I hope you're starting this new year with your head full of travel memories or plans!!
I’d love to spend a week in July on a Greek island with my 8-year-old son. I’m totally in love with Amorgos, but not all the beaches are accessible for him. I’ve been to Santorini and Naxos before and don’t want to go back. Would you have an island to recommend that’s not too crowded 😕, with a few accessible beaches and where we won’t have to fight to get around or park?
I’d like to book tickets for a visit to the Acropolis at the end of April. The official site is down. What do you think of agencies like Get Your Guide? Are they reliable? It’s a lot more expensive. The audio guide option is tempting, but is that reliable too? We’re a bit older and like to take our time...
Do the other museums (National Archaeological Museum and Museum of Cycladic Art) also require reservations? We visited Athens 50 years ago, and it seems like things have changed a lot.
We’ve only been to Crete in Greece before, so this trip is new to us—but planning the itinerary isn’t easy because we have to make choices. We’d love to hear from those in the know about the following plan:
Day 1: flight to Athens, then flight to Milos
3 days in Milos,
4 days in Sifnos,
3 days in Paros,
Final 3 days in Athens.
Should we book ferry tickets between the islands in March in advance, or can we wait until the last minute?
Same question for accommodations on these different islands.
Finally, on the 3 islands we’ve chosen, is renting a car essential, or are the buses enough?
Thanks for your help!
Hi there,
We’re heading to three islands in March (Paros, Milos, and Sifnos). Given their small size and lack of major elevation, we’d love to explore them by bike. However, I can’t find any bike rental shops on any of these islands. Has anyone done this before and have any recommendations or addresses?
Thanks so much in advance!
The Cyclades attract a lot (a LOT) of people in the summer, and it's not always clear how to visit them.
For our first family trip to the Cyclades (in 2016), we took a route that seems great for discovering the islands:
- Flight Paris / Santorini (Transavia)
- 3 nights in Santorini
- Ferry Santorini / Milos
- 4 nights in Milos
- Ferry Milos / Sifnos
- 4 nights in Sifnos
- Ferry Sifnos / Athens
- 3 nights in Athens
- Flight Athens / Paris
Santorini is the postcard image of the Cyclades... but not really any beaches for kids.
My tip: you should stay in Oia because it's really "the spot" on the island.
We chose the Pension "The Flower": simple but very well located and with a pool for the kids.
Another tip: rent a car as soon as you arrive at the airport because the island is vast.
Our favorite moment: Oia around 6:00 AM, a paradise for photographers.
It’s nothing like the daytime, or especially the evening when all the crowds rush in for the famous "sunset."
Another favorite, the hike between Fira and Oia, 10 km, 4 hours of walking with extraordinary views (especially around Imerovigli).
For the rest, we toured the island—it’s nice but nothing to marvel at.
After a 2.5-hour ferry ride, we arrived in Milos, home of the famous Venus de Milo.
This is our favorite island in the Cyclades (though we haven’t seen them all!).
In the port of Adamantas, we stayed at the Liogerma Hotel (very well located near the port).
Our favorite experience: the boat tour around the island (and swimming at Kleftiko).
Absolutely a must-do, but book it as soon as you arrive because it’s often fully booked for the next two days.
I also recommend renting a car to explore this island.
Other favorites: the incredible fishing village of Klima with its colorful boat houses, the rocks of Sarakiniko (best in the morning sun), the beach at Tsigrado (with its ladder access through the rocks), Plaka, the caves of Papafragas, the waters of Firopotamos, and Fyriplaka...
Just a 1-hour ferry ride, and you’re already in Sifnos.
A small island with a bus network that means you don’t need to rent a vehicle.
We stayed in Kamares (Hotel Afroditi).
Sifnos has charming villages typical of the Cyclades (Kastro, Apollonia), beautiful chapels (Chrisopigi, the Church of the Seven Martyrs...), and lovely beaches (Cherronissos, Platis Galios...).
Our favorite: hiking around Faros and the Chrisopigi Monastery.
A 3-hour ferry ride takes you back to the port of Piraeus to visit Athens: the Acropolis, its museums, and the Plaka district.
A little favorite of ours: the Archaeological Museum, slightly off the tourist trail...
With this route, you’ll see the diversity of the Cyclades and Athens without wasting too much time on ferries.
