El Presidente Posted July 14 Posted July 14 Di and I head off later today with great mates PJ and Meaghan to Athens/Kythira/Mykonos/Dubrovnik/Split. Lisa will be looking after 2424 in our absence and you know she does a superb job . I will start a travel thread this evening to keep you up to date So to the question! For those that have visited any one of these locales.......what would be your one recommendation as a "must do!" Athens/Kythira/Mykonos/Dubrovnik/Split...... You know my likes....Restaurants/Bar recommendationas are always welcome 2
JohnS Posted July 14 Posted July 14 Athens: Be mindful of how hot it will be. You guys will probably go to see the Acropolis if you haven't before. If so, go first thing in the morning when it's not as hot. Then if you can get into the excellent Acropolis Museum, at least it's air-conditioned and you're not outside. Also, consider public transport in Athens. It's very, very good. You can go anywhere by train, bus or tram. In 2022, we met up with family and they took us to eat lunch at Ergon House. Trust me, it was awesome. Even better, after that we went up to the Electra Metroplis Roof Garden, which is at the top of the 5-star 10 floor hotel, and had a nice coffee in the afternoon overlooking all of Athens. It's the best view of all of Athens and even better, it's open to the public. I highly recommend you check those places out! Kythira: Kythira and Kastellorizo Islands (the Easternmost Island in Greece, close to Turkey) are probably the greatest benefactors in Greece from investment by ex-pats. I'm confident you know this as no doubt Artie is one of them. You will 110% enjoy the beaches there. That, there is no doubt. Mykynos: In July/August, there's too many people and it's too expensive. Just manage your expectations while you're there. 2 1
Ford2112 Posted July 15 Posted July 15 Big fan of Athens. My first order of business is Moussaka and eggplant fries with Tzatziki in Monastriaki at The Kyklamino followed by a visit to the El Habanero cigar shop and a cup of coffee. But other than Naxos my island experience is minimal. Athens is a great city. Some great eateries below the Acropolis in Plaka. 1 1
ha_banos Posted July 15 Posted July 15 Sof loved poking around the Monastiraki flea market for a while in Athens. We only stopped for a day. I've not been but this place is recommended by couple of cigar folk. Alexander's bar https://www.gbroofgarden.gr/more-venues I'd try to find a late Bouzoukia for an evening session. Ideally outdoor Taverna. And see if there's a panagyri going on in Kythira. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCbUuyaynzE/ 1
Li Bai Posted July 15 Posted July 15 While in Split you might want to visit the island of Hvar. Never been there myself but I've heard so many wonderful things about it it's definitely on my list 👍 1
amberleaf Posted July 15 Posted July 15 I second the advice to visit the Acropolis early in the day, and the museum is a must too. Also worth taking an early morning hike up Mount Lycabettus for spectacular views of the city, or take the funicular to the top if your legs aren't up to it. Dubrovnik is a beautiful town but has become an expensive tourist trap, and of course now's the worst time of year to visit. It was certainly getting that way when I was there about seven years ago. Still worth a visit though.
chasy Posted July 15 Posted July 15 6 hours ago, Li Bai said: While in Split you might want to visit the island of Hvar, never been there myself but I've heard so many wonderful things about it it's definitely on my list 👍 +1 for Hvar. Hula Hula Beach Club by day, Carpe Diem by night. I actually loved partying at Hula Hula leading up to the sunset and was a bit let down by Carpe Diem. +1 for Dubrovnik. Very cool to see, but extremely touristy and the whole Game of Thrones thing got old. My advice is to spend as much time as possible floating in the Adriatic. Re Greece - my highlight was Paros and Antiparos - very much off the beaten path of tourists. Felt authentic. Time moves slowly there. Rent a couple scooters and explore the beaches and sea side villages. 2
Champ712 Posted July 16 Posted July 16 For Mykonos, I agree with Chasy On 7/15/2025 at 11:07 AM, chasy said: Mykonos: Scorpios beach club was fun. I would also throw in Paradise Beach Club, for people watching. Restaurants: I enjoyed M-eating, Apaggio and L’Arangosta. Enjoy the trip!
