Hôtels sur Tinos, Santorin et Paros?
by Pich24
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
bonjour, je prepare nos vacances dans les cyclades, et jaurais besoin de vos experiences
nous sommes une famille avec une ado de 16 ans,
j'ai prevu un voyage sur 14 nuits de fin juin a debut juillet 2013
notre itineraire serait le suivant
arrivée Athenes le 23 a 11h, une nuit a rafina , depart en ferry le lendemain pour tinos, pour 4 nuits, puis depart pour santorin pour 3 nuits, et re depart pour paros pour 5 nuits, retour a athenes et envol pour la france
mon budget hotel est de max 70 euros par nuit petit dej compris
sur chaque ile , je prevois la location d'une voiture
j'aimerais connaitre des noms d'hotels sympas ou de pensions avec petit dejeuner, proche des plages pour ces destinations, et qui rentre dans mon budget, si santorin est chere , (je peux augmenter un peu le budget)
si vous pouvez m'aider , j'en serais ravie
cordialement
bonjour Isa
pour ton projet dans les Cyclades je connais une adresse ikiastudios que tu trouveras sur mon blog dédié aux cyclades et plus spécialement a Paros
Le blog de muriel
pour les autres iles je trouve que greeka/com a pas mal de choses intéressante et booking.com
bonne journée
Muriel
la mouche du coche
merci pour ta reponse je vais aller voir ton blog,
j'ai regarde booking.com, y en a tellement qu'a la fin je m'y perds!
isa
isa
en général sur des sites comme booking il y a des critiques bonnes ou mauvaises cela peut aider à faire le tri
sur les guides ppiers il y a en général une sélection de bonnes adresses
sur les guides ppiers il y a en général une sélection de bonnes adresses
Hasta la vista
Pour booking, site que je préfère, tu choisis ta période, le lieu de location (que booking pourra d'ailleurs étendre) et ensuite tu sélectionnes : "meilleurs commentaires" pour avoir un premier avis ou "tarif" pour les prix. Pas plus compliqué que cela.
Comme seuls les gens qui ont réservé via ce site peuvent donner leur avis, cela donne une bonne idée de ce qui t'attend.
Plus tu as de commentaires, plus cela est fiable sur la qualité de l'hébergement, c'est logique.😉
Je n'ai jamais eu de grosses déceptions, une analyse rapide permet de bien éclairer ton choix.
Je n'ai jamais eu un problème avec ce site. Tu peux ensuite voir sur tripadvisor pour d'autres avis (sauf que là, aucune certitude que ce sont des voyageurs qui notent).
En ce qui me concerne, pour cet été, sur Paros, j'ai réservé http://www.albatross.gr, les gérants parlent français et très sympas et le contact par mail est très bien passé. Sur Santorin, "l'anemoessa" a de très bons avis, ensuite il y en a d'autres, mais sur Santorin, le budget explose très vite...😕
Bonnes recherches
Je n'ai jamais eu un problème avec ce site. Tu peux ensuite voir sur tripadvisor pour d'autres avis (sauf que là, aucune certitude que ce sont des voyageurs qui notent).
En ce qui me concerne, pour cet été, sur Paros, j'ai réservé http://www.albatross.gr, les gérants parlent français et très sympas et le contact par mail est très bien passé. Sur Santorin, "l'anemoessa" a de très bons avis, ensuite il y en a d'autres, mais sur Santorin, le budget explose très vite...😕
Bonnes recherches
"Parmi les êtres humains, il en est.../... qui s'inventent l'obligation de toujours bouger. Impossible pour eux de rester en place, à peine arrivés quelque part, leurs pieds les démangent. Toute affaire cessante ils se doivent d'aller voir ailleurs." EriK Orsenna
merci pour ta reponse,
je vais effectivement passer par booking. com, j' y ai vu des trucs sympa, pas de soucis pour les paiements?
cordialement
nous avons souvent pris des hotels avec booking 5 Grèce Italie ) dans la majorité des cas nous avons payé sur place sans aucun probléme
Hasta la vista
sur Booking, c'est ta carte de paiement (visa ou mastercard) qui permet de garantir les transactions. Il faut juste faire attention aux conditions d'annulation, parfois les prix les plus intéressants ne le permettent pas. Pour le reste, jamais eu de problème au moment de payer mes hôtels, toujours le prix indiqué par booking. Si le tarif n'est pas annulable, ta cb seras décomptée de suite par l'hôtel.
Je n'ai jamais eu de souci avec booking, je ne sais pas si certains en ont rencontré, mais pour moi, j'ai totalement confiance en ce site, et je l'utilise depuis quelques années maintenant.
ps : Je conserve tous les mails de confirmations de booking dans mon téléphone et dans un ipad quand je voyage (plus scans des passeports), d'une part pour avoir des justificatifs et pour éviter tout pb en cas de perte ou de vol de documents.
(ps : il peut arriver que des hôtels te proposent sur place un paiement en cash avec une ristourne, c'est souvent pour éviter les surcoûts engendrés par Visa qui leur colle des taxes, à moins que ce soit parfois pour contourner le fisc, en même temps, 10%, ça se prend😉) ps 2 : rien ne t'empêche, après avoir repéré un hôtel d'aller directement sur leur site pour voir s'ils n'ont pas un tarif plus avantageux, voire de les contacter pour une éventuelle proposition. Je fais souvent cela si je vois que l'hôtel est fiable, tout est bon pour économiser un peu pour le voyage d'après...😎
Bon voyage😏
Je n'ai jamais eu de souci avec booking, je ne sais pas si certains en ont rencontré, mais pour moi, j'ai totalement confiance en ce site, et je l'utilise depuis quelques années maintenant.
ps : Je conserve tous les mails de confirmations de booking dans mon téléphone et dans un ipad quand je voyage (plus scans des passeports), d'une part pour avoir des justificatifs et pour éviter tout pb en cas de perte ou de vol de documents.
