Crete, Rhodes... or?
Dec 27th, 2014, 01:32 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Crete, Rhodes... or?
My fiancé and I are still struggling to find the perfect beach destination for the 2nd part of our honeymoon next May-June.
We are pretty much set to head first for Central Europe (Prague, Vienna, Budapest) and then take a (unfortunately indirect) flight from Budapest to a beach location for the last 5-6 days of the trip.
We haven't find a direct flight from Budapest to the places we thought we would like (Greece, Malta...) on the chosen day.
For now, we think Rhodes is the best place for us because of our limited time. Beaches, history, greek culture. We are still hesitating with Crete though... What do you think? Is Rhodes the best? If so, any suggestions for things to do, places to stay and such? I read somewhere about day trips to Turkey (Marmaris), is it worth it?
We are pretty much set to head first for Central Europe (Prague, Vienna, Budapest) and then take a (unfortunately indirect) flight from Budapest to a beach location for the last 5-6 days of the trip.
We haven't find a direct flight from Budapest to the places we thought we would like (Greece, Malta...) on the chosen day.
For now, we think Rhodes is the best place for us because of our limited time. Beaches, history, greek culture. We are still hesitating with Crete though... What do you think? Is Rhodes the best? If so, any suggestions for things to do, places to stay and such? I read somewhere about day trips to Turkey (Marmaris), is it worth it?
Dec 27th, 2014, 06:14 PM
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Maybe I should add that we are in our late 20's, we want to enjoy the weather, do some sports (diving, snorkelling, hiking...) and get into the greek culture.
We want to avoid resorts at all costs and stay in a b&b or rent an apartment. We want to avoid tourist traps and I fear Rhodes might be too crowded for the time (mid June). What about Corfu or the Ionian islands? Oh my... we are so confused. Please help!
We want to avoid resorts at all costs and stay in a b&b or rent an apartment. We want to avoid tourist traps and I fear Rhodes might be too crowded for the time (mid June). What about Corfu or the Ionian islands? Oh my... we are so confused. Please help!
Dec 27th, 2014, 07:26 PM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,435
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I like Crete better than Rhodes, but if it is easier for you to get to rhodes do not discount it. You can get off the beaten path on Rhodes. Read the blog ramblingsfromrodes You will find great tips on places to stay and where to eat plus daily life on Rhodes. Off the coast of Rhodes are some charming islands you could take day trips to or stay over night.
Dec 28th, 2014, 04:46 AM
#4
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,782
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In Barcelona you can stay in a big-city hotel with long stretches of sand beaches almost at your doorstep. Several budget airlines have flights from Budapest; see www.skyscanner.com Plus if you are flying from North America you should be able to find a multi-destination ticket flying into eastern Europe and home from Barcelona (or, of course, the reverse.)
Dec 29th, 2014, 12:23 AM
#8
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 896
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mainly if you end up going through Athens, there is a ton of island to chose from.
With only 5-6 days available, personaly I would not want to head on Crete. Far too huge and needs time to decipher. I find Rhodes a large and very diverse island with decent public transport to expore around, many interesting boat excursions and not terribly busy on early June,plus it will be warmer than many other places then. Very decent place to spend a week or more. It is true that it attracts a diverse crowd but it is true that there are tons of chapter flights and many package holiday makers around too. if this is an issue or not, it is a personal call.
If you think this might be a problem for you, you may want to check an island which does not receive international flights for the time been and attracts more of the DIY type of traveler. Maybe google Naxos or Paros -which are only 30 minutes flight from Athens airport or about 4+ and 5+ hours ferry ride from Piraeus port- and see what you think. They are both large-ish with plenty to see and do, including nice sandy beaches and watersports, enough to occupy you for 4-5 nights or a week.
With only 5-6 days available, personaly I would not want to head on Crete. Far too huge and needs time to decipher. I find Rhodes a large and very diverse island with decent public transport to expore around, many interesting boat excursions and not terribly busy on early June,plus it will be warmer than many other places then. Very decent place to spend a week or more. It is true that it attracts a diverse crowd but it is true that there are tons of chapter flights and many package holiday makers around too. if this is an issue or not, it is a personal call.
If you think this might be a problem for you, you may want to check an island which does not receive international flights for the time been and attracts more of the DIY type of traveler. Maybe google Naxos or Paros -which are only 30 minutes flight from Athens airport or about 4+ and 5+ hours ferry ride from Piraeus port- and see what you think. They are both large-ish with plenty to see and do, including nice sandy beaches and watersports, enough to occupy you for 4-5 nights or a week.
Dec 29th, 2014, 04:49 PM
#10
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 896
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would check carefully sea temperature's statistics on early June for Northern islands such as Corfu or Samos. I guess it is a personal call, but often people find the sea a bit on the chilly side on early June there. If sea related activities such as diving and snorkelling are of priority, you plan to spend hours in the sea rather than just take a quick deep and then sunbath for hours as many people tend to do, so it is important to feel comfortable with the water temperature.