PS: We also did the loop Mykonos / Paros / Amorgos / Mykonos, but that’s a good idea... for a second trip ;)
I hesitated for a long time before publishing this travel journal since it’s been 8 months now since I left Nisyros. But in the end, I found it too beautiful to keep quiet about. So here we go—I finally got around to writing it.
Nisyros is a stunning little Greek island, and luckily, it’s well hidden. Located a good twenty hours by boat from Athens, its distance from the Greek mainland deters most tourists from visiting. That’s what makes it an off-the-beaten-path destination. So much for the general info.
Before diving into the details, I should mention that I visited by bike (despite its severe and constant volcanic elevation) as part of a solo trip from France to Turkey. Why this detail? Because out of the ten countries I crossed and the dozens of sites I saw, Nisyros is one of my top three favorites (along with Pag Island, off-season, in Croatia, and Albania for its overall beauty—stunning natural landscapes and the incredible hospitality of its people).
Anyway, welcome to this travel journal dedicated to the lovely little volcanic island of Nisyros…
I arrived one beautiful morning in Mandraki, the island’s main port. The twenty-hour boat ride from Athens went by like a breeze. I slept on the deck for three or four hours, sprawled on a bench that was more or less sheltered from the wind. At this time of year (it’s May 2nd), tourists aren’t exactly flocking here, so the boat was far from full.
My first glimpse of Nisyros is classic Greek island scenery: blazing sun, an azure sky, and an even deeper blue sea. The trip is off to a great start.
I quickly found a small, out-of-the-way hotel (I’m one of those people who avoids crowds as much as possible when traveling, which is getting harder and harder to do). While everyone else from the boat turned right out of the port toward the center of Mandraki, I went left! My nice little hotel was just a hundred meters away, facing a pretty little Orthodox church whose red color contrasted beautifully with the deep blue sea.
I dropped off my panniers in my room so I could ride light for once, then headed toward the next village: Pali. It’s a small fishing village that apparently comes to life a bit in the summer with a few tourists.
As I pedaled along the dock, I passed right by a guy sitting in a chair in full sun. Unfazed despite the sweat pouring down his forehead, he untangled his fishing net with a precision that commanded respect. I gave him the obligatory kalimera (good morning), but he reacted like a deaf-mute—no response at all.
On the other hand, his employee answered me kindly from the trawler docked right next to him. Standing on deck, he was also untangling a mess of nets and invited me aboard to chat. That’s Mohamed.
Communication wasn’t easy since he only spoke Greek and I didn’t, but he was cheerful, and his joy was contagious. He proudly showed off their catch of the day: two beautiful rays and a few brightly colored fish. We chatted like that for about fifteen minutes.
When it was time to hit the road again, I said goodbye to Mohamed, who smiled back. But this time, his boss—still dripping sweat in his chair under the scorching sun—greeted me too. Turns out he wasn’t deaf or mute after all.
I continued along the coast since that’s where most of Nisyros’ beaches are. They start lining up just outside Pali. These are black sand beaches, which can’t hide their volcanic origins.
Yesterday afternoon in Athens, I met Peter and Michelle, a Dutch-French couple, while we were waiting for the ferry to depart. The Greek sailors were on strike, so we ended up waiting about twelve hours before setting off. Anyway, we had plenty of time to chat, and Peter, who’s lived on Tilos—a small island near Nisyros—for about twenty years, told me that many migrants pass through these two islands. Most come from Afghanistan and Syria, fleeing authoritarian regimes and the massacres that come with them. They’re looking for *anywhere* else where the future can’t possibly be worse. Peter explained that you often find their belongings on the local beaches. And sure enough, I didn’t have to look far to spot some—clothes, life jackets…
I glanced around, hoping to see one of them to maybe exchange a few words, but no—no one. I was completely alone.
I got back on my bike and spent the rest of the day wandering aimlessly, just exploring this beautiful part of Nisyros. I also picked up some supplies because tomorrow, I’d be heading inland for two days, deep into its four-kilometer-wide caldera to explore the volcano. I’d be sleeping in a tent, so I needed to stock up on food.
After a restful night in a real bed—something rare on this bike trip (and I won’t even mention the shower…)—I finally set off for the volcano (I’ll share details about that charming little hotel with the amazing breakfasts at the end of the journal).
