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Greek Isles - 2 Week Honeymoon
Posted on 2/7/19 at 10:05 pm
Posted on 2/7/19 at 10:05 pm
Honeymooning in Greece for 2 weeks in July. After getting input from a bunch of people we've decided on a tentative itinerary:
2 days in Athens
4-5 days in Santorini
4-5 days in Crete
2-3 days in Mykonos
After getting some quotes from "Honeymoon Package" companies, we quickly realized we'd have to put it together ourselves to keep the price down, but the logistics of it all has been a headache.
We're going to splurge in Santorini and go all 5 star cliff/cave lodging, but otherwise we were thinking a mix of AirBnBs and hotels with multiple spots on the big islands, at least. On-island transportation is a concern too. Do they have reliable/late taxi service, or is renting a car even an option. Lastly, I've heard to fly to the different islands, as the ferries can be unreliable and strenuous.
Any recommendations on these places or travel tips/advice for the Isles in general?
-----------
Update (2/12):
Just booked Athens > Mykonos > Naxos > Santorini.
2 days in Athens
4-5 days in Santorini
4-5 days in Crete
2-3 days in Mykonos
After getting some quotes from "Honeymoon Package" companies, we quickly realized we'd have to put it together ourselves to keep the price down, but the logistics of it all has been a headache.
We're going to splurge in Santorini and go all 5 star cliff/cave lodging, but otherwise we were thinking a mix of AirBnBs and hotels with multiple spots on the big islands, at least. On-island transportation is a concern too. Do they have reliable/late taxi service, or is renting a car even an option. Lastly, I've heard to fly to the different islands, as the ferries can be unreliable and strenuous.
Any recommendations on these places or travel tips/advice for the Isles in general?
-----------
Update (2/12):
Just booked Athens > Mykonos > Naxos > Santorini.
This post was edited on 6/25/19 at 11:59 am
10
Posted on 2/8/19 at 2:21 am to pressurized
Had no problem with the ferry and was actually able to book a private cabin which made for a very nice trip. I'd suggest you take a day or two from a couple stops on your itinerary and add Naxos. It has a combination of things to do that the other islands aren't known for.
Posted on 2/8/19 at 6:13 am to pressurized
Going to Greece this summer but a few months earlier to try and avoid the crowds and peak season pricing. Are your dates remotely flexible?
I’d say that is a very very ambitious travel schedule. Crete, all things considered is number 1 on my list, but it’s pretty far from rest of islands. Is it all doable, sure, especially with flights but just think you’d be better off doing Crete + 1 other island. 4/5 nights on Santorini is going to exhaust that budget quickly.
What are you looking for on your honeymoon? Adventure, sightseeing, lazy days on a beach?
I’d say that is a very very ambitious travel schedule. Crete, all things considered is number 1 on my list, but it’s pretty far from rest of islands. Is it all doable, sure, especially with flights but just think you’d be better off doing Crete + 1 other island. 4/5 nights on Santorini is going to exhaust that budget quickly.
What are you looking for on your honeymoon? Adventure, sightseeing, lazy days on a beach?
Posted on 2/8/19 at 7:10 am to pressurized
I don’t know Greece at all, but for your honeymoon my recommendation would be to leave the easiest, longest stay, and most relaxing place for last. Do your hustle and bustle first, even if it means somewhat harder order.
It’s nice on your honeymoon to get somewhere at the end and just relax. Enjoy living slowly and just being together somewhere great. Furthermore to return to the states relaxed. As opposed to hustling your last couple of days and staying super busy.
It’s nice on your honeymoon to get somewhere at the end and just relax. Enjoy living slowly and just being together somewhere great. Furthermore to return to the states relaxed. As opposed to hustling your last couple of days and staying super busy.
Posted on 2/8/19 at 11:53 am to BlackenedOut
quote:
Are your dates remotely flexible?
Unfortunately no, but we are flexible on destinations. We are leaving July 2nd.
quote:
What are you looking for on your honeymoon? Adventure, sightseeing, lazy days on a beach?
