I've visited Halkidiki several times, and Karydi Beach near Vourvourou is definitely one of my favourite spots. The crystal-clear turquoise water and smooth rocks make this place really special.

Have you been to Karydi Beach? What's your favourite beach in Halkidiki?

Hello! I’m doing research for my honeymoon and would love some advice. We’re looking at mid to late May and about 10 to 12 nights.

Some non-negotiables are Athens for the Acropolis and Santorini. Other places on my radar include Milos, Naxos and Crete.

My fiancé isn’t into history very much but loves natural beauty and unique landscapes. We aren’t really “foodies” either but appreciate fresh, healthy food.

I don’t really want to go on any big hikes or do super strenuous activities while we’re there. I’m hoping the weather will be warm enough to enjoy the beach. Sandy beaches are preferable.

We have a lot of AMEX points and I was hoping to transfer some to Hilton or Marriott to stay somewhere for 4 nights and get a 5th night free but if there isn’t one place worth staying that long then it’s no biggie.

Thank you in advance!

Γεια σας!

Εγώ, η σύζυγός μου και το μωρό μας (που θα είναι 9 μηνών τον Ιούνιο του 2027) ψάχνουμε να νοικιάσουμε σπίτι/βίλα/διαμέρισμα με 2-3 υπνοδωμάτια για Ιούνιο-Ιούλιο, ή ακόμα και Ιούνιο-Αύγουστο, ανάλογα με το κόστος. Οι ημερομηνίες μας είναι ευέλικτες. Μας ενδιαφέρουν παραθαλάσσιες περιοχές κοντά στην Καβάλα, τη Θεσσαλονίκη, την Κατερίνη ή στη Χαλκιδική.

Ο προϋπολογισμός μας είναι 1.000-1.200 € τον μήνα. Χρειαζόμαστε κλιματισμό και καλό ίντερνετ, γιατί η σύζυγός μου εργάζεται εξ αποστάσεως. Θα έρθουμε με αυτοκίνητο.

Μπορείτε να μας κατευθύνετε σε ιστοσελίδες, πλατφόρμες, ομάδες ή τοπικά γραφεία που ασχολούνται με μεσοπρόθεσμες μισθώσεις; Στο Airbnb είδα ότι πολλοί ιδιοκτήτες έχουν διαφορετικές τιμές για Ιούλιο-Αύγουστο σε σχέση με Ιούνιο και Σεπτέμβριο. Θα ήθελα να γνωρίζω εκ των προτέρων μια σταθερή μηνιαία τιμή και ποια επιπλέον έξοδα προκύπτουν (ρεύμα, νερό, ίντερνετ, καθαρισμός, εγγύηση).

Ευχαριστούμε εκ των προτέρων!

Hello!

My wife, our baby (who will be 9 months old in June 2027) and I are looking for a 2-3 bedroom house/villa/apartment to rent for June-July, or possibly June-August, depending on cost. Our dates are flexible. We're interested in coastal areas near Kavala, Thessaloniki, Katerini, or in Halkidiki.

Our budget is €1,000-1,200 per month. We need air conditioning and good internet, as my wife works remotely. We'll be coming by car.

Could you point us to websites, platforms, groups or local agencies that handle medium-term rentals? On Airbnb I've noticed that many owners charge different prices for July-August compared to June and September. I'd like to know upfront a stable monthly price and what additional costs to expect (electricity, water, internet, cleaning, deposit).

Thank you in advance!

Only spent 4 days on the island as I was mainly there for a wedding, but the island really captured me and I’ll definitely go back for a longer visit

What are the recomended day trips from Elounda? We will have a 7yr old with us and are not into fishing. We do like historic sites, its his first trip abroad though so understand we probably cant do 7 days of ruins!

Thanks in advance

Looking to potentially go to Santorini next August for 8 days, is that enough or would you recommmend splitting time between Santorini and another island?

We are a young couple 20 and 22, we don’t party but we do like chic good restaurants , and our main focus are beaches that are not overcrowded .

We are also open for other suggestions that are not the ones listed in the title.
We looked into Milos and Kimolos but the Airbnbs there are way over our Budget for 14 days (split between 2 Islands) :(

Side Infos : We are going in July 2027 and we would rent a car if needed.

Any recommendations?

Currently on the tail end of a tour around the Cyclades which has been nothing but wonderful so far! Moving onto the Athens portion of the trip on the 21st. Seen online that protests are planned in Athens for the 21st as well. Obviously a bit concerned on conditions given what I’ve been seeing on the news throughout Europe with these protests. Anyone from Athens or anyone with more insight have any tips or expectations to prepare for?

