for the trip, but would love some help - it's overwhelming!
We will fly into Athens and travel to Mykonos for 4 nights, ferry to Santorini for 4 nights and back to Athens for 1-2 nights.
For Mykonos, I'm finding it hard to decide on locations to stay at. We're hoping more resort or "luxury" like since it will be our first stop. I've read about a couple of resorts, however, they may be out of the price range. Looking at maybe $200-250 maximum per night - not completely set on the budget. Would also love any ideas on don't miss spots! We probably won't be making the trip again any time soon
Do you need to book the ferry now for the trip between Mykonos and Santorini?
For Santorini, I've been recommended to two Air Bnb's which I think I am confident in booking as long as it comes together. Again, any don't miss spots are welcomed!
Is this a flight or ferry to Athens?
Athens is up in the air. We want to stay and experience, but I have done no research on this area yet...
Any information is appreciated! Most posters seem very knowledge and I am grateful for any help!
My fiance and I ( late 20's) will be booking our honeymoon to Greece for this coming summer!! I've read lots of past forums regarding the above cities for the trip, but would love some help - it's overwhelming!
We will fly into Athens and travel to Mykonos for 4 nights, ferry to Santorini for 4 nights and back to Athens for 1-2 nights.
For Mykonos, I'm finding it hard to decide on locations to stay at. We're hoping more resort or "luxury" like since it will be our first stop. I've read about a couple of resorts, however, they may be out of the price range. Looking at maybe $200-250 maximum per night - not completely set on the budget. Would also love any ideas on don't miss spots! We probably won't be making the trip again any time soon
Do you need to book the ferry now for the trip between Mykonos and Santorini?
For Santorini, I've been recommended to two Air Bnb's which I think I am confident in booking as long as it comes together. Again, any don't miss spots are welcomed!
Is this a flight or ferry to Athens?
Athens is up in the air. We want to stay and experience, but I have done no research on this area yet...
Any information is appreciated! Most posters seem very knowledge and I am grateful for any help!
Dec 13th, 2015, 02:36 PM
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A good beginning for your accomodation search is www.booking.com You can use the filter system to narrow the choices to what you want. Location is key and you don't say anything about that. Decide if you want to be in Mykonos Town, the beach or somewhere more private. Same applies to Santorini, beach-side or caldera-side, quiet or nightlife-accessible. There will be at least one daily ferry between these islands and advance booking isn't necessary on the larger ferries, only the small SuperJet or FlyingCat4. A week in advance should suffice in June. Opt to pick up your tickets at the respective ferry port ticket offices. The ferry from Santorini to Athens takes 5-8 hours depending on the one you book. A flight takes 30 minutes. I prefer to fly. Focus your Athens hotel search on the Plaka and Monastiraki areas so you are within easy walking distance to everything.
Depending on when you arrive at the Athens airport you might be able to take the airport bus to the port of Rafina for a short-ish ferry ride to Mykonos. Don't waste time in Athens at the beginning if you can avoid it.
Ferry schedules: www.gtp.gr
Depending on when you arrive at the Athens airport you might be able to take the airport bus to the port of Rafina for a short-ish ferry ride to Mykonos. Don't waste time in Athens at the beginning if you can avoid it.
Ferry schedules: www.gtp.gr
Dec 13th, 2015, 10:01 PM
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You have a very short time for Greece. Take BLL subtle suggestion and consider flying to your first island the day you arrive in Athens. Sign up with Aegean airs web site. they often have seat sales that are actually less expensive that the fast ferrys. In a short trip like this flying gives you more time where you want to be.
For budgeting purposes you need to start thinking in euros not dollars as you plan this trip. They only take euros in Greece. Your budget might actually be a bit light for a good location hotel in July and August. Probably Ok for May June or Sept.
Frankly if it were me I would do a combination of Santorini for an unforgettable honeymoon experience then transfer by ferry to Naxos for a low key Greek and pretty affordable Greek experience. Best honeymoon combination ever,
Santorini http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7632154800782/
Naxos Town http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7632094558042/
Trip around Naxos http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7634605629689/
For budgeting purposes you need to start thinking in euros not dollars as you plan this trip. They only take euros in Greece. Your budget might actually be a bit light for a good location hotel in July and August. Probably Ok for May June or Sept.
Frankly if it were me I would do a combination of Santorini for an unforgettable honeymoon experience then transfer by ferry to Naxos for a low key Greek and pretty affordable Greek experience. Best honeymoon combination ever,
Santorini http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7632154800782/
Naxos Town http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7632094558042/
Trip around Naxos http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7634605629689/
Dec 15th, 2015, 01:53 PM
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Ewaha, for each person here are certain "dont miss" sites, and none of us will agree exactly... so why not learn more on your own before asking for "don't miss" lists from people who don't even know you. Thus I humbly suggest that instead of doing all your research on forums on your smart-phone - where unfiltered, bad/good ideas all tumble together -- why not at least try some print resources?
