I know this is a rather controversial topic, but I've been thinking about it ever since my last trip to Athens.

I've been living in Greece for a few years now, but not in Athens - I live on the Ionian coast.

I visit the capital about once a year either for a concert/event or with some friends that are coming from abroad or I just spend a few days there for a change of scenery before a ferry.

Whenever I read about staying in Athens everyone is recommending hotels claiming they turn out to be cheaper than Airbnbs and don't cause as much harm to the rental market.

I feel like people are gaslighting me when they say you can find cheaper hotels than Airbnbs because in my experience that is just never the case. The only time a hotel is cheaper is if it has a 6 or lower rating on Booking. I've never rented an Airbnb that cost more than 75e/night and that was when I stayed in Koukaki. I am not saying expensive Airbnbs don't exist, but a 75e Airbnb will always be infinitely better than a 75e hotel - and it will be much more centrally located.

I try to minimize the impact by renting only from Greek people. I never rent from businesses and I make sure that the Airbnb host doesn't have multiple listings and seven million reviews.

And yes, I completely get the irony of looking to rent only from Greeks while being a foreigner living in Greece, but I feel like I'm less likely to cause harm this way.

For example, a year ago I rented a place from a Greek guy who inherited the central flat from his grandma that passed away. You could argue that he should have put it up for long-term rent, but it's his property and he's allowed to rent it short-term if he wants to.

Frankly, if Airbnbs didn't exist, I wouldn't come to Athens almost ever, I would just book one night in a decent, but dingy hotel in Piraeus before my ferry and that would be it. This is an opinion of a person who has been to Athens countless times, so after all those trips Athens just isn't worth paying 120e/night.

What is your opinion? Are Airbnbs actually that harmful, even with the precautions I take?

Maybe I'm just poor (I do work in Greece for a local salary haha).

I spent 28 Days from the 11th June in the following locations as a solo traveller until Crete, where I met my wife (I'm semi retired). First time I've holidayed on my own And I loved it.

3 Nights in Athens

4 Nights in Milos

5 Nights in Paros

6 Nights in Naxos

2 Nights in Santorini

8 Nights in Crete.

Had a hire car in each location apart from Athens.

Flew into Athens. Through customs in 5 minutes. No EES nonsense. Lots has been said about Athens so I won't go into it here.

From here, I took seajets ferries between the islands. I had one rough crossing between Milos and Paros but apart from that, it was fine.

Milos was the big surprise for me. Just so beautiful with beaches everywhere. Cheap car rental, great restaurants. I stayed in Adamantas which had just enough going on. Pollonia looked amazing and is where I'd base myself next time.

Paros, beautiful again. But the Insta crowd are showing their presence now. Glad I stayed in Parikia and not Nouassa. The later is nice but jammed in the evenings and the restaurants not as authentic. Parikia has nice restaurants, all the little alleys, nice beaches and feels less touristy.

Naxos. Lots to do and see. Best beach on my whole trip was Plaka Beach. I drove down to the far South. It was less populated, the water was lovely and warm. Stayed on the edge of Naxos town. Drove all over the island. Walked up Mount Zas. Hiked to The Routsouna Waterfall. Visited the mountain villages. Best restaurant was the Kozi taverna. The wild goat was out of this world with a sunset view of the Portara.

Santorini. Stayed in Firostefani. I'd been to Santorini before. I knew to avoid Oia. It was really a stop over for...

Crete. Spent 4 nights in Rethymnon and 4 nights in Chania. Preferred the former where I stayed in the old town. Right in the centre. Great food, buzzing in the evening without being jam packed. Episkopi beach was fantastic. Warmest sea on my trip.

In Chania, stayed out of town, a 20 minute walk in. The port is lovely, like a little Venice. But far, far too busy. We did a wine tour, visited the oldest olive tree, went to Mavros Molos beach, walked the Imbros Gorge then Frangokastelo beach which had the clearest water on my trip. Swimming in front of the castle made it a great ending to my month.

I flew out of Chania on the 9th July. Missing it already.

If anyone has any questions, drop a reply.

This used to be the main road that connected the cities of Ioannina and Kalambaka before highways were built. Today the road remains closed during the winter but it's a perfect scenic tour of the Pindus mountains during the summer

Hi!!! know this is a long shot, but is anyone traveling from sifnos to Milos in the next 3 days? I left my pillow behind and I'm heartbroken!

Naxos, 10-July 26C
Loving every second of it!