(ps : il peut arriver que des hôtels te proposent sur place un paiement en cash avec une ristourne, c'est souvent pour éviter les surcoûts engendrés par Visa qui leur colle des taxes, à moins que ce soit parfois pour contourner le fisc, en même temps, 10%, ça se prend😉) ps 2 : rien ne t'empêche, après avoir repéré un hôtel d'aller directement sur leur site pour voir s'ils n'ont pas un tarif plus avantageux, voire de les contacter pour une éventuelle proposition. Je fais souvent cela si je vois que l'hôtel est fiable, tout est bon pour économiser un peu pour le voyage d'après...😎
Bon voyage😏
"Parmi les êtres humains, il en est.../... qui s'inventent l'obligation de toujours bouger. Impossible pour eux de rester en place, à peine arrivés quelque part, leurs pieds les démangent. Toute affaire cessante ils se doivent d'aller voir ailleurs." EriK Orsenna
ok, merci pour vos infos a tout les deux
je viens de prendre les billets d'avion, je finalise la suite apres
cordialement
re bonjour,
finalement , j'ai arreté mon choix sur paros et naxos, 1 semaine sur chaque, ce qui nous permettra d'aller visiter d'autres iles, sans transporter les bagages
sur paros nous logerons à logaras, mais sur naxos , j'hesite entre la plage d'agia anna ou celle de prokopios
quelqu'un aurait il un conseil pour cette ile?
merci de vos reponses cordialement isa
merci de vos reponses cordialement isa
Bonjour,
Je te confirme aussi que je n'ai jamais eu aucun problème avec Booking.com que j'utilise depuis plusieurs années également. Le tarif confirmé par Booking.com a toujours été celui facturé par l'hôtel en fin de séjour. Attention, si tu choisis une chambre au tarif "non remboursable", la totalité du séjour sera débitée directement de ta carte de crédit.
L'avantage de Booking.com est effectivement qu'un mail est envoyé au voyageur qui a visité l'établissement (je le reçois à mon retour de voyage). L'avantage de TripAdvisor est que les commentaires sont parfois accompagnés de photos des voyageurs eux-mêmes, très instructifs étant donné que les photos de l'établissement sont souvent celles d'un professionnel et montre la plus jolie chambre, vue, etc.
Donc, je consulte les avis pour un même logement sur les deux sites pour comparer les commentaires et je cherche si l'hôtel a un site internet (qui n'est pas toujours actualisé sur TripAdvisor et Booking.com ne donne pas cette info).
Par contre j'ai lu récemment sur un autre forum dédié exclusivement à la Grèce et aux Cyclades (où je suis également inscrite, vraiment très bien pour cette destination: http://voyages-forum-grece.xooit.fr/index.php) qui y aura apparemment des risques de surbooking cet été. Donc il faut rester vigilant en faisant ses réservations via des sites tels que Booking.com.
A mon avis, le mieux est de contacter l'hôtel quelques semaines avant d'arriver pour reconfirmer personnellement la réservation (type de chambre etc.); ce qui permet aussi de vérifier l'exactitude de leur coordonnées. J'ai eu la bonne surprise de voir que plusieurs logements m'ont contacté directement à la suite de ma réservation pour me remercier et m'informer de la possibilité de me rencontrer au port (ce qui est assez courant dans les Cyclades apparemment et c'est un service gratuit). il va de soi qu'il faut bien conserver une copie des réservations avec soi durant tout le voyage (sur mon ordinateur de voyage et copies papiers dans la valise 😛)
Je prépare aussi mon premier voyage vers les Cyclades en septembre et j'ai crée un blog avec mes recherches, sites internet recommandés par d'autres internautes ou que j'utilise habituellement et autres détails pratiques.
Si toutefois, cela peut être utile pour tes propres investigations : http://cyclades2013.canalblog.com/
Cordialement, Syd' 😉
Je te confirme aussi que je n'ai jamais eu aucun problème avec Booking.com que j'utilise depuis plusieurs années également. Le tarif confirmé par Booking.com a toujours été celui facturé par l'hôtel en fin de séjour. Attention, si tu choisis une chambre au tarif "non remboursable", la totalité du séjour sera débitée directement de ta carte de crédit.
L'avantage de Booking.com est effectivement qu'un mail est envoyé au voyageur qui a visité l'établissement (je le reçois à mon retour de voyage). L'avantage de TripAdvisor est que les commentaires sont parfois accompagnés de photos des voyageurs eux-mêmes, très instructifs étant donné que les photos de l'établissement sont souvent celles d'un professionnel et montre la plus jolie chambre, vue, etc.
Donc, je consulte les avis pour un même logement sur les deux sites pour comparer les commentaires et je cherche si l'hôtel a un site internet (qui n'est pas toujours actualisé sur TripAdvisor et Booking.com ne donne pas cette info).
Par contre j'ai lu récemment sur un autre forum dédié exclusivement à la Grèce et aux Cyclades (où je suis également inscrite, vraiment très bien pour cette destination: http://voyages-forum-grece.xooit.fr/index.php) qui y aura apparemment des risques de surbooking cet été. Donc il faut rester vigilant en faisant ses réservations via des sites tels que Booking.com.
A mon avis, le mieux est de contacter l'hôtel quelques semaines avant d'arriver pour reconfirmer personnellement la réservation (type de chambre etc.); ce qui permet aussi de vérifier l'exactitude de leur coordonnées. J'ai eu la bonne surprise de voir que plusieurs logements m'ont contacté directement à la suite de ma réservation pour me remercier et m'informer de la possibilité de me rencontrer au port (ce qui est assez courant dans les Cyclades apparemment et c'est un service gratuit). il va de soi qu'il faut bien conserver une copie des réservations avec soi durant tout le voyage (sur mon ordinateur de voyage et copies papiers dans la valise 😛)
Je prépare aussi mon premier voyage vers les Cyclades en septembre et j'ai crée un blog avec mes recherches, sites internet recommandés par d'autres internautes ou que j'utilise habituellement et autres détails pratiques.
Si toutefois, cela peut être utile pour tes propres investigations : http://cyclades2013.canalblog.com/
Cordialement, Syd' 😉
Syd'
Du rêve... à la réalité http://cyclades2013.canalblog.com/
le forum cité plus haut dans le post précédent à des grandes chances d'être le faux nez d'une "agence locale" basé en Grèce ...
Hasta la vista
Et qu'es-ce qui vous fait penser ou croire cela ?😕
Des indices pour "détecter" les vrais forums de ceux qui sont publicitaires issus d'une agence locale ?
