We would like to go to Greece - when is a good time to go????I've heard it's too hot in July and August so we were wondering if April would be a good time? Also. should we plan a cruise or pick a location and stay in one place??? Thanks for your help
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I was there in May and it was perfect. To start your planning visit www.greecetravel.com
It depends what your interests are. I love the beach and being in the water, so the beginning of June was perfect. Perfect temperature (about 80), not very crowded. Not exactly considered high season either so prices were better. I would only cruise if you want to see many places in a short time and not really get to experience the full flavor of the place. Me, personally would have a hard time on a cruise in Europe because I really like to explore, not only have 7-8 hours at each stop. How many days do you have? Do you want to explore the mainland or islands?
We could stay from 10 days to 2 weeks. We have been to Europe many times - especially Italy - but I have always wanted to go to Greece. i just don't know where to start. I love to shop - see lots of sites - eat great food and drink good wine. My husband likes to scuba but we aren't interested in doing the beach scene. Where would you suggest?
Guest
Cherie, I spent a great two weeks in Greece. We spent a few days in Athens, took a trip to Delphi and Meteora really worth the time!) then chartered a sailboat with www.gpsc.com. We had the boat (and a skipper) for a week and went to 4 different islands. It was a great time and more affordable than you would expect.
Crete might be a good place to start. It's a large island, with lots of diversity: ruins, shopping, beaches, museums. Another great place to go, somewhat off the beaten track, is the island of Skiathos in the northern Aegean. You can take the ferry from Volos (also very interesting). There is a large population of British expats in Skiathos, which means that there are a lot of good services for tourists. May is a beautiful time in Greece, when all the wildflowers are blooming, but the water is awfully chilly then. Then again, I'm from Texas, so I like it fairly warm.
My first time to Greece I did Athens-Mykonos-Santorini. It was absolutely perfect. One of the days in Athens we took a bus to Cape Sounion (?spelling), where there is a beautiful temple and amzing sea views. While in Mykonos you have to take a day trip to the island of Delos, it is an amazing archaeological site. Santorini just speaks for itself, just do a search on this site. <BR><BR>My latest trip we went to Meteora, Corfu, day trip to Albania, and then a 24 hour boat to Venice. Meteora was really amazing, great views. Corfu is in the Ionians and it was definately great, but we stayed in the most touristy part. There is a lot to do & see there. We took a day trip to Saranda, Albania which was really an experience in itself. Do a search it should pull up my post about this experience. The 24 hour boat to Venice from Corfu was even really nice, we then spent 3 nights in Venice. This was all in a 2 week trip!
Hi Cherie,<BR><BR>I'm a Floridian, so my blood is thin... therefore I personally avoid going when it's too chilly. As mentioned, May is a great time, but the water is too cold for me (actually, the water is too cold for me sometimes in June!)<BR><BR>My personal favorite time is early June... warm enough to enjoy the islands at night, and yet the major crowds haven't kicked in. <BR><BR>It's not so much the weather that you will find bothersome in July and August... it's the crowds (especially in the more popular destinations). Even less "popular" places can get crowded with Greeks vacationing on the islands at that time.
My sister and I want to go to Greece in mid October 2003. Will it be too cold then? We are not interested in swimming so the water temperature is not an issue, but we would like to tour some ruins. Will ferries and hotels still be open and running?
Greece and Turkey are both wonderful. July and August are extremely busy with European tourists. I recommend May/early June. That way you avoid the crowds. Also, the hotels/pensions are more welcoming as they are just opening for business. We have been in October several times but prefer May/June. By October, the locals are 'tired' of the tourists. We loved Santorini and Crete. If you get to Rhodes, be sure and take the ferry over to Marmaris in Turkey. If you are the least bit adventuresome, I would not take a cruise. Try island hopping via ferry. Just leave yourself enough time to get back. Olympic Airlines also has scheduled flights between the islands.
