Tips on Greece
If you have any tips on Greek hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, fun activities or creative angles on enjoying the art and culture (especially in Athens and the Peloponnesian Peninsula), we’d love your help. Thanks! Rick
- Please don't post questions here. Use our Travelers Helpline.
Delphi Site Closure
Most of the Main archeological site at Delphi was closed when we were there including the temple of Appollo and the theater at the top of the hill. THere was lose rock falling on the site from the cliffs above. The other sites in the area were OK!! No info was availble as to when it would open!!
Marvin Smith <email>
Naperville, Il USA 10/11/2009
Young Women Traveling Alone
I just returned from my nine day holiday on Santorini, and it was amazaing!! I had purchased a couple of Rick's books on traveling in Europe and found that they had very sound advice that made my trip more enjoyable and, especially, easier. They were able to prepare me for things that could have caused my trip to be more tiring and stressful: the walking, flight tactics, and learning to speak some of the local language. It DEFINITELY helps to be able to speak to the locals in their own tongue as they appreciate the effort, even if it's not a great one. I noticed that I received service with a smile rather than the cold-shoulder eyeing to make sure that I wasn't shoplifting while shopping.
Also, I'm a 23-year-old woman that was traveling alone, so I received more attention from the men in the area. Especially, when they found out that I was alone and single. The local men enjoy a good sweet-talking, and I was more than happy to let them! LOL Of course, it's smart to keep your radar on for safety reasons and not to just wonder off with a stranger. The best part was renting a quad(ATV)for only 25 euros a day. It got me around the island everywhere I wanted to go, and the gas was REALLY cheap. Though there wasn't many signs, I didn't have any trouble getting around. I was worried before going out as the three maps I had located areas differently and there wasn't a scale in the legend. Once I was out and about, all anxiety washed away. I just went where the wind blew me and enjoyed the views along the way. Besides, it would have been VERY difficult to get lost on such a small island.
I stayed at the Mediterrranean Royal Hotel (www.medhotel.gr) and it was AWESOME! I had a great view from my room, it was extremely safe(I even left money out to see if it would get taken and I never had to worry), and they had their own private beach. There was a market nearby that sold anything I forgot or needed, and the sister hotel also had a gift shop. The best part of it all was the all inclusive program. There are too many perks to mention, but the highlight is that you can get all meals(buffet style) and local drinks(including alcohol) for only 35 euros a day. Beat that Rachel Ray! And it's a good buffet, not like an all you can eat restaraunt you'll find in America.
Things I would have done differently:
-got all of my euros before I left or used the atm vs. using my card in multiple stores
-NOT flown american. I can't say this for all American airlines, but US Airways was disappointing. My small flight out of Athens(Aegean Air) to the island had a bigger plane than the boeing that I flew internationally. Besides, I read an article before I left informing me that American planes are usually twice as old as the rest of the world. ;(
-I would have rented a quad for the whole trip.
April <email>
WV USA 09/27/2009
Crete March-April 2009
Early this spring I returned to Greece and Crete for the first time in 35 years. The Hera Hotel south of the Acropolis was a good hotel in a great location--could walk to everything. Stayed there 2 nights at the beginning and at the end of my visit, and I would stay there again. The focus of my trip was Iraklion, Crete, where I had lived 40 years ago. Whe making my plans, I had decided not to stay at an Iraklion hotel with other tourists, and I did not want to stay a modern villa in an isolated location. I wanted to live like a local and experience village life. Kalimera Archanes Village met my requirements and exceeded my expectations. It was a good choice for me, but if you want bars, beach, and party life it is not a good choice for you. I had a rental car, but you can get a bus at the main bus station in Iraklion down by the harbor. The buses leave at the top of the hour both ways and take about a half hour--buy 2 tickets, one for each way or you can buy a return ticket at the grocery store visible from the bus stop. There are 3 location of Minoan ruins near the village, but go to Knosses for the best. Walk around the village, visit the shops, stop in a chapel and see the icons, walk down to the church and the WWII memorial, have lunch in the main square and spend a lazy afternoon. Many local agencies run tours from Iraklion to Archanes, but you can easily do it yourself. Kalimera Archanes Village is actually three renovated houses in a garden run as a hotel. It is located in the center of town, off the main street down a foot path in a convenient location and I walked everywhere. There are no big hotels in Archanes, you have to rent a house or a room. My stay lasted 4 weeks and it was wonderful--a great place for those who want an escape vacation--my best vacation ever!!