Comme la plupart d'entre nous je cherche des informations qui sont "fiables".
Merci, j'apprécie vos interventions, et d'après ce que je lis depuis quelques jours, toujours respectueuses et à propos 😉
Syd' http://www.canalblog.com/cf/my/
Des indices pour "détecter" les vrais forums de ceux qui sont publicitaires issus d'une agence locale ?
Comme la plupart d'entre nous je cherche des informations qui sont "fiables".
Merci, j'apprécie vos interventions, et d'après ce que je lis depuis quelques jours, toujours respectueuses et à propos 😉
Syd' http://www.canalblog.com/cf/my/
Syd'
Du rêve... à la réalité http://cyclades2013.canalblog.com/
les intervenants principaux peut être créateurs du site venaient ici faire de "l'information " ici et sur le routard Grèce d'ou ils ont été expulsés pour manquement à la charte maintenant ils sont plus subtils et les liens vers leurs agence sont plus " discrets "
voyage Forum il y a de la pub mais elle est visible😉 on y va si on veut et le nombre d'intervenants global sur l'ensemble des pays est un bon signe
voyage Forum il y a de la pub mais elle est visible😉 on y va si on veut et le nombre d'intervenants global sur l'ensemble des pays est un bon signe
Hasta la vista
Effectivement 😎
Une réponse reçue hier sur un de mes messages sur le forum en question semble confirmer ce que vous dites.
Merci pour l'info!
Syd'
Une réponse reçue hier sur un de mes messages sur le forum en question semble confirmer ce que vous dites.
Merci pour l'info!
Syd'
Syd'
Du rêve... à la réalité http://cyclades2013.canalblog.com/
Le mr a certainement une dent contre moi, je n'en doute pas, mais je n'ai rien à voir avec le du forum qui demande énormément de temps pour s'en occuper, comme tu le constates, je ne suis pas expulsé de ce forum.
En ce qui concerne ce Mr, il a voyagé sur mer avec un de mes amis, présent aussi sur ce forum, il a discuté avec lui et n'a pas compris non plus les raisons qui l’anime à tant d’animosité avec certain.
Je répond toujours à ceux qui veulent des informations précises sur le pays, sans les renvoyer uniquement sur GTP ou autres pour rechercher. Je suis d'avis comme tu le fais sur ton blog de donner les infos complètement. Si quelqu'un cherche un lien tu lui donnes, mais si il demande une information il faut lui répondre mais pas l'envoyer chercher ce qu'il n'a pas trouvé.
Si je donne un lien vers mon site pour une information, c'est qu'elle est disponible gratuitement dans la totalité et en relation directe avec le sujet traité dans le post.
De plus les connections ne sont pas pistés, aucun cookie dans l'ordinateur du visiteur qui pompe des informations sur la personne connecté dans ton ordinateur et sans lui envoyer de messages sur un courrier privé comme le font des compagnies comme look par exemple.
Patgrèce
En ce qui concerne ce Mr, il a voyagé sur mer avec un de mes amis, présent aussi sur ce forum, il a discuté avec lui et n'a pas compris non plus les raisons qui l’anime à tant d’animosité avec certain.
Je répond toujours à ceux qui veulent des informations précises sur le pays, sans les renvoyer uniquement sur GTP ou autres pour rechercher. Je suis d'avis comme tu le fais sur ton blog de donner les infos complètement. Si quelqu'un cherche un lien tu lui donnes, mais si il demande une information il faut lui répondre mais pas l'envoyer chercher ce qu'il n'a pas trouvé.
Si je donne un lien vers mon site pour une information, c'est qu'elle est disponible gratuitement dans la totalité et en relation directe avec le sujet traité dans le post.
De plus les connections ne sont pas pistés, aucun cookie dans l'ordinateur du visiteur qui pompe des informations sur la personne connecté dans ton ordinateur et sans lui envoyer de messages sur un courrier privé comme le font des compagnies comme look par exemple.
Patgrèce
l'infantilisation des demandeurs et le miel des agences dites locales qui ne cherchent à prouver que tout est impossible sans eux 😏 d'ailleurs ils ciblent bien leurs réponses en fonction des demandes .....
je pense que ne suis pas ici pour donner les horaires de la traversée entre le port du Pirée et Chios mais plutôt pour donner le lien vers le site qui permet à un voyageur individuel d'avoir les moyens de s'informer PAR lui même
L a Grèce est un pays est ou il facile de s'organiser par soi même que certaines personnes ne le peuvent pas ou croient que cela n'est pas possible il reste suffisamment d'agences de voyage qui n'avancent pas masquée
quand à l'expulsion ou la suppression de certains messages ici ou ailleurs .....des dites personnes ...c'est tout simplement qu'ils n'ont pas respectés la ou les chartes des dits forums et que leur messages ont été supprimés parce que le lien vers leur ou des sites marchands étaient trop flagrants ...
sur voyage forum forum la pub est présent mais elle se présente comme de la pub ...pas comme de l'information personnellement je ne travaille pour personne et ne rabat pour personne , je ne suis payé par personne non plus contrairement à ce qui à été suggéré par un collègue de Mr Pat ...qui m'a traité d'averposteur c'est un peu l'hôpital qui se fout de la charité 😏
sur ce ce Bon Dimanche
je pense que ne suis pas ici pour donner les horaires de la traversée entre le port du Pirée et Chios mais plutôt pour donner le lien vers le site qui permet à un voyageur individuel d'avoir les moyens de s'informer PAR lui même
L a Grèce est un pays est ou il facile de s'organiser par soi même que certaines personnes ne le peuvent pas ou croient que cela n'est pas possible il reste suffisamment d'agences de voyage qui n'avancent pas masquée
quand à l'expulsion ou la suppression de certains messages ici ou ailleurs .....des dites personnes ...c'est tout simplement qu'ils n'ont pas respectés la ou les chartes des dits forums et que leur messages ont été supprimés parce que le lien vers leur ou des sites marchands étaient trop flagrants ...
sur voyage forum forum la pub est présent mais elle se présente comme de la pub ...pas comme de l'information personnellement je ne travaille pour personne et ne rabat pour personne , je ne suis payé par personne non plus contrairement à ce qui à été suggéré par un collègue de Mr Pat ...qui m'a traité d'averposteur c'est un peu l'hôpital qui se fout de la charité 😏
sur ce ce Bon Dimanche
Hasta la vista
Bonjour,
Simplement pour vous confirmer que j'ai pris connaissance de votre réponse et celle de Magne2 ci-dessous. Je ne vais évidemment pas rentrer dans une discussion qui ne me concerne pas.
