Thessaloniki, Greece? (rent, home, to live in)

[305guy]

I'm thinking about spending a month in Greece and to travel to Italy as well while over there. I've never been to Greece but am strongly considering Thessaloniki to live in and travel around Greece and Italy from. My g/f and I are in our 20's and we enjoy clubbing, beaches, architecture and exploring cities in general.

Does this seem like a good fit? I appreciate any responses....

[305guy]

Thanks for the pics man! Very cool! I'm thinking about going during April-May, hopefully it's spring over there too...do you need a car to get around? Or if you stay somewhere urban can you rely on buses and public transportation?

[Paulo_]

Originally Posted by 305guy

Thanks for the pics man! Very cool! I'm thinking about going during April-May, hopefully it's spring over there too...do you need a car to get around? Or if you stay somewhere urban can you rely on buses and public transportation?

No need for a car man..I stayed in thessaloniki for a week and could move around very easily using the public transport system...on top of that it's more fun cause that way you get to know the people, if you move in a car on a way you kind of isolate yourself..

[305guy]

Cool, thanks for the info...

[BlueWillowPlate]

You could do that...but have you considered just carrying a backpack and ferrying around? I'm not sure you really need to have a home base.
Greece is *not* a subtropical country. Its climate is more Mediterranean and it definitely has a winter. I was there in June/July and the weather was lovely, my kid arrived in Athens in mid-March and it snowed. April/May would be pleasant but probably not swimming weather.
There is a lot of history and architecture to be found, as well as plenty of clubs/nightlife in the Cycladic islands and Corfu.
Santorini is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places I've ever seen.
DM me if you need more info.

[wastina]

I used to go to Thes while I was working in Macedonia/Kosovo. There are some really cool places to go, but YES, rent a car! The mountains, the coast, and all the pockets of ancient ruins are there waiting to be explored. One of the fingers of the peninsula to the north of Thes is a man-only complex of monasteries (no women allowed, ever). You'll have a great time driving around and exploring. Thessaloniki itself is a city, which has some virtues but is also a city. In the time that you've got, get out and drive around. Heck, you could even get up to Kosovo in that time easily, if you want a bit of war-tourism.

[305guy]

I don't think I'll go up to Kosovo..thanks, but no thanks. So if i do decide to backpack and see the greek isles as well, where would you say is a MUST before leaving?

[BlueWillowPlate]

Cycladic Islands.
Corfu is also wonderful, especially if you can get off the beaten path.

[wastina]

Santorini is where all the postcard shots are taken. Beautiful blue and white island.

I personally liked Crete better: there was enough to do to to spend a few days there. I rented a motorcycle and saw the island. Museums, antiquity, and a wonderful Alphine meadow (where someone.... Atlas? Zeus?... was born).

You can get ferries to both from the port at Piraea (near Athens).

[305guy]

I heard Mykonos is nice as well, how may days do you guys suggest per island? I plan to stay in Greece as least 2 weeks and in Italy the other 2....