My husband and l (early 60s) are heading to Europe and have a leg in Greece from Sept. 5-13th. I am doing the planning/booking/hair pulling. We have four nights in Athens, in a great location. I was thinking of four nights on Paros, but am finding the travel costs for this leg a bit more than we want to spend for four nights (900/cdn for two to fly back and forth). I looked at ferries but the times don't work with our flight out of Athens on the 13th. So, l thought l would throw it out there to some more seasoned travellers and ask for advice on beach locations/villages that are on the mainland that we could stay at for the second four nights. I would rather stay in a new location than travel to beaches from Athens. We are open to renting a car, or perhaps local transport, and traveling up to four hours. We've never been to Greece so really open to info/tips and hints! TIA
Posted by
France Southwest
2503 posts
I don't know what you include in these 900 cdn (around €600).
In Paros first half of September, there are around 350 accommodations available at less than 200 cdn / night.
Some examples:
https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/evita-apartments.html
https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/flora-apartments-olive.html
https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/akteon-logaras.html
The total price of a Piraeus-Paros return trip for 2 is €200 (300cdn) with a Blue Star ferry.
The beaches and the seaside atmosphere near Athens are completely different from those of the islands
It is an urban environment with many waterfront buildings, often lots of traffic. It will not be cheaper than on an island, and probably even more expensive for equivalent quality and service.
There are plenty of other options further from Athens (less than 3 hours) but you would need to rent a car.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
The travel cost to get there and back, not to stay there.
Posted by
France Southwest
2503 posts
As I said, by taking the ferry to Paros it will cost you a total of 200€ for 2 passengers to go there and back.
Even cheaper if you go to another Cyclades island like Serifos, Tinos or Sifnos.
Also see Aegina, it's 19€ / passenger by ferry (40 minutes journey from the port of Piraeus)
Posted by
419 posts
Lots of little beach towns in the peloponnese, and much to see in terms of culture/history as well. https://www.greecetravel.com/peloponnesos/index.html
Posted by
1137 posts
If 4 hrs away is your criteria, then obviously you could easily go to Nafplio. Drive there. It is on the water. No beach. Several ancient sites to visit all in one day within 30 minutes..