Greece has anyone been there on holiday lately?

[ZZZenagain]

Am thinking of going to Greece , would be a villa on an island. Has anyone been on holiday there recently? I am wondering how things are there now with the current crisis

Crete is FANTASTIC
ignore what you read in the news

We go to Greece frequently, touristy and non touristy places. Over the last few years there has been a change. There are more places that have closed and seemingly fewer tourists in some places. Prices aren't higher than they were but the exchange rate makes it seem pricier than it was in the past.

We've never seen any rioting etc that appears on the news and the people, if they mention it at all, are apologetic for "their" crisis. They are generally warm and hospitable as ever.

It is still my favourite place in the world! We are off there in a few weeks and I can't wait.

The main troubles seem to be in Athens, go to any of the islands and you will be welcomed (and your money!) with open arms. They refuse to endanger their valuable tourist trade as it is a massive income for the islands economy. DH and I have been to various Greek islands since the riots started, and it really is safe. Be aware that in some small resorts/islands you may need to pay cash for some things, e.g. boat trips, or entrance to archaeological sites where they don't have the facility for card payment.

As it is, many seasonal workers in the hotels, bars and restaurants find different jobs when these close out of season, such as olive picking, painting and decorating, hotel maintenance etc.

We have just bowed out of Greece as we have read hat the hospitals are not finding it easy to treat their own people due to lack of resources ,medicines etc so unlikely to treat foreigners we feel.

my neighbours have just come back from crete - they could rate it highly enough.

thanks everyone, have been to Greece a few times in the past but unsure about it atm. Hadn't thought of Crete

Haven't they got an oil spill at mo?

My parents have just come back from Kos. They has an amazing time and said you wouldn't even know there were any problems in Greece.

I like the western end of Crete - both north and south. The area around Hania is really nice and not the package tour hell of the eastern side of the island. The south is very quiet and unspoilt.

the crisis makes no difference to the tourists, except that the locals will be even more pleased to see you. Please go.

with holiday insurance your treatment would be paid for and you would be flown home if necessary.

Chania is wonderful : will be going back next year. They LOVE tourists and their cash. THe shops are full, the food is delicious. THe news stories we hear in this country misrepresent how most people in Greece are living

thanks everyone, in the end we just booked something different but we do want to go to Greece sometime soon and it is good to hear that people have had good experiences lately. We'll do early next summer instead.