Hi everyone,
I am trying to figure out what to do after spending time in Athens Aug 29 to Sept 4. I will be leaving Vancouver either Aug 26 or 27 for Athens.
I was thinking of sailing in Croatia for a week but that may be too expensive, getting there. I guess I could also go Greek Island hopping again which may be cheaper. Any ideas out there who I should use for flights, island hopping or sailing? I haven't booked my flight from Vancouver yet. Thanking you in advance for your help.
Richard

Treat yourself and do whatever you want to do. The money will always work out later. If you dream about Croatia, then go to Croatia. Life is short and you deserve it.

We loved!!!! Our time in Florence, staying at a hostel that was once a school. Likely hostel international. Could have spent weeks more there.

Greek islands are beautiful.

Just came back 1 month ago...Athens, Naxos, Santorini & Milos, each island including Athens were absoluatly amazing!

Yes it is beautiful

Would of loved to spend more time & see more islands, as each one is different but you really need to rent a car which we did on the Islands!

Ferry system for islands are awesome and easy to use. Just book online before you leave, and you can pre plan your island hopping and route.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/.../Greece:How.To.Ferry.Trips...
TRIPADVISOR.COM
Greece: How to: Ferry trips in the islands - TripAdvisor

Thanks for the tip

I've opted to fly to couple of the larger islands ( Crete and Santorini) as the flights between the lager islands are quite affordable .

Rhodes island is also a must...

How about taking the ferry to southern italy? Matera the historical city of caves. Was there last year and could not get enough of it. Lots of filming done here eg.passion of christ was filmed here

Also was in santorini and oia last year for two weeks. I thought it was the most beautiful place i have ever visited!

CROATIA! Still lots of deals and good prices. I loved Dubrovnik! I have heard the nearby islands are fabulous.

Do you have any suggestions for sailing in Croatia?

I was super let down with Dubrovnik to be honest. Bol was incredible. We spent time on Naxos, Mykonos and Santorini too. I'd suggest spending a week on Satorini. Avoid hopping, the ferries are horribly late and run on their own schedule.

Much more to Greece than Athens. I would travel around the Peloponnese peninsula a bit. I have heard great things about Nafplion. An old town that was conquered many times, and shows influence of the Greeks, Venetians, and Turks. It also served as the Greek capital during the revolution against the Ottoman Empire.
Also on my must see list would have to be the Palace of Knossos on the Island of Crete. I love my ancient history and archaeology, so wouldn't leave the area without seeing it.

Greek Islands are lovely. Santorini looks exactly like the post cards and Ios is a picturesqe place. The south of Crete is cool also. the ferries inbetween the islands are cheap and easy but horribly off schedule so be careful when loading to make sure you get on the right one

I'll bet you scooped the same deal I did earlier this summer . I was thinking of Croatia as well but opted for a few Greek Islands from Sept 8-24th .been talking with many friends who have been or have lived for periods of time in Greece and most of said that it is a great place to go with a variety of experiences to choose from hiking , sailing , diving or just soaking up the sun.

You will love it.

I've opted for Athens ,
Santorini , Crete, and perhaps one other island it time affords ... Any suggestions ?

We went to Naxos and Mykonos too. I honestly would have rather just spent the rest of the time on Santorini

Why is that ? Did you not like the other islands ?

Santorini, for me, was the perfect size. We rented a car a few times and explored the island on our own. We went sailing (with Santorini sailing, very expensive but the absolute best day of our entire 8 week honeymoon). It was the perfect size, not too big, not too touristy, the people and food and incredible. It was perfect. I can't say enough about it.
Naxos was fine. We rented a dune buggy and explored it a bit. Mykonos was pretty. They were all fine, but paled in comparison to be honest.
I really expected Santorini to be touristy and not to like it at all. In reality I never wanted to leave and it's my number one place to get back to, it was just fantastic.