Athens or somewhere else for five days

I am always in Athens in June either at t he beginning or the end of my visit to Greece ... this June will be my 13th trip since '99 ... and I always discover new places and pleasures every single time. Please tell me where you read that it is not a good choice for June -- and who gave that opinion and what their experience was. Inquiring minds want to know!

I'm not sure why someone would say Athens is not good in July other than it's hot. I think Athens is good any time of year. It doesn't get the hype like Paris, Rome or London but I find it wonderful. World class archeological and historic sites, museums, Central Markets, Plaka, small locally owned shops with all kinds of goodies, wonderful tavernas with great and for the most part inexpensive food and so much more.

It deserves at least 2 and probably 3 days to fully experience.

In addition many experienced Greece travelers recommend getting back to Athens at least 1 day before your flight home in case of any type of delay on the day of your flight home.

If you really want another location then the lovely town of Nafplio, about 2+ hours away would be a good option. Lovely place to base yourself to explore nearby archeological/historic sites and be in a beautiful Old World town.

I would suggest Athens but it's up to you. Do your research on either Athens and Nafplio then decide:

Athens: https://www.athensguide.com/

Nafplio: http://www.visitnafplio.com/

Athens is perfect that period especially if you choose a hotel near the beach. You have so many things to do and every time sth new appears
If you still need to go somewhere else Nafplio is nice but the beaches are not fine and Chalkida is also nice.
But Athens is teh best.
Let me known if you need more info for Athens.

Naxos or Paros would offer you better Greek island experiences than Santorini.
I think your tour goes to Napflion? If not, that would be the best choice.

i think so too Paros and aNaxos are great options

It's problematic to try for Naxos or Paros unless y ou take a pricey flight... ferries to Paros take 5 hours, and an additional hour to Naxos, you could use up most of a day getting there & then getting back ditto.

I have another idea -- AEGINA. This is an island just out in the Saronic Bay, near Pireaus (the port). It is about 70 minutes by "conventional Ferry" with open decks, where you can sit & enjoy the seascape -- huge liners, freighters, yachts, speedboats, little sloops etc. It's 45 mins by the more frequent Hydrofoil, but No view; no deck you must sit inside in assigned seats, salt-rimed windows... one should do open-deck ferry at least 1 way. This website shows sailings: https://www.ferryhopper.com -- there's one at 8:20 am and 1400 (2 pm) on the 30th. That's good timing, because Athenians crowd up the island on weekends in hot weather, but by afternoon, they 'll be heading back home.

Aegina is popular with Greeks so you won't be surrounded by US or UK tourists, refreshing. It'a great day-trip, actually -- this fab photo album shows such a trip step-by-step - it demonstrates that a deck-seat ferry ride is part of the experience! https://www.flickr.com/photos/36264706@N03/sets/72157621604646139/detail/ However, if you do feel you want another 3 days on a beach, it can be relaxing. I found the Ag Marina beach a bit too narrow but here's one i've recommended on Marathona beach-- http://www.aeginagreece.com/aegina/pages/beaches/la_palma_marathonas_cafe_bar_restaurant.html -- a cafe that also has a building w studio units right on a beach. Doesn't work with an online agency, but Others bookable via google on that beach for July 1-4 on booking.com = Crownview Suites, Sissy hotel; google Aegina Marathona Beach to bring these up.

Less visited than Aegina is its tiny "Sister Island" of ANgistri (Agistri)... availble from Pireaus via hydrofoil OR a 10-minute motorboat ride from Aegina port. Its only sandy beach is the port, Skala, but htere are several hotels with sea view available July 1-4 if you just want to veg out. Aegina has more of interest in its port town and arund the island.

I agree that Athens has SO much to explore, you can easily spend several days covering things your RS tour didn't touch ... but these 2 islands also offer a nearby getaway & a last dip in the sea in hot July weather. But whatever you decide, do not dither! Already this year, things are booking solid ... Greece has been "discovered" by the multitudes.