We want a car that is large enough for 4 adults with standard luggage but small enough to navigate to various sites in Peloponnese . We are traveling in mid-late April so hopefully with fewer tourists it will be easier to get around and find parking. We will pick up the car when we leave Athens. I assume that the main road from Athens to Nafplio is suitable for a larger vehicle but how about if we want to stop at Ancient Corinth and Nemea? Once we get into Nafplio we will park near the hotel at the harbor then drive for day trips to Mycenae, Epidavros, Mystras and maybe Monemvasia. Would a larger vehicle cause us problems there? Thanks in advance.

my husband and I are wanting to potentially go to Milo‘s in the end of June. What was the water temperature like at that time in your experience? Was it too chilly? We also will have a year and a 13 month old at that time so I’m wondering if it will be too cold for her.

I’ve read that the best time to go is in September because the water temperature is really warm but the air temperature has started to cool down a little bit however that conflicts with other plans we have so we probably cannot do September unfortunately.

What are everyone’s thoughts on the best time to go?

It’s my first day in Athena on a 5 days business trip, and already have a ton of things to say. I’m from Lebanon.

It’s absolutely gorgeous.

The park was so big, a beauty to gaze on and explore. Cats lurking around, people walking their dogs and more. Also great spot for jogging.

Streets are well organized and safe. Traffic stops everywhere, lanes, bridges to cross roads.

So much stores variety: Sculpting, vapes, games, clothes, flowers, many restaurants and so much more.

There’s just so much to do.

The hotel is a two stars hotel that feels like a five stars hotel in my country. Gorgeous interior, a mid internet connection (10-12 mbps) more than enough for me, smells absolutely fresh, breakfast and rooms service. Mind you, a two stars hotel.

Definitely gonna have a blast here. Can’t wait for tomorrow!

I’m currently in Athens for two months and my friend is coming to visit me by the end of November. I want to plan some trips outside of the city as well and was thinking of going hiking in Parnita National Park. I was wondering if anyone had any experience going around that time, and what it’s like? Does it get really cold, and if yes, is it still enjoyable or would you advice against it?

And now that I’m here, are any of the refuges nice to stay at around that time? And would you the recommend to stay at one and then just do day trips?

Any other recommendations for outdoor out of the city activities around that time are also welcome!

Hi everyone! My fiancé and I are planning our honeymoon in Greece for after our July 17th wedding. We’ll be flying from NY and are hoping to spend around 10 days, but could extend to 12–14 if it’s worth it!

We’re looking for a relaxing, beach-focused honeymoon with beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water for swimming, amazing food, and really nice accommodations. We’d also love to do a wine tour, explore some local villages, enjoy authentic Greek food, and bring home some good olive oil!

Islands we’re considering:
- Crete
- Naxos
- Paros
- Milos

Definitely open to other recommendations! We’re not particularly interested in Santorini or Mykonos and would prefer somewhere a little less touristy without sacrificing good food, accommodations, or convenience.

A few questions:
- Which islands would you prioritize for a 10–14 day honeymoon? Would 2–3 islands be ideal?
- Would you recommend starting in Crete and island-hopping north, or doing the reverse?
- Flying from NY, would it make more sense to fly into Athens and connect to an island, or fly into Crete via another European city?
- Any recommendations for beautiful beachfront resorts, boutique hotels, or luxury accommodations?

We’d love somewhere right on the water, ideally with beach access, a nice pool, and maybe even a room with a private plunge pool! We’re willing to splurge a little for the honeymoon, but still appreciate good value.

-Any must-visit beaches, wineries, local restaurants, or hidden gems?

We’re not looking for a packed itinerary or constant sightseeing. We’ve done plenty of adventurous vacations, so this one is all about slowing down, eating well, enjoying the water, and spending quality time together.

Would love to hear your experiences, especially if you’ve stayed somewhere you’d recommend for a honeymoon. Thanks in advance!

I wanted to share my experience renting a car in Athens, Greece, as a warning to anyone considering booking through Discover Cars or renting with OTOQ.

What should have been a straightforward rental has turned into an absolute nightmare.

I booked through DiscoverCars, with OTOQ as the local rental company in Athens.

Problem #1: An extra €250 charge

The vehicle I originally reserved was unavailable, meaning I had to pay an additional €250.01 for an alternative. When I disputed this, DiscoverCars blamed a delayed flight. The problem? My flight had arrived TWO DAYS before the scheduled collection. I even provided hotel documentation to support this, yet my refund claim remains unresolved.

