Hi there,
My wife and I are heading to Santorini from October 11th to 18th (it’s her birthday gift). I’ll admit I’m torn between spending the full 7 days on Santorini or combining it with another island (I was thinking Milos) for 2 or 3 days.
Since the ferry schedules aren’t announced yet for October, it’s hard to plan ahead.
Do you think 7 days on Santorini is too much, or is splitting 7 days between 2 islands too short? Any other destinations worth considering?
Thanks in advance
Eastern Europe · Grèce
Showing 61–90 of 5,907 discussions.
Hi everyone!
I just got notified of a short-stay visa refusal for Greece, with the reason being that the purpose and conditions of my stay weren’t sufficiently justified. Yet I included in my application an explanatory letter, paid round-trip flight and hotel reservations, a paid ticket for my visits, and travel insurance—all matching the duration of my stay. I’m really puzzled by this decision and feel it’s unfair. Could anyone here shed some light on what might have gone wrong?
Thanks in advance!
Best regards,
I just got notified of a short-stay visa refusal for Greece, with the reason being that the purpose and conditions of my stay weren’t sufficiently justified. Yet I included in my application an explanatory letter, paid round-trip flight and hotel reservations, a paid ticket for my visits, and travel insurance—all matching the duration of my stay. I’m really puzzled by this decision and feel it’s unfair. Could anyone here shed some light on what might have gone wrong?
Thanks in advance!
Best regards,
Hi there,
We’re heading to the Cyclades in August 2025 (yes, not the best season…). We’re looking for ferries to get from Paros to Serifos, then from Serifos to Andros. It seems like there aren’t ferries every day to Serifos… And from Serifos to Andros, bookings aren’t open yet. We checked ferryhopper.com. Could anyone give us some info on these routes, please? Is it necessary to book in advance?
Thanks for your help! Best,
We’re heading to the Cyclades in August 2025 (yes, not the best season…). We’re looking for ferries to get from Paros to Serifos, then from Serifos to Andros. It seems like there aren’t ferries every day to Serifos… And from Serifos to Andros, bookings aren’t open yet. We checked ferryhopper.com. Could anyone give us some info on these routes, please? Is it necessary to book in advance?
Thanks for your help! Best,
Hello,
We’re planning to spend a week in Crete soon. We’ve read that renting a car is a must. We’ll be landing in Heraklion.
We’re used to traveling modestly, hiking, and wandering around in rather bucolic spots.
We’d love to hear any tips or experiences that might match our travel style.
Thanks in advance!
Françoise and Jean-Pierre
Hi there, I’m planning to travel by bus during my stay in Greece, mainly in November. Since I’ll be spending a few days in Nafplio, is it easy to get to Olympia by bus, or is it better to take a guided tour from Nafplio? It’s not ideal, but it would be my only option to see the site. Also, since I want to go to Delphi, is it possible to take public transport, staying one night in Olympia and leaving from there the next day for Delphi? That would save me from having to go back to Athens. If anyone has already done this route, I’d love to hear about your experience. Thanks!
Hi everyone! Is there a bus that connects Santorini Airport to the port on the island? Is it direct, or do you have to change buses at the bus station?
Thanks for your tips on this! 🙂
Curious travelers all share the same wish: to discover a country or region by stepping off the beaten path and avoiding tourist traps. Who wouldn’t agree with that?
But does that mean we should skip the tourist sites that guidebooks and local tourism offices tout as must-sees? Of course not!
On the Greek island of Rhodes, Lindos, the "Pearl of the South," is undoubtedly the most visited village. Making the trip there is enough to understand its appeal—and I’ll admit, I too fell under the spell of this enchanting place. Through this post and these photos, I want to share my memories, impressions, and a lot of my enthusiasm.
First, there’s that stunning panoramic view you get from the road when arriving from the north of the island. The urge to stop is irresistible.
Perched on a rocky spur, an imposing citadel overlooks a village with that classic Greek charm—whitewashed houses. At the foot of the hill, you can see a perfectly curved bay (the arc is almost flawless) with deep blue waters bordering a lovely stretch of light sand...
With an artist’s eye, you could say this landscape is an ideal painting, and what a beautiful palette of colors! A photographer’s eye will be delighted by the balance of the composition, and any traveler who loves beautiful scenery will simply be captivated by this exceptional view.
This plunging viewpoint is a delicious preview of the site, making me eager to discover more and see Lindos in every detail.
The road winds along the mountainside for about two kilometers before reaching the destination—well, you quickly realize you can’t drive into the narrow alleys! No, you have to leave your car in the parking lots near the village. Spaces are already filling up with private cars and a neat line of tour buses—so we won’t be the only ones visiting Lindos this morning!