Bonne journée, Syd'
Simplement pour vous confirmer que j'ai pris connaissance de votre réponse et celle de Magne2 ci-dessous. Je ne vais évidemment pas rentrer dans une discussion qui ne me concerne pas.
Bonne journée, Syd'
Syd'
Du rêve... à la réalité http://cyclades2013.canalblog.com/
Log in first, then come back to this page.
You might also like
More discussions
Bonjour
Qui a été dans cette ville récemment et qu'en a ez vous pensé et quels sont vos endroits préférés ?merci
Hello,
We want to book our tickets to visit the Acropolis site and the associated museum. For these reservations, we need to specify entry time slots.
For the Acropolis alone: the first slot is at 8:30 AM. For the museum: 10 AM? 11 AM? We like to wander around, so here’s our question: if we haven’t finished exploring the site after 1.5 hours, is it possible to go back in after leaving the museum?
We’ll be buying tickets from the official websites—audio guides are mentioned. Any feedback on those? On sites like Get Your Guide, the prices are much higher with the audio guide included, but does that mean better quality?
Thanks for your help
We want to book our tickets to visit the Acropolis site and the associated museum. For these reservations, we need to specify entry time slots.
For the Acropolis alone: the first slot is at 8:30 AM. For the museum: 10 AM? 11 AM? We like to wander around, so here’s our question: if we haven’t finished exploring the site after 1.5 hours, is it possible to go back in after leaving the museum?
We’ll be buying tickets from the official websites—audio guides are mentioned. Any feedback on those? On sites like Get Your Guide, the prices are much higher with the audio guide included, but does that mean better quality?
Thanks for your help
I'm currently planning a trip to Cyprus for late October. I have a few questions:
- I plan to visit Nicosia, Paphos, and Ayia Napa. What do you recommend in Ayia Napa?
- Is it easy to get around by bus from one city to another? Or do you have any private drivers to recommend?
- Do you have any hotels to recommend?
Any tips or advice is welcome!
Thanks in advance
Hello,
We're heading to Istanbul from October 7th to 12th. I’d love to do a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus on a more intimate boat (no show) with a private table and alcohol (wine, since it’s a birthday dinner). Could anyone recommend a reliable company (I’m not looking for a private yacht either) that organizes this kind of evening?
Thanks in advance,
Hi, I’d like to buy a ticket to go to Terezín from Prague using the Pid Litacka app, but I don’t know which zone to get the ticket for. Thanks for your help! 😊
Hi there,
After booking an Airbnb last January for this summer’s vacation in Sarajevo... My "host" canceled our reservation without any reason—this has never happened to me before.
Of course, now it’s impossible to find a place to stay at a "normal" price in Sarajevo with parking... So we’re falling back on the capital of the Republika Srpska, Banja Luka, which had already crossed my mind before I booked Sarajevo.
I already have quite a few ideas in mind, without having dug too deep into the region yet. But if anyone has already been there and has suggestions? Even for restaurants—I’m all ears!
And even if it’s not right next door, I’m planning to spend a day in Sarajevo!
Of course, now it’s impossible to find a place to stay at a "normal" price in Sarajevo with parking... So we’re falling back on the capital of the Republika Srpska, Banja Luka, which had already crossed my mind before I booked Sarajevo.
I already have quite a few ideas in mind, without having dug too deep into the region yet. But if anyone has already been there and has suggestions? Even for restaurants—I’m all ears!
And even if it’s not right next door, I’m planning to spend a day in Sarajevo!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Budapest the first week of September and can’t decide whether to stay in Buda or Pest.
Any thoughts on this?
We’d also like to explore the surrounding areas by renting a car for a day or two—what do you recommend around Budapest?
Thanks in advance!
We’re heading to Budapest the first week of September and can’t decide whether to stay in Buda or Pest.
Any thoughts on this?
We’d also like to explore the surrounding areas by renting a car for a day or two—what do you recommend around Budapest?
Thanks in advance!
Hi, I’m going to Turkey for 3 weeks. I’ve heard that you can’t book through Booking.com once you’re there and that everything has to be reserved in advance. Is it true that Booking.com doesn’t work in Turkey? Thanks to anyone who’s already been or is there—if it’s true, how do you handle bookings?
Hi everyone!!
I’d love to get your opinions and advice on a destination. It’s actually for my 19-year-old son who wants to go to Greece with his cousin, who’s the same age. They’re looking at leaving on October 24th for 7 to 10 days. For their trip, they want gorgeous beaches where they can swim, beautiful typical villages and historic cities, stunning landscapes, but also lively spots for their nights out. In short, they’re not just going there to laze around—they want to make the most of it...
But here’s the thing: will the weather be too iffy at that time, especially for swimming? Also, would Crete be the best choice for what they’re looking for? Then, a travel agent suggested Tenerife instead because of the weather at that time of year—he said the climate there is the same all year round. But will they find landscapes and beaches as beautiful as in Crete?
Thanks in advance for your help
I’d love to get your opinions and advice on a destination. It’s actually for my 19-year-old son who wants to go to Greece with his cousin, who’s the same age. They’re looking at leaving on October 24th for 7 to 10 days. For their trip, they want gorgeous beaches where they can swim, beautiful typical villages and historic cities, stunning landscapes, but also lively spots for their nights out. In short, they’re not just going there to laze around—they want to make the most of it...
But here’s the thing: will the weather be too iffy at that time, especially for swimming? Also, would Crete be the best choice for what they’re looking for? Then, a travel agent suggested Tenerife instead because of the weather at that time of year—he said the climate there is the same all year round. But will they find landscapes and beaches as beautiful as in Crete?
Thanks in advance for your help
Hello!
I’m planning a trip to Greece in May or June 2027. We’re independent travelers.
We’ll rent a car after our stay in Athens and book accommodations through Booking or similar sites.
