1 - 2 of 2 Posts

redsoxdw_

Active member
I want to travel to Greece next year to someplace a bit more out of the way. The last time I was in Greece, I was in peak season and hit all the popular places, and I found it to be stressful at times. For example,I couldn't find a place to stand for the Oia sunset. It was PACKED. Thought I'd try some out of the way places this time. My research has pulled up the following so far - feel free to chime in with any advice or anything to add!

Anafi

Anafi is a tiny island located in the Cyclades, just a short ferry ride from Santorini. Despite its proximity to the popular tourist hotspot, Anafi is a quiet and peaceful island that is largely untouched by tourism. With stunning beaches, rugged cliffs, and an unspoiled countryside, Anafi is a paradise for hikers, nature lovers, and beach aficionados. The island’s main settlement, Chora, is a charming village with whitewashed houses and narrow streets that offers a glimpse into traditional Greek island life.

Folegandros

Folegandros is another island in the Cyclades that is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. This small island boasts crystal-clear waters, picturesque villages, and breathtaking views of the Aegean. With no airport and limited ferry connections, Folegandros retains a calm and authentic atmosphere that makes it popular amongst travelers looking to escape the crowds. Take a walk through the quaint alleys of the main village of Chora, have a dip in the secluded beach of Agios Nikolaos, or hike the trails of the island's untouched countryside.

Alonissos

Located in the Sporades group of islands, Alonissos is a hidden gem that has largely been overlooked by mainstream tourism. This charming island boasts a natural beauty that is truly breathtaking, thanks to its unspoiled natural landscapes that are protected as a marine park. Crystal-clear waters, quiet coves, and stunning beaches make it a paradise for beach seekers, while its rugged countryside is perfect for hikers. Along with its picturesque villages and friendly locals, Alonissos offers visitors a peaceful respite from the hectic pace of modern life.

Amorgos

Located in the eastern Cyclades, Amorgos is a rugged, unspoiled island that is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in Greece. From the awe-inspiring Chora, perched on the edge of a cliff, to the dramatic coastline and the beautiful beaches like Mouros and Agia Anna, Amorgos has a lot to offer for those willing to venture off the beaten path. The island is also renowned for the impressive Byzantine monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, which clings to the side of a cliff and offers panoramic views of the surrounding sea.

Sikinos

Sikinos is a tiny island located in the eastern Cyclades that is often overlooked by tourists. The island boasts a unique landscape that combines rugged coastline, rolling hills, and lush valleys. With few cars and no noisy crowds, Sikinos is a peaceful haven for travelers looking to slow down and connect with nature. Spend some time wandering the narrow streets of the picturesque village of Chora, relax on the unspoiled beaches like Aghios Georgios and Dialiskari, or embark on a hike to explore the island's wildlife and flora.
 
I have never been to any of these places but they sound great! Hopefully other people can chime in with their experiences.
 

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.

Best Greek Destinations for History Lovers

I’m thinking about planning a Greece trip next year that is focused almost entirely on history, and I’d love some ideas for the best places to include.

Athens would obviously be part of the itinerary for the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, museums, and other archaeological sites. I’m also considering Delphi, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, and maybe spending more time exploring the Peloponnese. Meteora is on my list too, although that would add a different type of historical experience.

I’m especially interested in places where you can really spend time exploring rather than just stopping briefly to see one major site.

If you were planning a history-focused trip to Greece, which destinations would you consider essential? Are there lesser-known archaeological sites, historic towns, museums, Byzantine sites, or ancient ruins that deserve more attention? I’d also love suggestions for putting together an itinerary without trying to cover too much ground.

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 Way to Get a Car Service to JFK Airport Before a Flight to Greece?

Hi everyone, I'm flying out of JFK next month for a trip to Greece and trying to figure out the best way to get to the airport without the usual stress. My flight leaves early in the morning, and I don't want to deal with parking for two weeks or ask a family member to drive me at 4 a.m. I've been looking into booking a car service to JFK Airport instead of a rideshare, mainly because international flights need more buffer time, and I'd rather have a proper chauffeur waiting curbside than risk a driver cancelling at the last minute with all my luggage in tow. A friend of mine recently used Blue Nile Livery for a JFK run and said her chauffeur showed up early, helped load the bags, and tracked the flight the whole way, so she suggested I try them for this trip too.
I'm still trying to figure out whether it's worth booking the chauffeur service a few days in advance or if that's overkill for a domestic pickup, whether a sedan is fine or if an SUV is smarter given how much luggage most of us end up hauling back and forth to Greece, and if anyone has had a chauffeur reroute or adjust pickup timing because of a flight delay before an international departure. For those of you who fly out of JFK often for trips back to Greece, what's worked best for you, and is there a chauffeur service you'd genuinely recommend for an early morning run like this? Any tips appreciated!

Favorite small towns in Greece?

I realized recently that some of my favorite places in Greece haven’t actually been the major destinations everyone talks about, but smaller towns that just had a completely different atmosphere to them.

Sometimes it’s a mountain village with one main square and old stone houses, other times it’s a tiny coastal town where everyone seems to know each other and life moves slower. A few of the places I still think about most weren’t even places I had originally planned to visit.

I’m curious what small towns or villages have really stayed with people after traveling in Greece. Could be because of the scenery, the food, the people, the history, or just the overall feeling of the place.

Would love to hear everyone’s favorites, especially places that don’t always make the typical travel lists.
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