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kosta_karapinotis

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I had a typical Greek-Australian upbringing in that my family came from Greece but trips back and forth growing up amounted to visiting friends and family. I really haven't seen much of the country and all that it has to offer. As an adult, I want to start visiting some of the places in Greece I really should see, but haven't had a chance. So, here's my list. What do you think I should add to it?

1. Visit the Parthenon - would you believe I've never really explored it? Usually we fly into Athens and then quickly move on to our destination.
2. Santorini - Again, I've never been. I want to go and see what all the fuss is about.
3. Kefalonia - I love hiking, and I heard this is a great island to explore nature?
4. Meteora - I've seen photos - it looks phenomenal and worth the trip.
5. Hydra - the fact that they don't allow cars here intrigues me - I know it's a day trip from Athens, but maybe it would be worth staying?

Any advice you give can help me plan a bit of a touristy trip to Greece. :) I do still have family and friends to visit, but I want to carve out some time to actually explore some places I have never been.
 
That's a cool list! I have some destinations and things I want to do, too:

1. Hike the Samaria Gorge in Crete
2. Visit the Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos
3. Take a day trip to some small islands from Athens - like Hydra or Aegina
4. Mykonos - I have never been to Super Paradise Beach

Interested to see other people's responses!
 
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Do you know I have never been to Meteora? That would top my list, too. Alexia, I did the Samaria Gorge - I recommend it for sure. Start at the top and hike your way down, that's the best way to do it.
 
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Hmmm - I think I will add Samaria Gorge to my list and keep in mind the other suggestions, as well. Does anyone know if there are any guided trips down the gorge?
 
I know it's been a while, but Greece sounds like a fantastic adventure, and making a bucket list is a great idea! Include the stunning beaches of Santorini and the ancient ruins in Athens. Those sunsets in Santorini are like nothing else. And you can't miss the Acropolis; it's incredible to walk through history.
Also, consider visiting Crete for its charming villages and delicious local food. The Minoan ruins are fascinating, too! Oh, and don’t forget about Delphi; the views there are breathtaking. If you can, try some authentic Greek food—gyros, moussaka, and baklava are a must!
Check out this link for some top things to do: top things to do. You’re going to have the time of your life!
 
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Bucket list must: road‑trip Crete! Cretarent made it possible—new, well-maintained cars, easy airport pick‑up, great support across the island, plus freebies like a map and child seat. Definitely adding some of Crete’s off‑the‑beaten‑path spots to my list, thanks to the flexibility they offer.
 

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?

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 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!

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.

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.
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