chaisaelee

I'll be in Greece from Nov 3-17. I'm starting to conclude that this isn't the best time to go (most restaurants and hotels are closing during this time of the year. Please tell me this isn't so. Are there any suggestions for visiting Greece in November?

travelerjan

We cannot tell you that it isn't so.
On the islands that most tourists go to, yes, things do close down.

I cannot imagine why you will be there unless you are being sent there on business (and thus don't have to pay for it yourself). In that case stay in Athens enjoy yourself in Athens night life.

Otherwise, change to a better time of year. The BEST times are May-June or September.

mjs

We enjoyed a week in Crete in November. Not good for the beach but plenty to do for a tourist.

Heimdall

Look upon it as an opportunity to explore the many wonderful sights on the mainland when weather is mild and tourists gone. It is only the beach oriented islands where most restaurants and hotels are closed in November - on the mainland it's business as usual. You weren't planning a beach holiday anyway, were you? ;-)

chaisaelee

Thanks everyone for replying to my message. I'll definitely keep all of your opinions in mind when researching for things to do in Greece during November. Are there any mainland sites that you all were suggest me to see?

zeppole

Are you going as a tourist to see the sites or do you have business commitments?

I went to Greece in the first week of March this year and stayed only in Athens this time, and it was a joy to be able to walk around in the sunshine without having it be so fierce it's painful. Plus, the air was relatively clear and the crowds were tolerable.

I could have spent more time on the classic sites to be sure, especially the areas that are part of the Acropolis complex, and there two museums I didn't get to (the Bernaki and the Byzantine). I know I could spend at least five days in Athens, and would want a trip to Sounion and Pireus, too, but then I would head for the Peloppennese, most especially Mistras, in the middle.

http://www.dimitri.8m.com/mistras.html

http://www.superbgreece.com/Peloponnese/

If you like sophisticated bars and shopping, book yourself into the Kolonaki district in Athens and eat and drink wonderfully. It's not that far from the classic sites, just a subway stop or two, and you might really enjoy the truly modern Athenian feel and swank (but it's still cheap).

chaisaelee

Thanks Zeppole, I'm going to Greece for about two weeks and it would be a leisure trip. My friends and I have barely graduated and we're backpacking on a budget throughout Europe. We begin in Spain and finish in Greece. If you have traveled throughout Europe, what countries would you consider the least or most expensive countries to visit?

Thanks for sharing your experience.

zeppole

You should probably put up another thread asking about which are the most and least expensive countries for travel in Europe. But I think a better question would be to ask for tips on how you and your friends can save money seeing the places you want to see. You know, some cost saving tips. People might be able to give you some very good ideas.

Sounds like fun! Spain and Greece are wonderful destinations. If you find yourself in Italy in between, buses are sometimes more reliable than trains, and much cheaper for short runs. Milan and Bologna are expensive cities, and Venice requires being careful with the budget. With those exceptions, throughout Italy, there are often really great deals on very clean B&Bs, especially if you all will share a bathroom.

Have a great time!

Heimdall

Mainland sites to consider (in addition to those metioned by zeppole) would be Delphi, Meteora, and other places in the Peloponnese, eg Nafplio, Epidavros, Olympia.

If you still wish to spend a few days on an island, then Santorini would be the obvious choice. Blue Star Ferries have daily sailings from Piraeus.

Greece is a good place for budget travelers, especially in off-season. Check out the hostels in Athens and Santorini. Another way to save money is to stay in studios (rooms with kitchenettes) and do some of your own cooking.

For other budget ideas, suggest you register on http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ Thorn Tree Forum.

chaisaelee

Thanks Zeppole and Heimdall for your advice. Good idea Zeppole, I suppose I should clarify my threads.