greece1977

I am planning a trip to Greece the last week of July through the first week of August. I really could use some advice on a few things. My friend and I plan to spend a few days in Athens, but we also want to visit some of the Islands. We realize this is the peak season and it will be crowded as well as more expensive. We’d like to visit two (possibly 3) islands and maybe do day trips. We are trying to decide which Islands we should focus on. We want to see some sites, mostly relax on the beach, and some nightlife. I hear Santorini is a must but we are trying to figure out if we should go to Mykonos and Crete or Naxos and Ios. Or any other suggestion would be greatly appreciated. We are both single and in our mid 30’s if that helps. Of the suggested Islands can someone tell me which has the nicer beaches vs. the best site‘s to see? It would also be nice to know what kind of scene the nightlife is like. For instance which areas are the nice laid back beach bars versus dance club? Also, it would be nice to know if there is a better time of the week to be on a particular island. For instance, should we try to plan our trip so that we are on Santorini on the weekend or during the week?
We would also like to get an idea of how much to budget for the trip, such as food cost and an idea of how to get around the islands once we are there. For instance does it make since to walk most places or cab it? And if we cab it how much will that run? Neither of us are comfortable with the idea of renting a car and driving. As for the connections and hotels we were thinking about going through a travel agencies, are there any recommendations on good agencies?
Any suggestion would be appreciated!

worldinabag

Hi

I would avoid Mykonos and Santorini - they are not budget alternatives. I recommend Paros and Naxos. I have been to Paros but not Naxos. The beaches are beautiful from my experience and feedback in this forum. Parikia (Paros) has plenty of eateries and nightlife and I hear there is a clubbing scene on the beach at Pounda.

There are many suggestions in this forum for accommodation on those islands. You can deal with residents touting a room at their place when you land at the ferry dock. Or you can stay at a hostel. Or there are many choices for hotels. You really need to state your budget. On Paros we stayed at Sunset View - http://www.sunsetview-paros.com - and can highly recommend it. Nice owners, swimmimng pool and incredible views. Book ASAP if you decide to stay there and ask for a room with sea views.

Suggested sightseeing: From Naxos or Paros you can do a day trip to Delos.

Heimdall

The closer you get to mid-August, the busier it will get on the islands, so for that reason I would save the few days in Athens for the end of the trip. It would also make things easier to limit yourself to two islands rather than three, as transport between islands will be busy, too.

Don't make the mistake of thinking smaller islands will be less crowded — the opposite is true. Whichever island you choose, secure your accommodation well in advance, and prebook ferries, especially for weekend travel. It's too early to prebook ferries, but hotel owners are already taking high season bookings. Looking for a room when you get off the ferry works well in June and September, but not in high season.

You will be disappointed later if you skip Santorini, and staying in one of the beach villages (e.g. Kamari and Perissa) will be cheaper than on the caldera. For a second island, Mykonos and Ios will have the most intense party scene, while Paros and Naxos will be less manic. Crete is a mixed bag — some resorts, e.g. Malia, are notorious for teenage overindulgence, other resorts quieter.

Once on the islands it will be no problem getting around by bus, although the buses will be crowded (visualise sardines in a can).

greece1977

I appreciate the information. Our ideal budget started out at $3,500 USD per person. However, the more research I do it sounds like it might be more like $4,000. Airfare to Athens alone is $1,700. I assumed between ferries and hotel about another $1,200 to $1,400 per person. The food, cabs and sites are the expenses I have no idea how to budget for. It would be helpful to know what $1,200 to $1,400 in hotels and ferries would get us. I guess that would actually be $2,400 to $2,800 in total between the two of us. Seems like we should be able to do it for less, but I have no idea. Is it reasonable to do a nicer hotel on Naxos and a cheaper hotel in Santorini? Again, I appreciate any advice.

Heimdall

It's easier to think in euros, the local currency. Tickets on a conventional ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini will be about €35, shorter trips less. A simple meal in a taverna will cost about €15, but you can economize by buying gyros from a souvlaki stand, sandwiches in a bakery, or ingredients in a supermarket and prepare the meal in your room. A 500ml bottle of beer or glass of wine will be about €3, more in a club. Room prices can vary wildly, depending upon location and standard of accommodation. I would allow about €60/night for a no-frills room with double beds and shower/WC, but you may be able to find something for less.