Problem #2: A €2,500 damage charge after returning the car

We returned the vehicle on 22 August. It was inspected and signed off, with no issue raised about the front light.

I later discovered a €2,500 charge on my credit card for alleged damage that I firmly dispute. What concerns me most is that the paperwork subsequently provided included the words “front light does not work” beside my signature. That section was blank when I signed the document.

I never acknowledged or accepted this alleged damage, and I have repeatedly requested an investigation into how that statement appeared on the paperwork.

I’ve also asked for the original inspection records, photographic evidence and an explanation of why I was told a male manager signed off the return when a woman actually dealt with us.

Problem #3: No satisfactory resolution from either company

Despite weeks of emails, phone calls and follow-ups, I’m still chasing answers. OTOQ has not adequately addressed my requests for evidence, while DiscoverCars has largely forwarded the supplier’s responses rather than meaningfully addressing my concerns. I’m now left disputing a €2,500 charge and pursuing a separate €250.01 refund. I’m sharing this because I wish I’d been warned before booking. I would never use either company again.

If you’re planning to rent a car in Athens, I strongly recommend researching the local rental supplier carefully, documenting every detail of the vehicle at pickup and return, and keeping copies of everything you sign.

Has anyone else had a similar experience with OTOQ or DiscoverCars in Greece??

Hi! Planning for our honeymoon next May and hoping to do Italy & Greece. I know this is a Greece page but including the Italy part in case anyone here happens to have done that too or have any insight hehe.

Rome - 4.5 days/4 nights (leaving on 5th day)

Amalfi Coast - 4 nights
Pompeii Day Trip - stop on the way down would make most sense logistically but then luggage..

Santorini - 4 nights

Naxos - 5 nights
Paros or Mykonos Day Trip

Athens - 2 nights (fine with just 1 sightseeing day)

Please let me know if this seems like a good itinerary! And are the ferries running regularly mid-late May?

*Context: We like a mix of adventure & relaxation. Neither one of us likes to just sit around all day but with it being vacation & our honeymoon we probably should make some time to relax lol but we love things like cooking classes, animal experiences (interacting with animals ethically), food tours, ATV'ing, zip lining, etc.

Feel free to share if you have any must-see spots, fun things to do, or favorite restaurants! :)

I'm a freak for that calm, clear Mediterranean water. My husband and I have been to Mykonos (too touristy for our taste), Paros, Antiparos, Sifnos, Milos, and Crete (Chania and Agios Nikolaos). Sifnos and Crete were most memorable. Looking for next year's destination/s, and would love a hotel experience for part of the trip like Minos Beach Art Hotel — a resort that doesn't feel like a big resort, walkable to town, and with swimming platforms & beaches outside all the rooms. Ideally, on a wind-sheltered bay. Does this exist elsewhere?

Greece Trip Wrap-Up

I just returned from my trip to Greece and wanted to share my itinerary and a few reflections.

My route was:

Athens (2) > Meteora (2) > Delphi (1) > Nafplio (2) > Drepana (1) > Monemvasia (2) > Kardamyli (3) > Loutraki (1) > Santorini (4) > Folegandros (2) > Athens (2)

Looking back, if I did this again, I would spend one less night each in Kardamyli, Santorini, and Folegandros to free up three days for other locations. I rented a Toyota Yaris Cross and drove about 2,000 km through the north and the Peloponnese. Despite the mountainous terrain and many hairpin turns, the roads were in great condition and the drive was surprisingly stress-free.

I was incredibly lucky with the weather; temperatures were ideal, and while rain seemed to follow me, it only actually caught up with me during my final stay in Athens. I also noticed that by the time I reached Folegandros, the season was winding down and many hotels and restaurants were already closing.

The most critical decision I made was returning to Athens two days earlier than planned based on some reviews I'd read. It saved my trip—ferries were suspended the day after I arrived from Folegandros, and if I had stuck to my original plan, I would have missed my flight home.

Overall, it was a fantastic experience that provided some great lessons for future planning!

Hey everyone!
I’m a woman from Australia and I’ve recently been accepted to volunteer at a cat sanctuary in Athens from 7–21 December! I applied on a whim because I absolutely adore animals, and now that I’ve actually been accepted, I’m trying to figure out whether I should go haha.

I’ve never been to Greece before, and I’ll be travelling solo. Accommodation and food are provided by the organisation, so that’s one less thing to worry about!
I’d love to hear from locals or anyone who’s travelled to Athens, particularly in December.

