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dubai_suzie

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If you were to plan the perfect vacation to Greece with kids, what would you recommend? I am looking for something exciting with lots of sightseeing and activities, and of course, the beach! I like to take my sons to some museums and cultural centres because I like to keep them educated and learning even while were traveling. That's actually one of the reasons why I like to visit Greece. So many of my friends like to stay pent up in resorts but I find that its too limiting and it ends up even being a little boring. So if anyone has advice for where I can go for a week with my sons I would really appreciate it!
 
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A week is not nearly enough time to do things in Greece. If I had to spend just 1 week in Greece then I think time would be best spent by staying in Athens and taking day trips to different cities, or going to Crete for a week.
 
I agree with the previous comments. Spend your time in Athens and you can travel to many Greek islands close by from there or do day trips to sites such as Sounio, Delphi, Nafplio, etc. You can even stay in Athens close to the beach (eg Glyfada) and travel around using public transport. It's fun! The two best museums in Athens are the National Archaeological museum and the Acropolis museum. There is so much to see just in Athens and 1 week is not enough. In my first trip with my family I spent 3 days in Athens then a week in Santorini and a week in Mykonos. I regretted I did not have much time in Athens (I thought I wouldn't like it) that I went back again and again and stayed in Athens for weeks. So much to see and do and so many amazing suburbs, Plaka, Anafiotika, Monastiraki, Psirri, Exarcheia (my personal favourite), Koukaki, Gazi and each one with its own very distinctive character.
 
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Yeah, this seems like your best bet. I would recommend Hydra as a day trip from Athens. Its quiet and will be easy to get to with a bigger group/family.
 
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Hydra is a great suggestion! And just to get everyone in the mood, here is Anna Vissi's music video filmed in Hydra.

 
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You definitely can’t do justice to Crete in a week….and sadly, I would skip Mykonos just because it’s so over-run with the partying crowd. Santorini has astounding beauty, significant archeological digs, villages, and beaches, but for the day or two that you could stay, the airfare and accommodation would be exorbitant. Generally speaking, a week will not give you a lot of time to island-hop, even by plane. You have to consider the time needed to get back to Athens before your international flight.

I would agree with all of the suggestions above - focus on Athens for the museums previously mentioned (depending on your boys’ interest….the Hellenic Motor Museum is also fantastic) historic sites, churches, and outdoor cafe life in the various plateia. The Athens Riviera (from Palio Faliro - Sounion) has a good selection of beaches, cultural and recreational parks etc. We prefer to stay in the city, but the beaches are easily accessible by tram or taxi for a day trip.

In addition to Hydra, a shorter hydrofoil/ferry boat ride will take you to the island of Aegina, where many Greek people escape the summer heat of the city and where you’ll find markets, horse-drawn buggy rides, waterfront cafes, beaches, a museum, and the beautiful Temple of Aphaia.

At 8 years old, our daughter never forgot her first trip to Greece. I think it’s wonderful that you are taking your boys!
 
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You definitely can’t do justice to Crete in a week….and sadly, I would skip Mykonos just because it’s so over-run with the partying crowd. Santorini has astounding beauty, significant archeological digs, villages, and beaches, but for the day or two that you could stay, the airfare and accommodation would be exorbitant. Generally speaking, a week will not give you a lot of time to island-hop, even by plane. You have to consider the time needed to get back to Athens before your international flight.

I would agree with all of the suggestions above - focus on Athens for the museums previously mentioned (depending on your boys’ interest….the Hellenic Motor Museum is also fantastic) historic sites, churches, and outdoor cafe life in the various plateia. The Athens Riviera (from Palio Faliro - Sounion) has a good selection of beaches, cultural and recreational parks etc. We prefer to stay in the city, but the beaches are easily accessible by tram or taxi for a day trip.

In addition to Hydra, a shorter hydrofoil/ferry boat ride will take you to the island of Aegina, where many Greek people escape the summer heat of the city and where you’ll find markets, horse-drawn buggy rides, waterfront cafes, beaches, a museum, and the beautiful Temple of Aphaia.

At 8 years old, our daughter never forgot her first trip to Greece. I think it’s wonderful that you are taking your boys!
Good advice!... Definitely give Mykonos a miss!!👌, although I lived a very big part of my life there....A week is too short !.. Distance travels are tiring, plan
meticulously!..
 
