JES28

My hubby and I are planning a trip next summer for the last week of July and first week of August and would love some advice on which to go to?
Are Sicily (and Volcano Islands) & Greek Islands too hot that time of year or because we would spend time on the islands would it be cool enough to enjoy?
I know many places in Europe shut down in August - do any of the above? Alternatively, are they ultra crowded because the countries that shut down are headed there?
How is the atmosphere in Greece now after the economic downfall? Thinking of Santorini and maybe Crete if we go that route (unless other reco's)
We went to Sardinia & Corsica at the end of July last year and found the weather perfect and both islands bustling but not overly crowded.
We're looking for natural beauty, beaches, towns with great character, some shopping and great food/restaurants.

Any advice is much appreciated!

JES28

*Lipari Islands (Vulcano)

kja

While no one can speak to the weather that you will encounter, you can get historical climate date at wunderground.com or any number of other weather sites, or in any decent guidebook. Some of the places you mention would be too hot for me; YMMV.

None of these places should be shut down in July or August -- in contrast, it is high season. Expect crowds. Again, consult any good guidebook for this kind of information.

Good luck!

Heimdall

The Europeans who shut down in August will be in the Mediterranean enjoying their summer holidays. You will be going to the Greek Islands or Sicily at a time when the resorts will be <i>very</i> crowded.

Not sure about Sicily, but Crete and Santorini have winds that keep the islands cooler than the mainland. It will be hot, but bearable if you are on the beach or adopt the Mediterranean custom of siesta during midday. Evenings are very pleasant, perfect for enjoying a late meal at a sidewalk table.

FuryFluffy

I can't comment on the "too hot" or "too crowded" part, because for me no part of Europe is ever too hot or too crowded in anytime of the year. But if you want to know about the economic downfall in Greece, I'd say that it even makes your traveling there better. Things become cheaper. The Greek people, usually kind to travelers, as in their ancient tradition, are with even more hospitality now, as their economy depends a lot on tourism. Aegean sea is always beautiful and the ambience around is still calm (at least for tourists), no political things can ever affect it. Go there and let your coin helps this gracious country over its struggling.

bilboburgler

I've traveled all over Europe in August and never found anything shoutdown. It is true that the odd restaurant in Paris may shut for holidays etc but those that stay open are more than sufficient.

Any of these places will be fine.

JES28

Thanks for the advice....We actually went to Northern Spain a couple of years and there was a lot shut down in August when everyone was on holiday. We had researched, but you don't always get the most accurate in each location which is why I love this forum.

OK, so forgetting about heat and crowds, which would be recommended for the best spot?

sundriedtopepo

JES28 Hmm that's surprising about N Spain, as I've read that Spaniards like to escape to the beaches in Northern Spain when it's hot in the summer...I hope you had a good time in spite of the closures, I really like that area.

I've been to Sicily a couple of times, and liked it almost everywhere we went, and I think if you are planning on being by the beach, the heat would be fine. But if you're wanting to tour Greek temples and other outdoor areas, you would be limited somewhat to early or late times of the day.

JES28

Thanks Sundried, some good advice. When you say you liked "almost" everywhere you went, what didn't you like? If we go, maybe we'll pass on those spots..We were thinking of Taormina and then heading to the Lipari Islands, then back and out of Palermo.

Alternatively, if we go to Greece we were thinking maybe Santorini & Crete.

Madeira and mainland Portugal either Algarve or Porto

Croatia, I have no idea yet although I'd like to see the Dalmatian Islands.

sundriedtopepo

In Sicily, we did not care for Catania-there are a few things of interest there, but we felt the city was rather dark, workaday, and depressing-too many other nice spots in Sicily.

As much as I love Taormina, we have been there in May and October. Many say that it's extremely crowded in summer, because the cruise ships land nearby, and there are many daytime tours arriving in Taormina every day.

An alternative could be Siracusa (Ortigia) or Cefalu. If you're going to Palermo, that also puts you close to Castellamare del Golfo and Segesta/ Erice, which is a very nice area.

For Lipari, you should make reservations for accommodation as soon as possible, as it is busy in summer. You might find this website useful.

http://www.reidsitaly.com/destinatio...ans/index.html

JES28

Thanks so much sundried, that's really helpful. I didn't realize Taormina was near the cruise ship landings, we'd definitely like to avoid that. Appreciate the alternate recommendations and we'll research them!

crazyh

While economic conditions greatly affect the Greek People tourists will hardly see anything different. Good or bad for the Greek People it's a great time to visit Greece.

July will be High Season for most European Countries so it shouldn't be a surprise to find out that anywhere you go during that time will be crowded and touristy and more expensive.

As a regular traveler to Greece off-season I have found Greece to be one of the best bargains anywhere in Europe: lower prices, less tourists and still nice weather.

