August 2011 Honeymoon: Spain vs. Greece?
Apr 6th, 2011, 09:02 PM
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August 2011 Honeymoon: Spain vs. Greece?
Hi All,
My fiancé and I had planned to go to Hawaii for our honeymoon after our wedding in late August 2011 but have since decided against it and are considering Europe instead. We are trying to decide between Spain and Greece? We want a beachy, relaxing, romantic honeymoon with activities maybe for half the time which would include some sightseeing, lots of good dinners, water sports, horseback riding etc. Nothing too strenuous!!!! Which would be better: Spain or Greece?
We are looking for 10 nights/11days with a split of either athens,myknonos,santorini or madrid,barcelona,marabella in 2/3/5 or 3/3/4 nights in each place respectively. Depending on which country you picked, how would you break out the days? Are these the right stops or would you recommend other stops?
This website has been really helpful just in my searching but I know you all are experts and look forward to your thoughts!!
My fiancé and I had planned to go to Hawaii for our honeymoon after our wedding in late August 2011 but have since decided against it and are considering Europe instead. We are trying to decide between Spain and Greece? We want a beachy, relaxing, romantic honeymoon with activities maybe for half the time which would include some sightseeing, lots of good dinners, water sports, horseback riding etc. Nothing too strenuous!!!! Which would be better: Spain or Greece?
We are looking for 10 nights/11days with a split of either athens,myknonos,santorini or madrid,barcelona,marabella in 2/3/5 or 3/3/4 nights in each place respectively. Depending on which country you picked, how would you break out the days? Are these the right stops or would you recommend other stops?
This website has been really helpful just in my searching but I know you all are experts and look forward to your thoughts!!
Apr 7th, 2011, 07:44 AM
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When you say late August, would the trip be in August, or would it go into early September? August is high season and extremely hot in both countries, so a week can make a big difference.
As you probably know, airfares are sky high, but I am returning to Spain this spring because I found it has the best deals. Unless you are going in September, I would go to northern Spain for slightly cooler weather. Alternatively, perhaps Barcelona plus the Balearic islands would be nice.
Also, where are you flying from? Spain is a much quicker flight, ofter without transfers--that makes a big difference when you only have 10 days.
As you probably know, airfares are sky high, but I am returning to Spain this spring because I found it has the best deals. Unless you are going in September, I would go to northern Spain for slightly cooler weather. Alternatively, perhaps Barcelona plus the Balearic islands would be nice.
Also, where are you flying from? Spain is a much quicker flight, ofter without transfers--that makes a big difference when you only have 10 days.
Apr 9th, 2011, 11:06 PM
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Small San Sebastián (pop. 180 000) could be the perfect destination for a honeymoon. The gastronomical capital of Spain, if not all of Europe (17 Michelin stars in town), some of the finest city beaches on the continent and a local culture that people take great pride in.
The article "A different kind of Spain" gives you an idea of San Sebastián and the region: http://marshlands.blogstream.com/
"There is dining that features more Michelin starred restaurants per mile than Paris, New York, or Vienna. There is a culture brought Woody Allen to the city’s Film Festival last year, brings Herbie Hancock and Bob Dylan to this summer’s Jazz Fest, and embraces Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum just down the coast in Bilbao. There is the zest for life that drew Ernest Hemingway to nearby Pamplona and was immortalized in The Sun Also Rises.
San Sebastian’s setting on the coast is a panorama reminiscent of Rio de Janeiro - a horseshoe bay of blue water whose entrance is guarded by Mount Igueldo, a wide sandy beach circling the bay, green mountains extending all the way to the water, and a statue of Christ on Mount Orgull overlooking it all. At the back of the bay lies the city, clad largely in white, perched on the beach and the slopes heading up into the mountains".
Two luxcury hotel options:
Hotel Maria Cristina: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/mari...westin.en.html
Villa Soro: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/villasoro.en.html
The article "A different kind of Spain" gives you an idea of San Sebastián and the region: http://marshlands.blogstream.com/
"There is dining that features more Michelin starred restaurants per mile than Paris, New York, or Vienna. There is a culture brought Woody Allen to the city’s Film Festival last year, brings Herbie Hancock and Bob Dylan to this summer’s Jazz Fest, and embraces Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum just down the coast in Bilbao. There is the zest for life that drew Ernest Hemingway to nearby Pamplona and was immortalized in The Sun Also Rises.
San Sebastian’s setting on the coast is a panorama reminiscent of Rio de Janeiro - a horseshoe bay of blue water whose entrance is guarded by Mount Igueldo, a wide sandy beach circling the bay, green mountains extending all the way to the water, and a statue of Christ on Mount Orgull overlooking it all. At the back of the bay lies the city, clad largely in white, perched on the beach and the slopes heading up into the mountains".