The main street, at the heart of the village, is a succession of cafés, tavernas serving ouzo/feta/moussaka, and souvenir shops (T-shirts, pottery, trinkets, flags...). At peak hours, it’s the usual tourist hustle and bustle—easy to imagine.
Fortunately, just a few steps down a side alley, and you quickly find calm and almost solitude.
Aren’t there any cats in Lindos? Not really—domestic felines are everywhere in the village’s alleys. Here are two: a black-and-white one resting on a windowsill and another, all white, heading toward a dead end. In that narrow lane sits an elderly man, his face weathered by the sun, with a salt-and-pepper mustache. Our eyes meet, and I greet him with a "Kalimera" (good morning in Greek, one of the few words I know in the local language!). That earns me a hint of a smile, followed by a question. He’s asking for a cigarette—sorry, my friend, but I don’t smoke!
Wandering, observing, even getting lost in these narrow alleys—that’s how to truly appreciate Lindos. Dazzling white walls, beautiful homes (some dating back to the 15th century), entrances framed by Gothic arches, and wreaths or bouquets of dried flowers adorning the facades. Here and there, muffled conversations can be heard through half-closed shutters, and an ajar door offers a glimpse of lovely inner courtyards where the reds and purples of bougainvillea contrast with the white walls. The locals also add beautiful decorative touches to the floors of patios or stair steps, with black-and-white pebble mosaics forming geometric patterns.
At times, the silence of the alleys away from the center is broken by the puttering of a scooter or hybrid vehicles—half-scooter, half-van—that barely squeeze between the walls of the narrow lanes!
After crisscrossing this real labyrinth, I arrive in front of the village’s main church, the Church of Panagia. A beautiful building dedicated to the Virgin, restored in the 15th century by the Knights of the Order of St. John.
Looking up to admire the bell tower of this Greek Orthodox church, I catch a glimpse among the clustered rooftops of part of the fortifications overlooking the town—the next step in my discovery of Lindos’ heritage.
To reach the citadel’s rock, you’re offered "Lindos taxis" at every corner—donkey rides. The effect is guaranteed for tourists discouraged by the 115 meters of elevation to climb to reach the ramparts: bursts of laughter, donkey hooves slipping on the cobblestones, and the capricious moods of these sometimes stubborn animals. Hee-haw!
You guessed it—I chose to walk up the path along the mountainside. The route reveals magnificent panoramas of the village and the coast, lined with pink oleanders, and you breathe in the fresh air among the olive trees—though sometimes the unmistakable smell of donkey droppings fills the air, with the sea breeze helping to disperse it.
Climbing the fortress steps is like traveling back in time. Here, the testimonies of Lindos’ rich history unfold before visitors’ eyes.
First, the imposing ramparts, built in the Middle Ages by the Knights of the Order of St. John—master builders of defensive structures whose primary mission was to aid and care for pilgrims wounded during the Crusades.
Within the fortifications, you’ll also find the remains of a Byzantine-era church from the 13th century, with its frescoes and murals. Further up, at the top of the rocks, you encounter ancient Greece: the acropolis and the temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. According to historians, the first inhabitants of the site were the Minoans, around 1200 BCE. An ambitious architectural restoration program aims to bring this past back to life.
But once you reach the ancient esplanade, most visitors head straight for the ramparts. The view through their openings is simply breathtaking and dizzying. On the sea side, the cliff drops steeply, and at the foot of the cliffs lies another bay, its shape reminiscent of a heart. Turquoise waters and a small white chapel surrounded by oleanders.
Seeing this panorama, you tell yourself you absolutely must visit it before leaving Lindos.
On the village side, the view is just as stunning—a true aerial perspective of the entire town and its charming white houses. You can easily spot the church with its red-tiled roof. Among the cluster of houses, some have flat rooftops—these belonged to the captains. Lindos was once an important commercial port, strategically located on the maritime route from Europe to the East. From their terraces, these famous ship captains could watch the comings and goings of their vessels.
Back then, Lindos was the capital of Rhodes and had nearly 17,000 inhabitants—far more than the 700 current residents. But these locals proudly claim Lindos is still the capital of Rhodes—well, a tourist capital, at least!
From the vantage point of these ramparts, you also overlook the tiny beach below. The sight of it can only make you want to take a dip—my next stop, a welcome break after the historical and cultural visit.
Walking back through the village via different alleys, I pass some beautiful homes and new chapels, like the one I’m in front of now—a white dome, a classic example of Greek island religious architecture. Dedicated to St. George, it dates back to the 14th century.