ChanceSchmerr Posted July 16 Posted July 16 Very cool trip! Wife and I visited Coastal Croatia, Split, Dubrovnik and Montenegro over several days in Summer 2015. I mirror the comments about Hvar, Split and Dubrovnik above. You can't NOT do Dubrovnik, but it is super touristy. Split and the whole Diocletian Palace is getting there too. My recommendation would be to check out the Bay of Kotor in nearby Montenegro. Phenomenal scenery in a drive all along the bay (ringed with mountains), and Kotor itself is a lovely town to visit. Then, you either climb up the mountainside at Kotor to overlook the Aegean, or go in the tunnel across to the other side and hit the beaches. 1 1
Ford2112 Posted July 16 Posted July 16 When I swam in the Aegean sea, it was unforgettable. You float like a log! 3
chasy Posted July 16 Posted July 16 19 minutes ago, ChanceSchmerr said: Very cool trip! Wife and I visited Coastal Croatia, Split, Dubrovnik and Montenegro over several days in Summer 2015. I mirror the comments about Hvar, Split and Dubrovnik above. You can't NOT do Dubrovnik, but it is super touristy. Split and the whole Diocletian Palace is getting there too. My recommendation would be to check out the Bay of Kotor in nearby Montenegro. Phenomenal scenery in a drive all along the bay (ringed with mountains), and Kotor itself is a lovely town to visit. Then, you either climb up the mountainside at Kotor to overlook the Aegean, or go in the tunnel across to the other side and hit the beaches. +1 for Montenegro. Just don’t order a Caesar salad. 1
NikosPapas Posted July 17 Posted July 17 I'm Greek, but I rarely go to Mykonos. Athens, I visit often. In Athens, I suggest the restaurant Krithamos as it is one of my favourites. Greek traditional cuisine with excellent cuts and very accommodating. Apart from the touristy stuff like Acropolis and the museum, which you must do, I would suggest taking a walk in the Stavros Niarchos foundation and visiting beaches away from the city. I would definitely suggest a trip to the Olympic village and a stop along the way for a food and a quick dive. In Mykonos, things change yearly and I haven't been for 3 years. As the locals are very prone to scamming and overcharging, I would suggest asking for the price of everything before ordering. A bottle of water could be 10 euros and a salad could be 30 a day. At a beach bar like Santana or Names, it could run you easily above 2500 thousand if you are not careful. If you haven't made accommodations, I definitely would consider changing the destination to Tinos or Milos (that's where I'm heading this year). Also a tour of the Peloponnese would be fantastic. 3 1
Popular Post El Presidente Posted July 17 Author Popular Post Posted July 17 First full day in Athens and heading to Kythira tomorrow to catch up with the Greek deck crew who all happen to be there. Today is all about the touristy things and it was a hoot! Long lunch, a touch of afternoon work before heading out again at dusk to a fine restaurant and roof tops aplenty. 19
ShaazK Posted July 17 Posted July 17 Athens:If you want something fancy/michelin vibe head to Spondi which is amazing. Vouliagmeni area it’s Krabo or Akti. If Krabo call ahead, book beach loungers and a table at the restaurant so you can eat, dip and enjoy all day. Get a nice big grilled snapper. You won’t regret it. Depending on where you’re staying Astir is a great beach club (free access if you’re staying at FS) or just book loungers. It’s a fun spot. Croatia/Montenegro most of the Konoba (Taverna vibes) that are seaside will do great seafood that’s fresh off the boat. Find the busiest ones in the area, tip generously and they’ll take care of you all trip. Agree with everyone who said Mykonos is a ripper and crowded etc. If you do Antiparos, Rooster is solid. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 1
99call Posted July 18 Posted July 18 Rick Stein did a cooking series called "Venice to Istanbul". On the way he visited a fabulous spit roast lamb place in the mountains of Split. I've never been, but I believe it's called, https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kod+DUNDE/@43.517928,16.608545,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIHM0ogKEICAgIChvcHCngE!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAC9h4nqkm4VzChqJPUNiPvlqHt5wAz9HX0HoEZ2E3rCcTCm1uw4wPWv8lkU3t6ieKiE8HkUk1PlpyiVl3DQN8CpKjEGf8m1GU7XXGr96YeaANv4mZydB2yO_iy_L5JyHDgPrRWVfgiJn1A%3Dw114-h86-k-no!7i4032!8i3024!4m7!3m6!1s0x134aa1df4d0f7fc3:0x7edb387b283d44c7!8m2!3d43.517966!4d16.608587!10e5!16s%2Fg%2F11h8crrfnj?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDcxNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D or https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g1051517-d6782189-Reviews-Restoran_Perlica-Klis_Split_Split_Dalmatia_County_Dalmatia.html I have had many spit roast lamb at road side BBQ's in Croatia and they are unbelievably tasty. Find a specific restaurant, or just stop in the car at one you see on the roadside. Crispy salty smokey roast lamb + crisp local white wine + simple salad of tomato and onion + soft fresh white bread =======HEAVEN! Watch this clip from 17.10 mark onwards. Ricks voice has been creepily modulated by someone for copyright, but you get the drift. 2 1
