Needing suggestions to fill 5 days in Greece. Nafplion? Hydra?
Husband and I are coming off a Greek island cruise in early September. We’ll have 2 days/nts in Athens and are looking for low key (more romantic) suggestions for 5 days/5 nts following. We will rely on public transportation.
Have heard lots of great things about Nafplio and Hydra. Other not too far suggestions?
Thank you!
Posted by
Irving
3226 posts
Is five days four nights? Hydra is a day trip from Athens and if you go during the summer expect Hydra to be hot because there is no breeze. You also have to hike to get to the beaches.
Nafplio has a beach so I believe that’s what you’re looking for. One day you can rent a car and visit Epidavros and the Lion Gate.
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Thanks Mary Pat. Sorry for the confusion. I edited some updates into my original posting.
Posted by
23 posts
Having just got back from a 15 day trip in Greece. I think the closest/ more romantic and laid back island that I visited and LOVED was Naxos. Was much more laid back than the bigger ones. Inexpensive yet full of awesome things to do and see. It was gave us one of the best sunsets of the trip
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Thank you!
Posted by
Indiana
923 posts
Naxos is wonderful; laid back and relaxing. I agree with the previous poster that the sunsets are gorgeous. I am not sure about the island's public transportation options. We did not have a car, so we engaged the services of a private guide for a one day tour that was phenomenal. We stayed at Hotel Grotta, easy walking distance to Naxos town and the other parts of the island that we wanted to see.
Posted by
Moncton NB
1117 posts
Hydra was our favourite place in Greece, mainly because it is car free. Its so nice to sit in the cafes and tavernas around the harbour and to stroll along the paths around the town. We stayed two nights there and wished for more.
Quoting from my post in another recent thread:
Can recommend hotel, Pensione Alkionides (https://www.alkionidespension.com/); and highly recommend restaurant Xeri Elia Douskos (no website, but if you Google it, you'll find it). Great food under shade trees in a quiet square, with Greek music; two of us ate and drank for EUR 35.
Not true that you have to hike to beaches; there are water taxis; but the hikes are fun, particularly to Vlichos.
Posted by
NH (USA)
1222 posts
I've been to Hydra and Naxos and both are very nice.
However, if you want a real nice island that is closer to the mainland and has everything a Greek Island has to offer without the hordes of tourists and high prices then check out Aegina.
Nice main town on the waterfront, lovely seaside villages, ancient olive grove in the middle of the island, abandoned Byzantine Village in the hills, one of the best preserved temple in Greece, Pistachio Capital of Greece and just a real nice vibe.
Nothing wrong with Hydra or Naxos but they do attract crowds.
Naxos would offer more for 5 days as it's the largest of the Cyclades while Hydra is much smaller with less options but with no vehicles allowed on the island you won't be dodging cars and scooters, maybe a donkey or two!
Check out this website for Aegina especially the videos: