Dave's Travel Pages is a travel blog focusing on Greece and Bike Touring, with additional travel guides to countless interesting destinations around the world.
About Dave's Travel Pages
It all started back in 2005 when I bought the domain name, and created what I called my Travelogue site.
The aim, was to document my journeys online as I travelled around the world. This way, other people could see what I was up to, and maybe give it a go themselves.
When I started it, I had no idea that Dave's Travel Pages would last as long as it has – or that I would eventually become a full time travel blogger. Yes folks, this is now my job. It's tough, but someone has to do i!
Travel Tips and Insights
In many ways, the aim of the blog (as we call it nowadays!) hasn't changed. I like to share my travel experiences and create guides to make travel easier for other people.
There's two ways you can discover what's on this travel blog. Firstly, you can use the menu system. And secondly, you can use the search bar. You'll find both of these at the top of the page.
Whilst there are two core focuses – Greece and Bike Touring, there are travel blogs and guides to all parts of the world here. Make yourself a nice cup of tea, and dive in!
About Travel Dave
Dave Briggs
Dave was born in Northampton in the UK.
His first big travel adventure involved buying a car in Australia, and driving around the country for a year. As you can see from the photo below, it was quite a few years ago, as there seems to be some hair on display!
During 25 years of self-funded travel since then, he's backpacked through South America, sailed across the Mediterranean, and cycled over 40,000 kms around the world. Check out his bike tours here: Bikepacking Blogs
These days, Dave spends six months a year in Greece, and the other six months on bike tours and travel adventures. He's the blogger behind Dave's Travel Pages, creating travel guides aimed at making your life easier.
Regular Contributors to Dave's Travel Pages
Vanessa 
Vanessa was born in Athens in Greece.
Her love affair with travel began in Athens itself, as she discovered the alternative side to the city as a student. Later, she moved to London to study and work for four years, where she became involved in the couchsurfing community.
Her travels have included extended journeys through Europe, South America, the Middle East and Asia, but it's Greece she enjoys travelling in the most. She also enjoys showing people around both Athens and Greece, and since 2013 she's been running the ‘Real Greek Experiences' walking tours, helping visitors discover a hidden, authentic side of Athens.
In 2018, Vanessa started contributing Greece travel guides to Dave’s Travel Pages, aiming to help travelers find their way around her city, Athens and her homeland. Find out more about Greek Culture and Insights at her own travel blog: Real Greek Experiences
Dave's Travel Pages Itineraries
I've been writing articles and blog posts since 2005 in the hope to inspire others to start their own journey and travels around the world. At the last count, there were over 1500 different articles, guides, and itineraries!
I write blog posts designed to cover popular destinations as well as to experience off the beaten path places. I've not added up all the different countries I've visited over the years, but it's probably nearing 100.
The most popular searches for destinations on this site are for Greece – cities, islands, UNESCO sites and the like.
Want to find out more about my travels in Greece? Check out my Greek travel guides.
The most popular searches for activities are to do with bike touring. Take a look here:
- Cycling Alaska to Argentina
- Cycling from England to South Africa
- Bike touring from Greece to England
- Bicycle Touring the Peloponnese, Greece
As you're here, why not check out these top blogs posts about travel Dave has written:
- 2 Days in Athens Itinerary
- Must see historical places in Greece
- Day trips from Athens
- Pacific Coast Highway Cycling Guide
- Greece 7 day itinerary
- Best places to visit in October in Europe
- Bike touring tips
- Why do people like to travel – 20 Reasons It’s Good For You
- Best Day Trips In Greece
- International Packing Checklist
Marcel Ferreira says
Hi Dave , hope you are keeping well. My wife and I are looking at visiting Greece in May/June. It would be our first visit. This is what we are thinking of so far….
We have noticed that many of the videos on these spots seem to show a lot of wind? Are these islands windy during this time? we would like to do hiking , beaches , snorkeling during our stay. Would you suggest any changes to this itinerary ?
naples to mykonos on 30th May
mykonos 30-1
ferry mykonos to naxos on 1st
naxos 1-8
naxos to santorini on 8th
santorini 8-12
we are flexible as to which islands to visit , as long as they are affordable and have nice snorkeling spots , but have to fly back home to south africa from Venice , that’s why we end on Santorini as we can fly cheaply to Venice from there
Dave Briggs says
Hi,
Yes the islands can be windy – Mykonos is known as the Windy Island!
