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paharo45

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I know that Athens is a big city, and I tend to do the same things all the time. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love what I end up doing in the city. Here is where I visit:

  • Plaka - it's touristy, but I love it
  • Monastiraki - I really love the flea market!
  • Syntagma - I like to hang around at the square and poke around
  • Kifisia - I love shopping!
I know there is a ton to do. I want to branch out!
 
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Have you been to Mount Lycabettus?
To the Exarchia district?
To the Koukaki district (just south of the Acropolis Museum)
To the Pangrati district?
To the Keramikos district ?

​

At the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center?
At Kaisariani Monastery?
At the marina in the port of Piraeus?
In Glyfada?
 
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For a more off-the-beaten track experience I would suggest Nea Ionia
 
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I know that Athens is a big city, and I tend to do the same things all the time. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love what I end up doing in the city. Here is where I visit:

  • Plaka - it's touristy, but I love it
  • Monastiraki - I really love the flea market!
  • Syntagma - I like to hang around at the square and poke around
  • Kifisia - I love shopping!
I know there is a ton to do. I want to branch out!
As mentioned Glyfada....a happening place inwards... very cool and chic!.. extremely nice bars and restaurants, and of course the beach....all along that area Voulagnemis........ Varkiza..just before is Astir Beach. ⛱️......
 
I really love Glyfada, I agree with Hash. Also Mt. Lycabettus is a really cool spot, especially around sunset. You're off to a great start!
 
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I really love Glyfada, I agree with Hash. Also Mt. Lycabettus is a really cool spot, especially around sunset. You're off to a great start!
Just imagine Glyfada for minute 52 years ago!?......I flew in for a fast few days to deliver some Vinyl LPs to our subsidiary companies Club 18-30 in Voula..... Glyfada had 1 hotel 2 peripteros ....3 Tavernas and the old Airport just behind.....I could see my aeroplane ✈️ landing before I took off back to good ol'London town and onwards to Mallorca.... Greece blew my mind and what a different culture it was from Spain!!...got caught up with the Junta and the tanks and spent 2 days on the floor at the Airport!!.... what a blast that was!???... Kalley Mera from Thailand!!❤️
 
@Jolui Great suggestions! The only thing I could add is Microlimano where one can eat fresh fish right on the water. It's close to the Piraeus port.

@paharo45 If you want to know where to go in Exarcheia, check out my post here: A Guide to Exarcheia
 

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.

Is Island Hopping Worth the Effort?

I've been thinking about trying an island-hopping trip the next time I visit Greece, but I'm wondering if it's actually worth the extra planning and travel time. In the past I've usually picked one island and stayed there for the duration of my vacation, which has been relaxing and let me really get to know the area.

Part of me loves the idea of experiencing several islands in one trip since they each seem to have their own personality, food, scenery, and traditions. On the other hand, I wonder if constantly packing, catching ferries, and checking into new accommodations takes away from the experience.

For those of you who have island-hopped, did you feel it was worth it? How many islands did you visit, and did you wish you had spent more time in fewer places? I'd love to hear your itineraries, tips, and whether you'd do it the same way again.

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.

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?

Summer Island Hopping Tips - a Month in July

It’s been a while since I’ve traveled in Greece during peak season, and I’m considering spending about a month there in July. The plan is to split my time between Athens (to visit friends) and hopping to several islands. I’m excited about the energy of summer, but I’m also aware that July can be intense in terms of crowds, heat, and logistics.

For those who have done island hopping in high season, what worked well for you? Is it better to base yourself on one or two islands and take short trips, or fully move around every few days? How far in advance do you typically book ferries and accommodations in July?

I’m also curious about pacing. With a full month, I don’t want to rush, but I also want to make the most of being there. Any tips on routes, balance, or things to avoid during peak season would be really helpful.
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