June MacKenzie <email>
Cromwell, CT USA 07/22/2009
Greece: Athens & The Cyclades (June 2009)
Just returned from Greece visiting Athens, Mykonos, Naxos and Santorini. Mid to late June is the perfect time to visit as you can benefit from the warm weather and avoid crowds and higher prices. I highly recommend working with Fantasy Travel, a local Greek Travel Agency, to plan your trip. You can find them online at: http://www.fantasy.gr.
We flew into Athens and took advantage of the fast boats to travel to each of the islands. We flew back to Athens from Santorini on one of the regional airlines to connect with out flight back to the states.
Athens -- stayed at Electa Hotel on Ermou Street near Syntagma Square and the Plaka. Four-star hotel in a central location, room safes, polite staff and good breakfast buffet. The Acropolis Museum just opened the week before we arrived in Athens and admission tickets were sold out several days in advance. Definitely look into advance purchase as I'm sure the museum will remain quite popular.
Mykonos -- stayed at Petassos Beach Resort and enjoyed it immensely. The hotel is an ideal location because it is a short stroll to the beach. If you want to visit one of the other 5 local beaches such as Paradise or Super Paradise, you can catch one of the water taxis from here as well. The mini market next door sells bus tickets for 1.40 euro each way to Mykonos Town, which was a 10 minute ride from the hotel. Mykonos Town is very much a party scene and most of the shops stay open until about 3:00 am. Nikos Taverna or any of the restaurants in Little Venice are good choices for lunch or dinner.
Naxos -- stayed at Lagos Mare Hotel. The staff was very friendly and attentive, overall the accommodations were adequate. Naxos is known for its agriculture and beaches--pretty much the opposite of Mykonos. If you are looking for a very quiet island, Naxos is a good choice. The port area has nice tavernas and little shops. Highly recommend Picasso Mexican restaurant for dinner if you want a break from Greek cuisine. You can also buy bus tickets to the port for 1.40 euro each way or just take a taxi since fares are pretty cheap.
Santorini -- stayed at Volcano View Hotel on the caldera and was very pleased. Breath-taking views, excellent staff, good buffet breakfast, and they offer free shuttle service to Fira just 10 minutes away. We tried to get into Ambrose & Nector in Oia for dinner, but this restaurant is very popular due to lots of positive press. Instead we ate at Pelecanos rooftop restaurant and were very pleased. It's a good idea to rent a car if you want to see more of the island such as the black and red sand beaches. Note that you can only get to the white sand beach by water taxi. Be aware that there are lots of dirt roads, no street names, and very few directional signs on Santorini which makes driving on the island interesting. Be prepared to stop and ask for directions often.
The most fun I had on the entire trip was chartering a catamaran cruise around the island through Blue Lagoon owned by Captain Ted Stathis. The cruises are semi-private with a maximum of 9-10 people and lasted 6 hours. The crew was fairly knowledgeable and told us all about the geography and history of the area as we sailed. We stopped first at white beach and the local hot springs for some swimming and then again near a little chapel built into the side of a tiny rock island in the middle of the Aegean. The crew made us a fantastic dinner on the boat while we continued to swim and watch the sunset. Blue Lagoon also offered free shuttle service to and from our hotel.
For additional recommendations and information about Greece, check out Matt Barrett's website: http://www.greektravel.com.