In May/June though the winds should not be so strong as they are later. They are windier in July August.
I think your itinerary looks good. I think you will come away liking Naxos as this has a great mix of hiking, beaches, villages etc. It’s also a very affordable island.
This guide suggest some beaches for snorkeling in Naxos: Naxos Beaches
Rachael says
Hi Dave,
I am trying to find a cycle map from Athens to Vouliagmeni Lake. Or at least cycling map instructions.
Do you know where I can find one online?
We are hoping to travel along the coast all the way to the Lake. Spend a few hours at the lake and then head back to Athens. It would be for the day. Also, do you know if they have a charging station at Vouliagmeni if we rent e-bikes?
Thank you in advance.
Rachael
Dave Briggs says
Hi,
There’s no bike map that I know of. You could look at: Komoot
The last time I rode that route was a few years ago, and I just followed the coastal road along.
Not sure about recharging station, but with a full charge before you leave, you should get there and back without needing to as it’s about a 40km round trip (maybe 50km depending on start point and exact route).
Rachael Acott says
Thans Dave! Much appreciated.
Jane says
Dave,
Hello and thank you for the great article and summary of transfer options between Piraeus and Athens. You’ve convinced me to try the Welcome Pick Up option. In addition to trying it there, we
may also want to use it in Instabul and Rome, other ports on an upcoming cruise we’re taking to Turkey, Greece, Italy in early 2023.
I have what may be a “long-shot” travel question about phone sim cards in/around Greece. On the chance you have some knowledge of neighboring Turkey, my question is if you know of a phone sim card that will work in both countries (and ideally in Italy too)?
From the research I’ve done, it seems a lot of cards will cover much of Europe, but Turkey never seems to be covered on those plans. I would really like to avoid having to get multiple cards for multiple countries, particularly since the itinerary is: Turkey, Greece, back to Turkey, back to Greece, and then on to Italy. As I said, it may be a long-shot question, but if you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them.
Thank you.
p.s. if it’s relevant:
my preference would be to get the sim card in advance rather than purchase in upon arrival.
I have a US phone plan (not Europe)
Dave Briggs says
Hi Jane,
Apologies for the late reply – I somehow missed this one!
If you bought a SIM card in Europe, you’d be charged roaming fees for Turkey and the same the other way around so you’d end up either paying more or getting multiple cards.
Perhaps an alternative solution is to reimagine how you are using your phone. There’s plenty of free wifi around, so making calls via messenger/skype/viber is a good way to go.
You could then perhaps get a travel sim card from Amazon in advance and just use it in emergencies
If you do want to consider buying a sim in Greece, this is a great guide: Sim cards in Greece
Joanne says
Hello Dave,
Great site and information, thank you.
Going to Crete Sept. 2023, for 11 days. I am wondering if it is worth flying to Athens for two days, during our stay? Any thoughts or advise would be appreciated.
Thanks
Dave Briggs says
Hi Joanne,
I would say that 2 days in Athens is about enough time to see the city and its highlights. (Guide here: 2 days in Athens)
The Acropolis is the main point of interest of course, but there’s also the Agora, as well as a handful of world class museums.
On top of that, you have some good nightlife with rooftop bars, and a whole host of things to see and do.
The historic center is walkable so you don’t need to worry about car hire to get around.
Carla says
Hi Dave
Awesome site, blogs and itineraries! We are thinking of traveling a couple Greek islands June 2023 and hearing about jelly fish in the Mediterranean. Do you have any experience with jellyfish at the beaches and if it varies depending on the time of year? Thank you!
Dave Briggs says
Hi Carla,
In the last 7 years of living in Greece I’ve seen probably two or three jellyfish close to the shore – I was traveling mainly the Cycladic, Dodecanese, and Ionian islands during this time. Vanessa, who snorkels further out than me has seen a few more. I can’t remember the last time they were washed up on the beach (although I remember 35 years ago that was the case!).
In short – I don’t think they are a major issue.
Hope that helps!
Stephanie D says
Hi Dave, we are planning a trip to Greece in October 2023. We will be flying in from Rome and plan to go to Athens, Crete, Santorini and Mykonos. We want to utilize our time wisely and plan the trip so we have as little travel in between the islands as necessary and access to airports for flying into and departing Greece. Do you have any suggestions on how we should order our itinerary?
