Hi Everyone

We've now narrowed down our trip in early Dec 07 to Greece. Been reading up on this but really wanted to get some real 'live' feedback from the experts. We want to visit Athens and Santorini in early dec 07 and are not worried about the cold. Dont intend to be swimming but am thinking of Santorini more for the views. Only problem that worries is the short daylight hours. Do you think the short daylight will be a problem to getting a good itinerary in for this trip? It is still worthwhile to go? Lastly, could you suggest another location to pair with athens & santorini (am looking for great sights, some good shopping, good food). Thks everyone for your vote. Look forward to hearing your views.

Personally i don't like the islands in the winter. The feeling is completely different and the few times i've been to one tha period, i was kind of depressed as most shops are shut down(i haven't been to santorini during winter though).

Greece has wonderful places to visit during winter but the islands are not among them!(that's just my opinion!)

x

we are also traveling to Greece in early Dec., for 2 weeks. We've been traveling to Greece for 21 years now, have fallen in love with it and in the last few years have begun to seriously learn the language. In the last few years also locals on 'our' island (unnamed) have seen that we are there for reasons beyond tourism.. we love the place, it is our heart.
so now, we want to see our island dressed for winter - we'll be back in the springtime but now want to see it emptied of tourists, the harbor quiet except for the fishermen, the tavernas that are open filled mostly with Greeks.
We are avoiding (weather permitting!) staying in Athens by flying out to the island just hours after our flight from the US (via London) gets in. if the weather is rough, we will have to spend the night - which in itself could be interesting, seeing Athens in a quieter time - and then ferry it the next day... assuming ferries will be traveling!

I think the biggest drawback to Greece in winter could be the unpredictable weather - it will make it difficult to get around. That said, many a December has seen lovely weather, according to locals.

'Shopping' on the islands will be limited. Depending upon what you are looking for - jewelry shops close up, the proprietors off somewhere else for the winter. thankfully, the tat shops will be closed as well. But in Athens, everything should be as usual.

I prefer the warm waters, balmy breezes and clear light of Greece in warmer times but look forward to seeing it in a new light!

Have fun, good luck w/ your itinerary.

My first trip to Greece was in December, many many years ago, and I don't remember the length of the days being an issue for sightseeing. According to this site:
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldcloc...=-11&day=1

you would have about 9 1/2 hours of daylight even on the shortest day of the year.

The weather when I was there was lovely -- cool but not cold, and quite a bit of sun. That said, I agree with the other comment that you will have to be prepared for a variety of weather.

Have a great trip!

Hi,
When you return post a report on what it is like in Dec., on a Greek island. I would love to know.

Yipper