Hi!
we are a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 pre-teens) willing to spend my 50th birthday in Greece (we go from Spain).
I know we will spend some time in Athens (how long do you recommend?) but I also want to spend a few days in 1 or 2 of their islands.
I've read that locals wouldn't recommend the usual Mykonos or Santorini as they think there are others that don't get much attention as they should.
Can you guys mention any that would be a better choice? I'm just looking to relax and take walks with the family...
thanks.
Posted by
Noblesville, Indiana, USA
1406 posts
Our kids were in their mid-teens when we took them back in 2016. For Athens I'd suggest a minimum 3 nights/2 days to see the major sites. We then took the ferry to Santorini for 3 nights and all enjoyed the island! Take a look at the Saronic Islands - they're easily accessible from Athens.
Posted by
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
1441 posts
October is getting towards the end of the season so the most popular islands will not be so crowded.
Santorini is spectacular and will still have a buzz so it may be an option.
Naxos is just a 2 hour ferry trip from Santorini. I checked the schedule the ferries are still on that route in late October. On one of our trips the beach areas on the west coast were shutting down however the Saint George beach/Naxos town area were still active.
Lots of good hiking in Naxos with several mountian villages to explore.
Around Naxos town 2022 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720299959098
Back to Naxos 2022 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720299940917
A Santorini/Naxos combination would be a good choice. If you do not have an interest in Santorini then Naxos would still be a good choice.
Other options would be Crete. We love Chania. Crete is further south so will be warmer longer. Everything you might want to do or see on a vacation can be found in Crete.
Lastly you might want to take a look at Rhodes. It s even further south.
Posted by
NH (USA)
1222 posts
I travel to Greece every October, usually the first half but have been there late October.
For the most part the weather is still nice without the heat of summer, less tourists, lower costs and more of a "Greek Vibe" than a tourist vibe.
Still, Greece is gaining in popularity each year and this year seems to be even more popular.
However with research you can find a number of islands worthy of a stay.
For Athens a minimum of 2 days is good but 3 is better. There is more to Athens than just the tourist sites.
My top 3 favorite islands are
Amorgos good to combine with Astypalea:
Amorgos photos: https://tinyurl.com/y7bqwfma
Chios: large enough to keep you occupied for an entire stay
Chios photos: https://tinyurl.com/ycgkrqza
Tinos: Can combine with Syros but Tinos may be my top favorite Greek Island.
Tinos photos: https://tinyurl.com/y6w5ncb8
All offer a very nice and well rounded Greek experience and don't get the hype of Santorini or other Big Name Islands.
Lots more to consider so do your research.