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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!
 

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.

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.

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.

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.
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