Dave Briggs says
Hi Stephanie,
It ight depend where you are flying out from to get back home again.
Assuming you fly from Athens to return to your own country, I would suggest this order:
Land at Athens – get a flight to Crete right away – flight or ferry from Crete to Santorini – ferry from Santorini to Mykonos (no flights available) – ferry or flight from Mykonos to Athens – sightseeing Athens – return to home country.
Jacklyn Hansen says
Hi Dave,
Thank you for all the great info! I’ll be visiting Greece in November and am unsure how to island hop this late in the season. Are ferries still running at this time? I don’t see any ferries/boats available from Piraeus to Hydra, or boats from Mykonos to Delos. What do you recommend?
Dave Briggs says
Hi Jacklyn,
November does present some issues with island hopping – also weather is a consideration!
Delos archaeological site is normally closed in November, so you won’t find any ferries at that time.
Also, Mykonos will be very quiet and the weather not great – I am not sure that visiting Mykonos in November offers much value to be honest.
Piraeus to Athens: I would expect a few ferries a week in November. However it looks like the winter schedules has not been released yet. It might be updated at the end of the month.
Not sure what time or flexibility you have. The best islands in November would be Santorini (no tourists, very quiet, but on a clear day still vey impressive), Rhodes (incredible UNESCO castle old town), and Crete.
Shelley Pool says
Hi! Your information is amazing and endless… i am looking at visiting Greece February March. Im interested in the western coast. After reading some of your tips and info, I’m wondering if that is s good idea. Will businesses be open? Will the weather be good? Will we be limited in foods, drinks or activities due to Lent? Sooo many questions!! We are from United States so what would it be like if we hot a rental car? Are fuel stations easy to access?
Dave Briggs says
Hi Shelley,
The weather is your biggest problem for February and March – it is likely to be cold and rainy (perhaps even some snow – it varies from year to year!).
You’ll always find somewhere to eat and drink, but most tourist based businesses will be closed – They tend to open after Greek Easter.
If you do decide to press ahead, consider the Parga area.
If you are able to travel at another time (June and September being the absolute best months in my opinion) it’s probably best to reschedule.
Fuel stations easy to access – they even fill up the tank for you!
Kristi says
Hi Dave – we’re headed for a 10 night trip to Greece the end of April (last minute planning) and definitely want to see Meteora and are struggling to pick the Ionian or Cyclades for our island hopping visit. We’re mid-50’s, not big partiers but want great food, wine tour might be nice, beaches, general exploring – ideally some swimming but not sure about the warmth of the water. So was thinking Santorini 3 nights plus one other island we could hop from for 3 nights (Naxos?) OR the Ionians but not sure about the 2 places to pick to spend the night there.
My thought was that we would fly from whatever island back to Athens on the last day… spend the night at an airport hotel since it should be less expensive and we have to leave early in the morning for our flight home. SO with that – the end destination would either be Santorini or Zakynthos becaue of that I think).
Would you recommend one area over the other for that time of year? Will the water be warmer in one place or the other? If we want nice hotels but don’t have a huge budget where do we get the mosg bang for our buck AND get the maybe once in a lifetime Greek experience. I’m conflicted because everyone says how unique Santorini is so I wouldn’t want to miss it if this is my once in a lifetime in that area… but is it really just popular because more tourists know about it and our experience would be just as amazing picking the Ionians.
Just wondering if you have an opinion – I can’t seem to to figure this out from everything I am reading. Thank you!! Love your blog it’s very helpful!
Dave Briggs says
Hi Kristi,
I would say it’s easier to put together an island hopping trip in the Cyclades rather than the Ionian islands. There are more direct ferries between islands. Take a look at Ferryscanner to see what connection you can make.
Water temperature in late April/May can be quite variable. I would say extended swims are only for the brave, but on a clear day, the temperatures for relaxing on the beach will be very nice. Southern islands (Crete or Rhodes) might be better if swimming is a priority. The Cyclades will be warmer than the Ionians.
