Hello folks!

I'm planning a trip to Athens and maybe other parts of Greece next month. I'll be in Greece from the 21st to the 25th. Any suggestions for a first-time visitor?

Santorini and Crete are unique.

With that short amount of time, I'd do a couple days in Athens and the rest on 1 island, Santorini or Crete, as previously mentioned. I'd also fly to and from to save travel time.

Maybe a day or two in Athens, and the other couple of days on one of the islands. If you decide to hit an island I agree with grandmere that flying is the best option.

Athens for a couple days, Delphi, Meteora, somewhere on the Peloponnese, e.g. Nafplio. As late July is the height of high season, the islands will be very busy, so for such a short trip I would stick to the mainland.

Maybe Athens and one of the nearby islands- Hydra perhaps.

I probably would spend one (no more than 2 nights) in Athens. You could do the half day tour (Acropolis,etc.) then spend some time in the Plaka area where there are numerous places to shop for souvenirs and eat. Buying souvenirs in Athens is typically cheaper than at the islands.

For your remaining days in Greece you may want to choose one of the islands. I have visited Santorini and Mykonos. Both were great. Santorini is a must for couples and has incredible sunsets in Oia. Mykonos is a more lively island for those that like to party. Have a great time in Greece!

HI,

Because your trip is so short you might want to try the isalnd of Hydra. It is lovely, close to the main land, easy to get and it can be very relaxing. There are no cars on Hydra, so you walk or ride a donkey. What fun. After 2 days in Athens, go to Nafplio and see the ancient ruins in this area ( 1 overnight) and then go to Hydra or Spetes or Poros. What ever you do you will have a great time. Be prepared to be hot. Take water shoes, if you swim as the sand and the rocks are very hot.

I agree that Hydra is your best option for a few days island stay, close to Athens but world's apart in lifestyle.
Mykonos and Santorini deserve more than a few days each. You would need to book your accomodation now.

I second the suggestion to travel to Hydra, wonderful fun island close to Athens. You could stay 1 or 2 days in Athens. Then take the 3 hour bus trip to Nafplio & then hydrofoil (1 1/2 hrs.) to Hydra. Check the web for Botsis Pension in Hydra, great place to stay, close to the harbor, ask for a room on the second or third floor with balcony overlooking the pedestrian street. I would probably skip Nafplio, however, due to time, & take the hydrofoil from Pireaus to Hydra. You will love Hydra, check out Hydra on the Web. Have a Great Trip.

I also heard about Hydra but not managed myself neither Santorini. But Crete and Mykonos was fantastic. Flights are frequent and cheep so as the Flying Dolphins.

I had a great experience while rushing around for business. I felt very welcomed and found many similarities in Greece as a Turk.

Elounda area at Crete was marvellous ( many excellent & expensive hotels but worth the money) and Mykonos was very charming. Small Hotels in Mykonos were homely.

Have a good time in Greece