What do you think of this itinerary? We’re taking our time (beach and swimming if the weather allows in May—is the water too cold?)
Athens, 3 days Nafplio, 3 days (Mycenae, Epidaurus, Archaia) Mystras, 2 days or Monemvasia, 2 days (Laconia peninsula)?? Dilemma between the two Return trip from the Peloponnese via the Rio-Antirrio bridge Nafpaktos, 1 night Arachova, 2 days (Delphi, Osios Loukas Monastery) Return to Athens and departure
Is it crowded in May or June for visits to archaeological sites? Thanks for your suggestions or corrections!
Athens, 3 days Nafplio, 3 days (Mycenae, Epidaurus, Archaia) Mystras, 2 days or Monemvasia, 2 days (Laconia peninsula)?? Dilemma between the two Return trip from the Peloponnese via the Rio-Antirrio bridge Nafpaktos, 1 night Arachova, 2 days (Delphi, Osios Loukas Monastery) Return to Athens and departure
Is it crowded in May or June for visits to archaeological sites? Thanks for your suggestions or corrections!
Hi there,
Our first trip to Greece as a couple. We're planning to spend 7 days in Greece from August 30th to September 5th. We'll reserve 2 days for Athens at the end of the trip. For the remaining 5 days, we want to visit an island—any recommendations? Thanks for your tips and details, we really appreciate it.
Hi,
What tips can you give me for dealing with a car rental scam attempt in Lithuania?
In our case, it’s the Avis-Budget agency in Vilnius trying to scam us.
We rented a car at Vilnius Airport for 2 weeks on July 28, 2019, to return it in Tallinn on August 11. We brought it back on August 11 at the airport, in perfect condition, and with a full tank at the gas station right by Tallinn Airport.
On the parking lot, the receptionist’s booth was closed. So we had to leave the car in the lot and go to the counter inside the airport. The person at the counter told us their colleague had gone for lunch! But they refused to come out and do the inspection with us because they were alone at the counter. They told us we could leave and that everything was fine!!!!
Two days later, we got an email from Avis-Budget with two invoices saying the car was damaged—scratched on both sides—and charging us for a full tank of gas. That’s two bills totaling 800 €!!!! Coincidentally, the deposit was 900 €!
It’s clear this isn’t over!! Have any of you been through the same nightmare? How did you handle it? Thanks in advance!
In our case, it’s the Avis-Budget agency in Vilnius trying to scam us.
We rented a car at Vilnius Airport for 2 weeks on July 28, 2019, to return it in Tallinn on August 11. We brought it back on August 11 at the airport, in perfect condition, and with a full tank at the gas station right by Tallinn Airport.
On the parking lot, the receptionist’s booth was closed. So we had to leave the car in the lot and go to the counter inside the airport. The person at the counter told us their colleague had gone for lunch! But they refused to come out and do the inspection with us because they were alone at the counter. They told us we could leave and that everything was fine!!!!
Two days later, we got an email from Avis-Budget with two invoices saying the car was damaged—scratched on both sides—and charging us for a full tank of gas. That’s two bills totaling 800 €!!!! Coincidentally, the deposit was 900 €!
It’s clear this isn’t over!! Have any of you been through the same nightmare? How did you handle it? Thanks in advance!
I’m spending 2 weeks in Crete in September and will need a rental car.
I usually go with Europcar, but comparing their offer to what Aegean Rentals has, I see Europcar is charging no less than 400 € more for the same car and similar insurance!
I’d love to hear if others have experience with Aegean Rentals, and if so, whether it was a good one?
Hi,
We’re heading to Greece in early October and will be staying in Kineta, north of the Saronic Gulf, and renting a car.
Is it feasible to visit Acrocorinth, Mycenae, Nafplio, and Epidaurus in a single day?
Thanks for your recommendations!
Hi there!
I’m sharing our itinerary for May/June 2027—23 days. This is our first time in Greece, so we’re starting with the must-see spots. We’re planning another trip later to explore the north, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, and some islands.
- Athens, 4 nights - Corinth area, 2 nights (Heraion of Perachora, Canal, Acrocorinth) - Nafplio, 3 nights (Mycenae, Epidaurus, Methana peninsula) - Gefira, 2 nights (Monemvasia) - Areopoli, 2 nights (Mani). Maybe add an extra night and stay on the peninsula??? Based on my calculations, the Mani loop is about 100 km—doable in a day, but it’d be a quick trip. - Sparta or Pikoulianika, 2 nights (Mystras) - Dimitsana, 2 nights (Lousios Gorge, monasteries) - Olympia, 2 nights (via Lagkadia?) - Delphi or Arachova, 3 nights (via the west coast, Galaxidi bridge) (Delphi, Hosios Loukas Monastery) - And back to Athens.
This is just a rough draft for now. We’re planning to stay in hotels or book through Booking.com. What do you think? Thanks for your feedback and suggestions!
- Athens, 4 nights - Corinth area, 2 nights (Heraion of Perachora, Canal, Acrocorinth) - Nafplio, 3 nights (Mycenae, Epidaurus, Methana peninsula) - Gefira, 2 nights (Monemvasia) - Areopoli, 2 nights (Mani). Maybe add an extra night and stay on the peninsula??? Based on my calculations, the Mani loop is about 100 km—doable in a day, but it’d be a quick trip. - Sparta or Pikoulianika, 2 nights (Mystras) - Dimitsana, 2 nights (Lousios Gorge, monasteries) - Olympia, 2 nights (via Lagkadia?) - Delphi or Arachova, 3 nights (via the west coast, Galaxidi bridge) (Delphi, Hosios Loukas Monastery) - And back to Athens.
This is just a rough draft for now. We’re planning to stay in hotels or book through Booking.com. What do you think? Thanks for your feedback and suggestions!
Over the past twenty-five years, I’ve traveled the roads between France and Moldova a good ten times, sometimes via Central Europe, other times via the Balkans.
It was while traveling like this—what I call "hitting the road the slow way"—that I realized something simple: our neighbors' neighbors are very clearly our neighbors too. And that’s not insignificant.
Proof: https://etreounepasetrebretillien.com/2018/03/19/moldova-mea/ 🤓
After a break of a few years, I’m planning to hit the road again in September, this time heading to Kosovo, crossing through Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro.