I think your idea of Santorini and then Naxos is a good one. Santorini does have very good views. At the time you are visiting, it will be much quieter than in August. Busy, but not too busy. Santorini doesn’t have great beaches so I wouldn’t put aside swimming time there. Try the short hike from Fira to Oia for the best views on the island.
Naxos has great beaches, and also a lot to see and do (hiking, history, nice villages). It’s a much bigger island than Santorini so you might consider renting a car for a day or two.
One final note: Greek Easter is Sunday April 24. Expect places to be closed on the Friday and the Monday either side. Also keep in mind that May 1 (or potentially May 2) is a traditional strike day, and transport between islands might be complicated or impossible on these days. Avoid traveling on May 1 and May 2 if possible!
I hope this has all been of some help!
Dave
Sebastian says
Hi Dave
Love the blog, have been reading it lots. I have a question, I am planning on doing a 2 month bike packing trip for my first time in a few weeks. I had been planing on doing Athens to Zagreb. However, given the current problems in Ukraine I am considering doing 2 months in the UK instead. I am from Canada and was wondering if you would recommend doing a country that I am familiar with (I have visited the UK a number of times before) or if its more fun to do a new country such as Greece and the Balkans. Would love you input?
Thanks
Dave Briggs says
Hi,
Some of it might come down to the time of year you want to cycle. Greece in August would be very challenging due to the heat, so the UK might be more suitable.
Overall though, I’d say a Balkans trip (Greece, Albania and on to Zagreb) would be a totally unique experience and more fun.
As it currently stands, I don’t see what’s happening in Ukraine spilling over to affect the Balkans.
Have a great ride wherever you decide to cycle!
Len Ferrara says
Hi Dave…so glad to have come upon your site as I peruse travel to Greece in mid-June of 2022 with my family (wife and 2 daughters ages 25 and 18). Your site is quite informative and probably has my answers but I’m taking the lazy way out and going right to the source! Thinking 2 weeks; a few days in Athens for the usual, probably at the end, and maybe four days in Crete to meet some friends. Otherwise…..? Maybe Santorini for a day or overnight. Not interested in partying, museums, or the beach necessarily but we’re foodies and enjoy mingling with the locals to get a real feel for where we’re at (hence no interest in Mykonos). Also enjoy cultural sites, hiking, exploring, and wineries (family friendly for the kids). Thinking one other island so as not to cram too much into a short window. Maybe smaller islands near Crete for logistical purposes. Thoughts?
Dave Briggs says
Hi Len,
Athens at the end- good choice.
You could start in Crete as Heraklion has a large airport.
From there on to Santorini.
You could extend Santorini for a couple of days I think. It’s a nice time to visit as not too crowded.
From there on to Folegandros – some nice walks and very picturesque.
From there, if you wanted a really quiet island, Sikinos would be next. There’s a winery there as well you can have sunset meals at.
And then, perhaps on to Naxos which has a fantastic mix of everything. From Naxos you could get a ferry or flight back to Athens.
If it all sounds too much, try to go to Naxos directly after Santorini. Naxos will tick everything off your list nicely.
Nicola says
Hi Dave
just planning my own pan American adventure and I have just started looking at insurance – what a minefield – especially for us brits with our lovely NHS!!
Did you take any insurance out when doing your trip – I’d love some tips
Thanks
Dave Briggs says
Hi,
From this trip I remember I definitely wanted insurance for North America – even the cost of breaking an arm is horrifying!
After my insurance expired after a year, I couldn’t get another one (at the time), as insurance companies wouldn’t renew travel insurance. I ended up going through Central and South America without any.
My thought here was I could afford minor treatment in those countries without going bankrupt.
Since that trip, there’s a few companies that do adventure travel or cycling insurance.
Insureandgo are a company to start looking at. World Nomads with their level 2 add on might also be something to look at.
Note that regular travel insurance often excludes activities like cycling, so add-ons or specialized are often needed.
Risa says
Hey Dave, I’ve read about your bike tours around Peloponnese. Would it be safe with two 7 year olds who are biking between you and another adult? I am researching greek islands to bike with my kids and trying to find the safest, yet still enjoyable options for March. Thanks.
Dave Briggs says
Hi – Difficult one to answer. There are no dedicated bike lanes as such, so you will be on roads used by traffic – most of which is not expecting to see bicycles.
There’s also more than a few hills!
