ltt

in the VERY PRELIMINARY stage of planning a possible trip to greece. i'm thinking i'd like to rent a house somewhere that has access to a beach and would sleep about 6 people. i'd want a layed back atmospher but would also want easy access to a town for groceries, etc. nice places to do day hikes, exploring, etc. considering taking one month and having this as a home base but having easy assess to ferries so i can go on short visits to other islands.
i was in greece many, many years ago but only saw athens, corfu and poros.
if you had one month, which island would you choose and why? thanks for your help.

travginny

Hi ltt,

You would probably get more replies if you reposted and added "Greek" (island) in your heading.

Ginny

Retsina

Buy a guide book like 'Greek Island Hopping' pub - Thomas Cook.

sheila

Halki (not Halkidiki). Laskarina do it. They also do other "off the beaten track islands"

Xenos

If you enjoyed Corfu, have a look at nearby Paxos - a smaller, more laid-back version - perfect for pure relaxation. It's absolutely gorgeous and wonderful for exploring on foot, but is small enough that you're never too far from the three main towns for shopping trips.

I'll be returning there for the 14th time next year and have posted lots of photos and tips, including a list of links for accommodation here - http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/6cdf8/665e5/

There are plenty of villas with pools scattered around the island, but if you don't want to hire a car, I think the Manor House on the outskirts of Loggos would be a perfect choice for a party of 6 - a minute's walk to the beach in one direction and a minute to the village in the other - http://www.travelalacarte.co.uk/property/paxos.htm
(They will quote you for accommodation only if you aren't flying from the UK)

tod

I have friends who are from the island of Lesbos - it looks really fantastic.
Maybe you should check it out on the net. I don't think it will be anywhere near as crowded and touristy as some of the other Greek islands.

Xenos

Tod,

Lesbos may not be as popular as some other islands with non-European tourists, but it is featured by most of the big package tour operators in the UK (and probably other northern European countries), so I wouldn't expect it to be totally crowd-free.

Hania

I would choose a large island with plenty to see and do. Such as Crete or Naxos. Naxos would work well as you could do trips easily to Mykanos and Amorgos. You could also consider the Peloponese which would give you access to many historical sites and great beaches. But if you intend to rent and stay in one spot I would consider Crete number one for the exceptional scenery (snow capped mountains), the great beaches and of course the city of Hania. My screen name.
If you are European you might want to consider a home exchange. There is one on homeexchange.com on the island of Kea that looks fantastic but I do not think they are interested in switching with a North American destination.

takie

dear Itt
That is the most easy question to answer as far as I am concerned. I wouls go straight to the BEAUTIFUL island of CYPRUS. once there there are manygreat beach towns and city. As for me I would stay in Limmosoll( I hope I spelt that right)
The are lot of Condo right across the street from the beachand the center of town is only a short walk.
You will not need to take any rain gear with you as it just does not rain there in the summer. I have spent a month on the Island in 86, 88 ,95 and 2000. I would die to go there.

The Irish people tell you the that a little bit of heaven fell from the sky and landed in the ocean and they called it IRELAND. Well this is one Boston Irishman that would call that little bit of heaven "CYPRUS."

Heimdall

For what you describe, Naxos or Paros in the Cyclades would fit the bill. They are both large islands with excellent ferry connections and fine beaches. Either would be an ideal base for exploring the rest of the Cyclades.

stanbr

Here is another plug for Naxos.
We have visited 5 times and each time we find something new.
Based on your criteria you will find Naxos will fit the bill.
The Beaches are wonderful with St George beach situated rignt in the main town and the whole West coast is lined with great beaches all within easy commute to town.
You can hike all over the Island, and rent a car to explore. Naxos is centrally located in the Cyclades and is an hour and a half ferry ride to Santorini, a half hour to Paros and a couple of hours to Delos and Mykinos.
The island does not rely on tourism as it's economic driver so most of the Greeks you meet will be locals which provides a true Greek experience.
If you would like to read more on our latest trip to Naxos just click on my name, stanbr and it will bring up all my posts. Go to number 18 or 19.
If you would like to see our pictures from our last trip go to:
http://community.webshots.com/user/lollypeter100