All of the above really. Figure we'd do a mix of tours during the day, mixing in boat tours, wine tours, historical tours, hikes, beaches, etc., during the day and then head back to the hotel/apartment to change, then have a nice dinner and drinks around town.
quote:
I’d say that is a very very ambitious travel schedule.
We can probably knock off Mykonos and fly from Athens to Crete. Spend 5-6 days going from Chania to Heraklion. Ferry to Santorini and spend 5 days there, and then ferry/fly back to Athens to head home.
Another option would be to do a beach themed island hopping tour of the Cyclades, but the crowds, especially in Mykonos, worry me; however, the beaches of Antiparos are more our style.
Posted on 2/8/19 at 1:17 pm to pressurized
I think you could be pretty well set doing a week on an island such as Naxos. Use it as your homebase, rent an airbnb, and take a day trip or two to Paros, AntiParos or wherever. Or a full week in Crete but you will be relatively geographically isolated for day trips.
Then do last two nights in Santorini. And fly out from there to either Athens connecting on or another place in Europe for flight back stateside.
Then do last two nights in Santorini. And fly out from there to either Athens connecting on or another place in Europe for flight back stateside.
Posted on 2/8/19 at 2:55 pm to BlackenedOut
You mentioned Crete being your #1, what kind of itinerary would you recommend for a 6 night stay?
Chania old town and Elafonisi would be a must for us, so I don't know if that's enough time to get over to the East end.
Chania old town and Elafonisi would be a must for us, so I don't know if that's enough time to get over to the East end.
Posted on 2/8/19 at 11:00 pm to pressurized
For what it's worth, I have very close friends who spent their honeymoon last July in Switzerland, Mykonos, and Santorini. Their one recommendation, spend as little tine in Santorini as possible.
Posted on 2/10/19 at 11:51 am to LSUShock
That's the first I've heard that about Santorini. Most people say its their favorite Greek island. If they were looking for a younger crowd and more nightlife, I could see that.
We already bit the bullet and reserved a cave suite with a plunge pool in Santorini, just need to round out the trip. The hardest part is the logistics of island hopping, mostly figuring out ferry/plane schedules.
We already bit the bullet and reserved a cave suite with a plunge pool in Santorini, just need to round out the trip. The hardest part is the logistics of island hopping, mostly figuring out ferry/plane schedules.
Posted on 2/12/19 at 11:42 am to pressurized
Update:
Just booked Athens > Mykonos > Naxos > Santorini.
Staying in Ornos Beach on Mykonos, with a day trip into Mykonos Town and a boat day trip to Delos. Staying in Agios Prokopios beach and Naxos Town on Naxos. Doing a historical tour and boat tour. Not sure for the other 2 days. Staying in Oia on Santorini. Doing a jet ski tour of the volcano, a wine tasting tour, and probably a sunset booze cruise.
Flying into Mykonos and out of Santorini, with mid-late morning ferries to Naxos and Santorini.
Right now we're relying on Trip Advisor for things to do around the islands, so if anyone has any feedback on these islands, it would be greatly appreciated.
Just booked Athens > Mykonos > Naxos > Santorini.
Staying in Ornos Beach on Mykonos, with a day trip into Mykonos Town and a boat day trip to Delos. Staying in Agios Prokopios beach and Naxos Town on Naxos. Doing a historical tour and boat tour. Not sure for the other 2 days. Staying in Oia on Santorini. Doing a jet ski tour of the volcano, a wine tasting tour, and probably a sunset booze cruise.
Flying into Mykonos and out of Santorini, with mid-late morning ferries to Naxos and Santorini.
Right now we're relying on Trip Advisor for things to do around the islands, so if anyone has any feedback on these islands, it would be greatly appreciated.
Posted on 6/25/19 at 11:59 am to pressurized
T minus 6 days Bump
Posted on 6/25/19 at 1:04 pm to pressurized
Re Santorini. It is gorgeous, worth a visit. However it’s full of people all vying to get the same instagram able shots. So just know what you are getting yourself into. But the cruise ships make it almost unbearable.
Had a great meal at Roka on the backside of Oia away from maddening crowds. Perivalos beach (Black volcanic sand) is a great place to spend an afternoon.
