stephpaige

Hi - I am taking my daughter to Germany in November to visit her dad, then I have about a week to kill on my own. German Wings flies to Athens really cheaply & I've never been there. I like big cities (NYC) - is it worth 6 days? I've read about Fresh Hotel and Art Hotel being decent in location and price (trying to get a single around $100) - any other thoughts? Any worthwhile day trips? Thanks for all insights.

nicegirl512

You'll have no trouble being a single woman in Athens, but unless you're really into archaeology and history 6 days might be a little long. I mean, of course there is a TON of stuff to do in Athens. It's gigantic! But I felt I had pretty well covered all the main sites a regular tourist would visit in 3 days.

Would you be at all interested in going to an island for a few days? Ferries aren't too expensive and if you go to an island with cheaper hotels (like Naxos) the price will end up being the same or less than staying in Athens. November is definitely off peak, though, so the islands will be quiet and the sea cold and the ferry schedule not so convenient, so it might be easier to stay in Athens. But I'm sure the islands are beautiful even when they're chilly!

Barbara_in_FL

There are a number of interesting day trips you can take from Athens, and I think they've been discussed here before. Try searching the forum for "Athens day trips" and see what you get. Nafplion, Corinth, and Delphi are all possible day trips. Depending on the weather, there are also day cruises you can take to nearby islands -- I don't remember them all, but I am sure one was Hydra -- I did that years ago, and it was a fun if somewhat touristy way to spend a day.

tom_h

I don't claim to represent the "single woman" perspective , but I think splitting the 6 days between Athens and Naufplio might be nice.

Maybe 4 & 2 days respectively, or even 3 & 3 days.

Naufplio is such a lovely town.

tom_h

oops, wanted to add that in Naufplio there are many, charming small hotels in the desireable Venetian "Old Town" section at moderate prices, eg Hotel Byron.

But at today's exchange rates, even a very moderate 70 Euro rate = $100

travelerjan

I'm with Tom on this ... Nafplio is a town full of history, lovely vistas... and even if it's chilly and/or rainy, there are places to wander around in... go 2 miles out of town to Tiryns -- all alone in a humongous ruined hill-fort... or just window-shop and cafe-sit.

Nafplio has a year-round population -- savvy, educated...it is a favorite week-end getaway of chic Athenians, so one would not have an "empty town" feeling.
It's easy to get to -- 2.5 hours on an express bus. You can rent a car when you get there, for a day-- and go see some more ruins if you haven't had your fill in Athens.

PS: lots of good tavernas serving good authentic greek food at reasonable prices. And the promenade (paralia) along the water has the best sunsets ever... and I'll bet the cafes have those clear plastic sides in the fall so you can have coffee outside in comfort.

travelerjan

tom H, if OP is willing to walk up a few steps beyond Byron, off-season Hotel Leto looks DOWN on the Byron's rooftop and across the town & bay -- and is about 50 for a single with breakfast including yogourt & honey. ymmmm.

stephpaige

Awesome responses - thanks everyone! I know virtually nothing about Greece. Usually go to Eastern Europe, but the deal on airfare has me curious to explore somewhere new. I'll check out Naufplio, sounds fantastic and up my alley. Can I take a bus between there and the airport directly - or do I have to go into Athens to catch it? And, I speak zero Greek...will that be an issue?

Thanks again - if you ever need any tips on Belgrade - I'm your girl! ;-)

tom_h

At most shops, hotels, and restaurants in the touristic centers of Athens and Naufplio, there will be at least some english spoken ... you shouldn't have any major problems.

Don't know about busses, as I've always chosen rental cars.

If your arrival point is Athens airport, you may consider renting a car at the airport and driving to Naufplio first. The road completely avoids the dense urban center of Athens. Upon returning the car back at the airport, transport to central Athens is easy -- Metro, bus, or taxi.

A car in Naufplio makes it easy to take daytrips to Mycenae, Epidavros, or just to stop whenever you feel like it.

A car in Athens is completely unnecessary and is not recommended.

nicegirl512

You won't need any Greek. I was a little worried because I didn't put as much work into learning it as I should have, but it was totally unnecessary.

If you'd like to learn just a few polite words, I did a blog post with a little Greek lesson, with an accompanying podcast. http://travelathomeandabroad.blogspo...eek-to-me.html

travelerjan

The bus to Nafplio runs from the KTEL Long-Distance bus Terminal "A" on Kiffisssou Street. The bus runs every hour on the half-hour & costs 11E one way. You must buy your ticket before boarding (at the Argolid ticket window). All seats are assigned. Don't worry about missing your stop; it's the last stop on the Argolid bus.

When you arrive back from Nafplio to bus Terminal A, there is an express bus E93 that goes every 35 minutes to the Airport. I think it costs 3.2 Euros, and I believe you can pay on the bus. Takes about 45-55 minutes.

Yes, you do come into Athens, but from the WEST, and the Airport is to the EAST of Athens, so this does not involve unneeded back-tracking.

Nikki

There's lots of great information about Athens at www.greektravel.com.

khiper

here you will find a lot of iformation about Athens
http://www.in2greece.com/blog/2007/0...ns-greece.html