Heard this is a wonderful place to get suggestions. First time travel to Greece. 2 1/2 to 3 weeks travel in May. Would love suggestions and comments. Thinking of Athens, Crete, Santorini and Rhodes. Need help in deciding how long to stay in each place and recommendations for lovely small hotels- Any particularly memorable places and experiences- would love to hear. Would rather see less and see it well. Open to all suggestions.

Athens, Crete and Santorini will provide you with plenty to see and do. Adding Rhodes isn't necessary but if you want to include it I suggest you wait until you're there to decide if it's necessary.

In May you can go from Athens to Crete to Santorini or from Athens to Santorini to Crete without advance reservations unless you really need them to feel secure, since it won't be busy then. Crete is huge and offers more than any other island. You could easily spend your whole vacation on that one island alone.

Santorini is spectacular and unique. Oia, the best village, has many lovely small hotels. Check the Aspaki Suites, Oia Castle, Ikies Traditional Houses, Alexander's Boutique Hotel and Strogili Houses.

Flying to these islands is a good option on Aegean Airlines since they offer heavily discounted airfares.

http://www.aegean-air.gr/aegeanen/home/

Have you considered renting a car and driving around the mainland? There is so much within easy driving distances to see. For example Nafplio, Epidavros, Monemvasia, Mani, Metsovo, Meteora and I can't image going to Greece for the first time and not going to Olympia and/or Delphi. You could do all that easily in three weeks and still have time for an island.

Hi Everyone,

So glad to find this spot, you are all so helpful!

After MUCH research, have come up with the following:

We are also going to Greece from May 2 -18, 2007 and plan to spend 4 nites in Santorini at the Astra Apartments, (arrive in Athens on the 3rd, fly to Santorini the 4th and get married on the 6th!) then fly to Crete for 6 nites(3 in Iraklion and 3 in Chania) then fly to Athens, rent a car and go to Delphi for 2 nites, then 3 in Athens before flying home.

My questions: 1. Would you recommend the 2 nite car trip to Delphi or Nafplio? 2. What about the breakdown of the 6 nite Crete stay? 3. Would you stay one nite longer in Delphi or Nafplio regions, and less in Athens?

Any other changes/suggestions greatly appreciated as we have never been and putting together the itinerary has been really hard. (But fun too!)

We're big outdoors people (hiking, kayak, exploring, etc. and also love fine dining, good wine!)

Thanks!!

We spent one night in Heraklion last July just to see the museum and archaeological sites. It was more than enough. Heraklion is a busy, characterless city compared to a place like Chania. I really didn't care for it at all, and wouldn't recommend staying there unless you're departing from there by ferry or plane.

so glad I found this. we are planning on travelling to Greece at the same time in May. I'd like to know if you can send me any additional suggestions that may be helpful. We were looking at cruise and land packages so we don't miss anything. Have you heard of any other "planned" vacation packages? do you think it would be better to just plan it on our own? you can reach me at [email protected]

thanks