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seleanor

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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.
 

First Time Tips to Greece

I've been fortunate enough to visit Greece quite a few times over the years, and recently a friend asked me for advice before their very first trip. It surprised me how difficult it was to answer!

Once you've traveled somewhere often, you start taking a lot of things for granted. I'm not sure what the most helpful tips would be for someone experiencing Greece for the first time.

If you were helping a first-time visitor, what advice would you give? I'm thinking about practical things, cultural etiquette, transportation, money, restaurants, pacing an itinerary, or even little things you wish someone had told you before your first visit.

What are the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make, and what are some experiences you think every newcomer should have? I'd love to pass along some advice from people with firsthand experience.

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.

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?
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