Choosing a Greek island for base of ops
Oct 30th, 2005, 03:10 PM
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Choosing a Greek island for base of ops
DH's decided Greece is how he wants to cope with turning a big ugly age (I did it in April and was compensated with Italy -- a very good deal!). We'd like some Fodorite expertise in beginning to think about this so here are the specs:
We're stuck with June, no flexibility with that, I'm afraid. He wants to stay put -- no 36 hrs. here, 24 hrs. there rushing around! -- for 5-7 days on an island that isn't Santorini-esque regarding tourist crunch. Would be nice if it's an island with some things to do by way of exploring, antiguities and/or scenic scenes, puttering, shopping, eating, but he's mainly after reading, relaxing, and maybe beaching in a lovely setting. Which island springs to mind?
We might consider Crete rather than one of the Cyclades, but he thinks he might prefer an island small enough that he knows he's on an island. Just starting to choose at this point, so need some broad-brush impressions.
Re: budget: We can't spring for the 4- or 5-star resorts (not sure we'd want to, anyway), but want to do a little better than budget/student accommodations.
We're stuck with June, no flexibility with that, I'm afraid. He wants to stay put -- no 36 hrs. here, 24 hrs. there rushing around! -- for 5-7 days on an island that isn't Santorini-esque regarding tourist crunch. Would be nice if it's an island with some things to do by way of exploring, antiguities and/or scenic scenes, puttering, shopping, eating, but he's mainly after reading, relaxing, and maybe beaching in a lovely setting. Which island springs to mind?
We might consider Crete rather than one of the Cyclades, but he thinks he might prefer an island small enough that he knows he's on an island. Just starting to choose at this point, so need some broad-brush impressions.
Re: budget: We can't spring for the 4- or 5-star resorts (not sure we'd want to, anyway), but want to do a little better than budget/student accommodations.
Oct 30th, 2005, 05:08 PM
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An island such as Samos in the Dodecanese would be suitable, it is about the right size, it has a number of antiquities near to Pythagorio/Ireon. There is a scenic hike along the coast from Karlovassi to Megalo Seitani cove, and many others in the mountains of the interior. A good selection of pebble and sand beaches.
Lesvos in the North East Aegean has similar characteristics and would also be a good choice but somewhat larger. Both islands have some mid-range hotels in various resorts on each island.
June is an excellent month to go.
Lesvos in the North East Aegean has similar characteristics and would also be a good choice but somewhat larger. Both islands have some mid-range hotels in various resorts on each island.
June is an excellent month to go.
Oct 30th, 2005, 08:19 PM
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Paros is also a good choice. It's central to most of the Cyclades island group so you can take day trips if you so choose, and not anywhere near as touristy as Santorini and Mykonos. The far side of Paros away from the port village of Paroikia is very quiet. I was just there this last June. Golden Beach and Piso Livadi are both lovely areas for a nice getaway. In June most islands aren't all that busy yet anyway, so no matter which one you choose you should be able to enjoy the activities you desire without the presence of busloads of tourists.
That being said, don't write off Santorini altogether. It's a beautiful island, worth your consideration. And in June there's a daily fast express boat between it and Paros, the Hellenic Seaways passenger catamaran.
Also, consider Antiparos, which is very close by to Paros and has not yet been exploited beyond recognition by tourism.
That being said, don't write off Santorini altogether. It's a beautiful island, worth your consideration. And in June there's a daily fast express boat between it and Paros, the Hellenic Seaways passenger catamaran.
Also, consider Antiparos, which is very close by to Paros and has not yet been exploited beyond recognition by tourism.
Oct 30th, 2005, 11:37 PM
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Paros is a great suggestion. And just as brotherleelove2004 puts in a plug for Santorini, I'll throw on in for Naxos.
It's bigger, but it has some wonderful sites, Greece's best beaches, charming villages and more interesting shopping than Paros (at least in my experience.)
It's bigger, but it has some wonderful sites, Greece's best beaches, charming villages and more interesting shopping than Paros (at least in my experience.)
Oct 30th, 2005, 11:37 PM
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Paros is a great suggestion. And just as brotherleelove2004 puts in a plug for Santorini, I'll throw one in for Naxos.