My suggestion for the Peloponnese would be to start at Kalamata, and head west towards Methoni and Koroni castles and put together a route in that direction.
Stefan Hugestrand says
Hello Dave and thank you for a informative and well structured Page!
I read your words about winter in several places. I grew up in Greece until the age of 18 and moved then to Sweden in order to study, marry and stay. I am thinking about taking my wife for a week trip (28/12 to 3/1 to even celebrate NYE) in one of the places you mentioned.
Please feel free to influence my choise between Kalamata vs Limassol (Cyprus), which to choose 🙂
Dave Briggs says
Kalamata without a doubt!
But only because I prefer Greece to Cyprus 😀
anita Crispo says
Truly enjoy your blog with so much valuable info! I have used it extensively to plan our Peloponnese route.I am wondering if you have any insights into visiting the Monstery of Agios Ionnis Prodromos in Stemvitsia. I have found conflicting reports on directions and the difficulty of reaching the old and new monasteries. Plan A is to visit from Olympia on the way to Kalmata or plan B is to visit from Kalmata.
any insights you have would be greatly appreciated!
thanks!! anita
Dave Briggs says
Hi Anita,
I would say from Olympia looks better. You could also visit Archaeological Site at Bassae (A UNESCO site) either before of after the monastery.
Those mountain roads will be interesting to drive – but don’t bank on going fast!
bryan rogers says
Hi Dave. Your guides are great
I dont know the Cyclades but have been to islands on the West side.I I want to island hop in June 2022 for about a month starting in Athens for 1or 2 days and then getting to a number of islands from there
I do not care for the party/busy/fashionable islands so would like to take in the quieter ones, do some walking, stay in harbour or perhaps scenic inland accomodation ( doesnt have to be very smart ) but perhaps with a bit of life sometimes in the evenings in bars/restaurants as I am travelling on my own
Very happy with ferry travel and staying about 2/4 days in each island
Would you be able to recommend a route and perhaps accomodation. If this takes you time to assemble I would be prepared to pay for such effort
Dave Briggs says
Hi Bryan,
It sounds like the Cyclades will tick all your boxes – the problem might be more in how to narrow down which islands to include!
I’d suggest that 6 islands should be the maximum to attempt in a month. This will give you flexibility for islands where perhaps ferries don’t run to your next destination every single day.
For hiking – A lot of the Cyclades now have hiking paths which are well marked. Kythnos is a destination some hikers like for nature and hiking.
A route that looks something like Kythnos – Syros – Paros – Naxos (and then potentially the smaller islands of Schinoussa or Iraklia) might be a good base to build from.
An alternative route of Andros, Tinos, Syros, Paros, Naxos (and then smaller Cyclades) might also work.
I would say around 4-5 days on each island would be ample, apart from Syros where honestly just a couple of days would be fine. Naxos is an island you might want to spend longer – 7 days perhaps.
Al Brown says
Hi Dave
Just happened upon your website while looking for advice on avoiding dog attacks on a bike tour, found it really informative,thanks.
Im currently on the island of Corfu staying with friends over the winter.
I left the UK on August 26th cycling through France,Switzerland and Italy down to trieste,I got turned around at Slovenian border so back tracked to Venice and made my way down the adriatic coast to Bari.
Catching a ferry to Greece mainland then hoping across to corfu from Igoumenitsa.
My original plan was to travel through Slovenian, Croatia, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan,Tajikistan, Gilgit etc into India and Nepal.
However Covid has closed most of the already problematic borders I planned on crossing/ sneaking through.
For me at the moment Greece and possibly Turkey are still open for me to explore, if u have any recommendations for winter exploring on the bike I would be very grateful.
I have also successfully applied for residency in Greece just in case thing get worse after Brexit etc.
As u can probably tell reading between the lines I left the uk with an open mind seeing as we are currently going through a world pandemic, probably a stupid idea but my thirst for Adventure could no long be suppressed.
And I was also curious as to how far i could get.
It’s been amazing so far and its definitely the best worst scariest thing I’ve ever done and i don’t regret it one bit.
I’ve clocked up 4591k so far and hope to carry on around the world now the bug has bit.
Thanks
Al Brown
Dave Briggs says
Hi Al,
I hope you are doing well in these unusual times!
