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seleanor

Active member
I've been debating which airlines to travel to Greece with, and which European countries would be the most fun to visit! What other countries have you been to on the way to Greece (I'm thinking to stop for a few days) and what was your experience? I'm going to take another girls trip to Greece with my dear friends, we loved it and are looking forward to another year!
 
That depends on where you are coming from, how much spare time you have and what your preferences are.
I would recommend Malta and Croatia if you haven't been there before
 
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That depends on where you are coming from, how much spare time you have and what your preferences are.
I would recommend Malta and Croatia if you haven't been there before
OOhhh great suggestions! I've never been to either but I've heard great things. Both are good because they're lesser known, but I love that. I live in Newark, NJ so it would be easy to travel to either of those, thanks!
 
You can fly to Athens direct from Newark but not to either of the other two not even from New York. Limited direct flights from Athens to Valletta but no direct flights to any Croatian city from Athens. You have to fly from Rome . If you wanted to visit all tree, Valletta first then Zagreb via Rome then Athens Via Rome. Malta is beautiful and English is almost their first language.
If you go to Croatia Dubrovnik is a much see and Međugorje in Bosnia, especially if you are religious.
 
You can fly to Athens direct from Newark but not to either of the other two not even from New York. Limited direct flights from Athens to Valletta but no direct flights to any Croatian city from Athens. You have to fly from Rome . If you wanted to visit all tree, Valletta first then Zagreb via Rome then Athens Via Rome. Malta is beautiful and English is almost their first language.
If you go to Croatia Dubrovnik is a much see and Međugorje in Bosnia, especially if you are religious.
Eeek sounds a little complicated! Good luck @seleanor :)
 
Previous to this year, we would buy a Delta/Alitalia ticket Boston-JFK-Athens, with Rome - Boston on the return. Aegean Airlines flies to both Venice and Rome. We took Aegean to Venice; then the train to Rome - very, very easy! With all the COVID protocols this year, we chose #1 Greece only to avoid regulations possibly changing while en route between two countries. However, the Italian journey always felt like a fantastic bonus as we sadly left Greece!
 
Having been to Greece many times over the years, I have had layovers in Frankfurt, Germany, London, England, Rome, Italy, Paris France and Geneva Switzerland, only quick layovers for most but did spend time in Paris, Rome and Frankfurt in the past on my way to Greece.
 
None!!
Don't bother, don't waste time just go straight to Greece.
 
They've opened up a direct route from the Boston area to Athens FYI. Delta announced in October 2021 they were adding flights for the 2022 year. This is long overdue! In the past, we from the Boston area either have to do a changeover in New York or a changeover somewhere in Europe. Last time I went to Greece, I flew Swiss Air and had a stopover in the Zurich airport in Switzerland. Stopovers make for a loooong travel day - I'd rather not! lol.
 

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?

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.

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.

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?

Places to go for the first time in Greece?

A friend of mine is planning her first trip to Greece, and she asked me what she should prioritize for about 10 days. I’ve been lucky enough to go quite a few times, so I gave her a starting point: Athens for the history, Santorini for the views, and Mykonos for the energy and beaches.

She loved that outline, but she wants to add one more destination to round out the trip. That’s where I started second guessing myself a bit, because there are so many good options depending on what kind of experience she wants.

I was thinking maybe somewhere a little different to balance things out, but I’m curious what others would suggest. If you had 10 days and those three spots already planned, what would be your fourth destination for a first-time visitor?
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