We are planning 10 days in September to visit Greece. Thoughts are to go to Athens, Crete, and Santorini. We want to get a taste of the country without exhausting ourselves (in our 60s but quite fit). All suggestions welcome!
Posted by
3443 posts
10 days is not very long for three locations and Crete is quite large. The problem is that Chania is where I would go in Crete but the ferry port is several hours away.
Personally I would spend all my island time on Crete (7 nights) or combine a different island with Santorini. Naxos or Paros are much smaller than Crete and the logistics would be easier.
Posted by
NH (USA) aka crazyh
1434 posts
Staying in Athens deserves a minimum of 2 days with three better so that doesn't leave a lot of time left for an island(s).
I would pick one island and spend the rest of your time there.
Crete is huge and really needs more time but if you decide on Crete then pick one location and spend time exploring the area.
It may be better to pick a closer island and with the time left you can experience most of that island.
Lots of options depending on your interests.
Posted by
Sidney, BC, Canada
1162 posts
How many nights will you spend in Greece? If you are looking at 10 days including travel days you are looking at something like this
Day 0/Night 1. Travel to Greece
Day 1/night 2. Arrive Athens in morning and fly onwards to Crete (you have a choice of flying to Chania or Heraklion, Heraklion is best if you choose Santorini because of ferry). Settle into hotel.
Day 2/night 3. Crete. You will need an easy day to get over journey….wander around, maybe visit excellent museums in either city.
Day 3/night 4. Crete. Sightseeing further afield - Knossos if in Heraklion or the beaches or gorges from Chania). Or visit a winery or olive farm.
Day 4/night 5, Crete. Ferry to Santorini
Day 5/night 6. Santorini. Visiting sites, exploring
Day 6/night 7. Santorini. Visiting sites, exploring
Day 7/night 8. Santorini/Athens.
Day 8/night 9. Athens
Day 9/night 10 Athens
Day 10. Leave Athens in the morning.
When you travel between islands you always seem to lose a day to travel. If you fly between islands you always have to fly via Athens, I.e. Crete/Athens/Santorini and it takes at least half a day depending on the connections in Athens, not to mention getting to and from airports.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
This is quite helpful. I am thinking 3 nights Athens plus one more location.? Favorites?
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11587 posts
If I could only pick one I’d pick Naxos
Crete needs ten days just for itself and that’s not even enough lol
Posted by
NH (USA) aka crazyh
1434 posts
A favorite island of mine is Tinos, relatively easy to get to by ferry.
See my Tinos photos:
https://tinyurl.com/y6w5ncb8