Rachel_15

Hi All:

Inspired by my trip to the spectacular Amalfi coast last year, I have decided to take a trip to the Greek Isles end of September. The Santorini and Mykonos Islands. Spending 5 nights in Santorini and 3 in Mykonos.
How does the greek isles compare to the Amalfi Coast ?

Also is Mykonos too touristy ??

worldinabag

Hi

The Greek islands are about sun, beach and traditional architecture. Mykonos and Santorini, the glamour twins, are touristy and expensive but still retain their charm. The Amalfi too is touristy and expensive but if you like it you'll like the Greek islands.

bobthenavigator

We loved Santorini, but I suggest staying at Oia.

amer_can

Haven't been to the Amalfi Coast in years but was in Cyclades in late May. You can pick your islands and skip the tourists by your choices. We went first via ferry to Paros, quiet but not particulary specatular. Then Ios..was with grand kids who were on Univ. summer break Party, Party, Party..I am 76 and really didn't need the excitment but it was an experience and I probably would do it again. Off to Santorini..Wonderful..rented a car and saw most all of the island. (The kids mom did the driving) This island is not to be missed..Windy enough so that the vineyards wind their vines around the stems so they are not ripped to pieces, Mykonos. touristy yes but we stayed at Princess of Mykonos and went into town at our leisure. Again rented a car and did it all!!! Don't miss a day trip to Delos..Outstanding either a tour or self guided...Lastly Tinos..a Greek Fatima sort of place..Not touristy while were there and probably not too bad except maybe during Religious holidays/holydays. Our place of rest wes Elena's. She has two places omn the island and we stayed at the less expensive one..Spotless, walking distance to the center and very reasonable..E20 a night for each person. I would like to stay at her other place if I can go again. On Paros we stayed at Francisco's but Olga's B&B looked interesting. Beautiful grounds..F's was ok..On Santorini I guess we missed the best views as apparently they are at Oia but again that is the touristy area..Anyhow long story short if I could I would be back there as soon as the fall arrives in our area.

Rachel_15

Thanks. Yes I am staying in Oia.

Rachel_15

Also I am assuming Greek Isles are safe to travel Solo..

worldinabag

Yes Greek Isles are safe. Commonsense prevails nonetheless

henry1

Hello Rachel,

I'd love to hear about your trip to the Amalfi Coast...I'm condering going soon. However, regarding the Greek Isles...they're beautiful! I've been to the Mykonos Islands and it was a lot of fun but I was on a cruise and there shortly.

Sorry, I'm not much help.

Thanks

Rachel_15

I went to the Amalfi coast in the middle of October. Weather still beautiful and gorgeous. But far less number of tourists.

Spent time Capri, Positano and Ravello.

Ravello is truly the gem. Capri is very expensive and very touristy. I am into outdoor activities and hiking and Ravello has fanatstic trails. Trails with vineyards, olive , perissimon and lemon trees.

10 glorious day in heaven!!. Which is why I am going to Greece as the pictures of the Greek Isles look lot similar..

Steve_James

Mykonos town is attractive but I didn't find the island particularly scenic.

A few pleasant beaches - yes - but the scenery was something of a disappointment. Certainly no comparison with Amalfi.

JMHO ...

Steve

cheryllj

Sure, Mykonos town is "touristy" but no more so than the Amalfi Coast and Capri.

The crush of crowds getting off the cruise ships in Mykonos is similar to those in the main square in Capri. But if you have 3 nights there, you will be able to explore the town early in the morning and/or late in the evening when the cruise ship crowds aren't as bad.

In Santorini, stay in Oia to enjoy the caldera view but avoid the mob scene. It's delightfully peaceful (except when the busloads of cruise shippers descend at sunset, but they tend to leave right after so it's peaceful again).

cheryllj

Rachel_15: Based on what you said about enjoying hiking in Ravello, you should visit Naxos rather than Mykonos.

Naxos is a gorgeous island, very green and mountainous, and known for its hiking trails, with none of the cruise ships and crowds that you find in Mykonos (which is more about clubbing and shopping).

After Naxos, visit Santorini (stay in Oia) for the gorgeous views that are comparable to Ravello and Capri (but different! volanic instead of green and lush).

travelerjan

Rachel, I'm sure you've seen the posters and travel brochure photos of Santorini.... but they seldom show the glories of NAXOS (because Naxos does not have an airport big enough for Mongo Huge planes, and refuses to deepen its port for Mega-Cruise ships).

So, view some Naxos joys on this slide show by a Fodorite:
http://travel.webshots.com/slideshow/552001505EYxVYT

I think it shows that Naxos has more of what you said you loved in Ravello.

Steve_James

Thanks for posting that link, Jan. Lovely slideshow

Steve

travellerwannabe

We just came back from Greece and have to say that both Mykonos and Santorini are both very very bare. Naxos looks a lot greener, never made it there. Both Santorini and Mykonos are very touristy...I would say that the Amalfi coast is more scenic and more lush. If you want some nice hiking there's always Crete.