Having gotten a bit older, I’ve no intention of rushing—no need to speed ahead of the music! 😄
I’d rather take my time.
I’m not looking to see everything, but to soak in the atmosphere of the places, always leaving room for the unexpected and for encounters.
I’m especially drawn to culturally immersive, authentic, and welcoming regions: lively villages, backroads, preserved landscapes, markets, local festivals, traditions that are still very much alive... and, why not, a few offbeat, forgotten, or slightly secret spots.
If any of you know Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, or Kosovo a little, I’d love to hear your suggestions for itineraries, stops, backroads, homestays, village festivals, or local contacts, for example.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
It was while traveling like this—what I call "hitting the road the slow way"—that I realized something simple: our neighbors' neighbors are very clearly our neighbors too. And that’s not insignificant.
Proof: https://etreounepasetrebretillien.com/2018/03/19/moldova-mea/ 🤓
After a break of a few years, I’m planning to hit the road again in September, this time heading to Kosovo, crossing through Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro.
Having gotten a bit older, I’ve no intention of rushing—no need to speed ahead of the music! 😄
I’d rather take my time.
I’m not looking to see everything, but to soak in the atmosphere of the places, always leaving room for the unexpected and for encounters.
I’m especially drawn to culturally immersive, authentic, and welcoming regions: lively villages, backroads, preserved landscapes, markets, local festivals, traditions that are still very much alive... and, why not, a few offbeat, forgotten, or slightly secret spots.
If any of you know Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, or Kosovo a little, I’d love to hear your suggestions for itineraries, stops, backroads, homestays, village festivals, or local contacts, for example.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Planning to return to Belarus in mid-August, I just realized that since last September, Poland has reopened several border crossing points, and for buses, this means connections like Białystok-Grodno.
The official Polish page: https://granica.gov.pl/index_wait.php?p=b&c=t&v=pl&k=w

Several bus company routes, like on infobus.eu, take between 3 and 4 hours. Trains from Warsaw to Białystok take about 1.5 to 2 hours. This has the advantage of allowing comfortable train journeys with minimal time spent on a bus. Also, the Terespol-Brest border might have shorter queues if you still prefer a Warsaw-Brest bus.
Note that another route to Minsk, if you have a paper Russian or Belarusian visa, is the Kaliningrad-Minsk train. It’s long—around ten or eleven hours—but you can lie down and sleep. An option if you fly into Gdańsk and then take a short bus to Kaliningrad.
There are also Belavia flights from Minsk to Kaliningrad, but they’re expensive. The route is scenic:

In any case, this adds a few more options compared to what’s been available over the last four years.
The official Polish page: https://granica.gov.pl/index_wait.php?p=b&c=t&v=pl&k=w

Several bus company routes, like on infobus.eu, take between 3 and 4 hours. Trains from Warsaw to Białystok take about 1.5 to 2 hours. This has the advantage of allowing comfortable train journeys with minimal time spent on a bus. Also, the Terespol-Brest border might have shorter queues if you still prefer a Warsaw-Brest bus.
Note that another route to Minsk, if you have a paper Russian or Belarusian visa, is the Kaliningrad-Minsk train. It’s long—around ten or eleven hours—but you can lie down and sleep. An option if you fly into Gdańsk and then take a short bus to Kaliningrad.
There are also Belavia flights from Minsk to Kaliningrad, but they’re expensive. The route is scenic:

In any case, this adds a few more options compared to what’s been available over the last four years.
Hi there.
I’d like to know what the daily budget is for Greece in December. I’ll be landing in Athens and staying there for a week, then heading to some other islands—I don’t have a set itinerary yet. Also, I’ve heard that in December, or early January, the temperature is around 11–16°C. Is that accurate?
Finally, does anyone have a good recommendation for a cheap but clean hotel near the tourist sites? I don’t need a TV or any other extras. Also, is Greece gay-friendly?
Thanks in advance for your replies. Best regards
Finally, does anyone have a good recommendation for a cheap but clean hotel near the tourist sites? I don’t need a TV or any other extras. Also, is Greece gay-friendly?
Thanks in advance for your replies. Best regards
hi
I’d like to know the opening hours of physical stores between Germany and Austria, and between Austria and Slovenia, that sell the PAPER STICKER toll vignettes that still exist for 2026—non-digital ones. I don’t think they’re open 24/7, and I can’t find the info anywhere. Thanks
I’d like to know the opening hours of physical stores between Germany and Austria, and between Austria and Slovenia, that sell the PAPER STICKER toll vignettes that still exist for 2026—non-digital ones. I don’t think they’re open 24/7, and I can’t find the info anywhere. Thanks
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week trip in late September with our camper van to explore Bulgaria and Romania.
What routes would you recommend, starting from the South?
Is there an option to take a ferry in Italy, and is it worth it?
Thanks for all your tips!😊
Hi there, we’re a young couple and we’d love to go to the Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter) between today (26/06/26) and tomorrow (27/06/26).
Is anyone heading there and could give us a ride? We’re super friendly!
Thanks so much!
Maya and Sullivan
Maya and Sullivan
We're back. It's still a bit tough to get precise info, so here's a quick trip report!
A good starting point is Shkoder, a really pleasant city. You can easily explore Shkoder itself in a day or two.
Two accessible spots: Valbona and Theth. In both cases, local travel agencies in Shkoder or online offer round-trip or one-way access packages. Super handy, especially for Valbona.
Valbona and Theth are both very steep! There aren’t many easy hikes for less sporty folks (like me!).
Valbona: The highlight is the amazing 2.5-hour boat ride across Lake Koman. There are day trips from Shkoder, but you’ll only get a short tour of the lake. The best option is to do the full crossing—so spend a night in Valbona (or two if you want to hike in the valley) and return.
Theth is deeply nestled in the mountains. The village at the end of the valley, which is a dead end, has lots of hotels, but they’re pricey. Other hostels are scattered along the mountainside road, but it’s a steep climb down to the village or to the start of the two easy hikes (waterfalls and the Blue Eye). For us, it was a one-hour descent (and ascent!). It’s fine if you have a car; otherwise, keep an eye out for a taxi (cheap) or try hitchhiking—it works really well. Access from Shkoder to Theth is through an agency. The road is in great condition, and you can also rent a car for 2-3 days in Shkoder. If we did it again, that’s the option we’d choose.