Time for some beach fun—that’s Lindos too! A chance to take a dip in crystal-clear, delicious waters with that unmistakable view of Lindos as your backdrop.
Now, heading toward St. Paul’s Bay—the one I spotted from the citadel. Seen from ground level, it’s even more charming, with its little white chapel nestled against the cliffs. The bay and the church are named after the Apostle Paul. History—or legend—tells of the religious figure stopping here during a journey between Ephesus and Syria.
These days, the chapel is a hit with newlyweds—celebrations seem to be back-to-back this afternoon. The idyllic setting is perfect for a beautiful keepsake photo, as any amateur photographer would agree!
As the hours pass, the flow of day-trippers thins out, and Lindos regains a sense of calm and authenticity that suits it so well. As if by magic, the fading light bathes the village in a golden hue—worth admiring without restraint.
Though Lindos is well sheltered from the sea, nestled in its protective cove, its entire past is oriented toward the open water. To etch this unique site even deeper into my memory, I want to see Lindos again from the sea.
The boat, "Captain Manolis," is ready. This morning, we’re at the pebble beach of Vlicha, just a short distance from the village.
The start of the voyage takes us along stark rocky cliffs—a mineral world animated by seabirds, which is classic, but also by goats, which is more unusual. These sure-footed caprins navigate the cliffside along the rock strata—no fear of heights here!
Then, your gaze is drawn to Lindos again, always Lindos—a viewpoint that’s also worth the detour: perched fortifications, white village, and a broad expanse of deep blue in the foreground.
A palette of blues enriched by the waters of the bay just south of the village. The play of light, the reflection of the sky, the transparency of the sea, combined with sandy seabeds, create a breathtaking result: an unreal, almost magical shade of blue. The deep blue!
Puff! Puff! Puff! The boat’s engine slows down. Our captain seems focused and attentive as we navigate through a narrow corridor of jagged rocks. These impressive cliffs have sparked sailors’ imaginations, and our captain points out the lion. A wild feline in the area? Not exactly, but a rock whose shape might suggest a lion’s head—why not, from a certain angle? Just as you start to see the resemblance, the image fades—a fleeting lion, like a mirage.
Twilight also offers visitors fleeting and magical sights. As the deep blue envelops the atmosphere, the lights enhance Lindos’ panorama.
And to add an original and aesthetic touch (as if it were needed!), the amateur photographer in me plays with my camera’s aperture to make the bay and village sparkle with dozens of stars. Isn’t Lindos called the "Pearl of the South"? A pearl that sometimes shines brilliantly!
LINDOS ISLAND OF RHODES (GREECE) May 2011
Tips: To avoid the crowds of tourists arriving (by boat and especially by bus or car!) for a day trip, it’s best to arrive before 9 AM. Also note: the visit to the Citadel/Ancient Ruins starts at 8:30 AM and closes at 3 PM. Ticket to access the site: 6 €. In the late afternoon, the lighting is beautiful over the village—a splendid viewpoint from the road leading to St. Paul’s Bay. Boat excursion with "Captain Manolis": daily departures (May to September) from Vlicha Beach (a bay 3 km north of Lindos), 25 €.
But does that mean we should skip the tourist sites that guidebooks and local tourism offices tout as must-sees? Of course not!
On the Greek island of Rhodes, Lindos, the "Pearl of the South," is undoubtedly the most visited village. Making the trip there is enough to understand its appeal—and I’ll admit, I too fell under the spell of this enchanting place. Through this post and these photos, I want to share my memories, impressions, and a lot of my enthusiasm.
First, there’s that stunning panoramic view you get from the road when arriving from the north of the island. The urge to stop is irresistible.
Perched on a rocky spur, an imposing citadel overlooks a village with that classic Greek charm—whitewashed houses. At the foot of the hill, you can see a perfectly curved bay (the arc is almost flawless) with deep blue waters bordering a lovely stretch of light sand...
With an artist’s eye, you could say this landscape is an ideal painting, and what a beautiful palette of colors! A photographer’s eye will be delighted by the balance of the composition, and any traveler who loves beautiful scenery will simply be captivated by this exceptional view.
This plunging viewpoint is a delicious preview of the site, making me eager to discover more and see Lindos in every detail.
The road winds along the mountainside for about two kilometers before reaching the destination—well, you quickly realize you can’t drive into the narrow alleys! No, you have to leave your car in the parking lots near the village. Spaces are already filling up with private cars and a neat line of tour buses—so we won’t be the only ones visiting Lindos this morning!
