Majestic58

Ok... I'm going to be in Greece somewhere around Nov 3rd for a couple weeks... Here is my question, where should I go to get a good taste of the greek culture? I am much more interested in friendly little villages and small towns than the party islands, although being that it will be November, I doubt there would be too much of that anyway. Any suggestions from those that have been there?

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lancemaria

Never been there. But I think that was a nice place. Great location for a vacation.

augustiner05

Oh I’m jealous! Greece is great. I think a nice laid back island for you would be Naxos. I spent about a week there last month. It has great beaches and some tiny villages. I would recommend it to you for sure.

Lots of people raved about Samos. I was only there a few hours. Its one of the biggest hubs of transport coming from Turkey {which I would also recommend}. Another recommendation thru hearsay is Paros and Anti Paros its very close to Naxos.

As over run with packaged tourist as Santorini is, its still cool. Its beautiful and you can escape some of the craziness in Perissa, its on the south side of the island. Although there’s quiet a bit of partying but it was the laid back kind with other travelers.

But I have a big soft spot for Crete. It has something for everyone. Beaches, mountains, history, ruins, partying …. I had a blast. I was on that island about 3 weeks. I know some of the hostels completely close at the end of October. I would call ahead and see how much is really open that time of year in the whole of Greece. I think things really close down after October, not sure but especially the islands.

I didn’t really see much on the main land except Athens and Delphi. I have never met a person who really enjoyed Athens. Although the Acropolis is nice. Really its just a huge city with a few ruins. I think two full days is more than enough time for Athens but that’s me.

Cheers Sandy

roxy1277

I would agree with Naxos for little villages.... stay away form Ios if you don't want to party. Santorini is beautiful!!!! There was a big tourist population when we were there in June, but there is sooooo much to see. Rent a four wheeler and go everywhere. I call it the Honeymoon Island. I also found a great youth hostel on oia..... It has the best sunsets in the world.

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roxy

lost in texas

A lot of things, at least on the islands, shut down during the winter. It can get really cold too, so make sure you have warm clothes with you! I spent most of my time on Ios and Santorini, not much of the mainland (except by train and bus, of course). Lots of the Greek people I met had homes in Athens or other places, and talked like there was a mass migration off the island after the summer... that may just be Ios though. I was not a fan of Athens, but heard better things about Thessaloníki (also a fairly large city).

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lancemaria

That was great for you. Whos with you.