One week in Greece in September
Aug 3rd, 2010, 01:02 AM
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One week in Greece in September
My wife and I are planning to spend a week in Greece from September 17th this year. This will be our first trip there.
We are 60, and are looking for a slow and easy time there, relaxation mixed with taking in the sights. No early morning rush to get to must-see places, or very late nights every night on beaches etc.
Instead we think we should spend the maximum time in Athens, possibly spending 3 days doing all the sights, and taking some of the short ferry rides to maybe islands like Aegina, Spetses, Hydra and then doing 1 longer trip, spending a night out, to Mykonos by ferry.
Santorini has been strongly recommended, we are not sure whether the extra distance is worth it, as Mykonos seems to have a lot going for it too, and we cant see it all! We would prefer not to fly, instead use the fast ferries and take advantage of being out on the water.
I guess we can always add a day or two to the trip, we had thought of maybe getting to Istanbul for 2 days, unless there are strong recommendations to do more in Greece?
We shall appreciate suggestions.
We are 60, and are looking for a slow and easy time there, relaxation mixed with taking in the sights. No early morning rush to get to must-see places, or very late nights every night on beaches etc.
Instead we think we should spend the maximum time in Athens, possibly spending 3 days doing all the sights, and taking some of the short ferry rides to maybe islands like Aegina, Spetses, Hydra and then doing 1 longer trip, spending a night out, to Mykonos by ferry.
Santorini has been strongly recommended, we are not sure whether the extra distance is worth it, as Mykonos seems to have a lot going for it too, and we cant see it all! We would prefer not to fly, instead use the fast ferries and take advantage of being out on the water.
I guess we can always add a day or two to the trip, we had thought of maybe getting to Istanbul for 2 days, unless there are strong recommendations to do more in Greece?
We shall appreciate suggestions.
Aug 3rd, 2010, 01:37 AM
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"We are looking for a slow and easy time there, relaxation mixed with taking in the sights. No early morning rush to get to must-see places, or very late nights every night on beaches etc."
In that case, I'd choose Santorini over Mykonos. You can enjoy lovely sunsets, a relaxing boat ride to the caldera and spend time walking around Fira and Oia not to forget the different beaches. You could get there by a short flight and air fares on these routes are pretty cheap.
Indigo5
In that case, I'd choose Santorini over Mykonos. You can enjoy lovely sunsets, a relaxing boat ride to the caldera and spend time walking around Fira and Oia not to forget the different beaches. You could get there by a short flight and air fares on these routes are pretty cheap.
Indigo5
Aug 3rd, 2010, 03:08 AM
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Mykonos is a party town. If u want quiet then Santorini is beautiful. Santorini csn be enjoyed more if u are comfortable with walking, a lot of it uphill. Adding Istanbul is probably adding another visa.
The Greek islands are again quite similar, so read up a bit and plan what you want to experience.
The Greek islands are again quite similar, so read up a bit and plan what you want to experience.
Aug 3rd, 2010, 04:16 AM
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If this is your first time to Greece, definitely try to see Santorini. It's one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Since you have limited time, I'd fly there. It's a very short flight- about 30 minutes, maybe less. If you're looking for an island to add on to your itinerary for a few days, you could go to Mykonos, Paros, or Naxos, all of which are an easy ferry ride from Santorini. Oh, and by the way, I totally disagree with the poster above who says the Greek islands are very similar. Not true- they all have their distinct personalities.
As far as Istanbul goes, I would not recommend it for this trip. Unless you go back to Athens, it can be complicated to get there from the Greek islands. More importantly, you simply don't have enough time. Istanbul itself deserves several days for a real visit, and then there's the rest of Turkey!!!
As far as Istanbul goes, I would not recommend it for this trip. Unless you go back to Athens, it can be complicated to get there from the Greek islands. More importantly, you simply don't have enough time. Istanbul itself deserves several days for a real visit, and then there's the rest of Turkey!!!
Aug 3rd, 2010, 04:18 AM
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Mykonos in mid-September is very, very pleasant and much quieter than the peak months of July and August when the island is indeed a party town. Your time of visiting is, in my mind and from past experience, one of the best times to be there.
Mykonos town, one of the most beautiful in the Cyclades, is terrific to stroll around, sit and have some coffee and people watch. Getting lost in its maze of narrow streets is fun.