You certainly picked an adventurous time of year to set out!! 😀
As I see it, going for your residency is a great move, and gives you some future proofing.
You might get some decent cycling for a month more in Greece, but it will start to get wet and cold with shorter and shorter daylight hours at the end of the month.
Right now, I’m expecting that it’s going to be problematic to cross borders probably until spring of next year.
Turkey is an option at the moment – and you could also apply for a residency/visa there as well. I believe you could get 12 months relatively easily and cheaply which gives you some touring options. The south of Turkey on the coast will be warmish, but anywhere high up will be very cold.
Georgia would have been great with a 12 month visa – but unfortunately they are not letting anyone in. I had a friend stuck in Turkey for 5 months waiting, and they gave up in the end.
Short version: In my opinion if you want to continue cycling, I think the only option is to head to Turkey and from there see what happens in the spring. If you want to change continents, I’m hearing that Mexico might be worth considering but I’m not up to date with travel restrictions there.
The alternative is to park the bike up for a few months, and resume again in February/March if the situation has improved. Corfu is as nice a place as any!
Carolyn Schwartz says
Hi Dave
My husband is supposed to ride the month of October 1-30 from Seattle down coast to San Francisco. Planning weeks now. Given fires there, huge concern but cannot find anyone to ask about if routes are open etc…. any help would be greatly appreciated
Dave Briggs says
Hi,
There’s a couple of biketouring / bikepacking groups on Facebook you could look at joining with up to date info.
From various sources, I’d say that it’s not just the fires, but the movement of people and the impact that might have on places to stay that could cause issues.
D J TOLSON says
Hi Dave, are you able to recommend a PADI course in Athens? We are in Athens for a week from 30th Sept to 6th October., Many Thanks
Denise
Dave Briggs says
Hi Denise,
I’ve got no specific recommendations, but these are some companies you could look further into.
Note: Athens center is half hour at shortest distance by public transport from the coast which is something to consider when choosing.
https://en.extreme-divers.com/
https://www.athensdiversclub.com/
https://www.goscubadiving.gr/
https://seahorsedive.gr/
http://www.athinadiving.gr/index.php/en/index.html
And one in the Marathon area
https://diversclub.gr/
Nicky Lawler says
Hi Dave! I’ve just stumbled upon your blog, it’s very helpful! I’m trying to plan a 2-week family holiday (2 adults, 2 children 13yrs, 10yrs) to Greece hopefully from 1st August, if all the COVID travel rules allow it. (We are Australians living in London). I’m thinking 4 nights each in Athens, Naxos and Santorini (fly back to London from Santorini). Is this a good split of time in each place?
Do you know what is the general attitude to travelers at the moment, are we welcome or are locals scared of people coming in to Greece?
Also, is Wi-fi ok on the islands? My husband will have to work some days. And finally, do we need to prebook ferries and attractions now or can we do once we’re there? Any advice appreciated! Nicky
Dave Briggs says
Hi Nicky,
I hope you had a great weekend!
I’m actually traveling in Greece at the moment – and in Naxos! Superb beaches (I recommend heading to Plaka beach if you just want a pure, undisturbed beach day).
On to travel in Greece in the current ‘reality’.
I’ll answer this with the assumption that international travel has normalised to the extent you feel confident enough to book flights etc. Keep in mind that right now, although the headlines seem to indicate flights for tourists from the UK will resume July 1st, most people think this is highly doubtful. Also, airlines have not helped by selling ‘ghost tickets’ to flights they know won’t run. Personally, I wouldn’t book flights until the Greek government gives the green light for tourists from the UK to travel. They haven’t done that yet.
On the plus side – It’s really quiet right now, as you might expect! Locals are pretty cool about everything, and there’s no fear. The hotels are not busy, so you could potentially book things at the last minute. At the very least, reserve things with free cancellation is my advice (I’m saying this, because I still have a couple of hundred pounds tied up in Ryanair I can’t get back as money).
Wi-Fi works great (depends on hotel of course). I also work online, so know the importance! Data is not cheap though, although you should have a good roaming rate from the UK for your phones.
I wouldn’t prebook ferries yet as the schedules are constantly being altered according to demand. Check routes everyday until the day you go here (and book online if you wish): Ferryhopper
Your schedule sounds good – No need to book attractions at all.
I hope you pull together the vacation and all goes well!