Will be in Athens the 25th-28th of June. Am wondering if there is someplace I should absolutely see before leaving Greece (an add-on at the end of my trip). I am looking at Santorini, but was also wondering if there is someplace on the mainland that I should consider instead. I like archeology, would prefer staying in a room in a house rather than a large hotel (like a B & B, for example), want to sample the local foods and would prefer interaction with locals, and am not interested in wild nightlife for this trip anyway! Thanks for any suggestions! I am a senior single woman, so would like safety to be taken into consideration.
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3147 posts
Santorini would be an excellent place to end your trip if you want to see an amazing island and enjoy the great views and food. Flying takes 30 minutes and the ferries take between 5-8 hours depending on the ferry and the route. But if you want to stick to the mainland go to Nafplio. You can get there by bus in about 2.5 hours from Central Athens. Catch the bus from Terminal A / Stathmos Kiffisos in Athens for around €13.
http://www.rome2rio.com/s/Athens/Nafplio
http://www.visitnafplio.com/visitnafplio.com/Map_Transport.html
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thanks so much, Lee! I'll definitely look into Nafplio before deciding!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Nafplio is a lovely town for hanging out, strolling, or enjoying one of Greece's beach-front coffee spots with big, comfy couches. From there, Epidavros and Mycenae are great destinations for daytrips by bus, but bus schedules are sparse, so confirm the plan at the bus station.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you for the heads-up on the bus schedule thing, Laura!
Posted by
franktown, colorado
2252 posts
I have been to both places and either would be an excellent choice. If you choose Santorini, try to see the small museums (Museum of Prehistoric History of Thera and Archaeological Museum) located in in the island's capital, Fira. They are amazing! Of course, you have to weigh the plane vs bus transportation differences and decide what's best for you. Which ever option you decide, you won't be wrong!!
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you, Andi!
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thanks to all the suggestions I have decided to go to Nafplio for my free days. Have booked rooms at the Byron and at Agamemnon Hotel and Harmony Luxury Rooms and I think at the Marianna. : P ! Are any or all of these close to the bus station, since I will be coming by bus from Athens? And any recommendations about these places would be appreciated, so I can cancel the no-gos. Will I have much trouble with no Greek speaking or reading? Again, thanks to any and all that are willing to give their time and advice!
Posted by
franktown, colorado
2252 posts
The only one I can speak to is the Pension Marianna. The brothers who own this place are wonderful hosts, helpful and friendly. They welcomed us with glasses of freshly squeezed lemonade and big smiles. The place itself is located above the town and has lovely views from the breakfast terrace. The room we were given was...um...unusual in that it was very much like a cave with the bed set into one of the rock walls. Interesting, to say the least! Our room opened out into a communal courtyard filled with flowering plants and trees. Each room was lovely and unique. Those across from ours all had small balconies and fabulous views out to the Gulf. I would highly recommend the Marianna and definitely stay there again. Where ever you decide to book, you will enjoy your stay in Nafplio; it's a lovely little town! I am sorry but I don't remember exactly where the bus station is so can't help you there. Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Hi, Andi!
Thank you once again for your help. The information is great! I did get an answer from another traveler about the bus station, so it's all good! I'm excited! Again, thanks for taking time to help.
Posted by
5 posts
A NEED OF ADVICE;
\ We will be staying in PLAKA district in Early September. We will be cking out of our hotel early am on Friday and will need to go to catch a ferry to Santorini.
ANY SUGGESTIONS;
As to how to get to Piraeus?
As for which ferry and how long of a ride ?
Thank you,
bill
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3147 posts
On the edge of the Plaka at the intersection of Athinas Street and Mitropoleos Street (Mitropoleos leads to Syntagma Square), is the Monastiraki Metro Station. The Green Line train will take you from Monastiraki directly to the Piraeus Port metro station in 20 minutes, and you'll be just meters away from the Blue Star Ferry, which departs at 7:30am for Santorini every day. The trip takes approximately 8 hours. The Green Line begins daily operation somewhere around 5-5:30am.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
You will love Nafplio... it is charming and the walk down by the sea is amazing. It's a great place to just chill out and enjoy for a few days. I can't remember what hotel I stayed at, but it looks like you are already booked. I would go back there again in a minute. I loved just sitting at a café by the sea and soaking it all in....also a wonderful gelato place...:))