We are planning a trip the first three weeks of October. I have not purchased air tickets yet. We will rent a car when we leave Athens. Our first trip to Greece but traveled extensively on our own through Europe the last 13 years. Mid 60's, history buffs, love the sea, sleepy villages ok, very mobile. Two full days in Athens may seem short but I have vision issues that makes it difficult for me to be in crowds. I have one more night I could add and wondering where you may add/cut/suggest another. Have researched this forum and have the RS Greece book. I would also appreciate if you have any hotel suggestions for the places I've listed. I normally rely on this forum, BC and RS book for hotels.
Seattle-Athens
3 nights Athens
4 nights Nafpolio (day trips to Epidaurus, and Mycenae/Nemea)
2 nights Monemvasia via stop at Mystras
3 nights Limeni via Gythio (day trip to Caves of Diros/ Areopoli, possible day trip far end of Mani)
2 nights Phylos (via Kardamyll and possibly Koroni) Voidokilia beach
2 nights Olympia
2 nights Delphi
1 nights Athens Airport/Attica Riviera
Early flight home
Thanks!
Posted by
2852 posts
This looks very well planned to me. A few suggestions.
We spent one night in Delphi and found it sufficient. I have not yet been to Phylos but have researched the area and in my tentative itinerary, I was thinking four nights. So I would consider switching a night from Delphi to Phylos.
Posted by
France Southwest
2444 posts
It also seems to me to be quite well planned.
Since you are looking to optimize the nights, personally I think that Monemvasia is like a museum or a castle to visit and staying there for 2 nights is a waste of time. If you can be there early in the afternoon, visiting it and spending only one night there before leaving the next morning is also good. But it's up to you.
Between Limeni and Pylos or between Pylos and Olympia I suggest you visit the archaeological site of Ancient Messene. Very impressive, more than Olympia in my opinion although less known.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MtaPmZkgoEhDS4fS6
http://ancientmessene.gr/ancientmessene.gr/index_en.html
Spending only one night in Delphi could be enough but given that you have at least a 4 hour drive to get there from Olympia it might be a good idea to stay 2 nights, especially since the site closes at 6pm from mid-October
For your last day in Athens near the airport you also have the option of going to Rafina located 20 minutes from the airport. The Avra hotel has a free shuttle to and from the airport.
So you could return the car to the airport the day before your return flight and spend a night at the hotel.
Rafina is a nice little port town with a few restaurants and bars, and even a small beach.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/WCdxKwYJJfR6kfHZ7
Be careful, the rooms at Avra Hotel are in high demand!
Posted by
2852 posts
We have stayed at Rafina at the Avra Hotel before a flight out. It does work well. In our case, we kept our car and returned it the next morning before our flight. Our car rental wasn't any more that way because of when we had started the rental and our flight wasn't first thing in the morning. We thought it was more convenient than taking shuttles twice.
We rented through booking.com and the "view" room was of the building next door. I was not impressed. I think they give the sea facing rooms to those who rent through their site so something to consider.
It is cheaper and in my view better to be in Rafina than at airport hotel. You can walk to various restaurants, go to the port, and walk along the beach. We have only once stayed at an airport hotel and while convenient, it felt like our vacation ended the moment we arrived!
Posted by
5158 posts
Just a ditto--ancient Messene was pretty extraordinary and you will be too close to miss it. The Bradt Guide is excellent.
Just be sure you have mapped out all of the drives to maximize efficiency, otherwise looks lovely.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8952 posts
Friendly tip: Get your Acropolis tickets for the very first opening time. It is a far better experience than later in the day. This is especially important due to your concern about crowds.
Posted by
OP
Tacoma, WA, USA
620 posts
Thank you for the responses. I appreciate you taking your time.
I will add Messene.
Yes we want to spend the last night near the water. I will return the car the afternoon before as we will have a 6 am flight (to make it back to Seattle with a manageable connection), so I’ll just need an airport shuttle service.
I ordered the Bradt Guide. For those planning, the most recent guide was published in 2019, but I found submitted updates here https://www.bradtguides.com/updates/.
Any hotel suggestions? Thanks again for sharing your experience.
Posted by
NH (USA)
1236 posts
Messene is a must as it's one of Greece's best and least known sites.
Beautiful rural area, far less commercialized and touristed than Olympia.
I would also recommend the Cadogan Guide to the Peloponnese as it's the best available. Far more info than Bradt's.
Bradt's is more current and still good but Cadogan's is the best.
However, last published in 2010 but still relevant and available as a used book from abebooks or ebay.
I constantly use it as a source of info found no where else.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8952 posts
Acropolis View Hotel in Athens. I had a crack of dawn flight out of Athens as well. I stayed at the Airport Soffitel. So convenient! Just walk across the road and up an escalator and you are ready to check in for your flight.