I am sure this has been asked countless times before but every traveler is different so I thought I'd still ask. My boss and her husband have asked me to plan this trip for them because she knows I travel often BUT I have never been to where they want to go so please help! They were going to spend 9-10 days all in Istanbul but I convinced them to break it up and spend 5 days in Istanbul and the rest of their time on a Greek island. She is the principal architect and loves history, art (of course), and culture; they aren't beach people. From what I'm reading, it appears Crete might be the ONE island that would satisfy their interests; it wound't be worth island-hopping in that short a time, I wouldn't think. Any specific town or hotel to consider (she likes unique/boutique hotels; price isn't a concern)? Many thanks for any ideas or suggestions.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
8157 posts
Crete is fabulous. We were there exactly 5 years ago (Mid-Sept. thru early Oct.) for three weeks, and had a rental car for getting around. Minoan ruins are all over Crete, and the archaeological museum in Iraklio (aka Heraklion) is fascinating. Go up high on the Lasithi Plateau (Tzermiado is very distinct from any beach location), and if hiking a gorge or two is of interest, you’ll find many. Kato Zakros in the southeast, and Festos in the central south were among stage many favorites. Hania (aka Chania) has many attributes, but don’t attempt drive in that city - ditch the rental car.
Posted by
2995 posts
I don’t think you could wrong with Crete. When we were on Naxos, the manager of our hotel told us that Crete was his favorite island.
We spent 11 nights on Crete in 2022 and would love to go back. There is a wide variety of things to do.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, US
2216 posts
I have made several trips to Crete and agree that it is fabulous, but I think they should save it for a future, much longer trip. Taking travel days into account, they'd only have at most 3 full days on Crete. You don't specify whether they'd be returning home from Istanbul or Athens, but either way, they'd want to be on the mainland the night before their flight home (unless they can get a flight from the island to home, all on one ticket).
That being said, I think Santorini would be a good island for them. Three days there is a good amount of time and it's a popular place, so there are several flights a day. They can find a spectacular hotel, especially since price isn't a concern.
But I think an even better idea would be for them to take advantage of the wonders of Turkey. Take a short flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia for 2 or 3 nights, and see the incredible landscape, and maybe take a hot air balloon ride. Then a short flight to Izmir for 2 nights, and visit Ephesus. If they're interested in history and culture, they will find these two places fascinating. Then another short flight back to Istanbul and home.
I'd suggest you find some photos/websites of these three places ... Santorini, Cappadocia and Ephesus ... and let them decide what appeals the most.
Posted by
NH (USA)
1267 posts
Crete is Greece's largest island and would take weeks if not longer to fully explore and enjoy.
With 5 days it would just be a tease of what the island has to offer.
While the islands are indeed lovely with numerous ones to select from the mainland has just as much to offer if not more.
If your friends want a wonderful experience that is filled with some of the best World Class Archeological/Historic Sites in Greece then head for the Peloponnese rather than an island.
Nafplio is the perfect town to base oneself as it's close enough to many sites to take easy day trips. It has a beautiful Old Town right on the water and has numerous options for services.
Check out the best website for Nafplio and you and your friends will find more than enough to fill the 5 days available.
https://visitnafplio.com/
Posted by
NC
472 posts
Have not been to Izmir, but strongly second the suggestion of Cappadocia. Also recommend the underground city of Derinkuyu. We did 9-10 days in Istanbul and Cappadocia. It was a favorite trip!