What I Liked Best About Greece
Santorini and Chania and their quiet beauty. Of course quiet in April. So worth going then without the crowds.
What I Liked Least About Greece
Athens, and it's craziness. Unsafe on so many levels. The Plaka seems to be the only place left that is not crime ridden.
Never book The Joker Hotel in Athens. Although Expedia has them available, you have to be aware of the dangers that are present now. Taxi drivers there not to be trusted.
Where I'll Be Sure to Go in Greece Next Time
The Villa Venetia just outside Chania. It is run by a Greek sculptor and his wife and his art is everywhere and it's afforable and very restful. By the week or night!
Mama's Restaurant in Fira will be on list of places to return. Delightful and delicious!
I packed ...
All jersey and a swim suit that I couldn't use. Water too chilly but we had a super time in Santorini and Chania without the warm water swim.
Where I Went
Too long in Athens. 4 days in Santorini and 4 days on Crete.
How I Did It:
I would do it all differently knowing what I know now. I was in Greece in '83 by myself and it was so safe and fun. I planned by trip on what I had in my memory. Wrong!!!
Would not book thru Expedia and get out of Athens and go directly to Crete, Mykonos, Santorini and maybe Naxos. But the fun for me is far from the big cities. Even Herkalion was not too exciting to me. The tacky street vendors were such a distraction. The ferry's can be complicated for making everything ahead. Might even consider a cruise that would throw in several Greek islands and a port in Turkey. They are out there and some are quite affordable. Something to consider.
Lessons Learned
- Again, way too much time in Athens and Herkalion
- Chania and Santorini, and outer islands.
- Never book with Expedia. They didn't have things ready and to reach them by phone or internet. . . Forget it!!!
- Expedia doesn't have any warning system for unsafe areas.
- Would probably go a little later than the first part of April and Easter. A lot of the areas and museums, restaurants were not up and running yet. The crowds were non existent. Nice! The ferry from Santorini to Crete was not running when we needed them. Thus plans changed. Expedia doesn't get it!!