The main street, at the heart of the village, is a succession of cafés, tavernas serving ouzo/feta/moussaka, and souvenir shops (T-shirts, pottery, trinkets, flags...). At peak hours, it’s the usual tourist hustle and bustle—easy to imagine.
Fortunately, just a few steps down a side alley, and you quickly find calm and almost solitude.
Aren’t there any cats in Lindos? Not really—domestic felines are everywhere in the village’s alleys. Here are two: a black-and-white one resting on a windowsill and another, all white, heading toward a dead end. In that narrow lane sits an elderly man, his face weathered by the sun, with a salt-and-pepper mustache. Our eyes meet, and I greet him with a "Kalimera" (good morning in Greek, one of the few words I know in the local language!). That earns me a hint of a smile, followed by a question. He’s asking for a cigarette—sorry, my friend, but I don’t smoke!
Wandering, observing, even getting lost in these narrow alleys—that’s how to truly appreciate Lindos. Dazzling white walls, beautiful homes (some dating back to the 15th century), entrances framed by Gothic arches, and wreaths or bouquets of dried flowers adorning the facades. Here and there, muffled conversations can be heard through half-closed shutters, and an ajar door offers a glimpse of lovely inner courtyards where the reds and purples of bougainvillea contrast with the white walls. The locals also add beautiful decorative touches to the floors of patios or stair steps, with black-and-white pebble mosaics forming geometric patterns.
At times, the silence of the alleys away from the center is broken by the puttering of a scooter or hybrid vehicles—half-scooter, half-van—that barely squeeze between the walls of the narrow lanes!
After crisscrossing this real labyrinth, I arrive in front of the village’s main church, the Church of Panagia. A beautiful building dedicated to the Virgin, restored in the 15th century by the Knights of the Order of St. John.
Looking up to admire the bell tower of this Greek Orthodox church, I catch a glimpse among the clustered rooftops of part of the fortifications overlooking the town—the next step in my discovery of Lindos’ heritage.
To reach the citadel’s rock, you’re offered "Lindos taxis" at every corner—donkey rides. The effect is guaranteed for tourists discouraged by the 115 meters of elevation to climb to reach the ramparts: bursts of laughter, donkey hooves slipping on the cobblestones, and the capricious moods of these sometimes stubborn animals. Hee-haw!
You guessed it—I chose to walk up the path along the mountainside. The route reveals magnificent panoramas of the village and the coast, lined with pink oleanders, and you breathe in the fresh air among the olive trees—though sometimes the unmistakable smell of donkey droppings fills the air, with the sea breeze helping to disperse it.
Climbing the fortress steps is like traveling back in time. Here, the testimonies of Lindos’ rich history unfold before visitors’ eyes.
First, the imposing ramparts, built in the Middle Ages by the Knights of the Order of St. John—master builders of defensive structures whose primary mission was to aid and care for pilgrims wounded during the Crusades.
Within the fortifications, you’ll also find the remains of a Byzantine-era church from the 13th century, with its frescoes and murals. Further up, at the top of the rocks, you encounter ancient Greece: the acropolis and the temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. According to historians, the first inhabitants of the site were the Minoans, around 1200 BCE. An ambitious architectural restoration program aims to bring this past back to life.
But once you reach the ancient esplanade, most visitors head straight for the ramparts. The view through their openings is simply breathtaking and dizzying. On the sea side, the cliff drops steeply, and at the foot of the cliffs lies another bay, its shape reminiscent of a heart. Turquoise waters and a small white chapel surrounded by oleanders.
Seeing this panorama, you tell yourself you absolutely must visit it before leaving Lindos.
On the village side, the view is just as stunning—a true aerial perspective of the entire town and its charming white houses. You can easily spot the church with its red-tiled roof. Among the cluster of houses, some have flat rooftops—these belonged to the captains. Lindos was once an important commercial port, strategically located on the maritime route from Europe to the East. From their terraces, these famous ship captains could watch the comings and goings of their vessels.
Back then, Lindos was the capital of Rhodes and had nearly 17,000 inhabitants—far more than the 700 current residents. But these locals proudly claim Lindos is still the capital of Rhodes—well, a tourist capital, at least!
From the vantage point of these ramparts, you also overlook the tiny beach below. The sight of it can only make you want to take a dip—my next stop, a welcome break after the historical and cultural visit.
Walking back through the village via different alleys, I pass some beautiful homes and new chapels, like the one I’m in front of now—a white dome, a classic example of Greek island religious architecture. Dedicated to St. George, it dates back to the 14th century.
