We are two senior travelers. We have been to Athens, Mykonos, Santorini and Crete. The Question is which Island next. Looking to travel 3-4 days in June 2026. We are not really beach people. We like sightseeing, old towns, restaurants and shopping. Will be flying from Dubrovnik. Any suggestions?
Posted by
France Southwest
3344 posts
Since there are no direct flights from Dubrovnik to any Greek island, at least not in June, you'll have to go through Athens, which leaves you with a choice of over 100 islands, each offering sightseeing, old towns, restaurants, and shopping.
The only deciding factor might be shopping. What specific kind of shopping are you looking for?
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3632 posts
Another option is to fly into ATH and immediately head for NAFPLIO -- 2.5 hours away on modern divided highway along the seaside, but lilke a world away. Over the Corinth Canal into the Peloponnese, on the tip of a Peninsula and surrounded by the sea, it is considered the most beautiful Old Town in all Greece. Historic, beautifully preserved Florentine Architecture, a level seafront area, with stairstep streets to a hillside palisade. Wonderful small restaurants, chic shops, history everywhere you look. It was called "the proposal capital of Greece" because so many men bring their sweethearts there for the Big Ask. Once you epxerience a sunset from the harbor there (better than any in Santorini) you'll see why.
Here, thanks to top RS contributor & photo ace, "stanbr", are photo highlights of Old Town & historic surrounding areas: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/sets/72157632094108982/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/48866176952/in/album-72157711323535897/
This wonderful NONcommercial website -- http://www.visitnafplio.com/ -- tells everything you need to know... click every link! It's totally reliable constantly updated, BEST suggestions for sightseeing, where to stay, eat shop. Even how to get there!
If you don't favor driving (tho highwys modern & level), you can take a modern attractive intercity KTEL Bus (a/c, all reserved-seating, upholstered lean-back seats w headrests/footrests). They go every 2 hrs or so...TO do so, taxi in 20 mins to the KIffisou Terminal . At ticket table ask for LH seats for best view. If you prefer driving, get rental car at airport, and go without a stop or a turn for most of w ay, over Corinth Canal. 2/3 of way there, turn south thru citrus orchards & olive groves to the sea. H I 've used both car & bus and enjoyed the ride both times. ere are maps of Peoloponnese and the Airport - to Canal to clarify the route.
https://www.greeceathensaegeaninfo.com/a-ath/maps/07-greater-athens3-lg.jpg
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/greece/which-island-af85148c-355d-410b-ae33-8568c3727aa8/replies/new
Posted by
433 posts
I agree with the suggestion of Rhodes, but the old town, not the rest of the island by the beaches.
We had five nights there in October and only once walked along a beach, that wasn't why we were there.
There was shopping, great food and more history than you need.
We spent one day on a private island tour, for yet more history at Ancient Kamiros, the Acropolis of Lindos and an ancient stadium at Monte Smith.
Naxos might also work, we had four nights there and again, never went near a beach and had plenty to do in the town and with one full day tour.
Posted by
Maryland
21 posts
Greetings Easy Traveler. You don’t say whether or not you are comfortable driving in Greece. Janet provided a detailed reply about Nafplio. I absolutely adore Nafplio for all the reasons Janet described and have been there several times. You could also consider visiting Delphi or Meteora, either driving yourself or with a tour. Any of these options would be great for 3-4 days to/from Athens. I am assuming you are then departing from Athens after the 3-4 days?
If you do go to an island and intend to depart from Athens for the trip home (where ever that is), don’t forget to budget travel time to get to the island and back. Happy travels!