Two luxcury hotel options:
Hotel Maria Cristina: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/mari...westin.en.html
Villa Soro: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/villasoro.en.html
Apr 10th, 2011, 03:40 AM
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For what you describe I would say Greece. However, you do have to take into account the cost/length of the flights which to Greece are certainly longer and more expensive than Spain. Especially for only ten days. If those aren't issues for you then I'd pick Greece. If you did pick Greece I'd substitute another island for Mykonos. I think it's more expensive and crowded than some of the others. Other good islands to combine with Santorini are Naxos and Paros. Santorini, while very crowded. is one of the most incredible places on earth. If you do choose Spain I agree that in August, early September northern Spain would be better. Just recently drove through the Costa del Sol (Marbella) and it was all concrete high rises and expensive villas type places. Malaga is a nice city but for a primarily beach holiday I'd choose somewhere else. Barcelona is a fabulous city and does have quite a lot of beach for a city. You could combine it with beach destinations north or south, even going up to the south of France (Collioure).
Apr 10th, 2011, 09:09 AM
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Wow everyone, this has been really helpful and has given us somethings to think about. I know that someone asked but we will not be leaving until August 29th which might as well be September. I do like the point about the longer flight to Greece than to Spain, and I have also heard nothing but phenomenal things about Santorini. I am going to talk to myfiance and do some more digging! Please continue to chime in. Thanks so much!
Apr 13th, 2011, 07:27 AM
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Since you are traveling after August 15 (which is almost the peak time for greeks and their vacation time) I would recommend Greece/greek islands (and now that they started having them on sale you may want to consider buying one too 
.) Any way, I am suggesting greece, not because I am greek,but primarily because I think you may have the option to choose from more islands and other destinations to visit than you would in spain. Spain is a beautiful country, picturesque, and friendly, but differs (just like any other culture) from greece, so they are totally different experiences in many levels.
.) Any way, I am suggesting greece, not because I am greek,but primarily because I think you may have the option to choose from more islands and other destinations to visit than you would in spain. Spain is a beautiful country, picturesque, and friendly, but differs (just like any other culture) from greece, so they are totally different experiences in many levels.
Apr 13th, 2011, 07:51 AM
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I would do Greece over Spain for your honeymoon. There is no other destination as naturally beautiful as the Greek Islands (my personal opinion obviously 
) I, myself, am not Greek, but I have traveled various times throughout mainland Greece and many of its islands. There is so much to see and do, and if you just want to relax all day at the beach, you will be surrounded by gorgeous beaches. Happy travels
) I, myself, am not Greek, but I have traveled various times throughout mainland Greece and many of its islands. There is so much to see and do, and if you just want to relax all day at the beach, you will be surrounded by gorgeous beaches. Happy travels
Apr 13th, 2011, 09:09 AM
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Because you're looking for beachiness, go for the Greek Islands. Definitely do Santorini for about 4 nights and you only really need two in Athens (best for END of trip because you deal with only one flight to get out of Greece and your flight home will be longer than your flight to Greece). If staying ON a beach in Santorini is important, you don't want caldera side.
Consider Crete instead of Mykonos. Mykonos is nice, beach is nice, town is nice, but it is limited in what it offers honeymooners other than fly and flop. Crete is at least historically important and far larger than Mykonos, with more to do.
Consider Crete instead of Mykonos. Mykonos is nice, beach is nice, town is nice, but it is limited in what it offers honeymooners other than fly and flop. Crete is at least historically important and far larger than Mykonos, with more to do.
Apr 13th, 2011, 11:50 PM
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Late August is one of my favorite times on the Greek Islands, and I am going again at that time this year. Breezes on the islands keep temperatures lower than on the mainland. Beaches vary from island to island, some like Naxos with golden sand, others having pebbles.
The best beaches I have found in the Mediterranean are on the island of Formentera in Spain. This is a quiet little island next to Ibiza, which also has great beaches. Ibiza is known as a party island, but there are quieter parts of that island, too, e.g. Santa Eulalia. You can take day trips by ferry to Formentera from Ibiza Town.
I'm not a rider, but assume there are better horseback riding opportunities in Spain than in Greece. Minorca and Majorca are the other two Balearic Islands, and like Ibiza are popular package holiday destinations. If you don't want that kind of atmosphere, look for a Greek Island that doesn't have an international airport.
The best beaches I have found in the Mediterranean are on the island of Formentera in Spain. This is a quiet little island next to Ibiza, which also has great beaches. Ibiza is known as a party island, but there are quieter parts of that island, too, e.g. Santa Eulalia. You can take day trips by ferry to Formentera from Ibiza Town.
I'm not a rider, but assume there are better horseback riding opportunities in Spain than in Greece. Minorca and Majorca are the other two Balearic Islands, and like Ibiza are popular package holiday destinations. If you don't want that kind of atmosphere, look for a Greek Island that doesn't have an international airport.