Time for some beach fun—that’s Lindos too! A chance to take a dip in crystal-clear, delicious waters with that unmistakable view of Lindos as your backdrop.
Now, heading toward St. Paul’s Bay—the one I spotted from the citadel. Seen from ground level, it’s even more charming, with its little white chapel nestled against the cliffs. The bay and the church are named after the Apostle Paul. History—or legend—tells of the religious figure stopping here during a journey between Ephesus and Syria.
These days, the chapel is a hit with newlyweds—celebrations seem to be back-to-back this afternoon. The idyllic setting is perfect for a beautiful keepsake photo, as any amateur photographer would agree!
As the hours pass, the flow of day-trippers thins out, and Lindos regains a sense of calm and authenticity that suits it so well. As if by magic, the fading light bathes the village in a golden hue—worth admiring without restraint.
Though Lindos is well sheltered from the sea, nestled in its protective cove, its entire past is oriented toward the open water. To etch this unique site even deeper into my memory, I want to see Lindos again from the sea.
The boat, "Captain Manolis," is ready. This morning, we’re at the pebble beach of Vlicha, just a short distance from the village.
The start of the voyage takes us along stark rocky cliffs—a mineral world animated by seabirds, which is classic, but also by goats, which is more unusual. These sure-footed caprins navigate the cliffside along the rock strata—no fear of heights here!
Then, your gaze is drawn to Lindos again, always Lindos—a viewpoint that’s also worth the detour: perched fortifications, white village, and a broad expanse of deep blue in the foreground.
A palette of blues enriched by the waters of the bay just south of the village. The play of light, the reflection of the sky, the transparency of the sea, combined with sandy seabeds, create a breathtaking result: an unreal, almost magical shade of blue. The deep blue!
Puff! Puff! Puff! The boat’s engine slows down. Our captain seems focused and attentive as we navigate through a narrow corridor of jagged rocks. These impressive cliffs have sparked sailors’ imaginations, and our captain points out the lion. A wild feline in the area? Not exactly, but a rock whose shape might suggest a lion’s head—why not, from a certain angle? Just as you start to see the resemblance, the image fades—a fleeting lion, like a mirage.
Twilight also offers visitors fleeting and magical sights. As the deep blue envelops the atmosphere, the lights enhance Lindos’ panorama.
And to add an original and aesthetic touch (as if it were needed!), the amateur photographer in me plays with my camera’s aperture to make the bay and village sparkle with dozens of stars. Isn’t Lindos called the "Pearl of the South"? A pearl that sometimes shines brilliantly!
LINDOS ISLAND OF RHODES (GREECE) May 2011Tips: To avoid the crowds of tourists arriving (by boat and especially by bus or car!) for a day trip, it’s best to arrive before 9 AM. Also note: the visit to the Citadel/Ancient Ruins starts at 8:30 AM and closes at 3 PM. Ticket to access the site: 6 €. In the late afternoon, the lighting is beautiful over the village—a splendid viewpoint from the road leading to St. Paul’s Bay. Boat excursion with "Captain Manolis": daily departures (May to September) from Vlicha Beach (a bay 3 km north of Lindos), 25 €.
With the $CAD/EUR exchange rate already worse than ever (thanks, Mr. Trump and his annexation threats), imagine my surprise when I found out that the EuroBank ATM (same for Alpha Bank) charged a 9% commission on the transaction. That pushed the exchange rate from the official 1.60$ to 1.77$ per euro. It’s better to buy euros in Canada or at a currency exchange office, or just pay by credit card, which I did (at a rate between 1.61$ and 1.63$).
Hi everyone,
I’m planning my first trip to Greece from October 29th to November 23rd and I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions on the itinerary I’m considering. For a first visit, I’ll definitely cover the traditional tourist route, but I’m also open to off-the-beaten-path ideas. I’m curious and interested in history, archaeological sites, and the islands—more for culture than beaches, anyway, especially in November!
Here’s the plan: 3–4 days in Athens, 2 days in Nafplio: visiting Epidaurus and Mycenae, Stop in Olympia on the way to Delphi via Patras by bus? To avoid backtracking to Athens; 2 days in Delphi, including the site and Mount Parnassus, Explore the Ionian coast and a few islands? A few days in Corfu, 3 days in Meteora, 2–3 days in Thessaloniki, Direct flight from Thessaloniki to Heraklion, Crete, 3–4 days in Crete, November 22nd–23rd: overnight ferry back to Athens to catch my return flight to Montreal.
