My husband and I are going to Greece 8/29 for about 9-10 days and need help with our itinerary. We've never been and are open to any & all suggestions. Looking for ideas on what to do, what to avoid, hotels, etc. Just started doing the research. Thanks so much.

You'll need to plan carefully to get the most out of such a short visit. First decide if you want to visit the islands as well as the mainland then choose an island group. The Cyclades are very popular and are also close to Crete. Does your budget allow for domestic air travel or will you be taking the ferries? Some islands are only accessible by ferry but you can fly out from Athens to one that has an airport and save many hours by doing so, then take the ferry from island-to-island. This is what many people do. Many people prefer taking the ferry from Athens/Piraeus to experience the approach by sea. Some of the islands are quite far from Athens and require an overnight journey if you use the ferry system.

August is the busiest month so expect crowds everywhere.

Here are some links to ferry schedule websites to help your planning. Learn to navigate gtp.gr and it will be of great use to you:

www.gtp.gr

http://www.greekislands.gr/hfd/

http://www.bluestarferries.com/ENGLISH/defaultmain.htm

One important thing to keep in mind about the ferries: They can be delayed or cancelled without notice due to high winds or breakdown so keep yourselves flexible just in case. Always check the day before departure for any schedule changes. I also suggest that if you plan to ferry back to the mainland on your way home save your exploration of Athens until the end to give yourself a "time cushion" of a day or two to allow for the delays I mentioned. Otherwise you might miss your flight home. There is an express bus from the airport to the Piraeus ferry port as well as to Rafina where you can catch a ferry to Mykonos. Sometimes dealing with the "Greek Way" can be frustrating, but it's a wonderful country and well-worth your time.

Brotherleelove -

Would you recommend going from the airport to the islands first? Say, Santorini, then ferry to another island and then back to Athens?

ttt

Hi,
It appears that with only 9-10 days, you should fly directly from Athens to Santorini for 3 days. Then take a ferry to a near by island (Paros or Naxos) for 3 days and then fly back to Athens. Spend 2 days in Athens before returning home. To confuse you more, there are wonderful sites to see on the Peleponesse (sp) that will take all of your time. Have a great trip.

Thanks for the help. I think we're going to fly straight to Santorini from Athens, then ferry to Mykonos & then Athens. Is 3 nights in each place good?

Sorry I didn't answer earlier. Yes, I agree it's best to go directly to Santorini and then make your way back to Athens from there as I suggested above. I hope you have your flights booked already, things are starting to fill up for August. Have a great time.

Let me know if the following sounds like a good itinerary for our late August/early September trip to Greece.

3 nights in Santorini, ferry to Mykonos for 3 nights and then ferry to Athens for 3 nights with an afternoon flight back home on day 10. Is 3 days too long in Athens? I know that sound silly, but just wanted to be sure.

Thanks to all who've responded thus far. Look forward to further insight.

Sounds good to me and no, I don't think 3 days in Athens is too much. You might, though. August is blisteringly hot there, and the smog will be at a toxic level. Make sure your Athens hotel room has working A/C.

On the plus side there's plenty to see and do in three days.

Thanks, Brotherleelove. I'm sure it'll be hot in Athens, but better that than freezing!!!

Visit Agistri island, it's close to Athens (1 hour away), small, green (covered with pine trees), sandy beaches ... beautiful ...

Check the following websites for more:
http://www.agistri.gr (official)
http://www.yialos-agistri.gr (hotel & taverna)

Enjoy your vacation in Greece!