Hello! Im planning a trip to Greece for 2 weeks. Im not sure yet exact dates, but it will either be Spring, Fall or early Winter (November). Here is my tentative itinerary.
• Friday - flight to Athens
• Saturday - sleep in Athens
• Sunday - travel to Santorini
• Monday - Santorini
• Tuesday - Santorini
• Wednesday - travel to Naxos
• Thursday - Naxos
• Friday - Naxos
• Saturday - Naxos
• Sunday - travel to Nafplio
• Monday - Nafplio
• Tuesday - Nafplio
• Wednesday - travel to Athens
• Thursday - Athens
• Friday - Athens
• Saturday - Athens
• Sunday - fly back home
Could you please advise if that’s doable or if I should rearrange anything. My main goal is to just chill, walk around town, enjoy great food and learn more about the place.
Also, what’s the best way to travel from one place to another? Im open to flying for instance from Athens to Santorini, ferry ride from one place to another, and also renting a car. Do we need a car to explore Nafplio, Santorini, and Naxos? Thanks!
Posted by
France Southwest
1820 posts
Your itinerary is completely doable
But when you arrive, try to take a flight to Santorini, this will save you an unnecessary first night in Athens.
And if you can skip this first night add it to Naxos.
Santorini: 3 nights is reasonable to see what 99% of tourists come to see. If you are part of the 99% you won't really need a car
From Santorini to Naxos you will have no choice: it's by ferry (2 hours by conventional ferry)
Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades (and one of the RS forum's favorites).
Depending on what you want to do/see and where your accommodation will be, a car will be essential or unnecessary. There is a decent bus service.
Personally, I prefer deserted beaches and quiet places. In Naxos I get as far away as possible from Naxos Town and the nearby surroundings, so I rent a car and go where I want when I want.
Other people prefer to stay not far from Naxos Town and take a bus ride or two to see other places on the island.
It's still up to you to choose
From Naxos to Nafplio you will have to return to Athens.
Returning to Athens by ferry you will probably not be at Piraeus port before 3 p.m. Instead, take a Naxos→Athens flight, rent a car at the airport and head to Nafplio straight away (2 h drive)
3 nights in Nafplio is perfect.
4 nights in Athens is also good if you want to explore the city a little more, Athens is not just a collection of archaeological sites and museums.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7369 posts
If you just want to chill and stroll within Nafplio, a car won’t be needed, or even desirable. From Nafplio, we made day trips to Mycenae, Epidavros, and Nemea, and having a rental car worked well for us. Whether there are tour companies that would take you to places outside of Nafplio, we didn’t research.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA
41 posts
Thanks for the tips, since I haven’t booked my flight yet and not sure what time we’ll arrive in Athens, that’s why Im tentatively planning to spend a night there. Sounds like we may not need a car, but once I lock in dates then I will reassess.
Posted by
France Southwest
1820 posts
I forgot to mention to avoid November.
From mid October uncertain weather, many restaurants/accommodations closed, fewer flights, fewer ferries.
(but however, fewer people and lower prices)
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA
41 posts
Thanks, November is always risky but I also like the low crowd and good prices during off season. So hopefully Fall will be the cutoff for me.