There have been several threads like this here lately and since I'm just starting to formulate plans for visiting the Greek Islands, starting one for that destination seems to be a good way to get ideas to shape an itinerary around. Thanks for your recommendations.

I favor Paros as an attractive mix of tourist facilities and authentic greek island culture. Many easy to reach beaches that are not crowded and competitive prices at the hotels, restaurants and shops. Whatever else you may want Paros has it.<BR><BR>Share our Piece of Paradise: www.iol.ie/~balydhob

Thanks, Michael. Now we're only looking for 99 more. Let's hear from those of you who love these islands.

My favourites include watching the sunset during the ferry ride from Killini to Zakynthos. Early morning on the beach in Peissia when the monks are chanting on the mountain above. Horseback riding through the abandoned villages in the mountains of Kafallonia. The old port of Spetses.

1) Crete - huge, beautiful, culturally diverse<BR>2) Naxos - great beaches<BR>3) Santorini - romantic, built on volcano<BR>4) Zakynthos (2nd vote)<BR>5) Syro - small, local<BR>6) Kos - fun<BR>7) Samos - lush, green<BR>8) Kefallonia (Kythira)<BR>9) Spetses<BR>10) Hydra - cosmopolitan<BR>11) Aigina - charming<BR>12) Rhodes -not a favorite<BR>13) Paros - not a favorite<BR>14) Mykonos - not a favorite in summer<BR>15) Amorgos - nice for Easter<BR>16) Tinos - spiritual<BR>17) Chios <BR>18) Corfu - gorgeous<BR>19) Skiathos - touristy, not a favorite<BR>20) Ios - sea, sun, sex<BR>21) Milos<BR><BR>All islands have their own charms...

Now we're cookin. Thanks for your responses. More?

I also love Naxos - great beaches and the old Venetian quarter of the port town is wonderful. The pictures we took there look just like postcards. There was also a town called Apirathos (I think that is the name) in the interior of the island. It's pedestrian only, marble sidewalks, great old doors everywhere. <BR><BR>I liked Rhodes as well. Lindos was beautiful, but I liked the old walled city of Rhodes. <BR><BR>I enjoyed Santorini, but it wasn't a highpoint of my trip. The landscape is very unique, but it didn't feel very Greek to me because there were so many tourists. I wished I had gone there the first time I went to Greece (back in the 70's). <BR><BR>It's been years since I've been to Crete and Ios (same trip, back in the 70's), so can't comment on either of those destinations.

Have been to only Mykonos and Santorini so far. Favorite was Mykonos, in large part because we so enjoyed the people there. They made us feel warm and welcome and were genuinely interested in getting to know us. We left the island feeling like we'd met good friends. Santorini is breathtakingly beautiful, but felt more touristy. Highly recommend travelling slightly off-season. We went late May, before the summer crowds swarm in, and thought it was just perfect.

There are a lot of other islands, but I either haven't visited yet or I didn't like them so much...<BR><BR>Serifos<BR>Lemnos<BR>Antiparos<BR>P atmos<BR>Sifnos<BR>Poros<BR>Agistri<BR>Lesvos<BR>