To reach Stefanos (the name of the main crater), I had to climb to the top of the caldera. It was hot, and some of the slopes were between 10 and 15%, which is steep, especially with a 54 kg bike. But who cares? I was admiring the scenery, and I have to say, I was surprised by how green it was. The higher I climbed, the more beautiful the vegetation became. It stood out against the blue of the sea, and the landscapes inside the island were truly stunning. So, I stopped every five minutes to take photos. Every now and then, I’d come across cows in the middle of the road—or goats in the trees! They climbed with the agility of monkeys to munch on the leaves. I couldn’t get a photo of them because they’d all scatter before I got close. It was actually the noise they made climbing down that tipped me off to their presence.
Two villages sit at the top of the caldera: Emporios and Nikia. I passed the first one without climbing up to it, then continued to the second. And let me tell you, Nikia was love at first sight! I found myself pedaling through tiny streets, some barely wider than my bike with its panniers. The walls were white, and the doors were painted in all sorts of colors—green, blue, red… The streets were empty, and silence reigned. But it wasn’t a dead silence. It was more like the kind you find in small, secret, peaceful places. The village exuded tranquility, calm, and well-being.
I leaned my bike—with all its gear—against a wall without locking it. It was the first time on this trip that I’d done that. Sure, its weight made it more like a tank than a bike, so you’d have to be *really* motivated to steal it, but here, for some reason, I felt completely at ease. Maybe it wasn’t the smartest move, but I go a lot by instinct, and here, it felt right. So I left my bike there and went to eat a little farther away, at a small restaurant on the village’s main square. It’s famous all over Greece for the beautiful mosaic that covers and decorates the floor.
Once I’d eaten and drunk my fill, I hopped back on my bike, which had waited patiently without running off. And the best part? After riding uphill all morning to reach the top of the caldera, all I had to do now was coast downhill to the volcano. Pure bliss in such breathtaking scenery.
Hi there,
During our last trip to Greece in 2021, we used Anek Lines' open deck offer, which allowed us to spend the night in our van on an open deck by the sea with access to the ferry's bars, restaurant, and showers (on the Ancona-Igoumenitsa route).
From my initial research, it seems this service no longer exists—can anyone confirm this?
Any alternatives?
Thanks
We’ve decided to go to Skopelos for 2 weeks at the end of April. What kind of weather should we expect? Any special things to know about this remote island?
Thanks for your tips
We’re planning a 12-day trip to Greece next February.
It’s our first time, so we’ll be hitting the "Must-Sees"—that should keep us busy enough! 😎
The itinerary isn’t set in stone yet, but we’re already wondering if it’s doable or just crazy, if some stops are essential or a waste of time...
Here’s the plan:
Day 1-2-3: Athens (we arrive midday on Day 1)
Day 4: Southern Athens (Temple of Neptune) then overnight in Corinth (we’re renting a car from the airport)
Day 5-6-7: Western/Southern Peloponnese (one or two places to stay, and the iconic spots: Acrocorinth, Cargo, Mycenae, Sanctuary of Epidaurus, Nafplio, Nemea...)
Day 8: Transit to Delphi via Olympia
Day 9-10: Delphi, Monastery of Osios Loukas...
Day 11: Return to Athens via Thermopylae
We were wondering if it’s feasible to add the Meteora monasteries?
And Mount Olympus, just for fun?
For accommodations, do you have any recommendations for Athens? Peloponnese? Delphi?
In Athens, I think it’s best to stay near the metro line that connects to the airport. But which neighborhood is good? It’s hard to navigate such a big city...
Two more questions:
- Is Piraeus worth a visit?
- We know February is a quieter time than peak tourist season, and that’s what we like. But there must be consequences—do all sites/museums close by 5 PM (except in Athens, maybe)? What do you do in the evenings once it’s dark?
Hi there,
I’d like to visit several islands in the Cyclades in late June - early July 2026 for about 15 days.
Stay 3 to 4 days on each one and do some hiking.
Your suggestions are welcome—islands, accommodation, hikes, or anything else.
Thanks in advance.
Twizzle
My partner and I are heading to Crete for 17 days this summer, from July 25 to August 11, with a rental car. We’ll book the first night or the first two nights, but our plan is to explore the east—and only the east—with no set itinerary and no other reservations.
For those in the know, are we being reckless? 🤣
We’ve had some experience with this kind of travel in Greece before:
10 days in western Crete in 2021 (though that was post-Covid) and 10 days in the Peloponnese in 2024. We only booked the first night each time, and it wasn’t really an issue. Even if we didn’t always find a place in the exact spot we were aiming for, we’d just stay a little further out, a bit less touristy, and it was great!
