Elaine

I have a two week vacation coming up in early August. I'm going to Greece and would love to go to the islands, but which one? <BR> <BR>Any and all recommendations or travel stories are welcome.Thanks ! <BR> <BR>EM <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

kay

My husband and I just returned from the islands Mykonos and Santorini, which are the only islands we have visited. It depends on what you are looking for. Mykonos has a reputation for a "party" place and although we are more like loners, it was very interesting to see what goes on there. It is a liberal place....nude beaches, etc., but the beach shoreline and water is great. It is a favorite for gays, but unless that really offends you, it won't matter to your visit. It has an abundance of shopping. Santorini beaches are black lava rocks and sand (except for one excellent Red Beach), so it's different, but again, worth the trip. It also has shopping, great food, friendly people. So either island would be great but both are crowded. Maybe someone else has some suggestions on less populated places if that's what you are looking for. Either way, Greece is wonderful place to visit.

Caryn

Mykonos and Santorini are must sees if you want to go to the Cyclades (islands in the Aegean). If you are staying mostly on the mainland and are not up to a long ferry ride, try the islands in the Saronic Gulf, not too far from Athens. Hydra is a beautiful fishing village. Also try Aegina, Poros, etc. My advice is to spend as little time as possible in Athens.

Sanne

Hey Elaine. <BR> <BR>First off all I'll have to tell you that it will be extremely hot in august - but I guess you'll already know??? <BR>Talking about which islands to visit, it all depends on what you want as another one said. The islands suggested are very touristed and you should expect them to be very crowded and expensive while visiting. Santorini is quit beautiful yes but my personal opinion is that it's spoiled by now - if you know what I mean. The Cyclades are considered to be the most visited and most expensive islands in Greece. If you want to visit them however, the islands of Paros - Antiparos and Naxos are a little more calm and authentic - but still expensive. <BR>Corfu in the north is beautiful - but again many tourists, as well as the islands of Alonissos and Skopelos (The Sporades) which are great for walks. <BR>Personally I prefer the Dodecanese islands, which are the most southern and some of them pretty close to Turkey. Avoid Rhodes and Crete - or at least if you want to go to Crete visit the western part of it where there aren't as many tourists. Instead visit the charming islands of Karpathos - Kassos - Symi - Leros etc. They are very greek and you will find some great sceneries and lots and lots of paths for walking. Symi is very charming - you will most likely have a small house on your own - and on the westcoast of Karpathos you can find the most incredible beaches - pure clean water and a few tourists. <BR>I guess choosing an island is difficult. There are so many and we all have different opinions and different taste. Try to buy "The Eyewitness Guide to the Greek Islands", it gives you a very good idea of each island. If I was you I would postpone the holiday untill mid-September if possible, but then again...........different opinions and taste. <BR>ANyway have a nice trip and please mail me directly if further questions. <BR>Sanne

Joanna

Personally I thought Rhodes was wonderful. Not only did it have lovely beaches but also ancient sites, mediaeval/Venetian architecture and great food. It's close to another island, Symi, which makes a great day trip. Rhodes has the Grand Master's Palace (lovely period interior), the Knight's Hospital containing an archaeological museum, the Street of the Knights, Kamiros - a Hellenistic period town now an archaeological site and Lindos with its ancient acropolis. You can ride a donkey up to it. Tiny rambling streets - one had a great bar in a little square (called the Captain's Bar I think) - beautiful Bougainvillea covered wall and birds singing. As far as I'm concerned, Rhodes has it all. Forgot to mention the harbour with its windmills and bronze statues and the ancient stadium just outside the old town walls (which are great to walk around).

Elaine

I guess my new saying goes like this: <BR>So many islands, so little time. <BR> <BR>I would like to thank Kay, Caryn, Sanne and Joanna for their great advice. You all gave me food for thought. I only hope to repay the kindness to the Forum when I return. <BR> <BR>Though, it is turning out to be a more difficult decision than I first realized. However, it is one I cant complain over and one that has me as curious as any traveler to see where it will lead me. <BR> <BR>I just might be feeling adventurous enough to try to discover how many islands are not referenced in those popular books. <BR> <BR>I leave on the last day of July and wish happy travels to all who are departing in the near future. <BR> <BR>EM <BR> <BR>

Don

Crete is big, and has many things to see and do. <BR> <BR>Santorini is small but beautiful! <BR> <BR>If you are young, open minded and like nightlife, <BR>Mikinos is the place.

Bill Barr

Elaine <BR> <BR>If it's any help I suggest you have a look at:- <BR> <BR>http://www.fira1.demon.co.uk/ (that's fira 'one' not fira 'L') <BR> <BR>It has a lot of travel information specifically on getting to Athens and Mykonos e.g. ferry timetables, airport information, taxis, Piraeus etc. <BR> <BR>Hope you find it useful <BR> <BR>Bill

Barron

I was in Greece about 5 years ago. I could live there. It's beautiful. Definitely visit Hydra. It's the third stop from Athens by boat heading south. Also, Aegina, the first stop. Small, but quaint and beautiful. Have fun.

Barron

I was in Greece about 5 years ago. I could live there. It's beautiful. Definitely visit Hydra. It's the third stop from Athens by boat heading south. Also, Aegina, the first stop. Small, but quaint and beautiful. Have fun.