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Feedback on tentative itinerary - 6 weeks from late August to early October

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My husband and I are planning a trip to Greece, arriving the last week of August and leaving the first week of October. We’ve done quite a bit of research but would appreciate feedback as to whether we’re trying to cram in too much, or any other suggestions about our draft itinerary. We are in our late 50’s and enjoy nature, local culture, food, wine and people, the ocean (sailing, SCUBA and snorkeling), and we also want to see major historical sites. We don’t want to feel too rushed, but on the other hand we want to see as much as we can without feeling so rushed that we’re just “ticking boxes.” We don’t care about nightlife. Looking forward to your suggestions. Thank you!

Below is what we’re thinking.
- Land in ATH, overnight stay at airport hotel, travel to Skopelos for 4 nights.
- From Skopelos, come back to Central Athens and stay 4 nights/3 days to see major sites
- Rent vehicle and drive to Peloponnese Peninsula; stay in Navplion as a base to explore for 5 nights
- Fly to Santorini, stay 3 nights
- Ferry to Milos, stay 1 night and catch sailboat cruise that leaves Milos the following day; this will give us about 1.5 days to explore Milos
- 7 day cruise on small charter sailboat around less-traveled Cyclades Islands; cruise ends up in Paros
- From Paros, ferry to Naxos and stay 3 nights
- Fly from Naxos to Rhodes and stay in some combination of Rhodes/Dodecanese for 9 nights; haven’t planned details so would welcome specific recommendations. We have friends on Rhodes so will stay with them for several nights combined with some island visits.
- Last night in Athens before fly home

Posted by
3320 posts

YOu cannot fly from Naxos to Rhodes. THere are very few island-to-island flights. You will have to fly back to Athens then connect to a flight to Rhodes.

Posted by
8 posts

Thanks Janet,
Yes I’m aware we have to fly back to Athens to get to Rhodes. Still, it seemed like the only practical way to get from Naxos to Rhodes in a reasonable amount of time. Didn’t seem that ferries were a good option.

Similarly, we can’t fly from Peloponnese Peninsula to Santorini. Have to drive back to ATH to catch that flight. But again, that seemed more practical than taking a ferry to Santorini.

If I’m missing some options please let me know. Thanks.

Posted by
2126 posts

Hi Mary -- This sounds like a wonderful trip! Your friends in Rhodes will have many ideas about how to spend your time in the Dodecanese, but I would like to offer two suggestions.

Kastellorizo -- This is a tiny island south of Rhodes, accessible via ferry and plane. It's absolutely spectacular; here's the hotel website that tempted us to visit. For such a small place, there's lots to do. You can hike up to the castle and see the Lycian tomb. Take a boat to the Blue Cave. Swim (weather permitting) with sea turtles in the deep harbor. Visit the two museums ... archeological and historical. Take a ferry for the day over to Kas in Turkey. Or just sit at one of the many tavernas lining the harbor, and marvel at the lovely views.

Nisyros -- This tiny, volcanic island is a bit north of Rhodes, between Tilos and Kos. It has a couple of pretty villages, a good museum showing the creation of the island, and a pretty little port. But the big attraction is the volcano itself. It's active, but not erupting, and you can walk right into the crater. An otherworldly experience. We were there by ourselves early in the morning, and we felt like we were walking on the moon. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes, as some spots are warm and there is the occasional steaming fumarole. It gets busier later, as day-trippers come over from Kos and Tilos, so I'd recommend timing your visit so you can be there early (8-9 am). Rent a car or scooters. There's only one road, and virtually no traffic. We took the Blue Star ferry from Kastellorizo and arrived late at night. We spent the next day exploring the island, then took another Blue Star to Rhodes the following morning. I'm not sure if the Blue Star schedule fits yours, but it's handy if it does.

I hope you have a wonderful time in Greece!

Posted by
8 posts

Charlene,
Thanks for the recommendations. Our Rhodes friends said Kastellorizo is their favorite of all the Dodecanese Islands.

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