Do you think this style of travel is still doable in Crete in August by 2026?
Thanks for any insights if you’ve had this experience!
I’m planning a trip to Greece next February, flying in and out of Athens.
The itinerary isn’t set yet (but it’s my first time, so I’ll hit the *must-sees*), but one thing’s for sure—we’re renting a car.
Any rental companies you’d recommend?
Local agencies are usually cheaper than the big names (Avis, Europcar, etc.), but you’ve got to know which ones are reliable...
Hi there,
I’m heading to Athens alone for a week from November 27th to December 4th. I want to visit Athens and Santorini. I’m not sure how feasible this route (Athens-Santorini-Athens) is—I don’t know the country or the distances. Is it doable and realistic to visit both in one week? If it’s possible, is it better to take a flight or a ferry from Athens to Santorini? Where’s the best place to stay to make the most of my time? Would you recommend "Athens Backpackers"? Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi there,
The least we can say is that neither the internet nor guidebooks are overflowing with info on Thrace, this region in the far northeast of Greece (part of which is also in Bulgaria and Turkey). Needless to say, if anyone’s already visited this "eastern" Greece, I’d love to hear ANY tips about it. I’m planning to spend 4 or 5 days there next May, with a rental car. The distances seem pretty big, and I don’t want to rack up too many kilometers at the risk of being a bit disappointed—especially, what do you think of the Evros Valley, near the Turkish border?
Thanks in advance.
Hi there! We're heading to Athens in April 2026 with our three kids (ages 7 to 14). We won’t be renting a car and plan to stay in Athens the whole time. What do you think of this itinerary?
- Day 1: Arrival and first stroll around Athens (Anafiotika, Monastiraki, Psiri, Areopagus Hill)
- Day 2: Acropolis (+ museum?), Plaka, Koukaki or Filopappou depending on how we feel
- Day 3: Day trip to Hydra, overnight in Aegina
- Day 4: Aegina
- Day 5: Changing of the Guard, National Garden, Lycabettus Hill, Panathenaic Stadium, Plaka
- Day 6: Organized Peloponnese excursion
- Day 7: Athens Riviera, relaxed pace
- Day 8: Organized Delphi excursion
- Day 9: Departure
Thanks in advance! ☀️☀️☀️
I’m planning a family road trip in the Peloponnese in April, arriving and departing from Athens, with a focus on Greek mythology, beautiful hikes, and a balanced pace (we don’t want to spend our days in the car). Here’s our draft itinerary:
Day 1: Early arrival in Athens – visit Acrocorinth and overnight in Corinth
Days 2 & 3: Drive to Dimitsana – hike in the Lousios Gorge (and maybe a detour to Olympia?), mountain villages
Days 4 & 5: Drive to Areopoli (Mani Peninsula) with a stop in Mystras
Day 6: Kalamata, visit Ancient Messene
Days 7 & 8: Pylos, Voidokilia Beach, Palace of Nestor, Gialova Lagoon
Days 9 & 10: Drive to Nafplio (Epidaurus, Mycenae)
Days 11 & 12: Hydra from the port of Ermioni
Days 12–15: Athens
I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions. Does the pace seem reasonable? Should we adjust any stops (too long or too short)? Any must-see mythological sites or hikes along the way, in addition to what I’ve mentioned? Is Olympia really worth the detour from Dimitsana?
I’m a bit late planning, but we’re traveling as a family from October 26 to October 31, 2025, to Athens. After that, we’ll continue our journey from the port of Piraeus for a cruise with Celestyal Cruises (November 1 to November 8) in the Cyclades.
First, a few practical tips:
Is it easy to get by speaking French in Athens, or is English a must? Any tips for making yourself understood?
Our hotel is located in central Athens. What do you recommend taking from the airport? A taxi, the metro, or the bus?
For sightseeing:
We’ll be there for 5 days. What do you recommend?
Should we book tickets for the monuments in advance or on-site?
I’ve heard about a pass for visiting 5 monuments. What does it include? Do you have to visit all the monuments on the same day, or can you spread it out over the week?
On some websites, it mentions that Tuesday, October 28, would be a free day for monuments. Can anyone confirm this, and what are the rules to benefit from it?
Thanks in advance to anyone who can help!
