janaturner

My mother will be joining us in Greece next year (I've been 6 or 7 times) and we're planning to go at the end of May so it's not too hot for her. I think everyone needs to spend time in Oia so Santorini is a must but she wants some beach time too (we'll spend 4 days or so in Athens with my partner's family plus another week to allocate). Because it's May, I'm assuming ferry connections won't be great so I'm considering Santorini for the beach time as well.

The problem is that I don't know much about the beaches at all. The only time I was in Kamari was for a lunch stop when we drove around the island 7 years ago. It sounds like a very package tourist kind of place with purpose built concrete block hotels. What would it be like at the end of May? Could it be okay without the crowds? Is it an unattractive place?

I'm also considerng Perivolos but am concerned that it might be too quiet in May. Are there enough resturants, etc. to give us variety over a 3 or 4 day visit?

I guess I'm just looking for some comments (or other suggestions!)about each spot in the very off season specifically.

Thanks for your help.

Jana

AP6380

If you will have a rental car I would just stay in Oia, then drive to different beaches. I stayed in Kamari the first time I went to Santorini, it was ok. Nothing bad or great. This most recent time I stayed in Oia, I liked that much better. I went to Perivolos for an afternoon in late June, and it was very lively, but it reminded me of Kamari. Santorini isn't known for their beaches.

sweetbean

Be sure and go to the Red beach, it's lovely. I've forgotten the name of it. Be advised that you have to climb over some boulders to access it. It's not a difficult climb (no more than the bazillion stairs in Oia) but it might be a consideration for you. Also go to the black sand beach.

If possible, take a ferry to Ios and go to Manganari beach. Gorgeous!!!!

Weadles

I can't recommend Perivolas. We stayed there in July, and while we did have an absolutely gorgeous terrace overlooking the caldera, we really felt the room ( a jr. suite meant to accomdodate our family of 4) was subpar for nearly $700/night.

There was a musty smell in the room that we could not get rid of even with the AC on. And our beds were incredibly uncomfortable- thin mattresses that seemed to be supported by something that felt and looked like volcanic rock.

On top of that, we felt a bit misled by photos we'd seen of the swimming pool. If you looked at the Perivolas website, you'd think the swimming pool was possibly Olympic-size, but it's nothing like that. It is a nice spot, but a rather small pool area for a luxury hotel.

If and when we go back to Santorini, I would definitely check out KATIKIES or ESPERAS, both of which should be somewhat to a lot cheaper than Perivolas.

As far as Santorini goes, it is stunning beyond description. We had the best time touring the volcano and swimming in the sulphur springs with a young local, "Captain George" who was delightful company.

We also loved the town of OIA, and its many beautiful shops and wonderful tavernas. I don't know how much of that is open in May, but it's an easy walk from most of the major hotels.

Hope this helps! Have a great time in Santorini!

Weadles

I almost forgot- another OIA hotel that's now on my radar is LAVA OIA TRADITIONAL HOUSES. From what I can tell, it's just down the road ( closer to town) from Perivolas. I thought it looked lovely and it is much cheaper than PERIOVOLAS!

janaturner

Wow! Thanks a lot for the quick replies. I was afraid that the Santorini beaches wouldn't cut it so I'll keep looking.

Thanks for the Ios suggestion, sweetbean. There may be decent ferry connections with Santorini in May so I'll look in to it. I'm assuming it's not full of drunken 20 something's in May? I haven't been to Ios but that's my impression.

I hope we can manage to go to Oia on this trip because I love it (and really, really want to stay at Ikies!) but my mom's never been and I may put her preferences ahead of mine.

Thanks again everyone - and keep the suggestions coming.

Jana

AP6380

I think Jana was referring to staying in the area of Perivolos Beach, not the hotel Perivolas in Oia????

Weadles

If that's the case, sorry!

janaturner

Weadles - no problem on the misunderstanding and, actually, I appreciate the tip for Lava Oia's. They look really nice and will definately keep them in mind for future reference. Thanks.