We are planning our honeymoon for the 1st week in April and are curious what the best 3 islands are to visit to get 3 different views of Greece? Although Santorini is a bit cliche, we definitely want to go there for the iconic views. What area of Santorini offers the best views of walking down the mountains amidst the white stone houses? Do you recommend cave houses or any specific hotel (budget friendly)? We were considering Paros and Crete as the other destinations. Is Paros better than Naxos? Are there a better islands for mountain views? We don't want to go to another island that's similar to Santorini, want several different scenes. What is the ferry schedule like in the beginning of April? Are most hotels open?
Greek Island recommendations for early April
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You won't get between Santorini and Crete in the first week of April without going back through Athens. You will be in Greece a month before Orthodox Easter, so ferries will still be on winter timetables, and most facilities on the islands catering for tourists will be closed. Paros and Naxos have fairly large permanent populations, so there will be shops, and a few restaurants & hotels open to cater for their needs.
The best advice I can give is not to go to the islands at all, or just to Santorini for 2-3 days if you must. In contrast, the mainland of Greece, often overlooked on this board, will be wonderful in April. You can visit the sites without the heat and crowds of summer, and everything will be open. There is far more to see in Athens and the region around Nafplio than all the islands put together.
Another thought: if you can delay your honeymoon until mid-May, everything I wrote in yesterday's post will have changed. Greek Easter will be over, and daily ferries will be running between Santorini and Crete. Most restaurants and hotels will be open for summer, and weather will be warm enough to sunbathe and eat outdoors. May is a great time to be on the Greek Islands, but April is better on the mainland.
Thanks for the information. Ideally we don't want to delay the honeymoon, but I really don't want to go anywhere other than the Greek Islands. Hmmm...decisions decisions!
I wholey agree with Heimdall. If one's goal is "3 different views of Greece," then 3 Aegean Islands will give you _one_ view, and you will be cheating yourself out of other very intersting parts of Greece. Santorini is certainly a probably "must." It really should not be missed, and I'd suggest a nice small hotel close to Oia at the north end. That is reputedly where the world's most pseectacular sunset are to be viewed. I believe it is easy to hire a few scooters for getting around the island, as well as visiting many of the wineries on the south end. "Walking around the white stone houses" refers to Fira, the main city, but I'd stay on the north end and commute via your own car, scooter, or on bus. Apparently, lots of folks also make a nice hike from Oia to Fira, which is quite beautiful.
One idea is to stay a few days in Athens and maybe do a day trip (via hydrofoil) to the nearby island of Hydra. They do not allow any vehicles at all on the island, so donkeys are the official Taxicab. Now THAT'S different. You may also consider a trip to Meteora, or Delphi in the interior, also nice day trips from Athens.
Finally, a very different part of Greece is the Ionian Islands. These are much more verdant that are the Aegean Islands, with more Venetian and European influence, vice the Aegean islands which have more Byzantine and Ottoman influences.
If the mainland does not appeal, then I urge you to consider something I urge all marrying couples to do IF they can: add some time between the wedding and the honeymoon, especially if it means getting the timing right for what you want to do. I waited a couple weeks and it was perfect for making getting back to work less stressful, giving time to write thank you cards, etc. before embarking on a delightful two week honeymoon.
Alternatively, what about Crete?
...but I really don't want to go anywhere other than the Greek Islands.
Why is that? All the photos and write-ups you have seen of the Greek Islands are from the summer. They don't show grey skies, shuttered shops, and tourist walking around in warm jackets. Don't get me wrong — I love the Greek Islands, and go nearly every year. I have been on the islands every month from May to September, and love eating in outdoor cafes, sunbathing and swimming on beautiful beaches, and doing a little bit of sightseeing.
Early April is still off-season, especially in 2013 when Greek Easter doesn't fall until May 5th. There is nothing wrong with going to the islands in early April, especially if you want to visit when there are few other tourists around. Spring flowers will be in bloom, and if you are lucky the weather will be warm and dry. Of course that also means most of the shops and restaurants that cater for tourists will still be closed.
What I suggest is go to Santorini, and you will see one of the most spectacular islands in Greece. Then, depending upon how much time you have, spend some time in the Nafplio area, and round out your trip in Athens. You did write, though: "We are planning our honeymoon for the 1st week in April..." If you really have only one week, then you have time only for Santorini and Athens.