I had asked a question before on the forum; 7 nights in Athens, and got some great responses on what to do as this is our first trip to Greece. We will be there mid-October; end of a 5 and 1/2 week trip.
At first we thought we would just stay in Athens and that has been our focus so far. However, the more we look at things we are wondering if we are making a mistake by not going to an island from Athens. We have a few things planned, but could do 2 nights somewhere. We are not looking to go to the beach or swim.
We have done some looking at Nafplio and Hydra and have noticed hotels are getting picked over. We would love some ideas or suggestions on where to go.
Thanks so much!
Cindy
Posted by
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
1697 posts
Since you are visiting late in the season a destination on the mainland may be your best choice.
You have already identified perhaps your best choice which would be Nafplio. Its a couple of hours to get there from Athens with regular bus connections.
Athenians who want a weekend away often go to Nafplio.
Here are some images of what you will experience in Nafplio
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720319228274/
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
13639 posts
Hydra would be nice for a 2 night stay. Just be sure to be back to mainland at least a day before your flight.
Nafplio is nice but if you want the white washed building with blue shutters , Hydra has it. Also no cars so a very relaxed feel.
Posted by
OP
San Diego, CA, USA
160 posts
stanbr: Those are beautiful pictures! Are there any hotels you would suggest to look at that would be near the Old Town? Is the bus the best way to get there?
joe32F: you are right that we would like to see the white-washed buildings! However, we are just a little concerned that there is not much to see/do in Hydra. Since this will be at the end of our trip, it might be nice to chill :) Can you suggest a hotel? How would you suggest getting there?
Yes, we plan to be back at least a day before we leave. Thanks for reminding me!
Posted by
Louisville, Ky
248 posts
I can vouch for Nafplio, as well. There are several stops you can make on the way (or way back) if you have a car rental and the freedom to stop when you want.
Corinth Canal is one.
Nemea, one of the sacred sites for games a la The Olympics (associated with Olympus). The stadium is still intact.
Epidaurus, which has a magnificently well preserved ancient amphitheater
When I visited Greece, I also took at ferry from Piraeus and spent a few days on Aegina Island, which I enjoyed very much
Posted by
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
1697 posts
We have always stayed at Hotel Agamemnon. It is right beside the waterfront promenade with great views and it is in the old town..
Posted by
OP
San Diego, CA, USA
160 posts
We have decided to go to Nafplio for two nights. We felt we needed to decide pretty quickly as hotels were filling up. The one you recommended, stanbr, was full for our dates. We were able to find something at Hotel Ippoliti. It appears to be in a good location, we hope!
Now we just have to figure out how to get there-we will not have a car so will look at other transportation.
We love food, so if anyone has suggestions for restaurants, we will certainly take them. Thanks!
Posted by
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
1697 posts
The KTEL public bus system is inexpensive and frequent. We used it last year for our commute from Athens to Nafplio.
Posted by
OP
San Diego, CA, USA
160 posts
Thanks, stanbr, we will look into the bus.
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
3965 posts
The KTEL bus to Nafplio departs from the Kifissos bus station in Athens:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4WCZtaDrB9crdDZDA
In Nafplio, it stops at the entrance to the Old Town; it is about a 10-minute walk to Hotel Ippoliti.
You can find tickets and schedules on the KTEL Argolidas website, book a few days in advance; it is far too early to book for October right now.
Posted by
OP
San Diego, CA, USA
160 posts
Thanks, JoLui! That is definitely what we will do as it seems pretty easy.