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auroracoor1

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Is anyone here traveling to Greece in 2023? I need some advice. Namely, how much of the trip should I plan out, and is there room for some spontaneity? I plan to travel about mid-July and will go to Athens, Santorini, and maybe one other place.

I will spend a few days in Athens and then take a ferry to Santorini. From there, I don't know where else I want to go. Any suggestions?
 
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Is there room for some spontaneity?

I would have answered yes to this question 25 years ago, at the time you could arrive on an island with your backpack and see the locals who were waiting on the port and offered a room..
In 2023, in the middle of high season, and especially where you want to go in Greece, ie Athens and Santorini, there will be little room for spontaneity.
Only in July 2022 almost half a million tourists came to Greece, a good part of them in Athens.

Santorini is one of the most visited places in the world, from mid-June until the end of September it is invaded by crowds of tourists and cruise passengers. This year the accommodation capacity was 90% full and these accommodations are reserved months in advance.
If you don't want to plan, you will have to choose islands that are not the subject of huge marketing promotions, as well as millions of instagram photos / youtube videos.
So: No plan? Not Santorini. (and no Mykonos either, by the way)
That said, do you know that there are more than 200 inhabited islands in Greece?
 
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I would have answered yes to this question 25 years ago, at the time you could arrive on an island with your backpack and see the locals who were waiting on the port and offered a room..
In 2023, in the middle of high season, and especially where you want to go in Greece, ie Athens and Santorini, there will be little room for spontaneity.
Only in July 2022 almost half a million tourists came to Greece, a good part of them in Athens.

Santorini is one of the most visited places in the world, from mid-June until the end of September it is invaded by crowds of tourists and cruise passengers. This year the accommodation capacity was 90% full and these accommodations are reserved months in advance.
If you don't want to plan, you will have to choose islands that are not the subject of huge marketing promotions, as well as millions of instagram photos / youtube videos.
So: No plan? Not Santorini. (and no Mykonos either, by the way)
That said, do you know that there are more than 200 inhabited islands in Greece?
Good reading and spot on!....I have posted some new islands to visit and equally stunning, having lived in Mykonos for many years even my friends tell me not to revisit and to keep those memories from yesteryear alive as it is no more....we ..... having worked in Tourism Industry I really saw the transformation for the worse, there was something very Greek and cultural about being offered accommodation at the ports by the lovely Greek ladies waiting with signs of their apartments and rooms
I am sure it exists on smaller islands,... happy travelling.... let us know how you get on.... Kalley Mera from Thailand!
 
I returned from a similar trip plan this past summer... I added in Naxos as my other island stop. It's a quiet, large island with some nice sandy beaches and many sights to see. Close proximity to Santorini too - I think it was about and 1.5 hour trip on the ferry between the two.
 
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I made the mistake during the summertime once of not having anything planned and it was a total nightmare. Everywhere I tried to go it was a struggle getting a place to stay, and I often had to go to out of the way villages that were somewhat near the place I wanted to go, and then I had to take taxis everywhere. It was fun, but not knowing what was going on, where I was going to stay, etc made the trip feel hectic.
 
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When planning a trip to Greece in 2023 there are several items that you should consider. Factors to consider are how long you can afford to spend in Greece, and whether you will be visiting the country during the height of summer (July & August) or off-season when its a lot quieter (& cheaper).

And of course, when planning a trip to Greece, it’s good to have an idea of where you would like to spend your vacation. Do you want to explore the ancient ruins of Athens, visit the monasteries of Meteora or visit the incredible Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini?

Greece is one of the premier destinations in Europe and it’s impossible not to fall in love with the country and its people. So let’s get down to business and start planning a trip to Greece in 2023!
 
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When planning a trip to Greece in 2023 there are several items that you should consider. Factors to consider are how long you can afford to spend in Greece, and whether you will be visiting the country during the height of summer (July & August) or off-season when its a lot quieter (& cheaper).

And of course, when planning a trip to Greece, it’s good to have an idea of where you would like to spend your vacation. Do you want to explore the ancient ruins of Athens, visit the monasteries of Meteora or visit the incredible Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini?

Greece is one of the premier destinations in Europe and it’s impossible not to fall in love with the country and its people. So let’s get down to business and start planning a trip to Greece in 2023!
Good reading....I would say should anyone have time go to Greece in May!.....Or September......May being just Spring time, fabulous weather conditions when the flowers are still in bloom, everyone is very good mood, cheap flights and accommodation!.
..... not so (after 10) September.... Much less crowded and pleasant weather conditions!.... People in Tourism Industry a little chilled out after busy summer months!
 

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First Time Tips to Greece

I've been fortunate enough to visit Greece quite a few times over the years, and recently a friend asked me for advice before their very first trip. It surprised me how difficult it was to answer!

Once you've traveled somewhere often, you start taking a lot of things for granted. I'm not sure what the most helpful tips would be for someone experiencing Greece for the first time.

If you were helping a first-time visitor, what advice would you give? I'm thinking about practical things, cultural etiquette, transportation, money, restaurants, pacing an itinerary, or even little things you wish someone had told you before your first visit.

What are the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make, and what are some experiences you think every newcomer should have? I'd love to pass along some advice from people with firsthand experience.

Best food towns to visit in Greece?

I’ve started realizing that some of my favorite memories from Greece are connected to food more than anything else. Little tavernas, bakeries, seafood by the water, village meals that seemed simple but tasted incredible. It’s making me think that next time I go to Greece, I’d love to plan at least part of the trip around food.

I’m not fully sure yet if I’ll be going this summer, but I’ve been daydreaming about possible places to visit. What towns or regions in Greece do you think are especially great for food lovers?

I’d love recommendations for places known for traditional cooking, local specialties, seafood, baked goods, or just amazing tavernas in general. Islands, mainland towns, mountain villages — all recommendations are welcome.

Would especially love hearing about places that felt authentic and memorable rather than overly touristy.

Is Greece easy to travel around without renting a car?

I’m trying to figure out whether it’s realistic to travel around Greece without renting a car. I’d prefer not to drive if I can avoid it, especially since I’m not familiar with the roads, parking, or driving customs there.

For those who have traveled around Greece using public transportation, how easy was it? I know there are buses, ferries, taxis, and domestic flights, but I’m wondering how practical they are once you get outside the main tourist areas. Did you ever feel limited by not having a car?

I’m also curious whether it makes sense to rely on public transportation for most of the trip and just rent a car for a day or two when needed. Are there certain types of places that are especially difficult to reach without one?

I’d love to hear from anyone who has done a Greece trip mostly or entirely without driving.

Which Greek island feels the least touristy in the summer?

I know that July and August are busy almost everywhere in Greece, especially on the more famous islands, but I’m curious about places that still feel relatively local and relaxed even during peak season.

I’m not necessarily looking for somewhere completely empty. I’d just love an island where you can still find traditional villages, local tavernas, quieter beaches, and a slower pace without feeling like the entire island is built around tourism.

Have you visited an island in the summer that still felt authentic and not overly crowded? I’d especially be interested in places where locals still seem to set the rhythm of daily life rather than visitors.

Which island would you recommend, and what made it feel less touristy to you? Was it the beaches, villages, restaurants, fewer cruise ships, or just the overall atmosphere?
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