Mary Kay
Washington, DC USA 07/01/2009
Vamos, Crete
Four of us just spent three weeks in Greece in May 09 and had a great time, visiting Athens, Tinos, Crete and Nafplio, based on a combination of recommendations, including Rick's. Most of our stay was in self-catering apartments, our favourite accomodation as we get more space for less money. A highlight of the trip was a traditional cooking lesson in Vamos Crete (vamossa.gr for info) in an old converted stone building. We spent an enjoyable morning and early afternoon exploring the area following one of the best trail guides I have ever read, available at the travel agent above. Then it was on to the cooking lesson- rooster with pasta, Kalitsounis pies, Tzatziki, zucchini fritters, grape leaves with rice, and greek salad. It was all hands on with the guidance and help from our instructor Koula followed by eating our feast together with the bread, wine and dessert provided. A wonderful experience and meal. Recipes were provided and a cookbook was available though no sales pressure. We bought it and spent many evenings of our vacation afterwards repeating recipes we had prepared at the lesson and trying many new ones, hunting out ingredients in area markets. Altogether one of our best travel experiences.
Barb Farnworth
Kelowna, BC Canada 06/29/2009
GREECE May 2009
We found May to be a perfect time to be in Greece with great weather and no crowds. We began on the island of Santorini and much preferred the quieter village of Oia to Fira. We had a small clean room and a balcony with an incredible caldera view at the Delfini Villas for a very reasonable rate. http://www.delfinihotel.net/rent-rooms-santorini.html Rena & Sima are very welcoming, friendly & helpful and there is a bakery just steps across the marble walkway to get warm pastries to enjoy on the balcony. We had very good meals at the Blue Sky and Scala Tavernas and delicious greek pizza at Pizza Edwin.
On the island of Naxos we stayed at Pension Sofi where we were met at the ferry and warmly welcomed by Panos & his family with homemade wine and homegrown olives and cheese. Very economical, clean, quiet room - a short walk to the harbor or the beach. http://www.pensionsofi.gr We had good meals at Matimaximas (in the old port) and Irini's (harborfront) Tavernas.
On the island of Hydra we stayed at Pension Erofili on a quiet walkway a short walk from the harbor. http://www.pensionerofili.gr We had excellent meals at the very appropriately named Sunset restaurant, Taverna Gitoniko/Manolis & Christina and delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine at Bratsera. The hikes to Kamini (1.5 km) and Moni Profiti Ilia (2km UP) are rewarded with awesome views.
In Nafplio the Zoto Brothers' Pension Marianna was lovely and if we could arrange for weekly shipments of their breakfast yogurt, we would do so! http://www.pensionmarianna.gr We walked 2 minutes to the bus station every day for day trips to Epidavros, Korinth, & Mycenae and enjoyed sunset on the harbor every evening.
In Athens we stayed at Niki Hotel, a few blocks from both Syntagma and the Plaka http://www.nikihotel.gr We did all the usual tourist sites and also spent two days on a beautiful beach by riding the tram from Syntagma to Alimou. The only disappointment of our trip was when my Rick Steve's security passport holder was clipped from my neck (according to the police) on the subway between Syntagma & Omonia the last day of our trip. I had not tucked it inside my shirt, making it visible and more accessible... I learned the hard way causing an extended stay and time spent at the US Embassy. Having copies of my driver's license and passport expediated the process. Paper copies of the credit cards was essential also because we were canceling them within 10 minutes of getting off the subway... and they were already being used. That experience was partially my fault and I would travel to Greece again in a minute because most Greek people are kind, friendly and helpful and it is a beautiful country.
Jean Christensen
Fort Dodge, IA USA 06/27/2009
Wallet
Stay away from: Airotel Parthenon-6 Makri,Athens Greece
While I cannot prove my wallet was stolen from my hotel room, I can state the facts and let the reader decide. The problem began with I was given a room with a broken safe, I notified the front desk of this fact, and was told it would be fixed. It never was. For two days I was diligent about making sure that either I or my husband had the passports and wallets before leaving the room, but on the last day of my stay I accidentally left the wallet on the dresser. We were gone less then two hours and upon our return we noticed our room had been cleaned -- and my wallet was gone! I admit leaving my wallet out on the dresser was a stupid mistake (thank god I had my passport) but what kind of staff does this hotel hire that they (apparently) steal a wallet from a room?. I've been to four other countries within the E.U. and this has never happened to me before. I filed a police report at the local station, but we all know how much good that is going to do.