ha_banos Posted July 18 Posted July 18 3 hours ago, 99call said: Rick Stein did a cooking series called "Venice to Istanbul". On the way he visited a fabulous spit roast lamb place in the mountains of Split. I've never been, but I believe it's called, https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g1190301-d4971623-Reviews-Konoba_Kod_Duje-Marina_Split_Dalmatia_County_Dalmatia.html or https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g1051517-d6782189-Reviews-Restoran_Perlica-Klis_Split_Split_Dalmatia_County_Dalmatia.html I have had many spit roast lamb at road side BBQ's in Croatia and they are unbelievably tasty. Find a specific restaurant, or just stop in the car at one you see on the roadside. Crispy salty smokey roast lamb + crisp local white wine + simple salad of tomato and onion + soft fresh white bread =======HEAVEN! Watch this clip from 17.10 mark onwards. Ricks voice has been creepily modulated by someone for copyright, but you get the drift. Spit roast lamb (and goat and pork for that matter) on the Greek islands. Lush. I'm so salivating. Not been to Croatia, yet. But with this sort of recommendation! It's due! 3
99call Posted July 18 Posted July 18 2 hours ago, ha_banos said: Spit roast lamb (and goat and pork for that matter) on the Greek islands. Lush. I'm so salivating. Not been to Croatia, yet. But with this sort of recommendation! It's due! Amusingly, I first ordered it by accident. I pulled into a petrol station with my mate, and we'd been on the road for most of the day. We were knackered, and thought, "god...any food. Would be good now". The waitress, who also seemed to be the owner (looked like Isabella Rosselini in David Lynch's 'Wild at Heart). She gave us menus from the 1960's with 100's of bastardised European dishes on it. We desperately formulated what we thought were the most botulism risk free options. She nodded at our order without writing it down. Me and my mates' levels of confidence sank...and sank. She returns...it's immediately obvious the menus are just table decorations and spit roast lamb is the only show in town. It was utterly fabulous. We left a grateful tip, that was met with utter derision and distain, like we has spat on the table. She was a femme fatale for the ages. A very memorable experience and a fabulous meal. The local cops soon pulled up, and proceeded to sink many beers. 2
ha_banos Posted July 18 Posted July 18 2 hours ago, 99call said: Amusingly, I first ordered it by accident. I pulled into a petrol station with my mate, and we'd been on the road for most of the day. We were knackered, and thought, "god...any food. Would be good now". The waitress, who also seemed to be the owner (looked like Isabella Rosselini in David Lynch's 'Wild at Heart). She gave us menus from the 1960's with 100's of bastardised European dishes on it. We desperately formulated what we thought were the most botulism risk free options. She nodded at our order without writing it down. Me and my mates' levels of confidence sank...and sank. She returns...it's immediately obvious the menus are just table decorations and spit roast lamb is the only show in town. It was utterly fabulous. We left a grateful tip, that was met with utter derision and distain, like we has spat on the table. She was a femme fatale for the ages. A very memorable experience and a fabulous meal. The local cops soon pulled up, and proceeded to sink many beers. I had this in mind 😁 This was a quiet Taverna in the hills on Paxos. The chef was still sleeping when we rocked up. Amazing crispy salty. And yes, that's heads too. 3 1
Popular Post El Presidente Posted July 19 Author Popular Post Posted July 19 Loving Kythira! Near zero tourism even at this time of year 😁 Caught up with Stan, Anthony and Anthea 12 1
JC67 Posted July 19 Posted July 19 I wish you guys a great trip. Whilst in Kythira, Beaches The nicest beaches in Kythira are not easily accessible. Public transport is non existent. My opinion is that you need a car to enjoy Kythira. Kiriakoulou- You can hire a little boat ($100 Eu for day) just near where Artie hangs out (Kapsali) and sail around there. You can also keep sailing to another 3 very beautiful and secluded beaches from there. Kalami - A little way from the town of Milopotamos, you will need to walk about 1 km, then climb down a rope (you can do it) and the beach is there just for you! Firi Ammos - near Kalamos Food Recommend Manolis at Diakofti. Amazing food, on the water. you will love it. Platanos - in Milopotamos Adventure The watermills in Milopotamos...this is a very cool walk with springs you can swim in !! they are full right now and well worth it. 1
joeypots Posted July 19 Posted July 19 It's said the Greeks invented sex. The Italians taught it to women. 1
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