Greece

cantwaitforthefuture

Has anyone been to Greece?  My husband and I already have our vacation planned for this summer (Turks and Caicos) but we were thinking of planning a trip to Greece the following summer.  We originally thought we would go to Athens, then Santorini, then Mykonos.  Now, I am wondering if we should go to Athens at all?  I have traveled extensively through Europe, and lived in Rome as a teacher for year, but never made it to Greece.  I always thought Athens would be a place to go, but the more I hear, the more it seems that there is not much to see in Athens?  Is this correct?  Any information would be helpful? 

als1982

I visited about 4 years ago, and felt like there was a ton to see and do there. It was a very walkable and affordable city. I wasn't there long, just four days, which was about the perfect amount of time in my opinion.

cantwaitforthefuture

Thanks for the input!  Do you remember some of the things you did in Athens?

lavet22

I just went to Athens last March and loved it!  DH and I were both told by several people not to go, but we had a really great time.  We did the typical tourist stuff, like the Acropolis and the museum.  Totally loved the Plaka neighborhood, it's so lively with musicians and outdoor cafe's and such.  We also had dinner the first night at the restaurant at the top of Mt. Lycabettus.  We were there 5 days and thought it was the perfect amount of time.  Also, the open market in Monastiraki was fantastic.

cantwaitforthefuture

Thank you for that information...that is very helpful!  Is the Planka neighborhood where you stayed?  Is it in the center of things to see?

lavet22

Yes, the Plaka is in the center of everything.  Very lively.  I'd highly recommend staying here if you can.  I stayed in the Kolonaki neighborhood.  It was nice, but not walkable to the sites like the acropolis or the agora.  Also, I highly recommend asking the locals where to eat.  We did this, just stopped a business man on the street and asked him where we could get some great food and he gave us a few places to choose from.  It was fantastic!!  Reasonably priced because they cater to locals, not tourists, and real authentic greek food.

cantwaitforthefuture

Great!  Thank you for the help!  We picked the Hermes Hotel in Plaka and think that is where we are going to book for Athens.  After Athens we plan on going to Santorini and one other island.  We are stuck between Naxos and Paros.  Naxos looks like it has more beautiful beaches, but Paros looks more interesting.  Both Naxos and Paros are so inexpenisive!  Have you been to either?

lavet22

I haven't.  Since we were only there 5 days, we just focused on Athens and said we would do the islands another time (maybe in a cruise??).  I heard Santorini is amazing.  My parents went there 2yrs ago on a cruise and loved it.  They have wineries that overlook the caldera that sound fantastic.  I love wine and liked the greek wine just fine.  My dad, who sparked my love of wine, didn't care for it at all.  If you like wine, I would say try a winery with an amazing view, can't go wrong even if the wine isn't your style.  LOL  There was also an archaeological site on Santorini that is occasionally open to tourists that I though sounded really interesting, but I like that kind of thing.

As far as deciding between Naxos and Paros, I would think about what you want to do with the time.  If you think you will want a few days to relax at the beach, pick Naxos, but if you think you will want to do more sightseeing, then go with Paros.  You can't go wrong with either choice!!!

alexnicole452647

I absolutely suggest Athens its a fun city with a lot to see and it is doable in two days.  I would also suggest the peloponnese  region its beautiful! 

csuave

I enjoyed Rhodes.  Did not go to Naxos or Paros.

OwningAHome1981

cantwaitforthefuture said:

Has anyone been to Greece?  My husband and I already have our vacation planned for this summer (Turks and Caicos) but we were thinking of planning a trip to Greece the following summer.  We originally thought we would go to Athens, then Santorini, then Mykonos.  Now, I am wondering if we should go to Athens at all?  I have traveled extensively through Europe, and lived in Rome as a teacher for year, but never made it to Greece.  I always thought Athens would be a place to go, but the more I hear, the more it seems that there is not much to see in Athens?  Is this correct?  Any information would be helpful? 

Athens is good for like a day or 2, you don't need more than that. Obv go see the historical stuff like the Acropolis & Hadrian's Arch, def walk through Plaka. There's a bar I love called Bretto's located in the Plaka section. Greece is great!