12 nights on the Greek Islands - which ones?
Apr 18th, 2003, 10:10 PM
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12 nights on the Greek Islands - which ones?
Hi everyone,<BR><BR>My husband and I are going to Greece in early June and have 12 nights to spend on the Islands. Our original thought was Santorini, Naxos, and Mykonos. But the more I read about Mykonos, the more turned off I am. Does anyone have a suggestion for a good third island or other island throughout the whole area to complement Santorini and Naxos? Or does anyone think Naxos may not be a good choice either? My husband and I like to eat well, go to the beach, like enough nightlife that the restaurants and bars are pleasantly full, and like ruins and walking/hiking. Thanks for any advice!<BR>
Apr 19th, 2003, 05:24 AM
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I went to Mykonos in early June 2001. While I saw that this island had the potential to be crazy and full of drunk teenagers, at this time it was relatively calm. The beaches are beautiful, and the main town is so much fun to wander around in. Delos is a quick half-hour boat ride from Mykonos, and that is NOT to be missed. I absolutely loved wandering around the ruins on that island. I think the major turn-off times for Mykonos is July and August. I would definitely go to Mykonos.
Apr 19th, 2003, 07:56 AM
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I think that if you want to combine the feeling of the cyclades with excellent food and value foe money ,then Sifnos is your Island (maybe among the smartest places in Greece with outstanding cuisine.<BR><BR>Tinos offers as well ambiance, food and reasonable prices.Naxos is ok.<BR><BR>Now, if you want something very,very special why do not you try Chios (the island of the tycoons and shipowners)<BR><BR>One of the few places in Greece where people do not expect to live from tourism : this means thatall rates and prices are at an acceptable level for the greeks everyday life and a bargain for the visitors.<BR>Chios is the top as for the food,the beaches and the overall quality of services
Apr 19th, 2003, 09:50 AM
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We were in Mykonos mid May one year, and it was practically deserted b/c the extremely high winds kept anyone from coming or leaving! It was a lovely island, and I would imagine that early June would not be as crazy there as July-Aug. gets to be. As far as the meltemi, I don't think you can plan far ahead to avoid it. We were told that it was unusual for Myk. to be experiencing it for so long in May when we were there. This was beyond "windy"!
Apr 19th, 2003, 12:40 PM
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The actual meltemi generally occurs in August. You did not say WHY you were so turned off by Mykonos..that would help a great deal. Santorini I would definitely recommend regardless. I suppose there are also the possibilities of Rhodes and others but without knowing more specifically just HOW you wish to spend your time this is a difficult question to answer helpfully.
Apr 19th, 2003, 09:44 PM
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Early June is an excellent time to visit the Cyclades. The weather will be wonderful but the crowds will not yet have come. If you're planning to travel by ferry to Santorini, you can stop at Paros and Naxos on the way. Be sure to see the beautiful village of Oia on Santorini. Something else to know: at this time of year you can just arrive without reservations, when you get off the ferries you'll be approached by many people trying to rent you a room. Just do some research and know where on the island these rooms are or you might end up in the middle of nowhere or on a busy road. <BR><BR>That being said, if you want to take my advice about Oia (ee-yah), take the port bus into the main village of Fira and transfer to another bus or taxi to the village of Oia. When you get off the bus walk up the path next to the restaurant on the bus square to the main square in front of the church in the center of the village. There you will see the path that runs along the clifftop through the main part of the village. You will see many places that can rent you a room. I can personally recommend Karvounis Tours, right next to the church, or Lauda Apartments about 100 yards to the left.<BR><BR>Good Luck and Have a Great Trip.
Apr 20th, 2003, 12:00 AM
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Thanks everyone! I definitely feel better about Mykonos after your reports. I have been thinking about Sifnos quite a bit - it's an easy ferry ride from Santorini. I guess the next question would be Sifnos vs. Naxos and why?
Apr 20th, 2003, 03:21 AM
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Mykonos should be fine in early June, and I agree that Delos should not be missed. I feel it is a shame that many travellers venture no further than Mykonos and Santorini, the most heavily touristed islands in the Cyclades.<BR><BR>Sifnos would be a good choice for a third island, but be sure of your ferry connections before deciding. There will be daily ferries back to Pireaus, but not necessarily a daily service from Santorini.<BR><BR>Naxos and Paros would also be good choices, and they are so close together you could easily see both. Naxos has excellent beaches and a chora with many good hotels and restaurants. Paros is a beautiful island, especially around the village of Naoussa.
Apr 22nd, 2003, 12:30 PM
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If I could piggyback on the original post, has anyone been to Siros (Syros)? From what I've read it seems to be off the beaten path, which appeals to me. But I'd love to hear first hand accounts. Thanks.
Apr 23rd, 2003, 12:45 AM
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In answer to the last post the loop from Piraeus is Syros, Mykonos and Tinos, so you can easily get to all three on the one hydrofoil service. I loved Mykonos, the people were the most hospitable and friendly that I encountered in Greece and can't wait to go back. Also Delos has to be visited, it is awesome. Another island I want to visit next time and have heard many good things about is Amorgos.
Apr 23rd, 2003, 01:25 AM
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I would recommend Amorgos as a relatively uncommercialised contrast to Santorini and Naxos. It is marvellous for walking, the food is wonderful and there are a lot of archeological sites without the crowds. The Monastery is amazing. We have visited many times, always staying at Aegiali, which has a long, uncrowded sandy beach. There are daily connections from Naxos and less frequent ferries from Santorini, though these usually stop at Katapola, the other port. There is a bus connection between the two and a taxi service is available. <BR><BR>Over the past 20 years, we have visited Agistri, Aegina, Paxos, Rhodes, Fourni, Schinossa, Kastelorizo, Nisyros, Naxos and Santorini, all lovely in different ways, but this is our favourite so far.
Apr 23rd, 2003, 01:40 AM
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I would recommend Amorgos as a relatively uncommercialised contrast to Santorini and Naxos. It is marvellous for walking, the food is wonderful and there are a lot of archeological sites without the crowds. The Monastery is amazing. We have visited many times, always staying at Aegiali, which has a long, uncrowded sandy beach. There are daily connections from Naxos and less frequent ferries from Santorini, though these usually stop at Katapola, the other port. There is a bus connection between the two and a taxi service is available. <BR><BR>Over the past 20 years, we have visited Agistri, Aegina, Paxos, Rhodes, Fourni, Schinossa, Kastelorizo, Nisyros, Naxos and Santorini, all lovely in different ways, but this is our favourite so far.