To ensure I was not somehow mistaken, we turned the room upside down, took bed linens off the bed, took the mattress and box springs off the bed to see if the wallet had fallen down within the bed, and tore apart every piece of our luggage. Nothing. When we got home, I took each piece of clothing, checking each and every pocket. We also checked each pocket of our luggage, but no wallet. I really wanted to be wrong about this, I have been sick with worry and extremely sad (crying since I left Greece) knowing that the only reasonable explanation is that someone with access to my hotel room stole my wallet.
The only thing this hotel did for us was let us use their phone to call our bank and credit cards. I received no apology and no monetary refund. This has cost me money and time, not to mention the fact that I have no drivers license or credit cards to pay for anything. Upon checking out of the hotel, the EXACT words from the women at the front desk was, "Well what can I say". What this hotel failed to realize was that this one act has destroyed my vacation. I won't remember Athens Greece for anything else except this.
Jen
Raleigh, NC USA 06/07/2009
Crete and Rhodes
We just returned from a 2 week vacation to Crete and Rhodes. This is the third time we have visited Greece. The first time was on the Rick Steves' tour and the second time we visited Santorini, Mykinos and Naxos. On these last 2 trips we initially used the Rick's travel consultants to decide the cities to see and the number of days to spend in each location. We then worked through a local Greek travel agency, Fantasy Travel, to set up the local travel arrangements, car rental, hotel arrangements and tranfers. We have only praise for Fantasy Travel as every transfer occurred on time and we got only the best choice of rooms at the hotels. They also got us a reasonable price for hotels which we otherwise could not have afforded.
As for Crete, Hania was clearly the highlight. We did the Samaria Gorge but beware this is not an afternoon stroll but rather a 6 hour strenuous hike for which proper foot ware is required. Sitia was a little too quite for us. Rethymnon and Agios Nickolas were good half day trips. We were disappointed in Heraklion mainly because of the graffiti that was on all walls. It is hard to say how much of this was as a result of their recent civil unrest this winter and how much is an on going problem. What is most disstressing to me was the Greek laissez faire attitude about it- basically saying boys will be boys. As American independent travelers we were definitely in the minority as they tell us most Americans come on large cruise ships. The Minoian remains at Knossos should not be missed.
In general, Rhodes, a much smaller island was more to our liking. We stayed in the old city of Rhodes for several nights at the Takis/Nikas Fashion Hotel and steps away from the Street of Knights. This hotel was entirely different from anything we experieced anywhere else in Greece.
In Lindos we visted the Acropolis- best outside of Athens, and with much fewer people! We suggest taking the donkies up and walking down. They were a lot of fun
Jon <email>
Amherst, NH USA 05/25/2009
Persons under age of 19 can enter all museum and archaeological sites for free!
We love Rick Steves books! We left for Greece in early May unfortunately before the recent book was released. One discovery we had while here was for our 18 yr old daughter came with us. All Persons under age of 19 can enter all museum and archaeological sites for free throughout Greece! We never carried identification with us although it would be recommended. They never asked for identification proof at any site or museum. We simply told them she was 18. There are also different days of week and certain holidays you can enter for free also. A good source for information is http://www.greektourism.gr/pages.php?pageID=14&langID=2 You simply drill down on the site for information and seems to be pretty up to date. Some hours may vary. Enjoy you trip!
Steve Smith <email>
Austin, Tx USA 05/24/2009
Athens Transport & Restaurants
I just got back from 2 days in Athens. The #3 tram line from the airport into the city is temporarily shut down. It is expected to be back in service in August 2009, but no guarantee! Take bus #94 or #95 into the city.
The airport IT is a great source of information and maps. The transportation map is especially useful, detailing all the metro and bus lines. You can get the maps from a wall rack even if the IT is not open.
The restaurant on top of the Grand Betange is superb, if pricey. Steve's taverna recommendations work out very well.
Tourist travel is down 20% or more, and there are lots of hotel and airfare bargains to be had. On the other hand, the December riots mean there is a strong police presence around most government offices.
We stayed at the GR Louis(formerly Andromeda) hotel near the US Embassy. Very clean, excellent breakfast. Good restaurants within walking distance, but you will metro or taxi to the sights. Metro has English stop announcements and good map of stops. Line #1 was also temporarily out of service when we were there, but it is supposed to be working now.