I'm not saying to actually BUY a guidebook, I realize that sounds outlandish to Millennials (although a 10-14 day trip to Greece will cost many many thousands, and you wouldn't invest that much $$ in stocks just on a stranger's say-so...and a used guide on Amazon can cost as little as $3.99). No, I just suggest you find a Barnes & Noble, pull out a few guides and browse through them ... and then at your local library check out the titles that have appealed to you. Then Just photocopy the pages that apply to your trip. Guidebooks are valuable supplements to internet because they do the sifting for you & screen out the promotional hype, and help you focus -- the better ones (like "rough GUide" and "Let's Go") are quite candid about plusses AND drawbacks of certain destinations.
As for "hidden gems" the 2 islands you've chosen may have some gems, but by now they are not hidden, but publicized. Athens is so big, and historic, and diverse, there are gems for every explorer still.
I'm not saying to actually BUY a guidebook, I realize that sounds outlandish to Millennials (although a 10-14 day trip to Greece will cost many many thousands, and you wouldn't invest that much $$ in stocks just on a stranger's say-so...and a used guide on Amazon can cost as little as $3.99). No, I just suggest you find a Barnes & Noble, pull out a few guides and browse through them ... and then at your local library check out the titles that have appealed to you. Then Just photocopy the pages that apply to your trip. Guidebooks are valuable supplements to internet because they do the sifting for you & screen out the promotional hype, and help you focus -- the better ones (like "rough GUide" and "Let's Go") are quite candid about plusses AND drawbacks of certain destinations.
As for "hidden gems" the 2 islands you've chosen may have some gems, but by now they are not hidden, but publicized. Athens is so big, and historic, and diverse, there are gems for every explorer still.
Dec 16th, 2015, 06:40 AM
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travelerjan - I thought forums were a good source of information due the personal experiences you can draw from other travelers. These are merely OPINIONS from other travelers in which I am thankful to read through and make my own judgments on our travels. I am most definitely not opposed to buying a guide book or doing my own research, which apparently I will do from now on. As a "millennial", I haven't had the opportunity to travel much on my own and have been hesitant on traveling and booking such an important trip. Hopefully, you won't deter any more travelers from using forums in the future.
Dec 16th, 2015, 08:35 AM
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I didn't mean to deter you or anyone from using forums -- I simply hoped for the most effective usage, both for askers & answerers. When someone asks for "don't miss" lists without stating any preferences, we all spend time thinking up highlights, maybe you'll get 20+ and only like 2 or 3 ideas. It could save time/effort if you just glanced at some guides, picked out only the places or highlights that appealed to YOU, then asked for opinions on these.
As example of why... recently I agreed to help out someone who wanted her mother to have an enjoyable 10 days in Greece, staying at 2 destinations noted for ancient- history treasures. I thought up a scenario involving ruins & exhibits. Then the person said, oh, maybe I should have said, mom doesn't like museums, and when we were in Rome she thought the Coliseum was "meh," she enjoys dining, and shopping for clothes and jewels. So the effort was pointless, both for her and me. If she'd asked first about my recommendations for restaurants and shops, I'd have saved effort, and served her better.
As example of why... recently I agreed to help out someone who wanted her mother to have an enjoyable 10 days in Greece, staying at 2 destinations noted for ancient- history treasures. I thought up a scenario involving ruins & exhibits. Then the person said, oh, maybe I should have said, mom doesn't like museums, and when we were in Rome she thought the Coliseum was "meh," she enjoys dining, and shopping for clothes and jewels. So the effort was pointless, both for her and me. If she'd asked first about my recommendations for restaurants and shops, I'd have saved effort, and served her better.
Dec 16th, 2015, 12:24 PM
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I'm not sure why anyone would waste their time typing three paragraphs to say "buy a book"...just don't post!
My husband and I went to Greece last October for our 25th anniversary. We had a wonderful time. We spend eight days in Santorini (my husband did not want to island hop) and three days in Athens.
In Santorini, we stayed in Imerovigli. In my opinion, the best views are found there. I know you said you have a place in Santorini, but even if you do not stay in Imerovigli, try to watch a sunset one night there...you won't regret it. We stayed in Above Blue Suites...a little pricey but very nice. They serve dinner there open air by the pool. There are only three tables at sunset. Food is good, but the sunset you will remember forever!
In Athens, we stayed in syntagma square...I cannot remember the hotel name, but there are several in that area. In my opinion, that is a good area to stay. You can walk to all the attractions and are near many resturants.
A 'don't miss' tip that we got from a friend is the Grande Bretagne Roof Garden bar. It's above the Grande Bretagne hotel in Syntagma square. We had dinner there...but I would just go to the bar for a late night drink and appetizer. The view of Acropolis is unbelievable.