You’ve probably guessed I’m traveling solo. It might seem a bit scattered right now—I’ve started reading up on Greece, and there are must-see spots. What feels unclear are the 4–5 days between Delphi and Corfu. Also, mid-November in the islands might not be ideal if the weather’s bad.
Is Corfu worth it? Maybe there are other options—like a few days in Albania? Just throwing the idea out there.
Thanks for your input! I’d love to hear about your experiences to help enrich my upcoming trip.
Here’s the plan: 3–4 days in Athens, 2 days in Nafplio: visiting Epidaurus and Mycenae, Stop in Olympia on the way to Delphi via Patras by bus? To avoid backtracking to Athens; 2 days in Delphi, including the site and Mount Parnassus, Explore the Ionian coast and a few islands? A few days in Corfu, 3 days in Meteora, 2–3 days in Thessaloniki, Direct flight from Thessaloniki to Heraklion, Crete, 3–4 days in Crete, November 22nd–23rd: overnight ferry back to Athens to catch my return flight to Montreal.
You’ve probably guessed I’m traveling solo. It might seem a bit scattered right now—I’ve started reading up on Greece, and there are must-see spots. What feels unclear are the 4–5 days between Delphi and Corfu. Also, mid-November in the islands might not be ideal if the weather’s bad.
Is Corfu worth it? Maybe there are other options—like a few days in Albania? Just throwing the idea out there.
Thanks for your input! I’d love to hear about your experiences to help enrich my upcoming trip.
Hi there! 🙂
I’m trying to get tickets and audio guides in FRENCH that *actually* work for visiting the Acropolis of Lindos in RHODES on September 19, 2025.
The official site isn’t great at all! Senior ticket bookings don’t work, and French audio guides??
They’re not cooperative at all.
Thanks in advance for the help!
The official site isn’t great at all! Senior ticket bookings don’t work, and French audio guides??
They’re not cooperative at all.
Thanks in advance for the help!
Hello,
I’m planning a trip to Corfu (Greece) and want to rent a car to explore the island. I’ve heard that you can’t rent a car after a certain age—I’m 81. What do you all think?
I need to book a ferry for my return from Sifnos the day before my flight back.
I’ve booked accommodation at ARTEMI.
I’m torn between:
- a ferry arriving at 4 PM in Lavrio with a free shuttle to the airport from the port for 168 € (for 3 people)
- a ferry arriving at 8 PM in Piraeus for 90 €.
Is it worth just adding a taxi from the airport to Artemi, or is it better to take the cheaper option arriving in Piraeus and then a taxi from Piraeus to my accommodation?
I’m also wondering if arriving at 8 PM the night before my departure is cutting it too close?
If the ferry is delayed, can I take another one?
My flight isn’t until 10 AM the next day, so I do have some time...
Thanks for your advice
Hello,
I’ll be in Greece with my two daughters, aged 10 and 13, from July 6th to 27th.
I’ve planned a route that seems fairly coherent, but I’d love to hear your thoughts:
J1 – Arrive in Athens in the afternoon and head straight to Corinth for the night J2 – Relax (beach) and visit Corinth or nearby – night in Corinth J3 – Mycenae + Epidaurus + Nafplio – night in Nafplio J4 – Mystras + Olympia – night in Olympia J5 – Delphi – night in Delphi J6 – Meteora (monasteries and more) – night in Kalambaka J7 – Meteora (nature walk) – night in Athens J8 – Explore Athens – night in Athens J9 – Explore Athens – night in Athens J10 – Ferry to Santorini + visit – night in Santorini J11 – Amorgos or another island – night in Amorgos J12 – Amorgos or another island – night in Amorgos J13 – Amorgos or another island – night in Amorgos J14 – Naxos – night in Naxos J15 – Naxos – night in Naxos J16 – Naxos – night in Naxos J17 – Paros – night in Paros J18 – Paros – night in Paros J19 – Paros – night in Paros J20 – Paros – night in Paros J21 – Ferry from Paros to Athens (is this possible?) – night in Athens J22 – Departure late morning
I’d like to know if there’s a town in the Peloponnese where we can stay and visit everything from there—I’d prefer not to change hotels every night. Are there any stops I can skip? Any must-see additions? I’d love to find pools or beaches to cool off at the end of the day—with the heat and the kids, we’ll need to refresh after sightseeing! For the Cyclades, I’m thinking of spending just an afternoon and evening in Santorini before moving on. I’m looking for authentic, quiet, beautiful islands with few tourists and nice beaches. Should I book all our rooms before leaving, or can we improvise a little? Thanks for your tips!
