Traveler28

Hi! I'm looking to return to Greece in September 2009. I like to plan ahead, so I'm looking for suggestions now. I was in Greece about 10 years ago and visited Athens (and surrounding areas), Santorini, Mykonos and Rhodes. Loved them all, but wasn't too crazy about Rhodes. For my upcoming trip of two weeks, I'd love suggestions of other places that I need to visit. Thanks for your suggestions!

logogm

Suggestions: The monasteries of Meteora. You've probably been to the theatre of Epidaurus, Corinth, Mycenae, but did you make it to Delphi and Olympia? These are classic sites and must sees. Drive around anywhere in the Peloponnese. The cog railway to/from Kalavrita and Diakoto. The port city of Naplion. Islands of Crete (hike the Samoria Gorge (longest in Europe, much more to see here too), Patmos, 3 island day cruise from AThens (Hydros, Aegina & Poros). Don't forget to spend a couple days in Athens -- it's clearly changed in 10 years (Syntagma Square, Metro). The new Acropolis museum may be open by then?

wug

I second all that logogm said, especially the Peloponnese (if you didn't make it before) and Meteora.

I also love Naxos as well as the little island of Antiparos. Hydra is also wonderful and pretty easy to get to from Athens.

Crete is very large and a lot to do there. It takes a little planning only because it is so large and the farthest south.

littlemountain

Certainly Crete, especially the Western and Southern parts, not the overbuilt Eastern resort areas.

Many Fodorites have noted the less party-central/less touristy charms of Naxos, and I would add my voice to theirs.

We often travel to Hydra directly upon long-haul arrival at Athens airport for a few days. It's only a 75-minute hydrofoil ride from Piraeus and, with no motor vehicles, it's a more relaxing place to get over jet lag than bustling Athens. The Hotel Bratsera is a gem.

Another gem, often overlooked because the ferry routes which run through the most-popular Cyclades Islands don't usually touch it, is Sifnos. It's a great combination of beach towns and hill towns and still a place where an amateur can rent a motor scooter to get around without the same risk of mortal peril that exists on other busier islands.

Chania

Hi Traveler28, it would be helpful to know what your interests are. Beaches, museums, historic sites, architecture, people watching, hiking, photography of people or scenes? I like to see how people once lived and are to some extent still living in Greece today. Therefore, for that I have enjoyed the islands of Karpathos, Nissros, Chios & Amorgos. For beaches, Crete and Naxos have some beautiful ones, especially on the south western coast of Crete and the little island of Elfonissos in the Peloponese has one of the best beaches in Greece. Nafplion has already been mentioned and I second that and also Momevasia in the Peloponese is really neat. For hiking, Folegandros and Amorgos offer easy scenic hiking as well as Crete in the eastern end of the island. Give us some direction and you may get more specific feedback.

Kristinelaine

I'm also looking forward to a second trip to Greece in 2009. Thanks for the tips.

Traveler28

Good point, Chania. Top of my list items are: beaches, cities, countryside, the sea, history, people watching, dining, shopping, gorgeous scenery (including architecture). I'm not sure if I've narrowed the options down very far!

travelerjan

Traveler28 --
Since you have plenty of time, you have the luxury of personal research and pondering,even (gasp) beyond the internet!!

You also have the most-promoted islands under your belt, so now can enjoy less-hyped treasures.

I'd suggest you hit a good local library and check out 3 specific books -- they don't have to be 2008 editions because this is not for the latest hotel or restaurant advice.

(1 & 2) DK Eyewitness series-- "GReece: The Greek Islands" and "Greece: Athens and the Mainland"... these Excellent books have a very visual/graphics approach of each destinations appeal.. can help u pick out places that appeal to u most.

(3)Th. Cooks "Greek Island HOpping" -- this practical, detailed book shows visually what WORKS and what DOES NOT WORK in using ferries to get places. SO practical! and Candid!!

Two weeks should allow you 3-4 destinations without too much time lost to travel-- especially if you begin with a (bargain) Aegean Air flight the minute u arrive, to your farthest destination. Example: Western Crete/Chania (4 days),hop to Naxos (4 days),ferry to Athens (1 nite) bus to/from Nafplio, and car rental for swoop around the area's ancient sites(4 days), fnal night in Athens (1).

Another possibility, further afield, is (1) fly to Samos (2) Day Trip to Ephesus or Patmos (3) 2-3 day hop to Chios and back (4) head back toward Athens via ferry-hop (Naxos?).

Have fun researching!

tom_h

To the many good suggestions already made, I'd also add:

-- Mani region of the Peloponesses.
-- Arkadia region, especially villages of Dimitsena & Stemnitsa.
-- Mystras.

It would take at least a joyful month of travelling to visit all the places mentioned!

(note- place name spellings can vary, and they're all "correct&quot.