I've heard that some of the islands' restaurants and shops aren't open in the off season. Which islands will have hotels, restaurants and shops open March 25-April 5? We have a brief stay on Santorini and Mykonos. I'm wondering if we should just extent our time on one of these islands or consider adding Naxos? I also hoping to get to Rhodes and Istanbul. How many days should I give to these to cities? We will probably fly to both Rhodes & Istanbul. Thanks for your input.
Posted by
5002 posts
You have ten days total? I think you need to omit Rhodes. I would argue with your time frame that Greece and Turkey should be two different trips, but you could get a brief glimpse of Istanbul. Are you spending any time in Athens or just passing through?
Posted by
Washington DC
28128 posts
I spent about 3 weeks in Istanbul last year. Loved it. But it's a very intense experience, and the airport is a long slog from the center of the city. You really need to do some pre-trip planning before heading to Istanbul. Frankly, I don't think it's a good add-on for a 10-12 day trip to Greece.
Posted by
OP
Baltimore, MD
6 posts
Our tour ends 3/24 and we want to add a "to be determined" extra time after the tour. We will have already been to Athens. I'm thinking we add 3 nights to Santorini, 2-3 nights in Rhodes and 3 nights in Istanbul. My husband is concerned about safety in Turkey, but I'm hoping to get to the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar. Thanks for your thoughts.
Posted by
Washington DC
28128 posts
I had no safety concerns in Istanbul other than pedestrian-safety issues. Be prepared for really crowded sidewalks and streets. Watch the motorized traffic very carefully. Take normal care of your personal belongings as you would in any other large, crowded city.
I urge you to hit the Grand Bazaar in the morning. It's a non-smoking area, but the customers ignore that rule, and the atmosphere was extremely unpleasant for me in the afternoon.
You didn't mention the Topkapi Palace, but that was a highlight for me. One could spend practically the entire day there.
Choose your lodging wisely, depending on your comfort level with bazaar-like surroundings.
Posted by
5002 posts
This is why the more detailed information you can provide, the better. It is vital info that you are finishing off a tour in Greece that includes Athens. Are the Santorini and Mykonos stays part of that tour? I still am not clear on the timeline.
I use Skyscanner to check intra-European flights. If there is a flight to one of those islands to Istanbul, that would be marvelous. Otherwise you will be going back and forth to Athens.
A week in Istanbul would not be too much. Are flights booked? Turkish air often has good fares.
Posted by
Santorini
5 posts
Hello Maria,
My name is George, and I’m a Santorini resident. Based on my experience, the time you’re planning to visit Greece—March 25 to April 5—is a wonderful period to explore the islands. The only potential challenge might be the weather, which can be a bit unpredictable, but that applies to all areas in Greece. Generally, the southern parts of the country, like Crete and Santorini, enjoy milder winters and pleasant springs.
Santorini in Late March/Early April
Nearly everything will be open by this time, as the island prepares for the tourist season.
Activities like wine tasting, catamaran tours, and hiking will be available and enjoyable in the cooler weather.
It’s a quieter time to visit, making it perfect for soaking in the views without large crowds.
Mykonos
While I’m not an expert on Mykonos, it’s worth noting that the island’s charm in this season lies in its traditional beauty and quieter ambiance. However, if you’re visiting Mykonos primarily for its famous beach clubs and party scene (like Scorpios), you’ll want to check with individual establishments, as some may still be closed during this period.
Considering Naxos
If you’re thinking about adding Naxos, it’s a great choice! Naxos is lively year-round due to its local population, so you’ll find plenty of restaurants, shops, and cultural activities open. It’s an island with a more authentic Greek vibe and beautiful villages to explore, and it pairs well with your visits to Santorini and Mykonos.
If you’re looking to simplify your itinerary, I’d suggest spending more time in Santorini and Naxos, while keeping 3-4 days each for Rhodes and Istanbul. This way, you’ll balance relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion.
For Rhodes and Istanbul, flying is indeed the best way to maximize your time. Here’s how I’d recommend allocating your days:
Feel free to reach out with more questions—I’d be happy to help!
Best regards,
George
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15794 posts
I was on Naxos in 2019 for the 3rd week in October and a lot of the "tourist things" were closing down. There was one tour operator with limited bus tours. I had hoped for a boat tour to Delos/Mykonos but all boat tours had ended for the season. Some shops had already closed and I was the last guest of the year in my apt. The air and water temps were still warm enough for enjoyable bathing and sunning. In March I'd expect the water to be icy cold.
If cruise ships are visiting, then Santorini will be doing brisk business. On the other hand I spent over a week on Crete, mostly Chania, a couple nights in Heraklion. Wonderful!! You could easily spend all your time there.
I'll echo acraven: there is so much to see and do in Istanbul, consider if it would be worthwhile to fly there for only 3 nights.
If you end your trip in Istanbul, will you have to fly back to Athens to get home? Or would you fly open-jaw on Turkish Air to Athens, with a layover in Istanbul?