J1 – Arrive in Athens in the afternoon and head straight to Corinth for the night J2 – Relax (beach) and visit Corinth or nearby – night in Corinth J3 – Mycenae + Epidaurus + Nafplio – night in Nafplio J4 – Mystras + Olympia – night in Olympia J5 – Delphi – night in Delphi J6 – Meteora (monasteries and more) – night in Kalambaka J7 – Meteora (nature walk) – night in Athens J8 – Explore Athens – night in Athens J9 – Explore Athens – night in Athens J10 – Ferry to Santorini + visit – night in Santorini J11 – Amorgos or another island – night in Amorgos J12 – Amorgos or another island – night in Amorgos J13 – Amorgos or another island – night in Amorgos J14 – Naxos – night in Naxos J15 – Naxos – night in Naxos J16 – Naxos – night in Naxos J17 – Paros – night in Paros J18 – Paros – night in Paros J19 – Paros – night in Paros J20 – Paros – night in Paros J21 – Ferry from Paros to Athens (is this possible?) – night in Athens J22 – Departure late morning
I’d like to know if there’s a town in the Peloponnese where we can stay and visit everything from there—I’d prefer not to change hotels every night. Are there any stops I can skip? Any must-see additions? I’d love to find pools or beaches to cool off at the end of the day—with the heat and the kids, we’ll need to refresh after sightseeing! For the Cyclades, I’m thinking of spending just an afternoon and evening in Santorini before moving on. I’m looking for authentic, quiet, beautiful islands with few tourists and nice beaches. Should I book all our rooms before leaving, or can we improvise a little? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
I’m planning to wrap up my 3 weeks in Greece with 4 nights on Serifos before a final night in Athens.
I’m torn between staying in Faros or near the port in Livadakia... or somewhere else!
I’m looking for an authentic spot with a nice beach nearby but still with little restaurants, shops, etc. Something where my daughters and I can enjoy pleasant evenings with a bit of life around us!
Any advice—or even a place to stay—that won’t break the bank, obviously!
Thanks
Hi there!
I’m heading to Crete at the end of the month for just a few days. I’d love to know where to go to listen to Cretan musicians—any tips?
Thanks!
Hi there,
I’ve searched the forum and even the ferry company websites, but I can’t seem to find any ferry route between Amorgos and Folegandros for September (2 people, no car).
Does anyone know if this route exists?
Could it be too early and the schedules just aren’t posted yet?
Thanks for your help!
Joëlle
Hi,
Does anyone know the approximate price of a taxi from Naxos port to Agios Prokopios?
Thanks.
Jasmine
Hi everyone on the travel forum.
We’re heading to the Cyclades on May 15th for about a month and we’re debating whether to rent a car on each of the islands we’re visiting. Naxos, Andros, Tinos, Paros, and Santorini—we’ll be staying around 5 days on each. Everything’s booked except for the potential car rental. In your opinion, is it essential, or are public transport options good enough for all or some of these islands? Which companies are the most reliable, and which ones should we avoid (we’ve already had bad experiences with companies that weren’t always very professional). Thanks for your advice!
Hi everyone, do you have any suggestions for a night in Santorini? I’ll be in transit at the end of June, coming from Amorgos to catch my flight back to Lyon the next morning. If possible, what are the transport options to get from the port and then to the airport the following day? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
I’m heading to Athens at the end of June. I’ve planned a day trip to the island of Aegina. That said, I’d love to hear if anyone has gotten around the island by bike or bus? What’s the traffic like there? We’re also considering a scooter, but since we’ve never ridden one before, it’s making me a bit nervous…
Thanks for your tips! 😊
I’m heading to Athens at the end of June. I’ve planned a day trip to the island of Aegina. That said, I’d love to hear if anyone has gotten around the island by bike or bus? What’s the traffic like there? We’re also considering a scooter, but since we’ve never ridden one before, it’s making me a bit nervous…
Thanks for your tips! 😊
We’ll be spending two nights on Mykonos at the end of May so we can visit Delos.
I’m wondering if we can easily find a boat by just heading to the port the same morning or if it’s better to book in advance.
Hi there,
No recent discussion here on the topic (2025).
Anyone else interested?
Hi there,
I’m planning a 3-week trip to Greece in July with my two daughters, aged 10 and 13.
After looking into it, I’m thinking of spending about ten days on the mainland and another ten in the Cyclades.
I’d like to avoid tourist traps but still hit a few must-see spots.
Could you share your best tips for renting a car on the mainland and what the budget might look like?
I’m all ears for any great tips (accommodation, activities with my girls, areas to avoid).
What’s a rough estimate for the total budget, all-inclusive?
Just to give you an idea, we’re experienced travelers who’ve already done a round-the-world trip.
