1 - 7 of 7 Posts

redsoxdw_

Active member
I recently had some friends tell me about their trip to Greece, which involved Mykonos and Santorini. He said those two places were so busy, it ruined the enjoyment of it.

We are planning a trip to Greece next year and want to try some smaller islands that are more like "hidden gems" than tourist traps. Someone told me that Aegina is a nice place, as well as Paros. Do you guys have any advice other than those two islands?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
I recently had some friends tell me about their trip to Greece, which involved Mykonos and Santorini. He said those two places were so busy, it ruined the enjoyment of it.

We are planning a trip to Greece next year and want to try some smaller islands that are more like "hidden gems" than tourist traps. Someone told me that Aegina is a nice place, as well as Paros. Do you guys have any advice other than those two islands?
Kalley Mera Kalllo Mina, which part of the year are you thinking of traveling, what is your itinerary, routing?
 
Both Paros and Aegina will have quite a few tourists, but it will be far less than mykonos and santorini.

I was in Spetses a few years ago, and I didn't see many tourists there but that may have been because non-citizens/immediate family members of citizens weren't allowed in Greece.

One of my favorites is Agistri, which is next to Aegina. It doesn't get many tourists because there isn't much there for tourists. You can see everything in 10 minutes
 
you can see everything in 10 minutes ?
It took me over 3 hours to walk around the island.A boat trip took about an hour & a half. There a 3 villages to explore.There is a naturist beach.Called Chalikiada
 
Last edited:
Thank you all for weighing in - you introduced me to some great options! Spetses, Agistri , Chalkidiki, Aegina. I'll look into them!
 
I love Aegina - I just went a few months ago. It was my first time seeing a saint's relics (Saint Nektarios) and it was amazing. My mother went to Agistri and hired a local guide. She was there all day and loved every minute of it. Now, I've got Agistri on the top of my list. It sounded charming and fun!
 
you can see everything in 10 minutes ?
It took me over 3 hours to walk around the island.A boat trip took about an hour & a half. There a 3 villages to explore.There is a naturist beach.Called Chalikiada
Don't take things so literally; it was hyperbole.
 

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.

Festivals of Note for 2026 in Greece?

My family and I are starting to think about a possible trip to Greece in 2026, and this time we’re considering planning part of the trip around a festival or cultural celebration. We’ve been to Greece before, but we’ve never really organized a trip around a specific event.

I know Greece has so many interesting traditions throughout the year. Because of that, I’m starting to gather ideas early while we figure out where we might want to go.

Have any of you traveled to Greece specifically to experience a festival? If so, which ones would you recommend? It could be religious celebrations, food festivals, music events, or local village festivals.
I’d love to hear about any memorable festival experiences that might help us shape our 2026 plans.

Ferry vs flying between islands, what’s better?

I’ve always been a ferry guy when it comes to Greece, something about pulling into a port and seeing the island come into view just feels right. But this trip is a little different because I’m traveling with someone who gets pretty motion sick, so now I’m seriously considering flying between islands instead.

Curious what you guys think, ferry vs flying, what’s actually better?

I know ferries are part of the whole island-hopping experience, and they’re usually more flexible, but I’ve also had a couple rough rides when the water wasn’t calm. On the flip side, flights seem quicker and smoother, but maybe more hassle overall.

If you’ve done both, what would you recommend, especially in a situation like this? Is flying the smarter move, or are ferries still worth it if you plan carefully?

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.

Places to go for the first time in Greece?

A friend of mine is planning her first trip to Greece, and she asked me what she should prioritize for about 10 days. I’ve been lucky enough to go quite a few times, so I gave her a starting point: Athens for the history, Santorini for the views, and Mykonos for the energy and beaches.

She loved that outline, but she wants to add one more destination to round out the trip. That’s where I started second guessing myself a bit, because there are so many good options depending on what kind of experience she wants.

I was thinking maybe somewhere a little different to balance things out, but I’m curious what others would suggest. If you had 10 days and those three spots already planned, what would be your fourth destination for a first-time visitor?
Sign up for a free account and share your thoughts, photos, questions about Greek food, travel and culture!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top