We didn’t do the trek and returned to Shkoder each time. I can’t speak to its difficulty, but we were there in late May, and even experienced hikers had given up because of heavy rain and snow.
Hope this helps! It’s a stunning region you shouldn’t miss.
A good starting point is Shkoder, a really pleasant city. You can easily explore Shkoder itself in a day or two.
Two accessible spots: Valbona and Theth. In both cases, local travel agencies in Shkoder or online offer round-trip or one-way access packages. Super handy, especially for Valbona.
Valbona and Theth are both very steep! There aren’t many easy hikes for less sporty folks (like me!).
Valbona: The highlight is the amazing 2.5-hour boat ride across Lake Koman. There are day trips from Shkoder, but you’ll only get a short tour of the lake. The best option is to do the full crossing—so spend a night in Valbona (or two if you want to hike in the valley) and return.
Theth is deeply nestled in the mountains. The village at the end of the valley, which is a dead end, has lots of hotels, but they’re pricey. Other hostels are scattered along the mountainside road, but it’s a steep climb down to the village or to the start of the two easy hikes (waterfalls and the Blue Eye). For us, it was a one-hour descent (and ascent!). It’s fine if you have a car; otherwise, keep an eye out for a taxi (cheap) or try hitchhiking—it works really well. Access from Shkoder to Theth is through an agency. The road is in great condition, and you can also rent a car for 2-3 days in Shkoder. If we did it again, that’s the option we’d choose.
We didn’t do the trek and returned to Shkoder each time. I can’t speak to its difficulty, but we were there in late May, and even experienced hikers had given up because of heavy rain and snow.
Hope this helps! It’s a stunning region you shouldn’t miss.
We’re a Canadian couple, both 77, and we’re already planning our vacation for fall 2027.
Timeframe: mid-September to mid-October... dates are flexible, and we might stay even longer.
Initially, I had planned this itinerary:
Athens (3), Naxos (4), Paros (4), Santorini (4), then a flight to Istanbul (7–10 days!!). This would let us maximize our flights and experience another culture.
That’s a lot of ferries, though... I’ve already cut out Milos.
Our second option would be to stay 2 x 15 days on two different islands, but I’d still keep Istanbul as our next destination... or maybe 30 days on one island that offers the chance to take day trips to other islands where the ferry ride is no more than 2 to 2.5 hours. For example, Naxos to Paros only takes 30 minutes. We could return the same evening or stay overnight.
Naxos seems like the best option!!!
For Istanbul, of course we want to do a day cruise on the Bosphorus and see Hagia Sophia. If we stay 6–7 days, what would be the other main attractions? Are there any points of interest we can reach by local bus?
Our second option would be to stay 2 x 15 days on two different islands, but I’d still keep Istanbul as our next destination... or maybe 30 days on one island that offers the chance to take day trips to other islands where the ferry ride is no more than 2 to 2.5 hours. For example, Naxos to Paros only takes 30 minutes. We could return the same evening or stay overnight.
Naxos seems like the best option!!!
For Istanbul, of course we want to do a day cruise on the Bosphorus and see Hagia Sophia. If we stay 6–7 days, what would be the other main attractions? Are there any points of interest we can reach by local bus?
Hi there!
We bought our tickets to Greece at the end of November 2025, and let’s just say the geopolitical climate has really taken a turn since then with the war started by the United States against Iran. Not to mention all the other conflicts happening around the world 😕... Anyway!
Our flight from Montreal is on May 1st, and I was wondering how things are currently being experienced in Greece.
We were planning to rent a car and had already booked accommodations on three Cyclades islands!!
The oil shortage is also worrying us...
If you could share some insights on this, that would be great!
Thanks!!
Thanks!!
A little trip report from an 11-day journey to Albania at the end of April 2026, with two friends in their early sixties and beyond...
Our route: Berat, Gjirokastër, Himarë, Tirana
Here are some opinions, tips, and great deals to share:
Flight Round-trip Beauvais-Tirana: Ryanair, 260 € with checked baggage (20 kg) and seat selection. Flight was fine and on time. 2h 30min flight.
Exchange: 1 € was worth 95 lek in April 2026. We were advised to exchange in the airport hall at the Illiria counter (98 lek outside the security zone), saying we wouldn’t find a better rate. However, the exchange rate was 93 lek for 1 euro, while in the city it was 95...
Car rental at Tirana airport for 9 days via Booking.com: 144 € (56 € for the car rental and 88 € for optional full insurance deductible waiver).
Wheego agency: the car was fine, but be careful when signing the contract—they tried to convince us that the insurance taken through Booking didn’t cover everything and insisted we take their own insurance for 250 €... We refused.
After reading about driving in Tirana, instead of starting our trip by visiting the capital, we decided to head straight to Berat upon arrival and return the car at the end of the trip to explore the city on foot. This turned out to be a great choice!
Accommodations: All our stays were booked via Booking.com. Everyone prefers to be paid in euros and in cash—they mention this when booking.
Berat: 2-hour drive from the airport.
Accommodation: Vila Arben Elezi: 135 € for 3 nights with breakfast and private parking. The room was decent and clean but a bit dark, located slightly below ground level near the parking. However, the breakfast on the rooftop was excellent, especially with the stunning view of the "city of a thousand windows." Great location.
Berat was our favorite—there are lovely walks through the different neighborhoods on both sides of the river, each with a very different vibe. The citadel visit is also fascinating, as it’s like a small town within the fortress.
The walk along the river is pleasant, with plenty of restaurant choices. Other restaurants in the old town are also very nice. The White House Restaurant, on the first floor along the road, is good and offers a great view of the Gorica district.
Gjirokastër:
Accommodation: Te Ajdini Guest House: 120 € for 3 nights with breakfast. A private home stay. There’s free parking just before entering the city, a 5-minute walk from the accommodation, which is very convenient since the cobblestone streets are narrow and parking is tricky. Yes, it’s a climb to get to the place, but everything in this city is uphill... The room was bright and clean. Breakfast was very good, hearty, and served in the courtyard with a view of the castle. The guesthouse is a 5-minute walk from the city center (the bazaar) but in a quiet area.
