We are going on a bike tour of the Mani Peninsula Oct 20-27th and I'm considering flying into Athens and then flying over to Chania, Crete spending 3 or 4 nights there before flying back to Athens where we are picked up to start our bike trip. Is 3 nights enough? We just want to relax and get over our jet lag and see a new place. We've been around some of the Greek islands and loved them. After the bike trip ends we could spend an extra day in Athens OR we could go to Aegina Island for a few nights. We have already been to Hydra so we're looking for something nearby that might be a good option. Is this worth doing late October? We would be in Aegina October 27-29th and then back to Athens for a final night before flying home OR would you do more on the front end in Chania and skip Aegina completely? Will it still be warm enough to want to be in Aegina that late in October? Any advice is most welcome. We would be in Aegina on weekdays so not sure if there will be anything open or going on during the week?
Posted by
France Southwest
2659 posts
Just a reminder that October 28th is a public holiday in Greece (Ochi Day) and that several sites, monuments, and museums will be open for free. Most shops and restaurants will be open.
There is a military parade in Athens. You might be interested in seeing this event.
The weather is unpredictable, but in October it usually won't be cold. Only the wind can disrupt and cancel ferry trips, but it's impossible to predict wind strength more than three or four days in advance.
That's why you should avoid taking a ferry less than two days before your return flight, you could see your flight take off without you from the island where you'll be stuck.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Yes, I read about the national holiday. Thank you so much. Good point on taking the ferry and the wind issue. I will consider adding a day onto Chania in the beginning and maybe flying out the 29th so we can have 2 nights in Athens on the tail end. We could always do a day trip to Aegina if the weather is cooperating and we have the motivation. Thanks so much for your help.
Posted by
France Southwest
2659 posts
This is where you should check the weather forecast for Aegina:
https://meteo.gr/cf-en.cfm?city_id=59
If winds over 7 Bf are forecast, ferry cancellations are possible, even probable.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thanks so much for this.
Posted by
11881 posts
We love Chania! Any time you can be there will be wonderful! It was invaded by so many countries and each left some of their culture behind. Worth a visit!!
Posted by
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
1526 posts
I am late on this thread but perhaps some images of Chania will be fun.
We stayed in the old town inside the city walls.
Chania 2024 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720318408008/
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you so much. Now I'm seeing that the flight times are much better for us if we just go to Heraklion. It's only 3 nights so we wouldn't drive to Chania. Does anyone have any thoughts on Heraklion? It sure would make this short trip a lot easier vs. spending most of the day at the airport waiting for a flight to Chania. The others are way too early with our super late arrival from the states.
Posted by
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
1526 posts
Heraklion lacks charm but the central area is more interesting than one might expect. We stay at hotel Kronos. It has sea views and is right beside the harbour. It's a short stroll into the central historical area.
Of course you can visit the historical museum and the famous ancient minoen site at Knossos.
Some images
Heraklion https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157655935354556
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you for this. We are now looking at Kos, Greece because the flight times are also good. Any thoughts on Kos? We've been to Santorini so looking for something new that will be warm mid October and around and hour flight out of Athens.