laustic

Hi, my 2 girlfriends and I will be celebrating our 30th birthdays in Greece this year. We are planning to go in early May. I originally planned on spending 2 days in Athens, and then split the rest between Mykonos and Santorini, but now I am starting to wonder if I shouldn't just stick to one island. Also, I am not stuck on those 2 islands specifically. I have read quite a bit on the board about the islands, but still haven't been able to determine which would be the best for us 3. We like to have a good time, but 2 of us are married and I have children -- so not *that* much fun! I am specifically interested in culture and history and my friends are most interested in relaxation and beautiful scenery.

Also, I am waiting back on an estimate from Fantasy Tours. They seemed reasonably priced and reputable from what I have read on the board. My only concern is the hotels. We certainly don't need luxury, but we would like comfortable, attractive and well situated accomodations. I suppose they will tell me which hotels they are placing us in and I can research them. Is that correct?

Any other recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I have only been to Europe once before many years ago as a grubby college backpacer, so I feel pretty new at this. Thanks so much in advance.

Chandra

brotherleelove2004

I think you might enjoy seeing two islands more than staying in one place. 8 days isn't a long time, but it's long enough to move between two neighboring islands. I personally think Mykonos is a "pass," but so do many people think the same of Santorini. I suggest you choose one of them and then add Naxos or Paros as your second choice. Both can be easily reached from Santorini, and Paros can be easily reached from Mykonos. All 4 of these islands are connected by an express passenger catamaran, the Hellenic Seaways Cat, but depending on when you go there it might not be operating on a day convenient for you. The larger car ferries operate every day.

I'm sure Fantasy Travel will book hotels for you that are in your price range if you make sure they understand your budget.

On Santorini, if you want some nightlife (bars, clubs, discos, etc) you'll have to stay in Fira where they are located. Oia, my favorite village (and by far the most beautifull!), is limited to restaurants and a couple of quiet bars at night.

lilipad

here's the deal - mykonos get's a bad rep as everybody thingks it's a party scene ... but about 1-3 miles off shore is Delos, theeee destination for ancient greek ruins. you'll need at least 3 hours to give them justice and there are daily boat rides to the island (for May, try emailing Mykonos tourist agencies as to daily boats, to Delos). Mykonos also has a great town section ... it is a bit pricey though but very cute.

Santorini, for the view and the beauty you must go as well. Stay in Oia ... it's quieter and a whopping 15 minute ride away is Fira for the night life. There's a local bus between Fira and Oia pretty much every hour ... you'll likely get a rental car anyway ... between 3 people, that's about 20 euros per day.

get a lonely planet book and insight guide at the library to see pics and read about both islands. 8 days is more than enough for all 3 stops.

i'd suggest spending the first night in Athens, see the accropolis and take off. After the islands, you won't even think about Athens again ...

3 days Mykonos, 3 days Santorini is pleanty!

brotherleelove2004

The buses don't run at night past 9:30 between Fira and Oia in May, maybe as late as 10:30 during peak season, but after that you'll have to hunt up a taxi, not necessarily a problem unless it's really late.

Also, the islands I mentioned earlier all have airports for more convenient access from Athens (not island-to-island).

carlag

May is a great time to go they say pre-busy on the islands. Just got back from my honeymoon and we did 2 days Athens, 3 days Santorini and 3 days Paros. We saw alot and it seemed like the vacation lasted forever. I used Labrina at Windmills travel and she set everything up, from our taxi/ferry/hotel transfers, ferry routes and tickets,hotels(they were unbeliveable). I am glad we let her set the trip up (less stressed for us) Santorini is beautiful,wow is all I can say.

laustic

This is all great advice! Thanks so much! Based on the advice I will do both Mykonos and Santorini, but possibly take the advice to spend less time in Athens. I do plan to get back to Greece with the hubby in the future and tour the mainland and maybe some of the other islands. Again, thanks, this is why I love this board so much!

Eloise

If you are interested, as you say, in culture and history, you have to stay in Athens at least long enough to visit the Acropolis (and its museum) and the National Archeological Museum.

brotherleelove2004

I agree with Eloise. And if you have the time, take the funicular ride up Lycabettus Hill for a drink and/or a meal at sunset.