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Advice on ATHENS-KARPATHOS-RHODES

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Hello all and Christos Anesti!
First time poster. I am traveling to Greece for a wedding in Karpathos on JULY 30th. I have tried to read Steves book on Athens and another popular travel book to help prepare for my trip but was having a hard time defining how to break it down. I am aiming for maybe around 2.5 weeks but am a little malleable with that. My travel style is immersive backpacker style but now that i have some joint issues so i can't get crazy with extreme activities. Huge history and art/architecture nerd and like outdoors. Love to travel and really get to a know a place as much as time permits. Anyway, I have several questions for you fine folks:

KARPATHOS:
The one thing i think i am positive about is that i am going to be on karpathos the last week of July. The wedding is on 30th and some pre-wedding stuff on the 28th. I was flying in from the 25th (Monday night) and leaving the following Sunday (31st).
Q: Is that enough to see most of the island, given I'll only have really 3 and half days to myself?

RHODES:
THIS IS WHERE I NEED THE MOST HELP. I was planning to go to Rhodes after karpathos.
Q: Is 1 week sufficient time to get a good feel for the isle? I plan to spend 2-3 days around Rhodes town. And then debt a car and try to see the rest of the island (lindos, kamiros, the various castles, and i hear the western coast is pleasant to drive through).
Q: If i do this should i move base beyond Rhodes town or can i just day trip each time?
Q: any and all suggestions for accommodation, great bars, etc, and favorite scenic sites etc are all welcome!

Athens:
I'm landing there first. Most people say you only need a around 3 to 4 days for Athens. Given the rest of my time schedule i don't know if i have much more but i don't want to give Athens short shrift. In a perfect world I'd drive up to delphi and meteora as well but i don't know that I'll have the physical stamina for meteora given the rest of my trip. Is Delphi an absolute must? That will cost me 2 more days because i heard is awful dying it same day with the tour bus crowds, etc.

I know the timing (peak heat, prices etc) isn't ideal but i don't have a choice.

Last question:
Would you work the non karpathos part of the trip after last week of July or before? If before, time is getting tight but if after i know the greeks travel alot during mid august for the religious festivities.

Sorry for all the questions. Much obliged for your time.

Posted by
39 posts

RHODES:

Q: Is 1 week sufficient time to get a good feel for the isle? I plan to spend 2-3 days around Rhodes town. And then debt a car and try to see the rest of the island (lindos, kamiros, the various castles, and i hear the western coast is pleasant to drive through).
Α: Yes, 1 week is more than enough to discover the island. Renting a car is required as bus lines are not so often.

Q: If i do this should i move base beyond Rhodes town or can i just day trip each time?
It s clearly up on you. My opinion is that just one hotel change is needed as the island is not so big. You will need maximum 1,5 hour driving time to get back to your base wherever this is located. Lindos, Kiotari or Gennadi are ideal places to be used as bases in the south

Q: any and all suggestions for accommodation, great bars, etc, and favorite scenic sites etc are all welcome!
As Rhodes island is one of the top greek destinations hundreds of options are offered. You need to be more specific on your interests, tastes, budget etc.

Posted by
39 posts

Last question:
Would you work the non karpathos part of the trip after last week of July or before? If before, time is getting tight but if after i know the greeks travel alot during mid august for the religious festivities.
A: As longer from August as better for many reasons. Besides, the greeks also millions of tourists travel in August throughout Greece, as well as the weather is very hot. If you don't mind of these you can choose also the ''after option''.

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Thanks for the reply pylarinos! I hope you're well.

Sorry for not replying sooner but yesterday was crazy after Easter, etc..
I guess if i stay in one place the whole time then it's best to try to get accomodation in new rhodes town in order to find a place that will have parking but one that is in walking distance to Old Rhodes would be ideal. Any re Do you think that is a good plan or should i just worry about getting the best accommodation near or in old Town and then only get the car when i move to another town on the island? What would you do? Any recommendations on a place that i might be paying less than 100euro per room.

Best taverna with local musicians in or near old Rhodes town? In in my 30s so i don't mind the bar scene and i like people watching

If you had a 6-7 days what would your itinerary look like? I was thinking maybe 3 days in Rhodes town then seeing lindos, symi, drubbing along the west coast and seeing monolithos castle. I'm still trying to plan the details

Thanks again

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