A trip over to Delos is a 'must see' but the island has much more to offer the explorer e.g. the Dragonisi caves, Neolithic tombs, the remains of the original two island settlements, a 16th century monastery to explore and the ruins of a 13th century castle too. Away from the well used southern beaches, those in the north are quiet and spectacular. Also, a small outdoor theatre in the town itself regularly offers traditional Myconian singing and dancing in the evenings - schedules are posted locally.
Santorini is beautiful. Mykonos is too.
Perhaps if I can caution you about anything it is trying to squeeze too many places into a one week visit. My own choice would simply be Athens and one other destination.
Bill
Mykonos town, one of the most beautiful in the Cyclades, is terrific to stroll around, sit and have some coffee and people watch. Getting lost in its maze of narrow streets is fun.
A trip over to Delos is a 'must see' but the island has much more to offer the explorer e.g. the Dragonisi caves, Neolithic tombs, the remains of the original two island settlements, a 16th century monastery to explore and the ruins of a 13th century castle too. Away from the well used southern beaches, those in the north are quiet and spectacular. Also, a small outdoor theatre in the town itself regularly offers traditional Myconian singing and dancing in the evenings - schedules are posted locally.
Santorini is beautiful. Mykonos is too.
Perhaps if I can caution you about anything it is trying to squeeze too many places into a one week visit. My own choice would simply be Athens and one other destination.
Bill
Aug 3rd, 2010, 05:10 AM
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Yes, you will find lots to see and do in Athens along with the day cruise to nearby Aegina, Hydros. This will include of course Acropolis and other sites. Surely you can spend a day in the Archaelogical Museum. Also just strolling around on your own. From Athens you should take as we did a land trip through Corinth to Mycenae and Delphi and Epidauros. I was quite taken with the Delphic oracle and wrote up a description.
As for other trips by sea you might indeed choose Santorini or even as we did Crete which was on our tour. Depends on whether you want history or scenery. We were older than you when in Greece some years ago. Now beware...we both had our wallets stolen on an Athens bus without even knowing it. Only time in all our travels. Luckily being with a tour group we had backup. Athens is a big noisy city don't forget. And this applies to traffic as well.
Bill in Boston
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As for other trips by sea you might indeed choose Santorini or even as we did Crete which was on our tour. Depends on whether you want history or scenery. We were older than you when in Greece some years ago. Now beware...we both had our wallets stolen on an Athens bus without even knowing it. Only time in all our travels. Luckily being with a tour group we had backup. Athens is a big noisy city don't forget. And this applies to traffic as well.
Bill in Boston
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Aug 3rd, 2010, 01:46 PM
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Thanks for the Mykonos details Bill and, as always, interesting information about parts of our favourite island few people visit.
It was from you that I learned about (and visited) the neolithic tombs and the ancient settlements and where to find the sources. I've passed that info to others on another forum who are also benefiting from your knowledge of the island. Again, many thanks.
jon
It was from you that I learned about (and visited) the neolithic tombs and the ancient settlements and where to find the sources. I've passed that info to others on another forum who are also benefiting from your knowledge of the island. Again, many thanks.
jon
Aug 5th, 2010, 04:47 AM
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Many thanks to all who have offered their advice, I think we would end up following the route of Athens + 1 main island, with side trips.
I agree Istanbul needs time, that has to be the next on the list.
A question: are these flights in small aircraft? I am a bit claustrophobic!Hence the preference for the ferry.
And if I gave the impression that we had settled into the sunset at this age, and therefore wanted only quiet, I am sorry for misguiding.I only meant no 6am rising to get to places and see it all, so good restaurants and good music are very much a must get to on this trip!
Thank you again, I do appreciate the time and the good advice.
I agree Istanbul needs time, that has to be the next on the list.
A question: are these flights in small aircraft? I am a bit claustrophobic!Hence the preference for the ferry.
And if I gave the impression that we had settled into the sunset at this age, and therefore wanted only quiet, I am sorry for misguiding.I only meant no 6am rising to get to places and see it all, so good restaurants and good music are very much a must get to on this trip!
Thank you again, I do appreciate the time and the good advice.
Aug 5th, 2010, 05:55 AM
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If you are hesitant about flying small aircraft, then consider taking ferries between Athens and Santorini.
Consider coming back from Santorini to Athens on an over-night ferry with a cabin to sleep in. That way you'll leave more time for sight-seeing. We took Blue Star ferry, but there are other ferry companies that run between Athens and Santorini.
Consider coming back from Santorini to Athens on an over-night ferry with a cabin to sleep in. That way you'll leave more time for sight-seeing. We took Blue Star ferry, but there are other ferry companies that run between Athens and Santorini.
