Greece is a summer hotspot for many European travelers. If you’ve been longing to visit the Acropolis or study older cultures such as the Minoans, a spring or fall trip to Greece may give you more time and leave you dealing with fewer crowds. No matter what time of year you go, you will want to bring your bathing suit and great walking shoes.
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Sail to Greece
From the European mainland, there are many cruises that will take you from Rome or Venice to the Greek islands. If your plan is to linger on the Greek islands, you may want to skip the cruise packages or break them up so you can spend more time traveling through Greece.
For example, you could book a one-way cruise from Venice to Corfu, sailing around the southern end of Greece and around to Athens. Once you arrive on the islands, you will also find access to cruises that will allow you to get a great view of the most beautiful views of Greece from the sea. Corfu is a visually rich destination; cruising during the sunset to celebrate the amazing views of this remarkable island from the water is a treat you cannot miss.
Fly to Greece
For a more private getaway, you could book a private plane with a Van Nuys private jet charter and enjoy a trip to Crete. Crete was the home of the Minoan civilization, predating the better-known Greek culture and offering its own history, art, and culture.
Crete is much less crowded than mainland Greece or the Peloponnesian island. In addition, Crete offers beautiful beaches, long private hikes, relaxing stays, and one-of-a-kind exploratory hikes. If you love history, the chance to swim in the sea and stretch out in the sand, and privacy, Crete is an amazing destination.
Ferry Between the Islands
Once you get to Greece, you will want to linger. From Athens, you can easily take a ferry to Crete in the summer months. Of course, any time you get on the water, your travel will slow down a bit. If you need to travel more quickly between the islands, you will need to fly.
Booking a ferry from island to island will take some planning and will not be available in the winter months. Make sure you book your first destination on the island or in the city that you want to spend the majority of your time in and treat that location as the hub; your other travels will allow you to create your intended travel spokes.
Hire a Jeep
If you choose to take a week-long cruise of the Greek islands, there are many jeep tours that will take you quickly and easily to the highlights. Bring a hat, your sunglasses, and your camera for a Jeep Safari to the monasteries high on Santorini.
Many of the guides that lead Jeep tours can also provide you with other adventures. For example, you can book a Jeep on Rhodos to a hiking trail that will take you to the Filerimos Monastery. This trip is a long hike but a low elevation gain; at the top, you will find a beautiful spot to enjoy the sunset and a relaxing shady spot to rest before returning to your Jeep adventure.
Bring Your Walking Shoes
Take a guided walking tour of Athens and study the Acropolis. This hike will include views of the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena. If you are an experienced climber or hiker, you may want to hike Mount Olympus. The top of this climb is over 9,000 feet, so inexperienced hikers may want to hire a vehicle to take you close to the top for the amazing views.
Those with strong climbing skills may also hike to the Meteoron Monastery complex of six different monasteries. There are still believers living in this complex; tours are allowed but it is critical that you are aware that these facilities are homes as well as historical sites.
Greece is not a trip that should be rushed. If you’re working to avoid crowds, focus on the spring and fall seasons. Be aware that you may need to charter a flight to move from island to island; ferries generally only run in the summer.
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