Hello. My wife and I are planning to go to Greece in mid- to late- September for 10-12 days possibly and wanted to get recommendations and help. We wanted to spend 2 or 3(?) days in Athens, a day trip to Delphi, side trips to Corinth, Mycenae, and Epidarus. Not sure about driving in Greece, even though I know you have more freedom. Would a tour site like Viator be good? Also, we wanted to spend a couple of relaxing days on an island. Is Santorini a good choice? Is taking a ferry from Athens a good option? Can you buy tickets there, or should you purchase them a head of time? Based on time constraints, is there time for another island also? What do people consider the best of the islands to see? Thanks for any help.
Posted by
Haslett, MI, United States
26 posts
I'd encourage you to rent a car. Driving in Greece (outside of Athens) isn't bad at all, and it would make seeing the sights you want to see that much easier. Based on the sights you mentioned, I'd recommend spending 2 or 3 days in Athens, then renting a car and driving up to Delphi. Either stay a night in Delphi or maybe go down to Corinth. From there, I'd highly recommend basing yourself in Napflio for a few days; Mycenae and Epidaurus are easy side trips from there, and Napflio is a beautiful town. As for islands, we did Crete for a couple nights (basing ourselves in Chania). I'm sure Santorini and Mykonos would be good options as well though, and probably a bit more relaxing than Crete. You should have 4-5 days to explore some islands based on your mainland itinerary, so you should be able to fit in a couple islands if you so choose. Taking a ferry from Athens is probably going to be your best option (a flight might be possible, depending on the island). Since you're going in September, I'm sure you could easily buy tickets in Athens when you're there, although it'll probably be the same price if you buy them online beforehand.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
Second the above poster... There are tours that take you to those places, but you'll probably get more out of renting a car and driving on your own and your timing will be more efficient. Definitely stay a couple nights in Nafplio, it is a wonderful town and the other sights are within easy driving distance from there (or on your way to/from Athens). Another recommendation if you have a car is to stop at Hosios Loukas Monastery near Delphi. It can be tricky to find but worth it for Byzantine architecture and stunning mosaics. Driving in Greece is pretty easy as long as you stay outside central Athens. You MUST have an IDP to drive and even rent a car in Greece.
Posted by
OP
Alexandria, VA, USA
20 posts
Thanks for the suggestions!