to Greece for the first time
 

Hello,
I will be traveling with my husband to Greece for the first time, we will be there for 2 weeks, flying in and out of Athens. I would like to visit Mykonos and Santorini. Was thinking about throwing Crete in too but is that too much? I think we would only need 2 days in Athens.
Any help is much appreciated!

If you spend only two or three nights each on Mykonos and Santorini you will have enough time to fit Crete into your itinerary leaving two days for Athens. Mykonos and Santorini seem to be on most first-timer’s bucket lists, but if you are there in high season you may be glad to move on. What time of year specifically do you plan to travel?

Athens deserves a minimum of 2 days with 3 or more better. There's more to Athens than just the tourist sites.

Crete is Greece's largest island and you spend spends weeks there and not see it all. It has something for everyone.

I believe it's relatively easy to get to Santorini via ferry from Crete.

As Heimdall states "Mykonos and Santorini seem to be on most first-timer's bucket lists" which is understandable because most glossy travel magazines and travel agents hype those islands. On the other hand there is more to a Greek Island than either of those you want to go to.

You didn't state when you are traveling but if it's High Season be prepared for hordes of tourists on Santorini/Mykonos, high prices and some debate just how "Greek" they are.

If you have your heart set on those island then by all means go, but if you want something less touristy, less expensive and maybe an island(s) that provides you with a more Greek experience there are many others to consider.

People seem to want to go places their friends have heard of so when they return home people don’t ask: “You went where?” There is nothing wrong with Mykonos and Santorini as long as you know what to expect. Next trip to Greece (and there will be one) you can spread your wings. Mykonos, by the way, is very popular with affluent Greeks.

Modern Greeks don’t seem to visit traditional places unless it’s where their family originated. The owner of the little hotel on Antiparos where I stay had to renovate her hotel because as she said: “My Greek customers want air conditioning and flat screen television.” Up until then I was happy with a fan, and even brought my own plug for the bathroom sink. I must admit it’s nice to have the A/C!

What I want for my Greek holiday may be different that yours but where ever you go and what you go to Greece for I hope you enjoy yourself.

I always have a great time because I end up going where I want rather than what a travel agents wants.

Hi, I am looking into staying on Antiparos....could you share where you stay?
Thank you.
3GNHgirl

Hi, I always stay at Mike’s Place, but it is small and gets booked up in high season. A Dutchman whom I’ve met has a website where he recommends hotels on Antiparos. They are all good hotels, but look for the ones with Antiparos Town as the location if you don’t have a rental vehicle.
Antiparos Greece hotels, apartments, studios, holiday houses and villas

Thank you for sharing. I heard a lot of good reviews about Mike’s Place, but I don’t know this place is pet friendly or not?

Hi Suikor, I don’t recall seeing a pet at Mike’s Place, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t accepted. Why don’t you email Lilian, the owner, at [email protected]? She will be in Athens right now, but checks her emails regularly, so should reply promptly.

You've already gotten some great advice!

Where, exactly, to go and for how long really depends on what you want to see and experience. Personally, I wanted more time in Athens than you are giving it and I wasn't overly impressed with either Santorini or Mykonos, although I realize that I'm an outlier in my reactions to those islands. If you haven't already seen it, you might find some useful information in my trip report:
https://www.fodors.com/community/eur...reece-1460735/