Carta_Pisana

I was thinking either San Sebastian or Bologna in November but figure those places will be inundated with rain. I don't mind a couple days of rain but not all week, so I'm now considering Athens. I wouldn't even consider going to any islands - so I'm wondering what other places on the mainland would be of interest. Is there enough to do in Athens for a week? Maybe use Athens as a base and do daytrips? Suggestions? Comments? (I'm starting to yearn for Greek mezes)

lincasanova

defintely, and you CAN go to the nearby islands of aegina, for the day, and hydra for an overnight.

fun city. plenty of museums, good food, and obviously better climate at that time of year.

enjoy.

P_M

I would not spend a week in Athens, no way. I would give it 3 or 4 days tops, and that's including some day trips. I have been to both Athens and Italy in the month of November and personally I think Italy is a lot better. As far as weather goes, who told you Italy would be inundated with rain? I didn't see a huge difference in weather between Greece and Italy in the month of November. In both places we had some rain and some sunshine.

It's a shame you don't want to visit the islands because those are so much nicer than Athens. It is true that some islands shut down for the winter by November, but Santorini, Rhodes, and Crete will not be as shut down as some of the other islands.

P_M

lincasanova, I didn't read you post before making mine. With all due respect, I must disagree. After 4 days in Athens I couldn't wait to get to the islands. It's on OK city, but if I were making this choice, I would go to Italy during that time. But each to his/her own.

Carta_Pisana

I thought the islands would be basically shut down for tourists by November - I mean, travelers. You've given me more to think about...

lincasanova

i do think there is plenty to do in that part of greece, day trips and islands to fill a week. i cetainly wouldn't spend a whole week in athens, but like I said, a few days in athens and then an island or two.

i don't think there is enough time to go to larger islands or more distant ones, but there was so much more i wanted to do there.. i think anyone could easily fill a week with a variety of options nearby that are interesting and rewarding.

sounion was also nice.

i was recommended to go to some smaller islands on way back from hydra.. but it was a bit cramped itinerary for the time i had.

and as far as weather, athens would defintely be warmer than bologna, more similar to egypt or northern africa, less apt to get november showers.

mjs

I would consider Crete or Rhodes in November with only a brief stop in Athens. Italy, especially the mid to southern sections might be quite nice. Andalucia tends to be pleasant in November. Weather in Europe can be rather unpredictable but we usually go to Europe each November and always have a good time.

Intrepid1

Before making any final plans I would check a resource as to the weather history in those areas you "figure" will be inundated with rain. I don;t know what gave you that idea but hopefully you aren't incorrect.

I would give Athens no more than three days and then go to at least one other location; if not one of the islands how about places such as Naflion, Olympia, Delphi, etc.

Have a great trip.

Carta_Pisana

I was in Venice at the beginnig of November last year and had incredibly perfect weather most of the week. I think the "inundated with rain" came from reading about San Sebastian - that it always rains every couple days and figuring "fall being fall". Rain doesn't bother me - but having just put away most of the sweaters and jackets, layers is the last thing on my mind. Thanks for the input and comments....

mes2525

Unlike many on this forum, I really enjoy Athens and the surrounding area. I have no problem spending a week there especially in November when it is cooler and less polluted. There are wonderful musuems, Benaki, National Archaeological, Cycladic, Byzantine, to name a few. You can visit the islands of Aegina, Poros, Hydra on a day trip. Go to Sounion to see the remains of the fabulous temple. Visit Glyfada, Voula area to swim or walk on the beach. As far as the Greek Islands, I love Rhodes, Crete and Corfu. Mykonos and Santorini are for party goers not serious tourists interested in culture. Also, Thessaloniki, the second largest city, has alot of offer and you can visit ancient Pella and Verginia on day trips (Alexander the Great and Philip II sites). I also like Mystra, Naplion, Monemvassia, Pylos and Koroni in the Peloppenese. Delphi and Olympia are on my list.

saltymuffin

I too was under the impression that the Greek Islands "close down" at this time of year. I am glad to hear that there are still some options outside of Athens in November. I too was looking for a week - 10day itinerary for this area in November. Mes2525, your interests sound similar to mine, do you have any suggestions of a good itinerart for a short stay in November?