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First-time visit to Greece--only four days!

I will be traveling with my mother and sister from Italy to Athens and back, for four short days at the end of May. None of us have ever visited Greece before, and I am looking for some direction as to how to allocate our time. We would like to spend most of our time visiting the islands. My mother has heard great things about Cypress? Please advise, and thank you so much!

Posted by
7448 posts

Four Days is very short. You are absolutely looking at flying to your destination as opposed to a Ferry, otherwise two or more of your days will be spent travelling. Look for destinations to fly to easily first, then compare. If you want islands, I'll be honest, you are looking realistically at only one island. Some Ideas: Athens, with side trips to the Peloponnese, Delphi, or the Saronic Gulf Islands. Crete, fly into either Heraklion or Chania. Santorini. Cyprus may be OK.

Posted by
1547 posts

Please note that Cyprus is not a part of Greece even though it has Greek culture. Also note that the island is divided between Cyprus and N. Cyprus (controlled by Turkey) with different formalities for entering and leaving each area.

Posted by
7448 posts

Arnold is correct, Cyprus is sort of in a limbo state, granted independence by Britain, but torn in two, part controlled by Turkey, the other influenced by Greece. From Greece, you would fly into Greek Cyprus, maybe not alot of opportunity to cross into Turkish Cyprus, depending on current conditions. This, in addition to other issues, continues to be a stumbling block to Turkeys admission to the EU.

Posted by
2 posts

Thanks so much for these replies! If you have further thoughts, please feel free to send them along.

Posted by
864 posts

The Isle of Hydra is a 2 hour ferry ride from Athens. No motor vehicles are allowed and it's a donkey driven economy. Many very pleasant walks - take a water taxi somewhere and walk back (not the reverse).