We’re pretty adventurous, even though it’s a vacation—though we won’t be staying in no-frills hostels either!
Thanks! :)
Hi there,
I'm trying to plan a little Greek getaway in early summer, and it's a tad complicated—connections from Sitia to Rhodes via Karpathos are only twice a week (and not on the days that work for me!). I gave up on the idea of Kastelorizo, which isn’t that easy to reach either, and replaced it with Symi, which has a daily connection—even several—to Rhodes, where I’d like to spend as little time as possible. I found a boat leaving Symi at 8:15 AM and arriving in Rhodes at 9:35 AM. The ferry to Karpathos leaves the same day at 11:00 AM. That’s 1 hour and 25 minutes to switch boats. It’s tempting because it’s a perfect sequence, but I’m wondering if it’s still a bit too tight.
Do Sebeco Lines’ speedboats arrive at the same port where Blue Star ferries depart? Are they punctual?
Catherine
I'm trying to plan a little Greek getaway in early summer, and it's a tad complicated—connections from Sitia to Rhodes via Karpathos are only twice a week (and not on the days that work for me!). I gave up on the idea of Kastelorizo, which isn’t that easy to reach either, and replaced it with Symi, which has a daily connection—even several—to Rhodes, where I’d like to spend as little time as possible. I found a boat leaving Symi at 8:15 AM and arriving in Rhodes at 9:35 AM. The ferry to Karpathos leaves the same day at 11:00 AM. That’s 1 hour and 25 minutes to switch boats. It’s tempting because it’s a perfect sequence, but I’m wondering if it’s still a bit too tight.
Do Sebeco Lines’ speedboats arrive at the same port where Blue Star ferries depart? Are they punctual?
Catherine
Hi there,
I’m heading to the Cyclades at the end of May and looking into inter-island ferries. I’m a bit confused because, for example, to go from Mykonos to Naxos, there are 3 ferries leaving at the same time for the same price. So I’m wondering if there are any companies to prioritize (or, on the contrary, to avoid). Thanks in advance for your feedback! 😉
I’m heading to the Cyclades at the end of May and looking into inter-island ferries. I’m a bit confused because, for example, to go from Mykonos to Naxos, there are 3 ferries leaving at the same time for the same price. So I’m wondering if there are any companies to prioritize (or, on the contrary, to avoid). Thanks in advance for your feedback! 😉
Hi there, we're planning to spend a few days in Corfu and then a week in the surrounding area, and we were wondering if southern Albania is worth visiting. Could we explore it in a week from Corfu?
Thanks
Hi there,
I’m reaching out for some help planning a short trip to Greece at the end of April with my dad.
We’ll be staying for 7 days, flying in and out of Athens, where we’ll rent a car.
After quite a bit of research, we’ve decided to explore the Peloponnese, which we don’t know at all.
We’ve read that basing ourselves in Nafplio for a few nights and then in Gytheio would be a good way to organize our visits.
Here are the main spots we’ve noted so far: Corinth (just the canal, as the rest seems to have little interest based on what we’ve read), Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nafplio, Monemvasia, and Mystras.
Could you help us figure out the best route to take?
Are there other places worth considering given the time we have?
Thanks so much in advance for your help!
Hi there,
My partner and I are planning to visit Paros from June 4th to 11th, 2025.
I’ve been reading a lot of conflicting things, so I’m a bit confused.
Does Paros feel more like St. Tropez or Porto-Vecchio—overcrowded, too built-up, and has it lost its authentic charm?
Are umbrella and sunbed prices on the beach still reasonable?
Thanks so much for your input—we’re thinking of heading there in early June with my partner.
Hi there, or γεια σας.
When will the July schedules for Greek ferries (specifically the Prévélis - Karpathos-Sitia route, which I'm interested in) be available?
Catherine
When will the July schedules for Greek ferries (specifically the Prévélis - Karpathos-Sitia route, which I'm interested in) be available?
Catherine
hi,
so glad the site’s open for discussion again...
I’m planning a trip on a recumbent bike. Has anyone here tried recumbents with e-assist? I went for this option because climbing mountains is tough without a boost—probably going with a mid-drive motor.
Also, anyone up for joining a stretch of the route heading toward Greece at the end of 2025?
welcome
so glad the site’s open for discussion again...
I’m planning a trip on a recumbent bike. Has anyone here tried recumbents with e-assist? I went for this option because climbing mountains is tough without a boost—probably going with a mid-drive motor.
Also, anyone up for joining a stretch of the route heading toward Greece at the end of 2025?
welcome
