DH has decided that May 2014 will be Greece for 3 weeks or so (flexible). The poor man so rarely gets to decide where we go... We have the opportunity to spend 1 week in Paros. Mykonos and Santorini seem easy to get to from there - should we consider these as a day trip, or for a couple of nights? I would like to spend at least 5 nights in Crete as well... but where should we base ourselves? We would like to visit archeological sites and enjoy foodie experiences. I'm expecting to rent a car, both in Paros and Crete. Where else should we go? The Peloponnese and Rhodes beckon... but it will likely be one or the other. I'll also have to be careful in working out a sensible itinerary, using a mixture of flights to/from Athens (start or end) and ferries. I'm also kind of hoping to open jaw Athens/Istanbul, maybe... Any suggestions would be very welcome!
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3122 posts
THIS map will show you the ferry routes and the islands closest to Paros. Daytrips aren't usually advised unless you'd be satisfied with a very short stopover before you have to return to Paros. That said, there is a daytrip excursion boat from Paros to either Santorini or Delos/Mykonos. I suggest you plan to spend at least 3 nights on whichever island you choose so you can relax and get into the local rhythm. Santorini has excellent archaeological sites and wonderful restaurants. It's also famous for the wineries. Just don't try to spread yourselves too thin or you will be wasting a lot of time in transit between multiple destinations.
Posted by
OP
Ottawa
1446 posts
Thanks Lee!! That map will be very useful! You're confirming what I'm thinking: Mykonos, 3-4 days in Santorini, a minimum of 5 in Crete, in addition to the one week in Paros. Should I also consider Nexos and Ios? We will have at least 3 weeks to island hop between Paros/Santorini/Crete. In which order would you do them, if it were you? We are not yet set as to when we arrive and leave Greece, only as to when we shall be in Paros (May 10-17th). DH's birthday shall be on the 17th. I'm not that drawn to staying on Mykonos, except for visiting Delos. I'll have to consider the merits of Mykonos before I decide to spend 2-3 days there. Maybe in May, it won't seem like such a party zone? Would you have a place to stay to suggest in Mykonos and in Santorini? Again, sas efharisto poli!
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3122 posts
I'm not a fan of Mykonos and all the uber high-dollar commercialism disguised as a retro jet-setter's paradise. €15 cocktails? No thanks. And I definitely don't recommend it as a daytrip. As I've already said, you need a minimum of 3 nights to really get into the rhythm of an island, and longer if possible. You don't need to go to Mykonos to get to Delos. There is a daytrip excursion boat that originates on Naxos and stops at Paros on the way to Delos. It also stops in Mykonos Town for a couple of hours so you can have a look around. But if you do want to stay there I suggest Mykonos Thea as long as you don't want to be right in the middle of all the "action". You'll need a rental car to stay there. You need a minimum of a week on Crete with a rental car just to scratch the surface. It's a huge island. If you want to visit archaeological sites on Crete I suppose staying in or near Heraklion would be best, but it's not a very pleasant town. It's big and busy and not at all charming. Stay in Chania instead. The later in the month you go to Greece the better the weather will be. Start in Paros, then make your way to Santorini and then to Crete, then back to Athens for your time in the Peloponnese. Save Turkey for another time. It's an amazing country deserving of your full attention with enough time to see more than just Istanbul. I think your time will fly by if you stick with 3 islands and the mainland.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3321 posts
Lee has laid out a very good sequence. He has also pointed out the day-trip option to reach Delos. It gives you plenty of time on that island, enough time on Mykonos to enjoy strolling the picturesque lanes of Mykonos Town, then gets you back to Paros by 6:30 pm or so. I share his lukewarm feelings about Mykonos (on basis of 3 visits, not all voluntary)Even in May,cruise crowds fill the town in shop-shop-shop mode. Do day trip (HM Alexandros is best choice), snap photos, then allocate your time for more serene, rewarding places. As a May visitor myself, I agree that weather improves thru the month. I gather you have use of a Paros house specifically from May 11-17, so 11th is the start date. Do be aware, the sea will be BRISK; but Canadians are hardy! and it will be fine for sunning. Then Santorini (18th-20th), then ferry to Crete 5:25pm (20th eve - 25?). With a car, you can do LOTS in 5 days; I have. Then 26th AM flight to ATH from Chania,rental car, to Nafplio in Argolid (26 - 28th), then back AM 29th for 2-3 days in athens. When u want hotel suggestions, please post new query, with your budget range per night in €; otherwise people may give unrealistic suggestions. NOTE: Santo & Ath are the most expensive; crete about 40% less in May.
Posted by
OP
Ottawa
1446 posts
Thank you both, Janet and Lee! You have given me a solid frame to start fleshing out. It is much appreciated!
I'm also very pleased to see that a day trip to Delos/Mykonos is a good option for us. Now I just need to figure out how/where to allocate time. :-) I will come back with specific questions, as planning progresses over the year. The most important now is done - committing to the initial week in Paros.