Best time and way to do Greece?

[Anonymous]

I went on a Mediterranean cruise before I got married in the summer. It was so hot and the islands were so rushed that I didn’t get to enjoy Greece. I did get some fantastic pictures.

I would love to plan a trip to Greece. I definitely don’t want to go in the summer and have the same hot and humid temperature. We go to the pool and beach often in the US. We would like to enjoy the water but don’t need swimming weather.

I’m thinking maybe winter break 2022 or spring break next year.

What month do you think is best to travel to Greece?

How would you divide your time?

I know I would like to spend a few days in Athens and go to an island or 2. I strongly prefer not to do a cruise. I would rather spend a few nights at the island and not be rushed. I still remember stopping by one island and only had 4 hours. I got lost going back to the ship and felt so stressed out and panicked.

[Anonymous]

I should add that I have 3 kids - 2 elementary and 1 middle school.

[Anonymous]

We just came back. Went for 15 days after Memorial Day. Nonstop IAD to Athens, 2 islands, Athens to IAD. It was glorious. But you know this.

[Anonymous]

We plan on doing this in mid September 2023, hoping most of the crowds are gone, and being able to enjoy the warmth of the sea.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We just came back. Went for 15 days after Memorial Day. Nonstop IAD to Athens, 2 islands, Athens to IAD. It was glorious. But you know this.

How did you travel from Athens to the islands?

I would like to have a similar itinerary.

[Anonymous]

September

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:September

Yep, September is best. A lot of the islands won’t be open for business during winter break, so I definitely wouldn’t do it then. It’s not tropical.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We just came back. Went for 15 days after Memorial Day. Nonstop IAD to Athens, 2 islands, Athens to IAD. It was glorious. But you know this.

How did you travel from Athens to the islands?

I would like to have a similar itinerary.

Take a flight or a ferry.

[Anonymous]

April or September/October are nice. If you go in the real off season a lot of places are closed, particularly on the islands.

[Anonymous]

"to do"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We just came back. Went for 15 days after Memorial Day. Nonstop IAD to Athens, 2 islands, Athens to IAD. It was glorious. But you know this.

How did you travel from Athens to the islands?

I would like to have a similar itinerary.

We flew Aegean Air, about $300 round trip from Athens to Crete, Mykonos, Santorini. I didn’t look extensively but it seems that you need to fly out of Athens to each island (I didn’t see island hopper Aegean Air flights) We stayed mostly in Athens & Crete. (I’ve had terrible seasickness in the past and just gave up on trying to make the ferry work for us. But lots of people ferry). Aegean flights/Athens airport was seamless for us. 6 flights and not a single issue. Aegean website is very easy to navigate.

[Anonymous]

Crete is big but gives you lots of options of places to stay, things to do and various price points. We stayed near Chania which is a lovely old harbor town. Has an authentic feel and tons of traditional Greek restaurants. Santorini was gorgeous but a big cruise destination and this tiny island town is overrun with cruisers who seem to be impatient.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Crete is big but gives you lots of options of places to stay, things to do and various price points. We stayed near Chania which is a lovely old harbor town. Has an authentic feel and tons of traditional Greek restaurants. Santorini was gorgeous but a big cruise destination and this tiny island town is overrun with cruisers who seem to be impatient.

When were you there?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We plan on doing this in mid September 2023, hoping most of the crowds are gone, and being able to enjoy the warmth of the sea.

NP - do you have kids? I love to travel in September but I hesitate to have the kids miss a whole week of school just as they're starting to get into a routine.

Also, has anyone been to Greece in November? I'm thinking of going over Thanksgiving break, but I know it will be cooler and some places might be closed by then.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Crete is big but gives you lots of options of places to stay, things to do and various price points. We stayed near Chania which is a lovely old harbor town. Has an authentic feel and tons of traditional Greek restaurants. Santorini was gorgeous but a big cruise destination and this tiny island town is overrun with cruisers who seem to be impatient.

When were you there?

Last month.