We are travelling to Greece in May/June 2007. We will be flying into Athens and plan to see Santorini and Naxos and in addition are tring to decide whether to go to Crete or Rhodes. We like nice quiet places with good beaches and nightlife isn't important. Near a small town so I can browse and also near local sights, ruins, etc. We plan on staying a day or two in either Rhodes Town or Chania (dpending on where we pick) and then 4 or so days in the surrounding area. I am leaning towards Loutro (or Agia Roumeli,Finix,Paleachora) in Crete or Lindos on Rhodes. We are prepared to rent a car if it would be advisable. Can anyone help with suggestions or advice. Other locations suggestions? I realize we are travelling out of the high season so this may open up options that might be too busy in the summer/.

As Rhodes is in a completely different island group from Santorini and Naxos, getting there would be far more complicated than to Crete, which has good connections with Santorini.

There are ferry connections between Naxos and Rhodes (not necessarily daily), and it would be a fairly lengthy trip. Alternatively you could go back to Athens and fly to Rhodes.

For me, it's difficult, because I've not been to Rhodes, but I think of it as being far more touristy than Crete (which I love)

Strongly recommend that for your destination.

I've been to both and I am returning to Greece this April/May and re-visiting Santorini and Crete (both for 6 days each) obviously, my vote is for Crete. We will have a car for both island visits. I did intensive research for my 2nd. Island choice since Santorini was a "for sure" and Crete has it all for us. Enjoy!!!

Thanks very much. What about places to go on Crete? Any suggestions. We are thinking that southern Crete in the Chania area would work well.

Chania is in the northwestern quadrant of Crete, not in the south. Southern Crete can be very nice around Agia Galini and Matala.

http://www.interkriti.gr/fly/index.html
check out this website for Crete ideas. I think Chania is a good base to see the western end of the island which is the most beautiful. The market in Chania is worth seeing. The beaches at Elofonissi, Paelechora, Falsarna and Matala are very good as are others on the south coast. Renting a car in Hania is easy and reletively inexpensive. Remotheyon is a nice place to visit. Sorry about all the spelling errors.

I was in both in Summer 04 - Crete has tons of crickets - if you don't mind chirping 24 hours a day then go for it! The most beautiful beach in Crete is Vai on the eastern tip. Chania is a nice place - cafes and some shopping. We did the hike in Samaria Gorge 21kms - absolutely beautiful scenery!
Rhodes is great if you want to explore historic sites - just don't stay at the Belair Beach Hotel and expect a good swimming beach - it is very windy and hard to swim and very rocky!!
Lindos is beautiful with crystal clear waters and the acropolis. Very quaint. Rhodes town has tons to see and do!

Both are very different but choice is yours.

I love both islands. Lindos is beautiful to wonder but much hotter than the rest of Rhodes, and less of a breeze than most of Crete. I don't think you will go far wrong with either choice as there is plenty to see and do on both islands. I think I would go to whichever is more convenient to get to, and that will probably be Crete.
Carolena