First off, let me say that my wife and I are pretty well-traveled. We have seen a lot of Roman and a lot of Greek ruins outside of Greece, i.e., France, Sicily, Italy, and a few more. That said, this trip to Greece, we want to see the Acropolis, obviously, and a few other sites in Athens, but aside from that, I don't think we are too interested in ruins. The trip I am planning is as follows. Fly to Athens, spend 3 nights. Rent a car and drive to Nafpoli and spend 3 nights. Drive back to Athens, return the car, and fly to Crete. Spend 6 nights at a beach hotel in Nea Chora outside of Chania's old town. Have a rental car for day trips in western Crete. Fly to Rhodes and spend 4 nights in the old town to unwind before heading home. We want a fairly relaxing trip this time, and I think this works well. Any comments are always appreciated. Thanks, and keep traveling like RS says
Posted by
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
1660 posts
Where are you coming from? If it is transatlantic you will have to get over jet lag. Many experienced travellers to Greece suggest you get to your first island the day you arrive in Greece. Consider making a connection in to Chania and start your trip there. Then fly to Rhodes and fly back to Athens. There are two reasons for this itinerary. Crete is a better place to get over jet lag and Chania is an ideal place to base yourself for west Crete. Secondly by dong Athens last you will be on the mainland the day before your return flight. While its not common,stuff can happen and its easier to get by if you are in Athens rather than an island where you have to rely on ferries or flights.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thank you for your insightful comment. The layout you put forth is perhaps the way I should plan this. It won’t make a difference which order we do it so your way might be better. I will have to take a close look at the connections etc. I appreciate you sharing.
Posted by
45 posts
I am a Athens first person. We fly from Seattle and the flights and jet lag are tough. I like doing Athens first and then flying out to Crete. ( or on alternate years we do the Peloponnese.) The night before our flight home we come back to Athens and stay at the Sofitel. Expensive but so convenient. ( Also our home flights usually depart at the crack of dawn.) I also find the western side of Crete over touristed and not to our liking. We always go East.... use Aghios Nikolaos as a base and explore from there. I would skip Rhodes....and stay on Crete .... there is so much to see and do and maybe think of dividing your time between Western Crete and Eastern Crete.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thanks for your advice. Gives me something to consider as far as Rhodes goes. I'm assuming you have your reason for saying skipping it altogether.... From what I have heard its a beautiful island....