Greece's Economy--impact on travel?

Because of the economic downturn prices are lower now. There hasn’t been a better time to visit Greece in while. Of course in the last year the euro went up in value, so that affected prices in US dollars negatively for US travelers. But prices in Greece are very affordable still. Germany or France will be considerably more expensive.

I suggest picking up a comprehensive guide book to Greece and considering an alternative destination rather than Hydra. While I'm sure it is perfectly pleasant, it is often recommended to travelers who don't have time to get to one of the more distant islands. You are not in that situation.

Greece has an economy with tourism as a big part of it. With political problems to the east and southeast, many cruise ships have adjusted their schedules reducing ships in port. That hurt both the Greek and Turkish port merchants.
For a while, it wasn't looking good for Greece to remain using the Euro as their currency. Many of the items in their shopping districts are coming from Italy and other European countries. Shopkeepers used to buying on credit were asked to pay COD and many stores had to limit orders.
This should be a good time to visit Greece as the economy, although weak, is moderating.

While many Greeks have been affected by the downturn of their economy tourists have not . . . in fact it is probably a great time to visit Greece and prices are far better than many other European countries.

I've been going to Greece every year since 2010 when the economy was far worse and never had any issues, even less the last few years. Things aren't perfect but you'll rarely be affected by Greece's economic problems.

When you go can make a difference also. High Season will find higher prices not to mention lots more tourists, especially islands like Hydra & Santorini.

You may want to do more research to see if islands like Hydra & Santorini are really what you think Greek Islands are all about.

By going to Greece you'll be helping out the Greek Economy and visiting one of the most beautiful countries in the world with world-class archeological sites, courteous people, great food at low prices and a more laid back atmosphere.

Greece is a great place to visit and can be inexpensive. But, not Santorini. Hydra is a nice place good for a day or two, not more. Take a look at the RS Greece tour. The places we visited are outstanding. We had a taste of beach time but visited some great sites, met terrific people. You could easily drive this route and 12-14 days would do it.

From what I've read recently, Greece's debt crisis has been easing after a long period of hardship -- none of which affected tourism though. Compared to most of western Europe it's a bargain, and the people -- within and outside of the tourist industry -- are the friendliest an kindest I've met. The only "negativity" I can think of is an alphabet that will take some deciphering, but that's sort of fun when necessary and usually not necessary as most signage is also in English.

No reason at all to wait. I expect the euro will get more expensive relative to the US dollar, but what do I know? And, if that happens, it will affect the whole euro zone, not just Greece.

With the time you have I'd suggest another day in Athens, plus Nafplio, maybe even Delphi. I was underwhelmed by my few hours in Hydra, spent at the harbor, and I don't know Santorini.

I am pretty much going to echo what has already been said. Greece is considered to be a desirable vacation destination. The economy is still suffering under enormous debt but you wouldn't know it when you are on the islands. The islands thrive on tourism. Since the economic crisis worries peaked a few years ago Greece had about 20 million tourists a year. Events in Europe have highlighted the sense of safety Greece offers. The next year 25 million tourists came and last year it was 30 million. I have not seen projections for 2018 but I am pretty sure that trend will continue.

Now on to logistics. Experienced Greece visitors suggest that you get to your first island immediately on arrival in Athens. Athens is a bit overwhelming for a first time visitor and its best to get over jet lag on an island.
Since you mentioned Santorini fly there as soon as you get to Athens. There are several daily flights. Check Aegeans web site. From there you can take regular ferries to islands like Milos, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos. All are delightful with Santorini and Mykonos with the most hype and expensive. The others have permanent populations so the Greeks you meet there live there so you will get a much more authentic Greek experience and quite reasonable costs for accommodation and dining.

You have time to visit three island then Athens at the end. You do Athens then because you are acclimatized to Greek way of life, you are not jet lagged and you are on the mainland at least a couple of days before your return flight. All important considerations.

By the way I have ignored Crete. It is huge and you can easily spend a month there. You could fly to Chania Crete on arrival and enjoy it for a week then ferry to Santorini and fly back to Athens at the end.

Stuff to see on the islands I suggested.

Santorini http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/sets/72157632154800782/
Athens http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/sets/72157632121475515/
Naxos Town http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/sets/72157632094558042/
Trip around Naxos http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/sets/72157634605629689/
Western Crete http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/sets/72157632115757899/

Aptera images 38-62 Balos Gramovossa images 79-106
Chania http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/sets/72157632117917828/

As someone who has been both a tourist and who visits family while in Greece before and after the economic downturn, here is my point of view:

You can easily stay in your tourist bubble and not notice anything different; Greece's beaches and amazing sites are the same--stunning and beautiful. The prices are lower than they had been before the downturn. You will have a great trip if you go now.

If you peel back the facade a bit, the people of Greece, while still friendly and resilient, are tired of the ongoing economic distress. People are losing medical care, retirement pensions are shrinking, and the prices for staples are going up (not the sort of things that impact traveler prices like hotel rates, tours, etc.). Some Greeks are suffering; soup kitchens in cities are seeing the numbers of meals served going up. Most of these things will not impact you while on vacation, but just keep it in mind as you make your shopping choices as a traveler, i.e., think small business over chains, etc. Tip a little more if the prices seem really low. Bring little trinkets to gift to kids along the way.

The last poster mentioned tipping a little more. I have felt I offended waiters in Spain by tipping and believed Greece to be similar. So, what's the latest thought on tipping in Greece? What percent? Add to credit card bill or always cash? Thanks!

There is always a tip included as part of the final bill ... but what you're talking about is beyond that... and in greece it's usually "rounding up" --- if a bill is €22.50 - leave €24. If the 2 of you are having a glass of wine and the bill is €8. I'd leave 9. I would tend to leave it in cash ... in fact, I usually pay in cash for meals in Greece. Yes yes I know, if one does this, then maybe the restauranteur may low-ball his reports of earnings. However, I only go to simple tavernas (red-checked tablecloths, you can go into the kitchen to see what's on the warming table), and I know how HARD these guys work, and how low their margins are, and how high the taxes. Lately I hear, they are required to give you a printed receipt, not just the old handwritten one, so maybe the govt is cracking down.. In a more upscale Athens place, in a hotel or whatever with white tablecloths & an uniformed staff, I'd charge of course .. but I'd still leave my small tip in cash.

@Catherine
We were in Greece last May, and no one turned down a tip or appeared offended by it. We always left the tip in cash. I don’t remember even seeing a place on a cc slip to do it that way. I have to add that the Greeks are the kindest and friendliest people I’ve encountered anywhere I’ve traveled.