Spent most of our time on Andros. Gorgeous, stunning island nearly devoid of selfie stick waiving tourists.
Athens is just an interesting city. Super old, but super new also (but not in a modern way). Will try to get full report up tonight.
Had a great meal at Roka on the backside of Oia away from maddening crowds. Perivalos beach (Black volcanic sand) is a great place to spend an afternoon.
Spent most of our time on Andros. Gorgeous, stunning island nearly devoid of selfie stick waiving tourists.
Athens is just an interesting city. Super old, but super new also (but not in a modern way). Will try to get full report up tonight.
This post was edited on 6/25/19 at 1:37 pm
Posted on 6/25/19 at 9:52 pm to pressurized
Corfu should have been on your itinerary.
Posted on 6/25/19 at 10:43 pm to pressurized
I could have spent two weeks on Crete.
We stayed in the Rimondi Boutique hotel in Rethimno. Rethimno is a touristy little town, they all are, but it does have a nice restaurant selection.
Seeing the Palace of Knossos is a must. Go in the late afternoon to avoid the giant tour groups.
There are some lovely beaches on the south coast. Triopetras was beautiful. You should probably rent a car on Crete.
The Agios Antonius Gorge is a beautiful park to hike through. Crete has many beautiful parks scattered throughout the island.
In Athens, you could stay at the Grand Bretagne. It's an elegant old hotel. The Germans used it as their headquarters during ww2. We stayed in an airbnb, which was very nice.
We stayed in the Rimondi Boutique hotel in Rethimno. Rethimno is a touristy little town, they all are, but it does have a nice restaurant selection.
Seeing the Palace of Knossos is a must. Go in the late afternoon to avoid the giant tour groups.
There are some lovely beaches on the south coast. Triopetras was beautiful. You should probably rent a car on Crete.
The Agios Antonius Gorge is a beautiful park to hike through. Crete has many beautiful parks scattered throughout the island.
In Athens, you could stay at the Grand Bretagne. It's an elegant old hotel. The Germans used it as their headquarters during ww2. We stayed in an airbnb, which was very nice.
This post was edited on 6/25/19 at 10:47 pm
Posted on 6/25/19 at 11:52 pm to pressurized
quote:
Staying in Ornos Beach on Mykonos, with a day trip into Mykonos Town and a boat day trip to Delos. Staying in Agios Prokopios beach and Naxos Town on Naxos. Doing a historical tour and boat tour. Not sure for the other 2 days. Staying in Oia on Santorini. Doing a jet ski tour of the volcano, a wine tasting tour, and probably a sunset booze cruise.
That sounds like a great trip. Clearly you did your homework and it's going to pay off.
I highly recommend the audio book Mythos by Stephen Fry. It's a retelling of the myths and Fry is superb.
Amazon
Or
listen free
This post was edited on 6/26/19 at 1:12 am
Posted on 6/26/19 at 9:47 am to Saint Alfonzo
Corfu was recommended to us and looks amazing, but is on the far end from the rest of the islands. We'd consider it on a southern Italy trip, but too far to go on this one.
Posted on 6/26/19 at 9:49 am to Optimus Gus
Crete seems amazing and was in our initial plans, but we really could have spent the whole time on that island, but wanted to island hop instead.
I will look into your recommendations on Santorini, thanks!
I've been reading up on Greek mythology, and can't wait to explore the history of that part of the world.
I will look into your recommendations on Santorini, thanks!
I've been reading up on Greek mythology, and can't wait to explore the history of that part of the world.
Posted on 6/26/19 at 12:45 pm to pressurized
quote:
Corfu was recommended to us and looks amazing, but is on the far end from the rest of the islands. We'd consider it on a southern Italy trip, but too far to go on this one.
Logistically, that makes perfect sense. Enjoy your trip.
Posted on 6/26/19 at 3:49 pm to pressurized
My wife and I did this same trip (minus Naxos) in May of this year.
Athens
- We didn't love Athens. I think 1-2 days is the perfect amount of time to spend there. Do the Acropolis and Plaka tour, but make sure you get there early. Not only will it be hot in July, but the crowds are already crazy big by 10AM.
