Re: Any backpackers/travellers? Advice wanted.


"Joe" <joko@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:3l7goqF11ddomU1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Bobby McGee <deadluvva@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>> Isn't the Olomos Gorge/Plateau ON Crete? Did you go to Crete?
>> Where is this Valley of the Windills?
>
> Yes, both are on Crete. I spent 3 weeks on Crete, but again, it was more
> than 20 years ago, and the memories are starting to fade. I loved the
> little town of Agios Nicholas. Chania was a good kicking off spot for day
> trips, and the Valley of Windmills is probably halfway in between Chania
> and Agios Nicholas, but up in the mountains.
>
>> The hike we are looking to do is the Louisios Gorge near Ancient
>> Olympia (on the mainland) It's only 5 kms long but winds through
>> mountains past one monastery after another.
>
> 5 kilometers is 2+ miles, which is great for an hour long hike. But,
> backpacking?
>
> Check out the Omolos Gorge instead. But also, when I was there, you had to
> hike back up to get out, as there wasn't anything (towns, that is) at the
> bottom. But, for all I know, there could be a Club Med there now too. It's
> on Crete, south end of the island.
>
> I was also on Rhodes, which I really enjoyed, and a number of smaller
> islands, including Kos, Samos, Naxos, and Ikaria.
>
> One thing about Greek food...true 20 yers ago. If you go during the
> off-season, the food is horrible, just disgusting. But, on the upside,
> there's no one there. I was in Greece in the Fall, from October thru
> Christmas.
>
> It was a truly wonderful experience. And, everyone was so friendly. Even
> to Americans, because every Greek has a cousin who lives in New York City.
>
> My Number 1 activity then, as it still is, is hiking. On lots of islands,
> I'd take a bus a number of miles out of town, get off and walk back to
> town.
>
> Whatever you do, go to Santorini. It's truly one of the greatest natural
> wonders of the world.
>
> Joe
>

I gotta agree with Joe re: Santorini, as well as the two other isles I
visited: Rhodes and Naxos. Amazing places. You can also easily "wing it"
on lodging. Owners of inexpensive, clean apartments/rooms will be eagerly
awaiting your arrival, esp. if you arrive on ferry.

One travel consideration... The ferry trip from Italy to Greece is very
very long, eats up a big chunk of time. I managed to find a very cheap
flight from Rome to Athens (on Thai Airways jumbo jet), and then a cheap
flight from there to Santorini. For a total of about $200 (but this was 8
years ago) I saved about 4 days on ferries.

I was able to rent a cheap car in Naxos for a day which was a great way to
see this beautiful, mountainous island. Bus service is plentiful in
Santorini and Rhodes.


.

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