Hello,
We’re planning a trip to Crete for Christmas week 2025 and would love advice from travelers who’ve visited the island in winter. What should we expect in terms of weather? Which sights are best to prioritize—or avoid? Is it easy to find restaurants open? Obviously, we’re not expecting to hit the beach 😉 or do long hikes. We love traveling at a relaxed pace, soaking up the local atmosphere without covering too many kilometers by car.
Thanks in advance to anyone who can share tips!
Best regards,
Hi everyone,
For about twenty years now, we’ve been regularly visiting the Cyclades to enjoy some rest, sunshine, the sea, scooter rides, lovely tavernas, and the hospitality of the Greeks (around fifteen trips in total).
This September, my partner and I have decided to return to Ikaria, the island where we spent a few days in Agios Kirykos and Therma.
This year, we’ll be arriving in Evdilos and would love some tips on the southern coast of Evdilos and the central part of the island—places that are doable by scooter (max 20 to 30 km round trip).
For those interested, we’d be happy to share our experiences from Tinos, Syros, Amorgos, Ikaria, Fourni, the Small Cyclades, and, from longer ago, Santorini, Paros, Anti-Paros, and Naxos.
Happy travels to all
Here’s a little account of our two-week family trip (with two boys aged 7 and 10) to Corfu. I hope it helps other travelers!
We chose Corfu because there are direct flights from Paris, and we were looking for a destination where it’d be easy to swim with the kids. We were there from August 14 to 28.
Since I wasn’t sure about the distances and had read quite a bit about Greek driving and the state of the roads, I decided to split the trip into three parts: Corfu Town, the North, and the South.
Corfu Town (3 nights)
Day 1: We landed in the late afternoon. Booked three nights via Booking on the edge of the old town (Sueno Garden Apartment), which is walkable from the airport—no need to rent a car for the first few days or stay in Corfu Town. First evening in the old town, dinner at Pane e Souvlaki on Dimarchiou Square. Touristy, but good vibes.
Day 2: Visited the Old Fort. Nice for the Church of St. George, which looks like an ancient Greek temple, and especially for the 360° view from the top. By 11 a.m., the sun was already beating down. Left the fort and strolled through the People’s Gardens. Lunch at Mouragia a bit further away, then backtracked to let the kids swim at Faliraki Bathing Beach.
Day 3: We took bus line 2A from Spinada (in front of the Old Fort) to the end of the runway (stop ΚΑΛΟΚΑΙΡΙ Ε). Poorly signposted when you’re at the top—you have to go down via the bar. Not well set up, which is a shame. The Panagia Vlacherna Monastery is pretty on its little island, but don’t turn around—the landings are impressive. Returned via the 2A with a stop at Mon Repos Beach, where the kids loved jumping off the pier.
North (6 nights)
Day 4: Headed to Sidari, rented a small Fiat Panda from Europcar—no issues with this rental company (I booked late, so it’s probably possible to find cheaper). We’d also booked via Booking at Blue Dreams Apartment, just south of Sidari. A family-run hotel with a nice pool, we had a great stay (it’s just been taken over by Belgians who speak French). We wandered around Sidari to the Canal d’Amour. Not easy to access—you have to walk through all the bars, and the tiny beach is pretty dirty. Still, it’s fun for a swim and exploring the cave.
Day 5: Quick breakfast to be at Cap Drastis by 9 a.m. Parked at the top, but there’s very little space (we couldn’t park on the way back), and it’s a dirt road. The signs saying “To the sea” actually lead to a boat dock for a cape tour. You only see the cape from above, not below. A bit of a letdown, but since it was early and no one was down there yet, we treated ourselves to a quick swim. Brunch back in Sidari at Eviva—I recommend it: not Greek at all, but high quality. Agios Stefanos in the late afternoon after the heat. The port is awful (dirty and uninteresting), but there’s a swimming spot just before the beach, near the old port (park above, by the church). No one was there—great moment with the kids.
Day 6: Left around 9 a.m. for Mount Pantokrator. A bit of a climb at the end in the Fiat Panda—it’s steep! The road is long, but I think it’s worth it for the lunar landscape at the top, the monastery-antenna, and the 360° view. Then down to Kassiopi (we paid 5 euros for the Kassiopi Car Park—I think it’s the best option, as there’s no big free parking like in Sidari) and a swim at Paralia Mpataria (small but nice). Really relaxing in the late afternoon. Walked around the peninsula and saw several dolphin pods with amazing jumps. Unforgettable. Kassiopi is more family-friendly than Sidari and has more charm (Sidari has none, so that’s easy!).
