2 WEEKS IN GREECE - HELP
 

Two mid-aged bachelors have two weeks in Greece in February. What islands should we visit? How should we get to the islands? Where shall we stay on the islands. We are both seasoned adventurers. Thanks for your help!

February is a bit off-season for the Greek islands. A lot of hotels are closed for the winter. You might want to check out Crete as it is pretty far south. Wish I could help more -- I usually go in May or June

Indeed, you may wish to consider the Libyan Sea islands. Check out Eva Hadjaki's web page ("Eva's Walks in Greece") for her reports of hiking/overland walking there. <BR>Not only do most folk close their island pensions and restaurants and go to Athens for the winter, but you ought not plan to travel among islands. Many of them sail (if at all on a reduced schedule) only in moderate, easy winds. So you may have to fly in and out. <BR>Frankly, I wouldn't go before mid-March, when at least things will maybe be starting to green up a little. I can practically guarantee, incidentally, that no campgrounds will be open in February.

On the other hand, whilst i have not been in Crete/Greece in February, I have been in Cyprus; which is more welcoming and real becasue there are fewer tourists and summer people. It was regularly in the 60s and I sat on the beach and read <BR> <BR>Depending on what you're looking for Crete might be a good option because you can do a lot on such a big island if there are sailing problems. <BR> <BR>There are boats to Santorini and Athens/ Piraeus. <BR> <BR>Kalo Taxidi

I was in Athen in January once, and it was actually quite pleasant -- cool but not cold. In addition to the islands, there's lots to do on the mainland. You must go to Delphi (and be sure you go all the way up to the stadium) and Epidaurus. if you get tired of ancient ruins, climb up to Acrocorinth -- a wonderfully preserved medieval village. You'll be the only ones there. As for the islands, we enjoyed taking the ferry from Volos to Skiathos —- but that was in the spring. It may be a bit chilly in February! Drink lots of ouzo, eat lots of feta and olives, and don't miss the souvlaki. Have a wonderful time!

Why does everyone think they have to go the Greek Isalnds when they visit Greece? Especially in the off-season. If you really want to see a magnificent region of Greece, visit the Meteora region of central Greece. Granted, <BR>there is no beach; instead you'll find a fascinating landscape of mesa-like rock formations, many of which are topped with age-old monasteries. Incredible! Or try the Peloponnese peninsula. Travel down to the region known as "the Mani" or wander over to the Gibralter-like jewel known as Monemvassia. Stop looking for the perfect island - especially in February. Mainland Greece is full of treasures.

you have to visit Santorini - it is beautiful - try and get an apartment in Thiri right on the volcanoes edge - the best way to get there is fly from Athens (35 mins) or Crete. - enjoy the trip

There is a hosted Fodor's forum going on right now on the islands. Why don't you scroll down those questions over there, which probably cover this, and then get some answers from the host on that forum. <BR><BR>Seems it might be cold, but you say you're adventurers, so maybe it's <BR><BR>doable. I'd prefer the summer, myself.