Hi. We are a family of five (the kids are 14, 17 and 19) and hope to be spending 2 weeks in Greece this June. We are traveling from NY and are thinking of flying to Rhodes (via Athens) for 3 nights, then flying to Santorini for 3 nights, and then taking a ferry to Athens and staying on the mainland for 7 nights before flying back to JFK. Is this too much time on the mainland? Should we add another island instead? I must admit that I do not like to fly, so I would prefer to add an island that is reachable by ferry. Also, we are not really sun worshippers, so islands with other things to do would be more appealing to us. Lastly, I was even thinking of cutting out Rhodes and just flying to Athens, taking the ferry to Santorini and then finding other places to visit on the mainland so I could do away with the flights to/from Rhodes, but from what I can read online it seems that Rhodes may be worth the extra traveling. Is this true, even for someone like me that hates to fly?
Thanks so much for any advice!
Rhodes - is it worth the extra travel time?
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Every Greek cruise seems to include Rhodes and that's how I've been there four times in the past 8 years. We love it! The old city is full of history, shopping and restaurants. I HATE going to the beach and therefore love Rodos. Last trip we rented a car and drove around the island. Out in the hinterland it seems much more of a beach-oriented destination. Stay in the main city and I think you'll be entertained for at least two days. Three might be pushing it unless you decide to rent a car and do a little exploring. There are some awesome views on the East side of the island. We didn't spend much time on the opposite side because of time restrictions.
There are many islands in Greece that you and your family can visit. Since you don't like to fly and it will be more difficult to get rooms with a family of 5, you should look into Cruises for the Aegean Sea that will start in Athens. This will offer your family variety and relaxation (especially since you are not sun worshipers).
You can start in Athens, then (not necessarily in that order) go to Santorini, Mykonos (good for a quick visit for families--it's a party town with beautiful beaches), Corfu, Crete and definitely Rhodes (which is very medieval)
Good luck and have fun!
You can fly to Rhodes and then take a ferry from there to Santorini, but they don't run every day. There is a twice per week year-round ferry (Prevelis) that makes multiple stops and takes most of a day for the trip. Blue Star Ferries also has a much faster (fewer stops) ferry that runs about 3 days/week in summer, but they haven't announced their 2013 intentions yet. Another route would be from Rhodes to Syros, then ferry from there to Santorini, but that would likely mean a one night stay en route.
As regards the mainland, you asked is 7 days too much time on the mainland? Absolutely not! There is so much to see on the mainland, even a month wouldn't be enough. Are your kids interested in Greek history and mythology, or would they be happy just spending days on the beach? Athens, of course, is rich in history, but there is also Delphi, Olympia, the Argolid...I could go on!
Hi azh111,
You should definitely make the trip to Rhodes. In fact, you might consider another day or two there. The Old Town and Castle of the Knights will be fascinating for the whole family. Also, take the day trip out to the island of Symi - unforgettable. Spending 2-3 days on Santorini will be worth it for the unparalleled vistas.
If you are not into beach time, then you are right to spend the more time on the mainland than the islands. A week will definitely not be too long. Have your kids help pick out the sites that interest them the most on the mainland, then plan your route.
Thank you all for your responses! It is much appreciated!
Rhodes was of colossal interest to me - one of the better or more interesting and more real islands I visited. School the kids in the Colossus of Rhodes as being the ancient Greeks outlet to the eastern world of Greece, etc. before going.
Rhodes is my favorite island and you can fly there in less than an hour from Athens. It offers a variety of activities and the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you do not want a swimming pool at your hotel, look for a hotel in the medieval town where you will have several thousand years of history to contemplate.
Rhodes town was wonderful. But if on the island of Rhodes, Lindos would be a must. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/lindos
Thank you! We will definitely be going to Rhodes! Planning to fly to Rhodes from JFK via Athens for the start of the trip. Then on the fourth day, fly or ferry to Santorini for 3 nights, then ferry back to Athens and stay there for 4 nights.
Thank you mes2525 - will be sure to look for a hotel right in the medieval town. And will try, iris1745, to see Lindos, and Smyi Parosblue! Will educate the kids beforehand, thanks for the tip PalenQ. Thanks also Otzi, happyt2004 and heimdall. I'm sure as it gets closer I will have another post or two - and really appreciate all the help!