I'm working on my 16 days in Greece next July and of course too much research is resulting in my wanting to spend too much time in too many places. My tentative itinerary includes 5 nights (four full days) in Athens during which I was thinking of one day each in Aegina and Hydra. Aegina definitely sounds great but Hydra I keep reading conflicting opinions - both in guide books and on forums. Some say it's wonderful, beautiful, don't miss it. Others say it's so crowded and touristy don't bother. So I'm here for some more opinions. And if I do opt to go, is it worth an entire day, or would a few hours there be enough.

To help answer that question here's the rest of the trip: fly into Santorini at noon on July 1, 3 nights, then 2 nights each on Naxos and Paros (or possibly 3 Naxos 1 Paros), then ferry to Athens for the five nights after which we rent a car and do Nauplion area for 2 nights, one in Delphi and the last night near the airport before flying out of Athens.

Does this itinerary sound good or would you skip Hydra (or combine it with Aegina?) in order to squeeze out an extra day somewhere, and if so where (Naxos/Paros or Athens)?

I really like Hydra. I don't remember it being crowded at all when I was there in June 1998. In fact, there were very few people on the beach. Most people swam from the rocks that are to the right of where the boats dock.

There is a beautiful cafe to the right of the "marina" that sits on a promontory overlooking the water. The photo of this cafe was recently on the cover of a travel mag, maybe Town/Country Travel or Conde Nast, I can't remember. I have so many wonderful memories of sitting at the cafe having a drink and looking out to sea.

There are lots of cats on Hydra.

Thin

I would choose Aegina over Hydra. I found Hydra very crowded when the day trippers' boat came in every mid-day. It's pretty but there isn't much to see. I enjoyed sitting on the waterfront watching the goings-on. In Aegina you can get the local bus to the Temple of Aphaea which is great. Also check out the fish tavernas along the quayside.
Naxos and Paros are both interesting. The Castro in Naxos is good for getting lost in and in Paros head out to Naoussa on the local bus. It's a beautiful fishing port with good restaurants. Both have good beaches. If you go I'm already looking forward to your pictures!
As an aside, I have booked your recommended B&B in Interlaken so hoping for the best!

We were at a Greek convention last summer, and took a day trip to Hydra. We loved it. I'd highly recommend a trip to the monastery, which is a long uphill walk from the harbor ( to your right after your arrive). The monastery has amazing views of the island and the water, but make sure you get there before they take their long siesta ( 1-5 PM daily).

Hydra is dotted with beautiful stone mansions dating from the 18th and 19th century, and is the weekend retreat of many wealthy Athenians. Leonard Cohen, the Canadian folksinger, lived on Hydra for a time, and wrote many of his songs there.

Anyway, we thought it was great and I think we had dinner at the very same restaurant Cries Van Notebook mentioned. I can't think of the name, either, but it's on the water on the left as you come back down from the monastery.

Make sure you save some $$$ for the boutiques! I ditched my husband at the convention cocktail hour and ran off to a jewelry place which has gorgeous antique pieces for not very much money. My daughter's still trying to steal them from me!

Have a great time. It's an easy ride on the hydrofoil from Athens ( about 1.5 hours) and well worth it. BTW, maybe because we visited in May, we didn't feel like we were drowning in heavy crowds during our visit.

I got the strongest "gone with the wind" feeling of my trip to Greece at the Temple of Aphaea on Aegina. There weren't very many people around, and it stands there alone on its hill open to the blue sky and the blowing wind. It was an unforgettable experience for me.

Delphi was my favorite place on the mainland.

Forgot to add that Aegina is on my list for the next visit to Athens. So many Greek friends have spoken highly of it, but they love Hydra, too.

A quick note-looking over your itinerary I'd suggest adding one more night to Santorini, and choosing either Naxos or Paros, so that you avoid those awful 2-night stays. I hate them because all you do is pack and unpack and travel again. You lose a lot of time that way, too.

Have a great time in Greece!

I was in Greece in 2006 and loved every minute of it.
We went to Aegina for the day and really loved it. No experience with Hydra.
Please research Meteora. There are the most amazing monasteries on the rocks thrust high into the air, just unbelievable to see and tour. I don't know how to use the tiny url but please consider checking into that. It is on the mainland.
Also, Corinth was very interesting. Where St. Paul spoke to the Corinthians. Even if you're not religious you'd be interested.
I think it will be quite warm, so be prepared for that. We were there in March and had perfect weather. Meteora is chillier, though.
You'll love Greece!

Hi, thanks for all your input. I think I'm going to try and do both. Definitely do Aegina first. I'd like to say I'll wait and see how much time we want in Athens and if time then do Hydra but I do keep reading that it's more crowded on weekends, and the way my schedule works out if we put it at the end of our time in Athens it would be on a Sunday. Oh well. Thanks again.

Get used to the idea that no matter where you go in Greece in July it's going to be crowded there. Every tourist destination has its die-hard fans who promote it, and the islands are no exception. This has made Greek islands (and the mainland as well) one of the most popular summertime holiday destinations in the world.

Can I come with you?

My only comment is that while I loved Athens in March, I suspect I would love it less in July, and I think another day out on a ferry to Hydra (where I've never been) might be preferable to a hot day in the city.

July in Athens can be brutally hot. We visited two years ago in July, and temps were into the low 100's during much of the day. I'd highly recommend that you sightsee during the earliest part of the day possible. Another reason why a trip or two to one of the closest islands (Hydra, Aegina) might be a necessary and pleasant escape!