Day 7: Morning off at the hotel, then afternoon at Paralia Kalamaki for the inflatable playground the kids had spotted on the way back from Kassiopi. 10 euros per person for an hour, not many people around 4 p.m., and we had a blast. Shallow sandy beach. Not much marine life, but safe for young kids. Note: free freshwater shower. Dinner at Nikos Family Restaurant in Roda. Great welcome and atmosphere. The stifado and soutzoukakia were delicious, and the Greek desserts were amazing too. Next door, at Roda Park restaurant, there was a Greek party with traditional dancing and plaster plate-smashing. Even though we didn’t eat there, everyone was invited to join in the street—it was fun. Probably touristy, but pretty spontaneous, and it was a good time.
Day 8: I’d booked two dives in Paleokastritsa with Achilleon Diving Center, directly via WhatsApp. Great international vibe, two easy but interesting dives (a barracuda school and a “cow” nudibranch at Colovri Reefs, cool crevasses and holes at Donald’s Place). In the afternoon, we visited the Paleokastritsa Monastery (well-maintained, pretty nice) and spent some time at the beach (very crowded).
Day 9: Day off—we enjoyed the hotel pool and went to Olea next door to buy a small olive wood souvenir. Note that the old man who works the wood doesn’t have many fingers left…
South (5 nights)
Day 10: Headed to Lefkimmi. Stopped at Achilleion on the way. I knew from reviews that only the gardens were accessible, but I think it’s worth it, even at 7 euros. We passed by the French military cemetery nearby (nothing special, poorly signposted but quiet and peaceful) and ate at Elia Tavern right next door: super good, best calamari of the trip. We’d booked our accommodation at Villa Rosa South Corfu, a bit outside Lefkimmi, near Alikes. Pretty isolated, but the beach is a 3-minute walk away, right next to the old salt pans. On the way, we saw a poster (use Google Lens to translate) for a local festival near Linia. We went that evening: barbecue, concert, and local dancing. Lots of people, but only locals—it was a great time.
Day 11: Short “hike” to Arkoudilas. We parked at the exit of Kavos, just before The Rose Tree restaurant. Some people drive all the way to the beach, but it’s very rocky. We followed the “Monastery” path to see Cape Asprokavos and the ruins of the monastery nearby. To avoid backtracking, we continued through the woods after the monastery to reach Arkoudilas Beach. Nice shaded walk, but dusty road. Dinner at Agali on the Potami Canal (friendly family vibe, but long wait).
Day 12: Boat trip to Sivota with Pegasus. A wooden boat, human-sized. Crowded, but not cramped. Two swimming stops (Blue Lagoon in the morning and a beach in the afternoon) and a 2-hour stop at noon in Sivota. We knew it’d be touristy, but the vibe was good, with some dancing on the way back. Not too many people at the swimming stops.
Day 13: Kouris Museum in Lefkimmi. Okay, don’t go for the history—the guide cracks more jokes than gives rational explanations. Still, we laughed a lot and had a great time. Lunch at The Village on the main road: very fresh, very good. Perfect homemade dip platter. Not the best location since it’s right on the road, but it’s worth it. Free ice cream for the kids, super-friendly owner. Fresh ratatouille (finally, some veggies!). Afternoon at Paralia Issos. View of Korission Lagoon and a walk through the sand dunes, a bit like the Sahara in places (hard to do before 5 p.m., even 6 p.m., because of the heat).
Day 14: I’d booked a visit/tasting at Pontiglio Winery. Short tour of the small site and tasting of the 4 wines produced there: 2 whites, 1 red, 1 rosé. Fresh homemade snacks, fruit for the kids, great welcome. Then to Paralia Kanoula Beach. Mikro Nisi Bar, sunbeds at 20 euros—expensive. But a nice beach with some rocks, so a bit of marine life. We saw octopuses while snorkeling with the kids—great moment.
Honest take on Corfu
The island is dirty—not just at the garbage sites, which aren’t collected often enough and overflow constantly, but everywhere.
Not a single square meter without cigarette butts, even if you get off the main paths.
Stray cats everywhere, wasps everywhere, sewage smells often.
The natural heritage is stunning but ruined by private encroachment on the coastline. Bars and restaurants take over the land right up to the sea.
I’d only been to Santorini and Paros about ten years ago, and I don’t remember it being like this at all. Maybe the Cyclades are different now. From talking to a few tourists here and there, it seems Crete is better managed.
