1 - 7 of 7 Posts

auroracoor1

Active member
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?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
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?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash and Vangelis
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.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
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.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
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!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
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!
 

Parnassos Ski Resort in Greece

Believe it or not, I find skiing in Greece to be pleasant. I know Greece isn't thought to have a climate good enough for skiing, but it's good enough. I have to go to Greece soon, and this is one of my favorite places to ski:

The resort offers outstanding skiing opportunities for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. With over 40 kilometers of marked ski slopes, Parnassos Ski Resort is equipped with the newest and most advanced skiing equipment to ensure that customers enjoy an unforgettable experience.

There is also a place to stay here, which is nice, plus activities other than skiing to please the family.

Question about scuba diving in Greece

I'm currently planning a trip to Greece, a destination that has long been on my bucket list, not just for its history and cuisine, but especially for the scuba diving experiences it offers. I've heard that Greece boasts some incredible underwater landscapes, from vibrant marine life to fascinating wrecks.

Given the vastness of Greece's coastline, I thought I would try to see the country in a different way.

Let's say I want to go scuba diving in a particular island. How do I go about doing it?

Last-minute travel tips in Greece

I love to travel to Greece and I do so whenever I can. There's an art to it, though, and I am never really going into it "blind". It's a good idea to start by thinking generally about where you might want to go.

Athens is usually the starting point for most travelers, with its iconic Acropolis offering panoramic views and a history lesson all in one spot. If you're a beach lover, head towards the Cyclades for stunning beaches and the classic, postcard-worthy Santorini sunsets. Or, if it's history you're after, the ruins of Delphi or the ancient city of Mycenae will surely captivate you.

Then, we need to figure out how to get where we want to go. For island hopping, the ferries are an experience in themselves – though if you're time-strapped, consider a local flight to get you to the major islands quickly. On the mainland, a mix of car rentals and public transport can be efficient and economical, especially when visiting sites off the tourist map. Keep an eye on the schedules and book in advance if possible to save time.

Sometimes I rent a car, to be honest it's the easiest for me.

The rest of the details tend to sort themselves out. For example, you can book your lodging as you go along, especially off-peak.

When does tourist season end in Greece?

I am planning my next Greek trip.

I want to go in October but the people I am traveling with - we won't be able to to go until mid-October.

I have been to Crete that late in the year and to Athens, but not anywhere else. On our schedule is to visit some of the smaller islands, like Hydra.

Do places like that shut down? My main concern is, will the tourist shops be closed? I love to browse through them and it's part of my enjoyment.

Pack List for Trip to Greece in Spring

I have a trip to Greece planned in the spring. Mainly, I want advice on the weather. In the meantime, I made my best guess and came up with a list. Anything to add or subtract?

Clothing
  • A light rain jacket or windbreaker: For the inevitable April showers
  • A couple of long-sleeve shirts: For those cooler mornings
  • A lightweight sweater: For layering when temperature changes
  • A pair of comfortable pants: Think breathable fabrics like cotton, and a pair of jeans.
  • Shorts and a sundress: For warmer afternoons
  • Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be exploring villages and ancient ruins, so cushioned soles are a must.
Accessories
  • A versatile scarf: Can double as a shawl on cooler evenings
  • A wide-brimmed hat: For sun protection
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen: Essential for beach days
  • Reusable water bottle: To stay hydrated without contributing more waste
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