heard so many wonderful things about all the islands, but what if you could only pick 2? we are a young married couple- don't need 24x7 nightlife, but love to eat and peoplewatch. prefer somewhat luxurious accomodations. crete and santorini? is mykonos a must? thanks!

I absolutely love the island of Mykonos and would love to go back someday, with my husband. I went 12 years ago on a college tour and fell in love with it. It is very romantic (and small) -- one of the prettiest places I've been. I imagine it's built up a bit more now (?), but probably still quaint. <BR> <BR>I've not been to the other islands you mention, however, the Greek islands all looked beautiful to me! <BR> <BR>Enjoy your trip...

I was in Mykonos in 92 and it was a big party. The clubs stayed openned until the last person left. It is also a big attraction to the gay community. I didn't think of it as a romantic island but a party island. I was in Corfu for only a short time and didn't see much of the island so sorry can't realy comment.

Susan, Santorini is the only must and I <BR>would stay at Oia at the north end. <BR>You can also fly there from Athens to <BR>help in your trip logistics. Mykonos is <BR>my second choice but it is a party place <BR>and popular with gay men. You will want <BR>to stay in the Cyclades group of islands <BR>and Crete is very close to Santorini and <BR>would also make a good option.

Western Crete and into the mountains is wonderful. I can't really make comparisons, but it's a great place to do the things you mention

Santorini is a must. Mykonos is charming and the nightlife is there if you want it, or you can skip it. They have some very nice hotels/resort. I haven't been to Crete, but it makes sense logistically to do Santorini and Crete. I believe there are some flights that go into Crete without stopping in Athens. I avoid Athens whenever possible.

definately mykonos (i didn't see alot of gay men) and santorini. crete is not a party town, skip it all together and skip athens we wetn for out honeymoon lst year and partied up!

To Chrissy- <BR>Looks like you "partied up" before you made your response.

Check out the hosted Greek island forum from last October. Should give you much to think about.

Crete has so much to offer! It is much larger than the others and more varied. The beaches range from highly developed on the eastern end to much quieter and unspoiled toward the west. We loved the 18 km hike down the Samaria gorge. For luxurious accommodations, try the Casa Delfino in Chania. The Well of the Turk is a great little restaurant in Chania, but hard to find. If you like archeology, you can't beat Knossos. The Lasithi Plateau has magnificent mountain scenery, hundreds of windmills, and traditional villages where you will still see people in native Cretan dress. <BR>The ferry ride between Santorini and Crete takes 4 hours and is delightful, like a mini cruise. Have fun!

<BR>the two islands i would choose are paros, & patmos. paros is a hub where you can take day trips to other islands, and there is antiparos nearyby. don't worry about upscale hotels, all your time will be spent outside. in parikia, port city, there is the hotel alkion, resonable, & great breakfast , you can bus to nauossa & there beaches, or simply walk across from hotel, ocean right out front & beautiful sunsets. in patmos, hotel effie again resonable & pretty, the breakfast is more continental. many beautiful beaches by bus,taxi, or boats (water taxis)..much history here. suggest. you get up ea day, hit the beach, shop,sightsee,until 2, lunch, then go back to hotel, shower, nap, until early evening, (greeks close stores from 2-6) then dress for the night out, greeks tend to eat late & visit socially, by walking around the town.i can tell you the nap is wonderful & refreshing. it seems in one day you get two. santorini is a beautiful island for visual effects, but it doesn't offer the laid back atmosphere. the beaches are not easily accessed & i lost the restful day i had at the beach on the bus ride back. it would make a good day trip from paros. you can visit naxos from paros for the day also. i suppose for a first visit, i would choose paros for you.. all are great & the water is beyond beautiful, no matter which you choose you can't lose.....pack light!!!! those suitcases can be a real "drag"..sug. 1 pull-along & backpack, handwashing is easy & or laundramats.

Go to Greektravel.com for a good description of each island. Mykonos and Santorini are fine if you like crowds, but Sifnos is a quiet, get-away-from-it-all island with some great beaches, wonderful food, nice hotels.

<BR>check out "go network.com". click on europe, then select greece, then island or isle strolling. great pictures & descriptions of most all of the islands