Hello! I would suggest a nice road trip of Arcadia. About 2 hours away from Athens, you can start with the ancient site of Mycenae, go to fortress town Nafplion, travel from there to the wonderful beaches and fishing villages of Kynouria, visit the traditional town of Leonidio, and in the summer attend the Melitzaz festival dedicated to the local eggplant. You can also visit Tripoli, Levidi, Vytina, Stemnitsa and Dimitsana if you're looking for a winter stay.
 
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Athens would be the easiest for sure. It does have everything you describe, tons of sites to see, area beaches. There's a nice mix of activities, too. There are museums, archaeological sites, shopping, great food... and the beaches aren't far from the center. That's a great place to start. There are also some more extended day trips one could take, like visiting Delphi.
 

Travel Tips for Naxos

I'm planning a trip to the island of Naxos soon and I'm reaching out for some guidance and tips.

First off, I've heard that Naxos is a haven for foodies – any recommendations on local foods I absolutely must try or the best places to eat?

Exploring the cultural heritage of Naxos is also high on my agenda. I understand there are plenty of historical sites and ruins that abound. For those of you who've wandered the island's ancient paths, which historical spots would you say I need to see??

Also, I’d love to hear about your favorite beaches. Are there any hidden gems I should know about? Places that aren’t too crowded perhaps?

Thanks!

Itinerary for self-planned yacht trip through the Greek islands

I am working on planning a yacht trip through Greece. I live it because I am in total control of the itinerary and what goes on, unlike booking a cruise or something. There's enough of us in the group to make this a super affordable trip.

I am developing am itinerary - thought I'd run it by you:

  1. Athens to Mykonos: Begin in the historic port of Athens and make your way to the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos. Dock at Agios Ioannis beach and take a stroll through Little Venice.
  2. Mykonos to Naxos: Naxos awaits, with its marble gateway to nowhere and beautiful beaches. Try the local kitron liqueur for a true taste of the island.
  3. Santorini: Sail to the iconic island of Santorini, where the sunset from Oia is second to none. Enjoy a swim in the hot springs of Palea Kameni and taste some of the best wines in Greece.
  4. Ios to Folegandros: Keep the vibes high in Ios known for its lively atmosphere, then find tranquility in Folegandros, where the untouched Mediterranean prevails.
  5. Return to Athens: Wrap up your adventure with a pitstop in Syros, the capital of the Cyclades. Its charm lies in its austere yet handsome neoclassical buildings and the stunning Aegean views.

What do you think? Anything to add or subtract? I have about 10 days.

yacht-greece.jpg

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

Taking a culinary tour of Greece

I would like to take a tour or create my own itinerary to do nothing but visit Greece to eat all the food. I want to go to some unique and memorable destinations. For many reasons, both Ikaria and Crete are on my list. I will have maybe two weeks in Greece so I truly don't have the itinerary fleshes out. Or if anyone can recommend a tour company, that would be good too.

Some questions:

Best Time to Visit: What's the ideal time of year for such a tour, considering weather, food seasons, and avoiding peak tourist crowds?
Must-Visit Places: Besides the obvious choices like Athens and Santorini, are there any off-the-beaten-path locations that are a foodie's dream?
Local Experiences: Are there particular cooking classes, food markets, or local farms that offer a deeper dive into Greek cuisine and its preparation?
Travel Tips: Any logistical tips for traveling within Greece that might make moving from one culinary destination to another smoother?

Thanks in advance!

Tips for visiting monasteries in Greece

While visiting the monasteries, remember you are in a sacred place. Dress modestly, with legs and shoulders covered, to show respect for the local customs and faith. Keep your voice low to preserve the peaceful ambiance and adhere to any photography restrictions to respect the privacy of the monks.

I've had some people ask me, so I thought I'd start a post about etiquette. If you are out taking tours and you don't dress properly, be sure to look for a scarf or skirt (for the ladies) that they may provide to make you respectable enough to enter the space. It's far better, though, to dress properly in your own wardrobe!

Loud talking is a no-no. It's also a good idea to observe Orthodox customs when entering the sacred space, even if you aren't Orthodox. Non-orthodox may venerate icons, light candles, submit prayer requests, etc.

Can anyone think of anything else to add?
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