Hi all, We will be in Sicily in mid-March and want to visit Greece after that. From reading, it is clear there are many places are closed or have limited hours. What are you suggestions for what are worthwhile destinations outside of Athens during this timeframe? We are in our late 60's, experienced travelers and will be using public transportation. The comments I've read in response to others' questions are most interesting and helpful. Many thanks in advance.
Posted by
11569 posts
I would visit charming Napflion on the Peloponneasean Peninsula and use it as a base for exploring the surrounding antiquities.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8048 posts
Generally, the main sights on the mainland are open, Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Delphi, Meteora, plus the Athens sites.
The Islands are just getting going, but Santorini is year round anymore, Crete stays pretty active, and bigger islands like Naxos are pretty good.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7937 posts
Greek Orthodox Easter is a week earlier this year than last. but you’ll still miss being there for it. If you base yourself in Napflio that Suki mentions, prime sights nearby include Nemea, Epidavros, and Mycenae. We had a rental car, so I’m not positive what reaching them by public transportation would involve. Is a hired guide, with transportation, worth considering?
And while those locations are south of Athens, to the west are Delphi, Galaxidi, and farther west, Archaea Olympia, where Olympic Games were held millennia ago. On Sicily, you’ll have been where ancient Greek society temples are in the best condition these days. Would you consider going to another big island, Crete, with remains from the even older Minoan civilization? For our visit to Crete, we also. had a rental car, so I can’t say how easy using public transportation would be.
Posted by
4959 posts
Scope out the logistics of a Nafplio visit with public transport.
Also consider Thessaloniki.
Posted by
OP
20 posts
Many, many thanks for all the great comments. It is greatly appreciated.