Finally Greece! But where??

You can take a boat excursion to Delos from either Paros or Naxos, so you don't have to actually stay on Mykonos unless it's something you can't live without. Both of these islands are close to Santorini and are excellent choices. They both have very charming port villages with winding alleyways to explore. The Delos excursion from either of these islands will also include a short stop on Mykonos so you can have a look around the main village. Whatever you do be SURE you go to Santorini, it's amazing. The village of Oia on the north end of the island is by far the most timeless and romantic village on the island. June is an excellent month to go. I haven't heard about a re-opening date for Akrotiri, but it's possible that by next June it will be open, you never can tell. Santorini also has Ancient Thera, on the mountain between Perissa and Kamari Beaches. The beaches are not what attracts most people to Santorini. Santorini's beaches are not the "normal" white sand variety, but are either red or black rock/pebbles/grit. Many people are disappointed by this. I just thought you should have it pointed out to you. Naxos and Paros both have excellent beaches.

If you want some recommendations for accomodations on Santorini let me know your daily room budget and I'll be happy to help. Most accomodations are either studios or small apartments with self-catering kitchenettes, but of course there are cheaper budget rooms as well as many 5* hotels with full hotel services if you prefer that.

I agree that Delos is not to be missed (in your planning note that the site is closed Mondays). Brotherleelove gives good advice on Santorini, and that should be another must-see on your itinerary.

Mykonos, Paros, and Naxos are all good choices for a second island. Mykonos is the most upmarket of the three, has a beautiful chora (main town), good beaches, and is the closest to Delos.

Naxos has the best beaches of the three, the next best chora after Mykonos IMO, and the majority of places of interest are easy to reach from Naxos Town.

Paros also has excellent beaches, and along with neighboring Antiparos, more to see than the other two, but spread out around the island. There is good bus service, but a car would be an advantage on Paros. IMO Paros needs more than a few days to fully appreciate.

Since this is your first trip to Greece, recommend you leave plenty of time for the wonderful sights on the mainland, including Athens, Delphi, and possibly Meteora and/or the Peloponnese. Check other threads for more info on the mainland.

thanks so much for the info! I sort of feel like maybe I need to divide greece into 2 trips - islands and mainland. If I focus on the islands and I go for Athens, santorini, naxos, and delos, that should be doable in 12 days without rushing it. Maybe sneak in a day trip to Mycanea from athens. For lodging, as this is my 40th I intend to splurge. Am thinking Grande Bretagne for athens, aigelos for santorini and ? for naxos. Ideas?

In the same price range as Aigialos but in the most beautiful and timeless village of Oia check out the Aspaki Suites and the Oia Castle.

Hi Ivy, to consider another point of view;

A) The great and unique focus of Athens is the Acropolis. There are very comfortable, but more moderate priced hotels in/near the Plaka which would save you a little money compared to the Grand Bretagne.

B) Another vote for Oia on Santorini. It is another special experience. Be sure to have your camera.

C) Save time using Aegean Airlines to hop to/from Santorini. They offer very reasonable airfares from time to time.

D) I agree, save the balance of the mainland for another trip which will also be wonderful.

If you want to splurge, for Naxos try Naxos Royal: http://www.greekhotel.com/cyclades/naxos/chora/naxos-royal/home.htm

Bookmarking

"But there is so much to see on the mainland."

You're right, there is! Athens,Delphi, Meteora, the Pelponnesse - there's so much sightseeing to be done before you even think about the islands. Not that I'm trying to put you off. We had 3 nights in Paros and 2 in Santorini after a hectic 2 week tour of the mainland. I felt the holiday was a bit flat when we got there.I would do our whole tour again but miss out Paros. Santorini has to be seen.

While Santorini and Delos are not to be missed, I would also suggest Naplio, in the Peloponnese, especially if you are considering Mycenae. It is a lovely little port town, with a Byzantine influence, and only two hours or so from Athens. Myceane and Epadorus are quick trips (through vineyards) as well.

thanks everyone! am a little worried about the pelop. given the fire recently. anyone know if it's OK to go? Also, since I am going in the middle of June, before the technical "high season" does that mean that high speed ferries will be few and far between?

just wanted to thank yout brotherleelove - those hotels look AMAZING. will definetly be staying there!!!

You won't regret it!

Ivy, by the middle of June all the highspeeds are running. Regarding the Peloponnese, last summer's fires shouldn't affect your trip planning for next June.

