Hello
My cousin is getting married around Athens this August. we were considering going to the wedding.

We are traveling with our 12-year-old son. He loves to try new foods, likes to swim in the ocean, swimming pools and to see some historical sites , cultural sites. My husband and son are not the types to want to get in as much as possible (I am ).

here are my questions if anyone can help with any experience in visiting Greece, as I will not have time to do much research.

1. The wedding is near Athens, for a 2-week trip is it better to do 2 places or we can get in 3 places?

2. I know i would love to see Santorini because the pictures look very beautiful (if I'm injured is it very difficult to enjoy it due to hills and stairs?)

3. Would it be better to visit Athens a few days, Santorini a few days sand another island -- if you recommend this option what is another good place to visit given our background and traveling with a 12-year-old.

4. we usually get a 1 bedroom suite in a hotel where our son sleeps on the pull out sofa and we sleep in the bedroom ... is this possible in Greece or is renting a condo a better option? Is it safe to rent a condo?

Any information will be very useful.

p.s. our son preferred we visit Italy or Spain (new European travelers) but we thought weather wise Greece may be a better alternative?

Thank you so much in advance.

1. Depending on how much time you plan to devote to wedding activities, I would think you could plan on 3 locations -- but it depends entirely on what those locations are and what you choose to do! For example, Crete easily merits a week or two, particularly if you are aiming for a slow pace.

2. If stairs are an issue, you can visit Santorini -- but you'll need to plan carefully to make sure you aren't going to need to climb a lot.

3. If Athens and Santorini are definitely part of your plans, you have a range of options that could suit you well. Crete, Naxos, Nafplio (if you are considering non-island locations), etc. You'll have to do some research to decide what suits you best. BTW, I thought the Michelin Green Guide a particularly useful resource.

4. Sorry, I'll have to leave this question for others.

Hope that helps!

In August I don't think Italy or Spain will have significantly different weather than Greece (exception the very south of Spain - Andalucia - that will be hotter). The islands of course are usually a bit cooler than the mainland (of Greece or Italy or Spain). But since you have to go to Athens for a wedding it does seem to make sense to visit there. However, if you son really wants one of those other countries and you find flights that would work stopping in Italy or Spain en route to Greece it could end up not being more travel than going to Athens and then to a few islands.

Most of Santorini does have quite a bit of steps and little hills - even throughout the village centers. But actually the other islands have quite a lot of up/down walking too.

I haven't come across a lot of 'suites' in Greece but I don't stay in large hotels. Actually most of the hotels (maybe except Athens) are smaller, family run type places. You may or may not find little apartment type arrangements. If you search on booking.com you can put in the number of people but you may get just a large room with enough beds for three people.

If you are using booking(dot)com or another search engine check for apartments. Greece, especially the islands, has lots of small family-run hotels with a variety of rooms, studios, and apartments. Large resort hotels are rare except for islands that have direct flights from northern Europe and cater for package holiday companies.

If your two-week trip includes the last week of August the islands will be less busy than earlier in the month.

We LOVED Santorini. Walking along the caldera path (which is stunningly gorgeous) is paved and not difficult to navigate. I was having a hip issue while there, and was able to get around without problem. We stayed in Imerovigli, which we recommend, as it's not as busy or touristy as Fira or Oia. You can always take a cab, if needed.

Highly recommend the Gold Suites:
https://www.goldsuites-santorini.com
Their junior suite would have plenty of room for you. Breakfast is included, which is served at your suite, on the private patio overlooking the caldera. It's magical.

Thank you all so much for all your input. I really appreciat it. So should I do 5 days in Athens, 3 in satorini and 5 in another island? how does that sound? or 5 in athens, 3 in santourini and 1 week in crete? Please let mek now.

I think it depends on what you most want to see and experience. You can't see all of Crete in a week, but you can see a lot. Have you plotted the things you would want to visit on a calendar to see if you can accomplish your goals in that time? That's how I decide how to allocate my time.