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? about Greece

curly2003 Posted:

? about Greece

My SIL wants to honeymoon there in July. Any suggestions? Tips? Thanks!!!!!!

usuk2004 Posted:

Re: ? about Greece

It's very hot, and very dusty!!! In Athens that is, I'm sure it's a little cooler and just lovely on the Islands.

shelly3950 Posted:

Re: ? about Greece

The mainland sucks! Everyone yells, it is really dirty and if you don't speak greek, you won't get far. This islands on the other hand are heaven. I only went to one island, Mykanos and it was heavenly. It was a party island but so beautiful. Great beaches. Very much catered to an international yet english speaking crowd. The islands live on tourism, so they are very tourist friendly. My friends have been to Rhodes and Santorini all say the same. It's quieter there, and probably more romantic than Mykonos.

Kra5hnburn Posted:

Re: ? about Greece

I highly recommend Santorini and Rhodes. Both are beautiful with great beaches, lots of tourist activities and nightlife. I would be careful about Mykonos--I think it depends upon the type of person you are. I went in August and the beaches were so crowded we had to wait to get a spot to sit. Also, you can not rely on island transportation. There are no buses or anything and, seriously, about 5 taxis on the whole island. It is a very big party place! Also, beware the ferries! They can stop running at any time because of high winds and leave you stranded (I slept on docks in two islands and on the stoop of a closed cafe as I tried to get where I was supposed to be for 2 days when no ferries ran because of weather)!! Santorini and Rhodes have airports--try and use them! If she stays in Athens, a day trip to Delphi is nice. Very hot everywere!!!!

Rob-luvs-me Posted:

Re: ? about Greece

I went 7-8 years ago and LOVED it - I would be hestitant about July though - we were there in May and it was upper 80's every day.

We had no problems with anyone on the main land - I will say I would NOT spend as many days in athens as we did - other than that we had a fabulous trip

We went to:
4 days in athens

4 day tour:
Myceneane (sp?)
Olympia
Delphi
and a few other places

7 Day cruise:
Myknonos
Santarini
Crete
Rhodes
Patmos
Kusasadasi (turkey - we went to ephasis)

Sorry about the spelling

We had a fabulous time - WE HATE tours but this one was great - we had a group of medical school grads who were taking the trip to celebrate, I think about 3 honeymoon couples, and some families and older couples - we didn't have any problems at all - and had our own private down time to do what we wanted every day

The cruise I would highly recommmend just not that cruise line - at the time we went princess, royal carribean, and celebrity weren't really popular over there or doing those routes - we went on a line that was considered 5 stars and while the tours were excellent the food and smaller boat were just ok - If you do this look into Celebrity who has some great tours

I had a great time let me know if you have any questions
Scoop Posted:

Re: ? about Greece

The islands are beautiful....Mykonos, Santorini & Rhodes are my favorite. My only concern would be that the Olympics are taking place there in August and things might be very hectic there in July.

IreneinChicago Posted:

Re: ? about Greece

We thought about Greece as well and were reminded that the Olypics will be there is August creating chaos. Not sure if it will spill over in July but food for thought.

deby Posted:

Re: ? about Greece

This is probably the most expensive summer to be in Greece because of the Olympics. My friend has been pricing tickets, and coach tickets are going for double their usual prices - and dates are limited, especially if you want to fly direct. The hotels are going to be over-booked, and getting from island to island and ferries and airports will be packed.

Other than that, Greece is incredible! There are a couple of gorgeous resorts on Rhodes, and quite a few in Crete, and both these islands are beautiful. I dont think you can really go wrong with any of the islands. Mykonos is a little rowdy, as is Ios - probably not a honeymoon environment, but a great time nonetheless.

When I go to Greece, I usually dont stay in Athens for more than a couple of days. It is very hot and smoggy. But it's great to see the acropolis and some other ancient sites. You can also take a trip to Thessaloniki, which is more north, and is more of a cultural center. It's a pretty city.
junebride04 Posted:

Re: ? about Greece

I usually go to Greece every summer. I love it there and have had so much fun everytime I go, but this year I am avoiding going because of the Olympics. It is going to be crazy in every part of Greece, including the Greek Isles!!! It is also very very hot in the summer (but I personally love the heat and the hot weather so I don't mind)

Greece in the summer is usually packed with tourists and this year because of the Olympics it will probably be even more so. A great time to go to the islands is in September, after the majority of the tourists have left. I've been to Santorini (incredibly romantic), Corfu, Kefalonia (my father owns a resort here and also the movie Captain Corelli's Mandolin was filmed here), and Rhodes. I would recommend any of those islands. All of them have beautiful beaches (esp. Kefalonia and Corfu b/c they are in the Ionian Sea and the Ionian tends to be calmer than the Aegean). I haven't been to Mykonos, but my FH has and it is known to be a party island, but on the opposite side of the island there is a calmer more relaxed and romantic atmosphere. FM me for any details, and for hotel recommendations.
Marcela1654 Posted:

Re: ? about Greece

FYI: We're going to Greece in May for our HM. We went to the travel agent in November and some of the hotels in Athens were already booked for MAY So if she wants to go this year, she better start looking ASAP. Although we actually got a good deal on the tickets (I think $650 each) b/c we booked early.

ETA: We're staying in Athens for 2 nights and then we're heading to Crete and Santorini.
junebride04 Posted:

Re: ? about Greece

Marcela-That is an awseome price for those tickets you got. I priced out to go to Greece for Easter this year and the price they are asking for is $900!! (that is high for April, usually it's $600).

curly2003 Posted:

Re: ? about Greece

Thanks very much!!!!

I will pass on this valuable info!!!!!!!
Anniegrl Posted:

Re: ? about Greece

Marcela - we'll be leaving Greece just as you're getting there! And we're doing the opposite of you - we're going to Santorini first, then Crete, then Athens. I can't wait!!!

Marcela1654 Posted:

Re: ? about Greece

Angela: FH was really excited when we got those prices from the agent. Originally she told us $900 but she said she didn't want to book them yet b/c she thought the prices would go down and they did! We were soo happy

Annie: We were going to do that b/c we wanted to relax first on the islands and then sight see in Athens on the way back. But we found out that there are no flights that leave for the islands in the late morning. Only in the late evening. So we didn't want to spend a whole day in Athens waiting around for a flight. We're going to Athens first, then Crete and then Santorini. I can't wait!! Have you booked a Santorini hotel yet? If so which one?
Anniegrl Posted:

Re: ? about Greece

We're staying at the Astra Apartments on Santorini in a senior suite. I really wanted to stay at Perivolas though, but a little too expensive. On Crete we're staying at Alounda Mare, and Athens is King George. Where are you staying?

Jordan Posted:

Re: ? about Greece

Could anyone recommend good sites on Greece/Greek Isles, books and/or brochures??

deby Posted:

Re: ? about Greece

Marcella, that is an incredible price!

Angela, your dad owns a hotel in Kefalonia? What part? My uncle owns a hotel there too... the last few times i went to greece, i also went to kefalonia.

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