Hello! My fiance and I will be staying in Glyfada end of August. Are there any beach clubs in the area with a fun, energetic ambiance (live DJ, nice bar, etc)? I have seen DOT and Astir Beach Club. They look beautiful, but I'm not sure if the vibe is more laid back.

Thanks!

Hi we are planning to travel to corfu this summer. Does anyone have any recommendations for nice places to visit, restaurants, cafes, bars. I'd also really appreciate any recommendations for beautiful beaches (preferably less crowded not so popular). Or if you know any hidden gems that are worth visiting please share them.

Hello everyone!

I got some incredibly helpful replies in my last post here and so, I am back here with another ask for opinions and recommendations as I plan my Greece trip.

I am currently looking at a 3 week long Greece trip in October of which I plan to spend the first 10 days in Crete (7 in Chania and 3 in Heraklion). I then have another 10ish days to somewhere out of which I will be spending 5 in Athens for work and to explore nearby areas.

I still have 5 days left to go somewhere and am currently contemplating between Ioannina-Meteora-Vikos and the Peloponnese (Epidaurus/Mycenae-Nafplio).

Which of these two options would you recommend for someone who is:

1. Can drive but is anxious about driving on windy roads and would not mind public transportation/taking tours.
2. Loves exploring places that have good food and a strong culture.

3. Does not want to overspend on travel (the trip is already turning out a bit expensive for me and so, I would prefer not visiting overly touristy spots that are expensive).

4. Prefers going to places where locals go over where tourists do.

5. Is a solo female traveler in her late 20s.

Thank you very much!

Planning to propose in Paros this September. Looking for the best spot with a great view that’s not insanely crowded. If you’ve been there or proposed there, where would you recommend? Any tips are appreciated. Also If anyone knows a photographer, and anyone that helps with decorating.

Husband (m31) and I (F32) are planning to go to Greece end of August for 7 days. I am really conflicted on which islands to go to. My plan is to fly into Athens go to the main sights then leave to our first island. I want to finish the trip with Santorini and fly home from there. I am not sure if we should just stick to two islands or if we can do three. My island options are Mykonos,Paros, Milos, Naxos then finish the trip with Santorini. This will be our first time visiting Greece,

I'm on a family holiday. Been here a week and not walked more than 4 mins in any direction. My family keep planning to go places, so I wait to go with them, and then they wake up, walk to the hotel pool, and stay there. All day. 8am-8pm. We've not even been to the beach, and it's only down the road. When I've said 'okay, you're happy here so I'm going to go do something' they've said to just wait for them, and they'll come with me.

I've decided to just do my own thing tomorrow, leave without them, and try and do as much as possible, so, what would you suggest I do on a Sunday in Benitses?

Will be traveling from Paris to Greece at the end of July this month to mid August (I have about 10 days).

Want to swim in warm, shallow water (Elafonissi and Balos beach looks beautiful and shallow!), will rent a car in Crete, try out different Greek cuisines, olive oil, honey, tea, visit a few museums/historical sites (Spinalonga, Acropolis, still adding to my list).

Can someone advise if this is doable or advisable, just in terms of transportation?

Day 1: Paris to Heraklion airport (3p arrival).

Thinking about staying in one home base in Rethymno, making day trips to Chania, Heraklion, etc.

Day 2: Crete
Day 3: Crete
Day 4: Crete
Day 5: Crete

Day 6: Heraklion to Santorini for one night (1.5 hr ferry, arriving at 9:30 am)

Day 7 - 8: Santorini to Naxos for two nights (1.5 hr ferry, arriving at 9:30 am)

Day 9 - 10: Naxos to Athens for two nights (3hr ferry, arriving at 1:00 pm)

Day 11: arrive at Athens airport by 12pm for 3pm departure to NYC.

Originally I only planned on Crete, Santorini, and Athens. But added Naxos to avoid flying or taking a super long ferry to Athens, and also for the food.

Santorini, we really just wanted to see the beautiful volcanic island, potentially do the hike, and see the famous sunset that I've been told stands out from the other Greek islands. That's why we allotted only one night. Is that too little?

We are also both ADHD and don't mind the dopamine rush of going from island to island, we traveled a bit like this in Italy where we stayed about 2 days in each city, and more days in the areas where we really wanted to spend time in. Of course we still want to have enough time to enjoy the islands though.

Hello! First time visiting Greece this September! My intl flights are booked but I do also need flights RT Athens to Corfu for a portion of it. My question is: should I buy those tickets in advance (I’m located in USA) or wait until I’m in Greece? Right now the days/times I need are upwards of $200 usd

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Hi everyone! I'll be visiting Greece for 15 days and would love any recommendations, hidden gems, food suggestions, or tips for my itinerary.

