Going to Greece in Oct. I would like to off the beaten path, away from tourist traps. Any suggestions?

Question

I'll be in Athens, santorini and Mykonos

Answer 1

In October you are already off the beaten tourist' paths.
Athens is very beatiful during autumn. The weather is warm and most of the tourists have gone. See Acropolis and Plaka as all the tourists but I suggest you : See them early the morning (8:00 till12:00), go to Lycabetus hill, and at Keramicos area. Don't miss Cape Sounion and Saronic Gulf islands (Aegina, Hydra, Spetses).
Santorini and Mykonos are usually full of tourists. In Santorini I suggest to visit (except Firea, Oia, Imerovigli, Akrotiri and Kameni island) the village Pyrgos and the dessert area of Mylos. When you go to Oia's port (ask villagers how to reach this area) rent a boat and ask the driver to show you the small church of 7 Saint Children (ton 7 Agion Paidon) it's a very small church in a sea cave!
See the links

Answer 2

In October Greece is usually not packed with tourists..the real panic is until September. The weather wont be too hot, nor cold, the restaurants not too crowdy and you will get a faster service..its a nice time to come here.
now..the places you mentioned are indeed really popular and full or tourists. i ve been there and i think that renting a car and going to small villages randomly is a good idea..especially in santorini and mykonos you will find so many pretty, small places with great traditional food that most tourists dont know..get a map and go around, it will be great. in athens you can always visit vouliagmeni, piraeus and eastern attica..places where you can have your coffee near the sea and eat great fresh fish!

Answer 3

Avoiding the "tourist traps" is easy.Do not follow tours.But be prepaired for a long search..asking people who know nothing..getting lost ..losing hours in buses that do not really run on a strict schedule..If I were you I would stick to the major attractions.
As for the answerer above I am really sorry he is greek.Dear friend eating in Plaka which is the touristy area is MUCH cheaper than the suburbs,but some want to play clever.

Answer 4

All these places are quite touristic I am afraid..I would like to 'off the beaten path' ....I dont really understand what you mean there, but try to avoid buying things from touristic areas, such as food and drink because they are really over priced. Also, dont trust Greeks, I am Greek and their smile and warmth is fake most of the time, they just say bad things about you in greek. Try to have some good time, and be careful.

Answer 5

Instead of island hopping, after you've seen Athens for a couple of days, hop in your rental car and discover Peloponessus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peloponnesus or mainland Greece.

Answer 6

I found a great site www.itsaboutgreece.com for some get away places. Try the southern tips of Peloponnese or the entire area as a whole it great.