We still had a good vacation, even if it was sometimes hard to overlook the dirtiness.
For a trip planned next summer, I’m considering this itinerary for a maximum of 3 weeks:
Kalamata
Pylos
Foinikounta
Kardamyli
Limeni?
Areopoli
Mezapos (just a quick stop along the way)
Gerolimenas
Elafonissos
Then we’ll head back up toward Nafplio
And Athens for the return flight.
My questions:
- Is it possible to find a direct flight to Kalamata, or will we have to go through Athens for a domestic flight?
- For Limeni, can we get there from Areopoli?
- The drives from Gerolimenas to Elafonissos and from Elafonissos to Nafplio are a bit long—any ideas for stops? Though that might make too many stops overall?!
Thanks for your help in optimizing this itinerary!
I’m spending 2 days in Athens in July with my two daughters, aged 10 and 13, during our Greek trip.
I’ve seen there’s a multi-day pass for all the major sites in Athens.
Is it worth it?
I’d love to know if there are any must-see spots (we’ll obviously do the Acropolis, even if it seems like a hassle) and any places to avoid?
I’m also visiting Meteora for 1 to 2 days... which monasteries and caves should we prioritize?
Finally, a few days on Sifnos and Serifos. Should I book a car in advance, or is it easy and quick to rent one when we arrive by ferry?
Hi everyone,
I’d love to get your thoughts on a 13-night trip to Crete this summer. We’ll be 2 adults and 2 kids (5 and 10 years old), and we’re renting a car to get around.
➔ If you have any tips on renting a car, I’m all ears! (I was thinking of picking it up at the airport.)
For now, I’m planning a round-trip flight to Heraklion (I’m still debating whether to return from Chania, in which case we’d spend our last night in Paleóchora or Elos). Here’s how I’m splitting up the nights:
08/07 - 11/07 (3 nights) → Heraklion
Visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos
Explore the city: archaeological museum, Venetian harbor, Koules Fortress
Possible day trip to Matala or the east coast, depending on how we feel
11/07 - 14/07 (3 nights) → Rethymnon
Explore Rethymnon’s old town
Walk around Argiroupoli (natural springs, waterfalls)
Relax on the beaches in the area
14/07 - 18/07 (4 nights) → Chania
Visit the historic center
Day trip to Seitan Limania (wild beach)
Day at Balos Beach & Gramvousa (by boat or hike)
18/07 - 20/07 (2 nights) → Paleóchora or Elos
➔ Do you have a preference between these two spots? They both seem like great, low-key places, but Elos is more mountainous.
Hike through Samaria Gorge (full-day trip)
➔ Do you think this is doable with a 5-year-old? I’ve read there’s a bus at the end of the gorge, but I’m worried about missing the ferry and having to rush the kids.
Relax at Elafonissi Beach
Hi there,
We’re doing a sailing trip. Do you know if it’s possible to order main groceries online and have them delivered to the marina? We’re leaving from Rhodes.
Thanks for your help
We’re heading to Greece this summer and will be stopping in Nafplio for 3 days. We’d love to visit Epidaurus and Mycenae, but we don’t have a way to get around. We checked the KTEL Argolida website, but couldn’t figure out the right stops or schedules. Is it possible to do a round trip from Nafplio to Epidaurus in one day, as well as Nafplio to Mycenae? If not, are there any cheap alternative options?
Hi,
I need to take a ferry to Sifnos on 17/07 at 7:15 AM, departing from Piraeus.
I’ll be staying in Athens near Omonia station, and the metro goes directly to Piraeus.
How early should I arrive at the port to make sure I don’t miss the ferry?
Is the metro station far from the port?
Are the signs to find the right ferry clear?
I can’t figure out if the first metro is at 5:30 or 6:30 AM?
Because if it’s 6:30, it’s a no-go—I’ll have to arrange a taxi or shuttle... I’m not sure how to handle this early ferry. Any advice would be super helpful!
Thanks
I’m landing in Athens on Sunday, July 6th at 6:30 PM, picking up my rental car at the airport, and heading straight to Nafplio to spend the night.
Do I have enough time to get there and grab dinner? Until what time can I easily find places to eat without any issues?
Another question: I’m thinking of using Waze or Google Maps for directions. Is 4G coverage well-developed, or is it optimistic to count on having service along the way?