We have made the trip you are describing a number of times. Here is what we did.
We travel transatlantic so arrive Athens about dinner time. We grab a quick dinner and begin the process of absorbing the Greek ambiance. We spend two nights in Athens and then head out to the airport and rent a car and take the easy drive to Naphlion.
It is really lovely, with three Venetian fortresses and it's Neoclassical architecture. On the way you will pass the Corinth Canal and Ancient Corinth. You can also take a 5 kilometer side trip to Ancient Nemia which was a rival to Olympia and has an intact stadium.
You can also visit Epadarus, Ancient Teirns and Mycene all within an hour of Naphlion.
You can return to the airport and catch a flight to Naxos and spend three or 4 days there, enjoying the maze of small alleys in Naxos town, the great beaches and the lovely mountain villages.
From Naxos there is a day excursion to Delos and Mykonos.
With respect to luxury hotels in Naxos there are very few of them, but in fact the best one is Naxos Royale. Heimdall has made a good recommendation. It is ideally situated only 30 meters from St George Beach and about a 15 minute walk to the center of Naxos town. That gives you the best of both worlds a beach holiday with access to the town but with a quiet sleep at night.
The last time we were in Naxos we toured the Naxos Royale and were impressed. At that time in June it was 120 euros per night.

Naxos is a short ferry hop to Santorini. All the previous posters have said Santorini is a must see and I agree. I would add one other thing though, the best way to see Santorini for the first time is from a ferry as it enters the Caldera. It is spectacular.

Because time is precious we fly back to Athens. We normally save the last night for Athens and a wind up dinner.

Here are our pictures of Naxos and Naphlion to whet your appetite.

http://travel.webshots.com/album/552001505EYxVYT

http://travel.webshots.com/album/551991579dJbWvh

thanks for all this great advice. 2 pending questions I have:

1) brotherleelove: Oia castle does not appear to have a pool - is that right? I've heard the beaches in Santorini are not all that good and that a pool with a view is a must? what's your feeling on that?

2)Stanb: great itinerary! do you stay the night in the pelopennese or is what you describe a day trip from athens? THANKS

Yes and no re the pool at Oia Castle. There's no outdoor common pool, but the Aqua Suite has a fantastic indoor grotto pool all its own.

As far as whether a pool is necessary, I've never felt the need for one. The swimming area below Oia at the end of the seawall that begins on the wharf at Amoudi is fantastic, for me the best swimming on the island. That's all I need.

Once you get to Naphlion you will not want to leave too fast. We always stay one or two nights.
There is so much to see and do that a day trip does not do it justice.

I know it cuts down on your time on the islands but it would be better to leave Naphlion for another time if you are tempted to do it in a day trip.
The plan I suggested is doable provided you fly to the Islands.

If you are willing to splurge then check out the Fanari Villas in Oia. We have stayed there twice and its magnificent! Right above the Amoudi Bay which you can easily walk down to and it's right at the tip of Oia from where you have the perfect view of the sunset from your private patio of your villa/room. You won't have to line-up along the ridge with hundreds of others waiting to see it! They also have a pool and sundeck and in the evening their restaurant is open and it is great. Very easy to walk into town; just a few minutes away.

thanks everyone, any suggestions for hotels in Mykonos? DH really wants to syat there. All seems very overpriced to me!!

I spent a couple of weeks in Greece last year and the most important thing I learned was to spend more on the islands. It was wonderful to see the historical sites in Athens (Acropolis, etc.), but we spent 3 days there and we found it to be 2 too many. After sight-seeing for the first day, we were ready to get out of Athens...it's a big, fast-paced, noisy, dirty city.

Sarah

I just got back from Greece, where I went to Thessaloniki, Dion, Vergina, Meteora, Delphi, Athens, and Naxos. I posted a trip report on my blog that is day-by-day, with a separate post for each destination if I went more than one place in a day. http://travelathomeandabroad.blogspot.com There is a lot of information on each destination!

It was utterly fantastic, and I think wherever you go you will love. I hope to go back someday and see more of the islands.

Like you, I was sort of hung up on going to Santorini just because it's where everyone goes, but I got an excellent suggestion of Naxos as an alternative. A budget hotel in Santorini was going to be 100E/nt, while a budget (but still wonderful!) hotel on Naxos was 35E/nt. Sold! I don't regret my choice at all, as I absolutely adored Naxos. Naxos has excursions to Delos, though I didn't get a chance to go. I'm sure Santorini is still a must see, but don't fear that you won't be on a beautiful island if you only spend a day or two there!

You can see my photos of Naxos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/7707505@N04/sets/72157602022565998

The blog posts about Naxos are:
http://travelathomeandabroad.blogspot.com/2007/09/monday-september-10-2007-arrive-on.html I head to Naxos, where I experience my first glorious Cycladic sunset.

http://travelathomeandabroad.blogspot.com/2007/09/tuesday-september-11-2007-naxos-by-bus.html An all-day bus tour of Naxos, and an Aussie girl, an Irishman, and an American chick walk into a bar...

http://travelathomeandabroad.blogspot.com/2007/09/wednesday-september-12-2007-i-finally.html I finally manage to relax on Naxos, plus a visit to the Venetian kastro and the hora.

hello Ivy

If you can please let me know your hotel budget for each night I will give you some hotel suggstions for Myconos.