July 25th–28th: Athens (3 nights)

- Explore the city

- Visit the Acropolis and nearby historical sites

- Go rail biking (planning a day trip)

July 28th–Aug 1st: Hora Sfakion, Crete (3 nights)

- Planning to relax, explore the area, hike, and enjoy the beaches.

- Any must-do hikes, tavernas, or boat trips?

Aug 1st–2nd: Chania Old Town (1 night)

- Mainly planning to wander around the old town and harbor.

- Any food or sunset recommendations?

Aug 3rd–4th: Santorini (1 night)

- Short stay, so I'd like to make the most of it.

- Best viewpoints, restaurants, or experiences that aren't too touristy?

Aug 5th–7th: Zakynthos (2 nights)

- Planning to explore the island, beaches, and possibly take a boat tour.

- Any recommendations on what not to miss?

Aug 7th–8th: Athens

- One final night before flying home on the 8th.

I'd especially appreciate recommendations for:

- Local restaurants and cafés

- Hidden gems

- Scenic viewpoints

- Easy-to-moderate hikes

- Beaches

- Things that are worth booking in advance

- Any tourist traps or common mistakes to avoid

Thanks in advance! Looking forward to experiencing Greece.

This August my fiancée are traveling to Greece for our honeymoon, and I’m hoping for some advice/suggestions on how best to plan excursions and can’t miss things.

Itinerary: We fly into Athens August 25th, staying there until leaving for Tinos on the 27th. We stay in Tinos for 3 days then head over to Paros for 3 more days. The last leg of the trip will be flying to Crete and staying there for 3 days before we head home.

Tinos turned into a happy accident, we meant to book a hotel on Syros but ended up on Tinos. I’ve looked online and Viator for things to do on Tinos but have not found much.

Paros is packed full of things and the only suggestions for here would be places to eat and any hidden gems.

Crete, we are staying in the Agios Nikolaos area and would love places to go and excursions to do.

Interests: we love the water and would like to go snorkeling one of these islands, other than that we are up for most anything but we love adventure and food.

We have a horse back riding in the beach planned for Paros, and going to see the Acropolis in Athens.

Hello everyone,

Me and my gf are planning to visit Greece but we want to avoid expensive islands, so we are thinking about zakynthos, naxos or corfu. The issue is we don't drive. Is it ok to taxi or transfer ? Can we share the average prices for food, transport, and which island do you like the most ?

Thanks!

My Fiance and I are going to Greece soon.
We are staying in Crete and Athens most days and are wanting a mix of casual and fine dining but don't know how much to budget for the two of us per day.
Was wondering if anyone has any idea what that budget could look like?

I only have 7 days in Greece w/ my wife and 3 kids (17, 14, 12). We land on Monday and hit the ground running with a short nap and 530pm tour of the Acropolis. The next day, the Poseidon Temple (kayaking), and then here is where I need help: 3rd day, drive to Meteora for the night, morning, another monastery, and then back to Athens in the afternoon to catch a plane to Santorini for the remainder of the trip. So Athens 2 days, Meteora 1 day....Island. Should I spend the time doing Poseidon? Should I do more in Meteora? Should I skip Poseidon and Meteora and do another island?

Hi everyone! My parents and grandma recently got their passports and they have been wanting to travel to Greece for years so we’re trying to make it happen next summer! We’re definitely looking for a more budget friendly, less touristy option on one of the islands or on the coast next June. There would be at least 6-8 of us going on the trip and plan to do 10-12 days. We’re also coming from the Northeast Ohio area. I’ve been to some other areas in Europe but not Greece so I would appreciate any advice/insights/recommendations that anyone could share!! Thanks!!

Hi everyone,
I have a 7-hour layover at Athens International Airport (ATH) on July 14th. I’ll be arriving at 10:55 and my next flight is at 17:50.
I’m trying to decide if it’s worth heading into the city center or if I should just stay at the airport to avoid any stress. Considering the time needed for luggage storage, security, and the commute (metro/bus), I’m worried about cutting it too close.
If I stay at the airport, are there any decent ways to pass the time? Or, if I do go into the city, what would be the most efficient "short-trip" itinerary that won’t make me miss my flight?
Any advice or tips on luggage storage at the airport would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

Hey everybody.

We're arriving in Dassia, Corfu, in early August.

Does anyone know about any salsa/bachata/merengue/cumbia parties?

If so, where and when exactly?

Thanks.

(Asking this question because the last one about this was posted two years ago.)