It's bigger, but it has some wonderful sites, Greece's best beaches, charming villages and more interesting shopping than Paros (at least in my experience.)
It's bigger, but it has some wonderful sites, Greece's best beaches, charming villages and more interesting shopping than Paros (at least in my experience.)
Oct 31st, 2005, 01:15 AM
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If you're looking for a small scenic island, you can't beat Paxos (no that's not a typo!) for total relaxation and in June there shouldn't be any problems with masses of tourists. It's one of the Ionian islands off Greece's west coast and with its olive and cypress covered hills it offers a refreshing contrast to the stark, barren landscapes of the Cyclades.
And if you get the urge to wander a bit further afield, you can always take a boat trip to Anti Paxos, or a daytrip to Corfu by seaplane.
My personal view of Paxos is here -
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/6cdf8/665e5/
and the official Paxos homepage -
http://www.paxos-greece.com/index.htm
And if you get the urge to wander a bit further afield, you can always take a boat trip to Anti Paxos, or a daytrip to Corfu by seaplane.
My personal view of Paxos is here -
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/6cdf8/665e5/
and the official Paxos homepage -
http://www.paxos-greece.com/index.htm
Oct 31st, 2005, 01:48 AM
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A second vote for Paxos.
There is the main town of Gaiios, and the two villages of Lakka on the north tip of the island and the smaller and more picturesque and unspoilt village of Loggos. There is a hotel or two in Gaiios, but I don't think there are any in Lakka and certainly not in Loggos. It is mostly all apartment and villa rental on what is really a very small island. Planos specialise in villa rental on Paxos and have local offices with English-speaking staff -
www.planos.co.uk
but if you google for villas in paxos other rental companies come up. Villa rental is what most visitors to the island do, a lot of the villas also have pools and terraces and as for getting around you can rent a car, but it's more fun to rent a boat and/or a scooter and just explore. There is a regular and efficient bus service. between the 3 villages.
Travel to the island is from Corfu, by ferry to Gaiios (slow) or under 1 hour by water taxi direct to Loggos or Lakka.
If you ultimately decide to visit Paxos, let us know here and maybe Xenos and I will be able to answer any further questions you may have.
There is the main town of Gaiios, and the two villages of Lakka on the north tip of the island and the smaller and more picturesque and unspoilt village of Loggos. There is a hotel or two in Gaiios, but I don't think there are any in Lakka and certainly not in Loggos. It is mostly all apartment and villa rental on what is really a very small island. Planos specialise in villa rental on Paxos and have local offices with English-speaking staff -
www.planos.co.uk
but if you google for villas in paxos other rental companies come up. Villa rental is what most visitors to the island do, a lot of the villas also have pools and terraces and as for getting around you can rent a car, but it's more fun to rent a boat and/or a scooter and just explore. There is a regular and efficient bus service. between the 3 villages.
Travel to the island is from Corfu, by ferry to Gaiios (slow) or under 1 hour by water taxi direct to Loggos or Lakka.
If you ultimately decide to visit Paxos, let us know here and maybe Xenos and I will be able to answer any further questions you may have.
Oct 31st, 2005, 01:56 AM
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Julia, I remember seeing your reply on the Ionian Islands - Favourite Towns thread. Sounds like you're another Paxos (and Loggos!) addict - there aren't many of us around on this forum!
Already booked for next year - 14 visits and still counting
Already booked for next year - 14 visits and still counting
Oct 31st, 2005, 04:49 AM
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You're way ahead of me then Xenos! I've only been once but will return.
Friends of mine went to Loggos for their honeymoon more than 20 years ago, and have returned almost every year since; about 8 years ago they bought the top floor of a little house in Loggos, up the stairs just to the side of Nassos taverna. They have a lovely little terrace up there too. You stand in the shower and have fabulous views across to the Greek mainland!
Paxos truly is an idyllic place to visit.
Friends of mine went to Loggos for their honeymoon more than 20 years ago, and have returned almost every year since; about 8 years ago they bought the top floor of a little house in Loggos, up the stairs just to the side of Nassos taverna. They have a lovely little terrace up there too. You stand in the shower and have fabulous views across to the Greek mainland!
Paxos truly is an idyllic place to visit.