Restaurants: Rrapi and Kujtimi—good and affordable with their little pergolas.
The old town of Gjirokastër is charming but very touristy, with streets packed with souvenir shops and restaurant tables and chairs. Lots of people.
-The bunker visit (near the tourist office) is very interesting: Cold War Tunnel.
The castle offers a beautiful view of the city.
-Visit to the Ottoman house Skenduli: very well done. Don’t forget to climb the ladder facing a trapdoor in the ceiling to see the roof’s framework—it’s like a forest of beams: impressive!
-The bridge Ura e Ali Pasha: A steep 45-minute climb from the city to the site is worth it, but once you reach the viewpoint (which is stunning), you have to go back down a path to reach the bridge. You can drive to the viewpoint, but parking is very tricky.
Around Gjirokastër:
-Just outside the city: Lake Liqeni i Viroit: a nice, ordinary-looking lake, but at the end, there’s a natural spring making the water crystal clear and a brilliant blue—really spectacular, like photos of Blue Eye near Sarandë.
-Drive to Përmet along the gorges: beautiful viewpoints along the way and lovely countryside.
Himarë:
Accommodation: Vila Kosteli: 120 € for 2 nights with breakfast—slightly overpriced for this type of place but very close to a small beach and not far from the promenade with all the restaurants. Private parking, but very tight (4 cars on a tiny lot along the road). The "sea view" room is a bit obstructed by the building across the street. However, the rooftop breakfast view is beautiful. Friendly staff.
Himarë is a pleasant seaside resort, quite calm (but it was April...). There’s a cute promenade with restaurants along the beach. The castle on the heights of Himarë is worth a visit.
Around Himarë:
-Qeparo is worth a quick stop, but Qeparo village is really worth the detour: a village lost in the heights after a scenic drive up from the coastal road—narrow but well-maintained. Beautiful view from the top and a charming village.
-The Big Bunker and Llogora Panorama: take a right turn several kilometers after Dhermi—a road that climbs steeply from the start... A breathtaking winding road that reaches 900 meters in altitude. The view is stunning.
-Several small villages between Dhermi and Himarë are worth a quick stop.
-Porto Palermo Castle is somewhat disappointing.
Tirana:
Taxi from Tirana airport to the city center: 15 € with electric taxis (Green Taxi, Bee Taxi, Do Taxi).
Accommodation: Hotel Nevi Apartment: 63 € for 2 nights. A private apartment in an older building but very clean and well-equipped, with a kitchen and small enclosed balcony.
Great welcome and contact—the owner even booked a taxi for our departure. Very well located, close to the main square, shops, and restaurants. A small supermarket nearby is perfect for stocking up on breakfast supplies.
The city is lively and dynamic, with plenty of green spaces and promenades. Buildings are popping up everywhere, often with surprising architecture—like a building shaped like a face, a huge golden cube, and many others under construction.
-Sky Tower: at the top, a rotating bar offers a 360° view of the city and its buildings. Drinks are a bit pricier than usual, but it’s totally worth it (6 € for a beer or a glass of white wine, 3 € for coffee). We were there for sunset, and it was amazing! A must-do. Arrive early, as it fills up quickly.
-The House of Leaves: a house used for secret surveillance and interrogations during the dictatorship... A great way to learn about the surveillance systems of that era.
-Bunk’Art 2: a bunker in the heart of the city—very interesting, covering the dictatorship period and its system...
-The Pazari i Ri Bazaar: the new bazaar district. The large hall is worth a visit, but souvenir prices are often higher than elsewhere... The area is nice.
Restaurant: Kastrati Restaurant—a bit like a canteen with lots of traditional dishes. It’s on the first floor of a building. Excellent value for money, and the waitress explains the dishes in French.
That’s a little overview of our trip and my personal impressions! Albania is a beautiful and pleasant country to visit. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
That’s a little overview of our trip and my personal impressions! Albania is a beautiful and pleasant country to visit. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
What are the main sights to visit on Rhodes itself or the surrounding islands, and what’s the weather like? We’re leaving on May 18th.
Hi everyone,
We’re thinking of spending 3 weeks in Crete between mid-August and early September, renting a car, quickly exploring a few spots in the east, and focusing on the west, southwest, and south.
I’m worried about the heavy tourist crowds. Is it really more noticeable than elsewhere in Greece? Is there a way to avoid the crowds without missing out on the iconic places, which I imagine are stunning in Crete? Thanks for your thoughts and experiences!
Hi,
I'm heading to Greece via Albania soon. Does anyone have info on transportation from Gjirokastër to Ioannina?
Which company, fares, and schedules—it's not very clear with Google.
Thanks!
Patrice
Thanks!
Patrice
Hi everyone,
I’m just passing through Bratislava quickly (one afternoon, one night, one morning) and I’d love to see the highlights of the city. I’ve put together a little itinerary—feel free to let me know what you think!
Start at the castle and its beautiful viewpoint Visit the Baroque gardens St. Martin’s Cathedral, quick visit National Theatre Discover the Cumil statues Primatial Palace via Hlavné Namestie Michael’s Gate Grassalkovich Palace via Obchodna Walk across Namesti Slobody to head back to the upside-down pyramid Head down to the Blue Church Cross the Danube to see Sad Janka Krala, then return via the UFO Bridge There you go—10 km and a packed day! What do you think?
Thanks, Stéphane.
I’m just passing through Bratislava quickly (one afternoon, one night, one morning) and I’d love to see the highlights of the city. I’ve put together a little itinerary—feel free to let me know what you think!
Start at the castle and its beautiful viewpoint Visit the Baroque gardens St. Martin’s Cathedral, quick visit National Theatre Discover the Cumil statues Primatial Palace via Hlavné Namestie Michael’s Gate Grassalkovich Palace via Obchodna Walk across Namesti Slobody to head back to the upside-down pyramid Head down to the Blue Church Cross the Danube to see Sad Janka Krala, then return via the UFO Bridge There you go—10 km and a packed day! What do you think?
Thanks, Stéphane.
Hi,
I’m renting a car in Greece (Heraklion).
Should I get extra insurance?
What’s driving like with the Greeks?
Thanks for any tips!