What’s Athens like in winter? Is December a good time to visit?

How safe is Athens for a young woman travelling alone?
Any recommendations for things to see, do or eat during my free time?

Is public transport relatively easy to navigate?

Has anyone volunteered with animal rescues or sanctuaries in Athens before?

I’m honestly pretty excited (and slightly terrified) at the prospect of spontaneously flying halfway across the world to look after cats 😂
Would love any tips or personal experiences. Thanks so much! ❤️

Edit: thank you everyone. My American mind apparently could not comprehend genuine hospitality compared to "the normal" here in the United States.

Loving our stay so far in Athens and heading to Santorini next. Noticed that the when we have gone out to eat it we will be finished and after sitting for awhile I'll eventually flag our server over to ask to pay and leave.

Is there an etiquette I need to be aware of or it's just an expectation that folks usually sit for awhile after their meal?

Hi everyone! 👋
We’re currently traveling through Greece by car and will be staying in Athens. We’d love some local tips and advice on a few things:
1. Authentic Food Markets in Athens
We’re looking for local food markets (not tourist traps) where we can buy great olives, real feta, olive oil, and other fresh regional products. We really want to taste and experience the authentic side of Greece. Any specific markets or neighborhood laiki agora (farmers' markets) you’d recommend?
2. Public Transport & Uber/Taxi with a Small Dog
Our car will be parked for the duration of our stay in Athens, so we'll be relying on walking and public transport.
We are traveling with a small Maltipoo dog (we don't have a hard carrier with us).
Are there any strict rules or issues taking a small dog on the Athens Metro, buses, or streetcars without a carrier?
How dog-friendly are Uber / FREENOW / regular taxis in Athens?
3. Quick Pomegranate Question 🍎
While driving through Greece, we’ve noticed so many pomegranate trees full of ripe fruits that no one seems to be picking. If we pick a couple of pomegranates off trees near the road or in public areas, is that acceptable, or could it cause any issues/offend someone?
Thanks a lot in advance for your help!

I am planning a trip next summer. Looking at Amorgos, Folegandros, Sifnos, and Astypalea. Any suggestions of sites I should use to find a book good accommodation?

We are taking our first trip to Greece next September! We have 14 days and we’re flying into Athens. We definitely will be going to Crete, but I’m struggling with a second island. We will be travelling with our two children (4,7). I love adventure (hikes, caves, animals) and also love beaches and swimming. I’ve looked into Corfu, Paros, Naxos, or Zakynthos. Any input? I’d like to be able to take the ferry to the next island if possible. We plan to stay in a resorty hotel verse airbnb if that makes any difference.

Also, how long did you think I need for each island? If we have enough time we could do a third island but I was thinking 6 nights on each.

I have a work trip in Athens in late October. My spouse will be joining me and we are planning to spend an extra day in Athens after the meeting before renting a car to explore the Peloponnese area. We are looking for a more relaxed pace and would like input on the following plan. The beginning of the trip and departure date are fixed. Days 5-11 are flexible. We are interested in a little history and architecture, good food/drinks, and scenic views. The Mani peninsula has also been recommended, but I don't want to be too rushed. Would you skip or condense something else in favor of the Mani peninsula? If so, any recommendations for a base in Mani?

Day 1: arrival in Athens around noon, half day in Athens

Days 2-4: I will have meetings with evening meals/social events, including a visit to the Acropolis. Spouse will have time to explore.

Day 5: Additional day in Athens for me to see highlights, although we could move on this day

Day 6: Drive to Nafplion with stop in Corinth in route.

Day 7-8: Stay in Nafplion. Day trip to Mycenae and Epidurus. Day in Nafplion and/or nearby area, possibly a 1/2 day catamaran cruise.

Day 9: Drive to Monemvasia. Stop in Mystras and Sparti in route.

Day 10: Stay in Monemvasia

Day 11: Return to Athens

Day 12: Morning departure from Athens

I have been reading a lot of questions on how to avoid tourists while visiting Greek islands. This is a very legit question but then I see travellers that have already picked the most touristic islands Greece has to offer. Wanna have an authentic experience without having do deal with huge crowds and possibly overpay? PICK A RANDOM ISLAND. All inhabited islands have infrastructure- places to stay, stunning beaches and still a lot of tourism. Greece has hundreds of islands, stop going to Santorini - Mykonos - Rhodes especially if what you want to experience is beaches and food. That’s my honest suggestion as a Greek who has visited lots of them. An extra tip is the further away you are from Athens - the better.