Ok so I'm going to Greece...?

Question

I am going to Greece (Athens and Santorini), at the end of March/ beginning of April. Is this really such a horrible time to go? Any tips? (things to do, dangers, etc.)

Answer 1

Athens is good all year round, so you are fine with that. As for Santorini, that is very early in the tourist season, so a lot of things won't be open yet. If you stay in the big towns of Fira and Oia then you should be alright.
As with all travel it is good to keep an eye out for pickpockets and I personally recommend a money belt (at least while you are in Athens). Locks on backpacks are also a good idea because people are good at taking things out of pouches with zippers (a friend of mine had a camera stolen this way).
For stuff to do, it depends on how much time you have. In Athens of course you have to see the Acropolis, but there are tons of other museums (a lot of which are free) depending on what you like. The archeology museum is particularly nice and very huge. As for Santorini, I recommend doing the tour of the volcano (complete with sunset in Oia and hot springs-although be warned that the hot springs do stain swim suits orange and aren't that hot, and bring good walking shoes for the volcano). It is probably too cold to do too much swimming, but you can check out the red beach and the black beach in Perissa. There are also quite a few vineyards, so one day just rent a car and explore the island and find one that looks interesting. If you have any other questions just ask :)

Answer 2

Who told you that it is a horrible time to go? In the contrary, it's the best time to visit, especially Santorini, because the season is on, but you can still walk around Fira or Oia, without being obliged to cross your arms in front of your chest to make way and you can always find a table over the caldera to sip your drink while watching the ships come and go...
The only danger I can see, is the sun! Have good sun protection, i.e. sun lotions with high PF, sun glasses, hat, white shirt and water. If you cannot stand the mosquitoes, buy a repellent lotion at the pharmacy.
You can go to Fira on a donkey or by funicular, you should visit Oia (the sun set is wonderful from there), you must visit the excavation area, the vineyards, Monolithos, Perissa, the monuments in Fira... Lots of things to see and do....
Or you can just lay on your back under the scorching sun, trying to obtain the best tan!..

As far as Athens are concerned, you can visit the monuments, the museums and the Acropolis and this can take days. The only danger I can see in Athens is all these careless drivers, who cross red lights without any remorse!...

Enjoy!
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Answer 3

If we compare the winter we have this year in Greece with previous years,I can say that it will be a rather warm Spring in Greece also.
Notwithstanding,the best season to go for Summer vacations in Greece is May-September,avoiding 15 of July until 15 of August because all Greeks are having their Summer vacations during that time.
Regarding your safety,Athens is considered to be one of the most safest big cities in the world but still,you must be carefull.It is not quite a beautiful city to go to,except prehaps the old center(Plaka etc),it has crazy drivers and I think that except the ancient monuments and the night life it has nothing else to offer to a tourist.
Santorini on the other hand,is perhaps one of the most beautiful,picturesque and breathtaking island in the world! In my opinion it is a good thing for you that you are not visiting it at the time that it is crowded.The only problem is that you might not be able to take a swim because it probably won't be too warm just yet.
I hope you'll have a great time!

Answer 4

I am not going to really answer the question, but will say I lived there for two years and Athens is not anymore dangerous than any other American city. So don't listen to that. Athens is by far safer than any large American city. Just be careful of where you shop around the real tourist hotspots like the acropolis the prices of stuff jump up a lot so just go down the hill a bit and shop and eat.

Answer 5

you will just love it ! Greece is always beautiful !
while in Athens: have a nice city map and walk, walk, walk. everything you have to see is within a walking distance.and you can have nice snacks everywhere:gyros,kebab,souvlaki.
avoid narrow not lighted places and do not take much money with you.and always have a bottle of water.you can visit a few small islands near Athens by boat
while on Santorini:nice thing is to rent a motorcycle or a small car.a bit early for night life (summer is great) but you will enjoy the view and the best sunset in Mediterranean(Greek people say in the world).do not miss to visit Mykonos by boat or some less known islands while there.
send us some photos when you come back. enjoy !

Answer 6

I have gone about every season in Athens for 7 years almost time for the 8th. In March it will be cool there....(am sorry about the answer saying Athens is always warm but I didn't find it so)...I spent Jan & Feb there one year and was in heavy coats. Most Greeks will still have on coats and jackets in April. But I have to say, she was right about anytime is good to go to Greece. Its wonderful, and my heart and soul is there...
All I can say is...take a deep breath, breathe in the life of a Greek and enjoy.....was told to me and I fell in love with it all
As for tips and dangers, most of the younger groups speak english so that will help you (if you speak English) and watch the taxi prices..you can find good prices if you just keep looking and don't settle at one store. Good shopping areas though. Food great anywhere I found..
I felt safe there walking a lot but then I am always with Greeks and they know where to go so I am not any help there am sorry.

Answer 7

THere is no such thing as a bad time to go to greece it's always warm there so thats out of the way. Things to do... Climb some of the mountains go in the ocean the water is crystal clear. The resturaunts are very expensives but good food

Answer 8

I suggest that you come not before june and not during August( too croweded), If you want to enjoy more the sea (much better water temperature) and the night life (famous open-air clubs start end of may) june and july is the time for you. If you insist on April dont worry, you will get 70% satisfaction

Answer 9

I always go in the summer but id listen 2 these people....Maybe go on a few sites etc..But GREECE is AMAZING all year around...There is nowhere in the world like it...If I could go now I def would..U prolly wont swim in the sea but im sure the pools r heated..LOL..But Its an AMAZING place 2 go no matter what time of the year it is..HAVE FUN go and RELAX!

Answer 10

you must be careful in Athens, becaue indeed it is a dangerous city.Avoid places in the night like Omonia for example.for the islands no, there is no danger.
But in Athens, try to go out with few money,and dont trust easily anyone in the street.Have a nice staying...