Mykonos
- Awesome and hope to go back someday. Mykonos Town and little Venice is just an awesome place to explore and get lost in. I would definitely recommend spending an entire day wandering around there. We went to Nammos Beach Club, but the weather wasn't great (and it is too cold to get in the water in May), so it wasn't very crowded. A good beach club would be a fun way to spend a day.
Santorini
- This was the real jewel of the trip, and I already wish I was back. We stayed in Imerovigli, and the views were absolutely stunning. I assume you are arriving to Santorini by ferry. If so, I would recommend arranging transportation beforehand and getting to your car in a hurry. You can really get stuck in a traffic jam coming from the port if you dawdle.
- Do the hike from Imerovigli to Oia or vice versa. It takes about 2 hours and the views are amazing.
- Take a trip to Ammoudi Bay. This isn't very far from Oia, but you have to walk a ton of stairs. This area is very quaint and pretty, and we had a wonderful lunch at Ammoudi Fish Tavern.
- Get out and see the countryside. Either rent a car/scooter or take a wine tour. There are some great wineries. If you can, get a reservation at Metaxi Mas. It is out in the countryside and has great food at great prices.
- If you have a hotel with a great view, then I wouldn't make too much of an effort to book dinner at a restaurant with a great view. From my experience, you end up paying more for the view than you do the food.
Have fun on your trip! Y'all will have a great time, and your wife will be begging you to take her back!
Athens
- We didn't love Athens. I think 1-2 days is the perfect amount of time to spend there. Do the Acropolis and Plaka tour, but make sure you get there early. Not only will it be hot in July, but the crowds are already crazy big by 10AM.
Mykonos
- Awesome and hope to go back someday. Mykonos Town and little Venice is just an awesome place to explore and get lost in. I would definitely recommend spending an entire day wandering around there. We went to Nammos Beach Club, but the weather wasn't great (and it is too cold to get in the water in May), so it wasn't very crowded. A good beach club would be a fun way to spend a day.
Santorini
- This was the real jewel of the trip, and I already wish I was back. We stayed in Imerovigli, and the views were absolutely stunning. I assume you are arriving to Santorini by ferry. If so, I would recommend arranging transportation beforehand and getting to your car in a hurry. You can really get stuck in a traffic jam coming from the port if you dawdle.
- Do the hike from Imerovigli to Oia or vice versa. It takes about 2 hours and the views are amazing.
- Take a trip to Ammoudi Bay. This isn't very far from Oia, but you have to walk a ton of stairs. This area is very quaint and pretty, and we had a wonderful lunch at Ammoudi Fish Tavern.
- Get out and see the countryside. Either rent a car/scooter or take a wine tour. There are some great wineries. If you can, get a reservation at Metaxi Mas. It is out in the countryside and has great food at great prices.
- If you have a hotel with a great view, then I wouldn't make too much of an effort to book dinner at a restaurant with a great view. From my experience, you end up paying more for the view than you do the food.
Have fun on your trip! Y'all will have a great time, and your wife will be begging you to take her back!
This post was edited on 6/26/19 at 4:03 pm
Posted on 6/26/19 at 5:10 pm to DumpsterFire
Very pertinent information, thanks so much!
Quick clarification on Santorini, when you say arrange transportation, did you mean shuttle/taxi or rental car? We are planning on taxi'ing on all the islands, except for one day on Santorini, we're renting an ATV for the day to explore pre-planned stops. Do you foresee that as a problem?
We paid dearly for a great view in Oia with a plunge pool. Seems like such a waste because we might only be eating breakfast there, with day excursions and dinner reservations every night. Well, you only get married once, right?
Quick clarification on Santorini, when you say arrange transportation, did you mean shuttle/taxi or rental car? We are planning on taxi'ing on all the islands, except for one day on Santorini, we're renting an ATV for the day to explore pre-planned stops. Do you foresee that as a problem?
We paid dearly for a great view in Oia with a plunge pool. Seems like such a waste because we might only be eating breakfast there, with day excursions and dinner reservations every night. Well, you only get married once, right?
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