However, late July will be High Season. That doesn't mean you won't have a "real" Greek Experience if you pick and choose your destinations. If you want crowds, shopping, night life and higher prices then islands like Santorini and Mykonos will offer you that.

If you want a more traditional and family-friendly experience then islands like Sifnos, Milos, Naxos Amorgos, Astypalea, Ikaria, Lemnos and several others will offer you an opportunity to see Greece in a more realistic way than a travel-agent's way.

I have no idea about the other destination you asked about even though Sicily has been on my to-go-to list.

We found Greece to be one of the best bargains anywhere in Europe, even with all the economic turmoil, you will find the Greek People, kind, helpful and courteous and the money you'll save on accommodations and food will make it all worth while.

JES28

Thanks so much crazyh, that's a great point and glad to hear it's still wonderful there despite the economy. I really appreciate the non-touristy destinations. I will definitely research them!

kja

Even in May, Taormina can be quite unpleasantly packed with tourists. I'm sure Santorini would be packed with cruise ships during your target time, too. You might find it useful to browse the "when to go" section of various guidebooks....

Heimdall

All the Greek Islands will be busy at the end of July and August, even the "non-touristy" ones mentioned by crazyh, who only sees them off-season. Santorini will certainly be crowded, but it may be worth 2-3 nights there to see the spectacular views.

Unless you are beach people it may be wise to avoid the islands and tour mainland Greece instead. A tour thorough the Peloponnese or northern Greece would take you away from touristy areas and show you some spectacular scenery.

frencharmoire

If you have never been to Greece and have a chance to go, take it. Almost al of Greece where I have been is set up to enjoy the wonderful sunshine and heat of summer days. Even in the cities, there are beautiful breezy spots in the shade and people are out all night. Good advice to get some tips on areas that avoid cruise ships and tourist swarms. Also, there are a few spots they are set up totally for cheap package tourism, a lot of it focused on families with kids and teens, and while it might be great for them -- lots of carny rides, go-kart tracks, fried food -- there are so many beautiful spots (even one tourists haven't heard about much) better to go there I think. I dont think it is really true that "all" of the Greek islands will be busy, at least not in comparison to the famous places. Plus they will be "busy" with Greeks having their vacations, which is different than someplace that is a cruise ship port.

Heimdall

Frencharmoire, there is "busy" and there is "busy", it's all a matter of definition. I agree with you that islands with cruise ship ports and island resorts that cater for package holidaymakers (those with international airports) will be busier than those that don't. Islands that are difficult to reach by ferry and don't have airports will be less busy.

Many people seem to think that going to a small island will be one way to get away from the crowds, but the opposite is true in July and August. Small islands have fewer hotels and restaurants and fewer beaches, so what is there gets very crowded. Examples of this in the Cyclades island group are Antiparos, Folegandros, and Koufonisi, small islands that are very quiet in shoulder season. These island are heaven in May/June and September, but insanely crowded in August.

Those of us who go year after year can choose the time of travel, June or September for me, October for crazyh. We also (most of us anyway) have seen the main sights that draw people to the islands, e.g. the Santorini caldera villages, Delos/Mykonos, etc., so don't need to see them again.

For a one-time visitor to the Greek islands, I would urge you not to miss such sights as Santorini, on many lists as "100 places to see before you die". After all, they are so busy because they have so much to offer. Then, in your second or third trip to Greece you can look for the non-touristy places to relax, and go outside high season.

JES28

Thanks so much for all of the great responses.
Kja, I wish I could go another time - my preference would def be May/Jun or Sept which I'm sure "best times to go" would recommend but we're limited due to our children's schedules.
That being said, I should point out this is a couple trip for my hubby and me - (the kids will be in camp) so we'd prefer to stay away from family focused places like go karting etc when possible (we know from experience that's very hard to avoid in the summer!). Great ideas for when we do travel with the kids though!

Totally agree Heimdall, I HAVE been to Greece before (Corfu, Athens & Santorini) but it was 20 years ago, and my husband has never been. I was there with a girlfriend watching the amazing sunset in Oia on a rooftop with jazz playing and said I wanted to go back to Santorini someday with my future husband...
Maybe a mix of touristy and off the beaten path would be a good idea. We love exploring the lesser known areas. The Peloponnese sound like a great option to check out.

Heimdall

JES28, if you want to combine Santorini with an out of the way island, you may want to consider Amorgos. It does have direct ferry connections with Santorini most days in late July and August, so would be an easy connection that time of year.

Amorgos doesn't have an airport, but there are Blue Star ferries direct back to Piraeus, and Express Skopelitis, the local ferry that goes from Amorgos to Naxos connecting with other ferries and flights to Athens.

Amorgos became popular with French travellers after Luc Besson's <i>The Big Blue</i>, a film about free diving. It is also famous for the monastery Hozoviotissa, built on the side of a cliff. If you want a beach experience it would be better to stay at Aegiali rather than Katapola.