Going to the Greek Islands - Avoid due to riots?

Sully · 12-05-2010 7:40pm #1

Quick question folks..
Was considering heading over in June for about 4 weeks to travel the Greek Islands but with all the recent trouble and strikes - I was wondering if it may be best avoid? Any thoughts?

ARGINITE · 12-05-2010 7:45pm

If your not in a rush to book you could wait and see.
But I would avoid it until things came down as the strike could be a really headache.

Sully · 12-05-2010 7:48pm

Yeah wanted to go early June tbh. I guess I can wait it out.

Any other suggestions?

ARGINITE · 12-05-2010 7:55pm

Egypt, but it would be very hot!

445279.ie · 12-05-2010 8:05pm

Reckon it'd be like avoiding Ireland back in the day because of "The Troubles" in the North

Trouble in Athens probably not affecting the rest of the country

SugarHigh · 12-05-2010 8:09pm

As far as I know the only work a lot of people in Athens have at the moment is during tourist season on the islands so I don't think they will **** that up and tbh if more people are thinking like you than you might get to enjoy while it's not packed which would be a big plus for me.

tinkerbell · 12-05-2010 8:34pm

Personally I'd avoid it for now anyway. Do you have to go in June? Could you wait til September maybe instead? I assumed Sept since you prob wanna avoid the busy months of July / August?

RubyK · 13-05-2010 7:53am

I would have no worries about island hopping. We are hoping to get to Corfu later in the season ourselves! The Greeks rely heavily on tourists, I've no doubt you'll get a warm welcome on every island you visit. June would be a nice time, as it won't be roasting hot.

Enjoy

Sully · 13-05-2010 8:18am

I have exams in August so I decided June would be best so I could get away for a few weeks and relax, before a busy summer period of study and work. June is going to be pretty busy for me work wise but I will have someone looking after things while I am away anyway.

They are final year exams in August so I need to ensure enough preparation is given. September its unlikely I will have time so thats why June suited.

With the recent fighting and strikes, that was the last thing I needed along with travel chaos due to the ash cloud. So, I was considering elsewhere. I actually prefer the more hot resorts (I am wondering is the temperature in Greece warm enough!)

sfakiaman · 13-05-2010 8:39am

Early June in Crete is lovely, the locals say late May is best but too early for me. Crete is also a major hub for ferry services.

RubyK · 13-05-2010 9:10am

Sully wrote: »

I actually prefer the more hot resorts (I am wondering is the temperature in Greece warm enough!)

Me too

But June will see tempetures of 30 degrees, maybe hotter.

Sully · 13-05-2010 9:43am

RubyK wrote: »

Me too But June will see tempetures of 30 degrees, maybe hotter.

I read somewhere it was only our summer heatwave temps so in the early-mid 20s.

Unshelved · 13-05-2010 10:50am

I wouldn't worry about riots - they were only confined to a small area in Athens. However, I would give some thought about strikes - having been stranded for two days on a small island off Corfu a number of years ago, only catching our flight by the skin of our teeth. If you are island hopping allow loads of time between transfers.

To give you an example, there will be a general strike next Thursday 20th May - most public transport (including ferries), all museums and perhaps all air traffic control will shut down - bear this in mind if you need to get home or off an island. This could continue for the Summer. If you do travel to Greece this summer then allow loads of time (up to 48 hours) to get back to your airport in case of industrial action.

June is a wonderful time of the year in Greece - you'll have a great time. Just keep up to date with the news and don't leave any connections too tight and you shouldn't be caught on the hop too much.

Sully · 14-05-2010 6:23pm

Last 24 hours two bombs went off.

I'm not so sure its like the whole Rep. / Nort. Ireland incidents. The islands may easily be targeted.

Agricola · 14-05-2010 8:43pm

Im in the same boat meself. Really wanted to get to Greece this summer but Ive decided against it. Im not overly worried about the trouble in Athens as I had only planned to stay there the first and last nights, before heading into the Pelopenese or onto the islands. But I just dont want the hassle that strikes will bring. Not to mention walking into a riot of course!

Ive decided to head somewhere else for the sun this year...:(

Going to the Greek Islands - Avoid due to riots?

Comments