Where Should We Go in Greece?

• Have you been to Greece before?
• How long do you have to travel?
• Who is traveling with you?

Once you’ve considered these parameters, let’s have a look at some important points to get you thinking about a Greek getaway before you refine your trip with a travel specialist …

 

 

Less Movement, More Substance

 

People think of Greece as a small country, but it’s huge in many ways. You could spend years exploring this Mediterranean staple’s fascinating towns and over 200 inhabited islands. Don’t make the mistake of trying to do too much. If you’re too busy bopping from place to place, you’ll miss much of the essence of Greece, which is the pleasure of taking it slow.

 

If you’ve got just 7 – 10 days to travel, you’ll need to limit yourself to Athens plus two or three other places. If you’ve never been to Greece, the classic itinerary combines Athens, Santorini and typically Mykonos... but Naxos, Crete or Folegandros are other good options (Crete & Naxos are best for families, while Folegandros is more couples-oriented).

 

For the first time traveler to Greece, you must spend a couple of days in Athens – no question. There’s plenty to do for two or three full days, without ever leaving the central touristic area of the city. And there are also many day trips from Athens: to Delphi, the historic Peloponnese, Athens Riviera and Cape Sounion, Saronic Islands, Corinth, etc.  You could easily spend 5 or 6 nights in Athens, but most people on a first trip stay just 2 or 3 nights – then move on to the islands.

 

 

 

Island Hopping

 

Jumping from island to island is a fun and popular way to experience Greece, and a travel specialist can help you make this a seamless endeavor. Your total travel time, as well as complicated ferry routes, will dictate how many islands you can actually visit in a short amount of time. We suggest flying to your first island for the most convenience (typically an inexpensive 45-minute flight vs. 5 full hours of boredom on a ferry). Then, use this as a jumping off point to ferry among the constellation of Greek islands. We also strongly suggest spending at least 3 nights on each island – so as to actually see and enjoy the villages and beaches – instead of spending all your time on a boat, or waiting for one.

 

 

Many people envision the Cycladic Islands (i.e. Santorini, Mykonos) when they think of Greece, but the country is blessed with several groups of islands that are spread out and showcase different characters. The Ionian Islands in the west, for example, are typically larger and more lush than the Cycladic group, while the Dodecanese are less touristy and lie closer to the Turkish coast.

 

The following islands are all fairly nearby each other (2 hours by ferry or less) and each is known for something different:

 

• Best scenery: Santorini
• Best nightlife: Mykonos
• Best food and largest island/most variety: Crete
• Best traditional village life: Naxos & Crete
• Best kiteboarding and windsurfing: Paros
• Best beaches: Milos
• Best couple’s getaway: Folegandros

 

For those contemplating a second visit, we’d suggest checking out some of these islands:

 

Corfu / Kafalonia / Zakinthos in the Ionian Islands are all beautiful and filled with history but completely isolated from the other Greek islands, close to Albania, requiring a trip all their own. To reach any of them you should fly from Athens or drive across the Greek mainland then take a ferry.

 

Rhodes / Kos / Patmos are all in the Dodecanese group and are a delightful chain for history and culture. We especially recommend Rhodes for families. Its history of the Knights, Castles and Old Town is magical, and there are plenty of excellent beaches to choose from.

 

Crete is one very large island that requires at least a week’s time to explore! Great for both families and couples. The charming town of Chania is a favorite, with its Venetian and Turkish influences.

 

 

 

Mainland Greece

 

What about the Greek mainland? We thought you’d never ask!

 

One of the best things to do in Greece is to rent a car and explore the plains, mountains and traditional villages of the mainland. If you love history, then the country’s interior is where you need to be, soaking up the myths of Mt Olympos, King Agamemnon, the Spartans and more.

 

Start with the area of southern Greece called the Peloponnese. From Athens, in a couple of hours you can be at the seaside in Nafplio, sitting in the village square, surrounded by Greek families on holiday… with not another foreign tourist in sight. One of our favorite authentic gems. 

 

 

 

While you can’t fill up your scorecard on a single trip to Greece, you can still begin to get a taste of its immense variety, enjoying the warm and lively people, delicious dishes, wines, and sunshine.