Bottled water is a bargan-E0.50!
Mike F
Houston, TX USA 05/13/2009
Rick's guidebook on Athens & Peloponnese
Rick's guidebook on Athens and the Peloponnese is finally on sale:
http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=13&id=400
T.
Seatte, WA USA 05/08/2009
Great interview by country singer Jewel on her favorite places....the Island of Rhodes being her favorite, and she tell you why....http://www.usatoday.com/travel/celebrity/2009-03-06-jewel_N.htm
USA 03/10/2009
Greece/Italy
Looking to travel from greece to italy from the states. any suggestions on transportation from greece to italy? or the other way around?
Stefani
Bellingham , Wa USA 03/10/2009
A nice little Greek Island
After you spend a few days in Athens, get on a slow ferry to the island of Sifnos!! Just a few hours from the port of Piraeus. We crossed in July and the weather was great. Sit and enjoy a cold Mythos. Sifnos, is out of a story book. Low key, great people, tasty food, breathtaking views. Rent a car and go exploring. We stayed in the city of Platy Yialos. A very good bargain. Can't wait to return. Forget Santorini and Mykonos get a taste of the real Greece (in our humble opinion).
Alfred Joseph <email>
Oxford, OH USA 02/07/2009
Athens in winter
This was from MSN website today: Athens has been chosen as one of the favorite spots to visit in the winter, here's the article:
ATHENS
Greece's capital city serves as much more than just a pre-party island pit stop — this ancient birthplace of democracy manages to effortlessly mix history with modernity, owing much of its present-day polish to its hosting of the 2004 Olympics. Sights like the iconic Acropolis and the theater of Dionysus come together with inventive Mediterranean cuisine and some of Europe’s best nightlife — it's easy to see why Athena and Poseidon once competed for power over this exciting metropol is.
Why go in winter: Lock in deals galore by visiting Athens in the winter. Cooler temperatures and sunny skies allow for comfortable exploration of outdoor antiquities. Tourist-trap restaurants close while authentic local eateries remain open.
USA 01/12/2009
Greece Fall 2008
Greece Travels late October & first of Nov 2008. Unfortunately Rick's book on Greece was not available but we did stay at several great hotels that we highly recommend. We did use the website booking.com that we found on Rick's website.
When we arrived by plane from the States about 2 hours later we took an Aegean Airlines flight to the island of Santorini. Flight is about an hour. We had our hotel there arrange for a taxi to meet us, which it did. Upon arrival at the hotel the owner met us at the top of the 2 open flights of stairs to the hotel called the Manos Apartments. He carried our luggage down for us. The lovely room with a separate seating area was one of the most physically comfortable one ever! We felt like it was brand new. There is an open terrace with tables & chairs overlooking the caldera. We were served a lovely breakfast on the terrace the next morning. We did rent a small car & it was a most convenient & cost effective way to see the island.
Our next stop was Athens. The Attalos Hotel was a GREAT location we could easily walk everywhere. Our room had a nice large balcony, roof bar with a view of the Acropolis, very helpful and friendly staff. It was also full of friendly Americans who agreed with us.
We drove to Nafplion, about a 2 hour trip to the south. Once we were out of Athens it was a fascinating and nice drive. In Nafplion we stayed at another wonderful small hotel, Family Hotel Latini. Room was beautifully decorated & for a woman had one of the nicest mirror setups for drying hair & applying makeup! Location was very convenient & the owners, a husband & wife, extremely nice & helpful. Possibly a down side for some is that there is no elevator. Lovely town lots to see such as the Palamide ruins/fort on top of the hill. Be sure to go to the fabulous Antica Gelateria di Roma for a delicious gelato with a warm & friendly staff.
I must mention the food. Our way of picking a restaurant that has always worked on our many European trips is to walk around see sights/stores and check out a menu at a place we come across & sit down, which we did in all of these cities. We do not speak a word of Greek and never had a problem.
I must add that our trip was at the end of the season for Greece which meant that there really weren't any crowds yet plenty of people out there sightseeing.The temperatures were quite mild and we weren't planning a beach vacation anyway.
Joyce & Warren Nelson <email>
Raleigh, NC USA 01/08/2009