Also, do you want to stay in town or close to beaches?

thanos

June is the perfect time; we booked a ketch from Rhodos and spent a week island hopping, ending up at Athens. Relative to the islands, the mainland is the pits, especially Athens. There you will remember the air polution and dirt; and little else. I agree, one day here is plenty.

thanks everyone, my budget n Mykonos is about 300 Euro a night. Doesn't seem like there are that many great options I am finding that fit that. Am willing to spend more if I have to as this is a splurge trip.

Ivy

Please let me know if you prefer a town hotel or a beach hotel. Do you prefer suggestions for both areas?

thanos

thanos, if you have them, I would love recommendations for both areas. Thanks so much!!

Ivy

Many town hotels do not have there 2008 rates available but here are some good places that I hope should meet your budget or be only a little over when they publish.

Theoxenia

http://www.mykonostheoxenia.com/

A very nice hotel, recently renovated and in a very good town location.

Hotel Cavo Tagoo

http://www.cavotagoo.gr/

Considered one of the best with some celebrity visitors. Not in town but in Tagoo area, perhaps 10 to 15 minute walk to centre. This year many road renovations which hopefully will be finished in winter and not spoil the vacation. The hotel was renovated 2007.

Hotel Belvedere

http://www.belvederehotel.com/

Classic hotel in Mykonos town in one of the best districts (Rochari). Only about 8 minuts to harbour and close to restaurants and bars

Hotel Harmony

http://www.harmonyhotel.gr

Above the old port. A very good boutique hotel with regular return visitors

Semeli Hotel

http://www.semelihotel.gr/

Also, in the very good Rochari district. This is worth checking further. Operated by a well known local family.

I usually recommend beach hotels at Agios Ioannis, a special part of the island and one of the most beautiful. Again, 2007 rates are only available but they are within your budget or perhaps only a little more.

Mykonos Grand

http://www.mykonosgrand.gr/

Considered by many to be the best hotel on the island. The rates here can be very good.

Hotel Apollonia

http://www.apollonia-resort.gr/

A smaller boutique style hotel at Agios Ioannis. Very nice hotel an a great location

Hotel Manoulas Beach

http://www.manoulas-hotel.gr/

One of the best rates of all the hotels and the best views also. Made famous by the nmovie Shirely Valentine. Recently renovated with new beach taverna attached.

Petasos Beach Resort

http://www.petasos.gr/

Another hotel that should be within your rates when published. Is know here to be very good hotel and with many return guests. Is located at Platis Yialos beach.

thanos

thanks so much, this is all great information - I really appreciate it!!

you guys have been so helpful - I am really torn about lodging in Santorini. Love the Oia castle, but worry about the lack of pool. The aqua suite with it's own pool is a bit out of our price range. Any other suggestions with a pool?? Thanks!!

Check Volcano's Villas, Villa Ilias and Scirocco Hotel.

Did you check out the Fanari Villas that I mentioned in an earlier post? They have a pool and the location couldn't be better. And the rooms & service are great too.

Ivy look at this site:
http://www.santonet.gr/
It has a lot of hotel options for santorini.
Also i've stayed there once http://www.oia-strogili-houses.gr/index.htm and the rooms were very decent and inexpensive for Santorini. When i was there they didn't have a pool but i see now that they have one so you can check that out too.
I'm glad that you'll go to Mykonos! Personally i like it more than Naxos. And especially June it will be a good time there. (avoid being there on a weekend though).

Yes I agree with cristine. June is I think one of the better months to visit Myconos. You miss the craziness of May when the island has thousands of Greek students here. It used to be just one weekend with them visting, last year it was two weekends. 2008? I do not know.

I also think middle September is a good time to visit also.

thanos

bookmark

OK, have given this much thought and have decided to focus the trip on the mainland and skip the island. the reason is that I am most interested in antiquities and the mainland and Peloppenese are clearly the place to go for antiquities. So now, I need hotel recommendations for the Northern Pelop. Am thinking Grande Bratagne in Nauplion. Any ideas where to stay in Olympia? Am also thinking of trying to squeeze in Delphi - any recommendations there?? THANKS!! - Ivy

Hi Ivy,
Another vote for Fanari Villas in Oia,
www.apanemaresort.com in Mykonos, close to town very homely and charming with great views. Olympia area at Kyllini has some Grecotel's you can check from their site, Mandola Rosa suites are great.
At Nafplion on top There is Naflia Palace or Amphitrion hotels from Helios hotels group. There are some small but nice looking B&B's at old town as well.

Greetings to Dear Botherleelove from Turkey

Happy travelling,
Murat

Sorry typing mistake would be Dear Brotherleelove

Greetings, Murat!