I hope you have a wonderful honeymoon! Congratulations!
My husband and I went to Greece last October for our 25th anniversary. We had a wonderful time. We spend eight days in Santorini (my husband did not want to island hop) and three days in Athens.
In Santorini, we stayed in Imerovigli. In my opinion, the best views are found there. I know you said you have a place in Santorini, but even if you do not stay in Imerovigli, try to watch a sunset one night there...you won't regret it. We stayed in Above Blue Suites...a little pricey but very nice. They serve dinner there open air by the pool. There are only three tables at sunset. Food is good, but the sunset you will remember forever!
In Athens, we stayed in syntagma square...I cannot remember the hotel name, but there are several in that area. In my opinion, that is a good area to stay. You can walk to all the attractions and are near many resturants.
A 'don't miss' tip that we got from a friend is the Grande Bretagne Roof Garden bar. It's above the Grande Bretagne hotel in Syntagma square. We had dinner there...but I would just go to the bar for a late night drink and appetizer. The view of Acropolis is unbelievable.
I hope you have a wonderful honeymoon! Congratulations!
Dec 16th, 2015, 12:49 PM
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ewaha,
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding and honeymoon! I think it would help to know what your interests are.
Mykonos is party central in July/August. If that's not your thing, you might want to look at quieter islands like Naxos or Paros, both of which are on the same ferry line as Santorini.
Since this is your first trip to Greece and your honeymoon (!), I would strongly urge you to book hotels everywhere over Air Bnb's. That way you have staff on site to advise you, and can possibly change rooms if you don't like what you find on arrival.
In Athens, take a look at ATHENS GATE or THE PLAKA HOTEL. I do agree with others that your budget is bit light, but see what you can find. And/or post back here with what's available, so we can advise you. Both of the hotels mentioned above are centrally located for exploring Athens.
Also, yes, take the tip above, and try to connect straight through to Santorini on arrival in Athens IF possible. No need to go into Athens twice if you don't have to!
Good luck, and let us know how it goes.
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding and honeymoon! I think it would help to know what your interests are.
Mykonos is party central in July/August. If that's not your thing, you might want to look at quieter islands like Naxos or Paros, both of which are on the same ferry line as Santorini.
Since this is your first trip to Greece and your honeymoon (!), I would strongly urge you to book hotels everywhere over Air Bnb's. That way you have staff on site to advise you, and can possibly change rooms if you don't like what you find on arrival.
In Athens, take a look at ATHENS GATE or THE PLAKA HOTEL. I do agree with others that your budget is bit light, but see what you can find. And/or post back here with what's available, so we can advise you. Both of the hotels mentioned above are centrally located for exploring Athens.
Also, yes, take the tip above, and try to connect straight through to Santorini on arrival in Athens IF possible. No need to go into Athens twice if you don't have to!
Good luck, and let us know how it goes.
Dec 17th, 2015, 01:37 PM
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my husband & I were in Greece in September for our 3rd visit there.
The best advise I got this time was to go right to the island & Athens last. Thank you
I went through Fantasy travel for our accomodations on Naxos-the plane-ferry ride & transport. All efficient
We stayed at an airbnb place in The Plaka-It was our first experience with them & I loved our spacious flat.
Our first visit to Athens we stayed at the Plaka hotel-each time habing a higher floor facing the acropolis & loved it. My husband & I walked there this trip just to take a peek. The man at the desk said do you want to go on the rooftop & look again. We had drinks up there & watched the sun set. I would reccomend them
Have fun & make sure you tell all places you are on your honeymoon to get some extra treats
The best advise I got this time was to go right to the island & Athens last. Thank you
I went through Fantasy travel for our accomodations on Naxos-the plane-ferry ride & transport. All efficient
We stayed at an airbnb place in The Plaka-It was our first experience with them & I loved our spacious flat.
Our first visit to Athens we stayed at the Plaka hotel-each time habing a higher floor facing the acropolis & loved it. My husband & I walked there this trip just to take a peek. The man at the desk said do you want to go on the rooftop & look again. We had drinks up there & watched the sun set. I would reccomend them
Have fun & make sure you tell all places you are on your honeymoon to get some extra treats
Dec 21st, 2015, 09:32 AM
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Thanks to everyone with posts that helped! I really appreciate it!
pollyanna_042068 - the roof top bar looks amazing! Definitely heading there!
The air bnb I have is a recommendation and the host is on site with help with transportation and suggestions. I feel like it may be a good fit for the 4 nights - two in Oia and two in Amoudi (spelling?) Bay, both from the same host.
pollyanna_042068 - the roof top bar looks amazing! Definitely heading there!
The air bnb I have is a recommendation and the host is on site with help with transportation and suggestions. I feel like it may be a good fit for the 4 nights - two in Oia and two in Amoudi (spelling?) Bay, both from the same host.
