I spent a couple of weeks in Greece last year and the most important thing I learned was to spend more on the islands. It was wonderful to see the historical sites in Athens (Acropolis, etc.), but we spent 3 days there and we found it to be 2 too many. After sight-seeing for the first day, we were ready to get out of Athens...it's a big, fast-paced, noisy, dirty city.

Sarah

I just got back from Greece, where I went to Thessaloniki, Dion, Vergina, Meteora, Delphi, Athens, and Naxos. I posted a trip report on my blog that is day-by-day, with a separate post for each destination if I went more than one place in a day. http://travelathomeandabroad.blogspot.com There is a lot of information on each destination!

It was utterly fantastic, and I think wherever you go you will love. I hope to go back someday and see more of the islands.

Like you, I was sort of hung up on going to Santorini just because it's where everyone goes, but I got an excellent suggestion of Naxos as an alternative. A budget hotel in Santorini was going to be 100E/nt, while a budget (but still wonderful!) hotel on Naxos was 35E/nt. Sold! I don't regret my choice at all, as I absolutely adored Naxos. Naxos has excursions to Delos, though I didn't get a chance to go. I'm sure Santorini is still a must see, but don't fear that you won't be on a beautiful island if you only spend a day or two there!

You can see my photos of Naxos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/7707505...57602022565998

The blog posts about Naxos are:
http://travelathomeandabroad.blogspo...arrive-on.html I head to Naxos, where I experience my first glorious Cycladic sunset.

http://travelathomeandabroad.blogspo...os-by-bus.html An all-day bus tour of Naxos, and an Aussie girl, an Irishman, and an American chick walk into a bar...

http://travelathomeandabroad.blogspo...i-finally.html I finally manage to relax on Naxos, plus a visit to the Venetian kastro and the hora.

hello Ivy

If you can please let me know your hotel budget for each night I will give you some hotel suggstions for Myconos.

Also, do you want to stay in town or close to beaches?

thanos

June is the perfect time; we booked a ketch from Rhodos and spent a week island hopping, ending up at Athens. Relative to the islands, the mainland is the pits, especially Athens. There you will remember the air polution and dirt; and little else. I agree, one day here is plenty.

thanks everyone, my budget n Mykonos is about 300 Euro a night. Doesn't seem like there are that many great options I am finding that fit that. Am willing to spend more if I have to as this is a splurge trip.

Ivy

Please let me know if you prefer a town hotel or a beach hotel. Do you prefer suggestions for both areas?

thanos

thanos, if you have them, I would love recommendations for both areas. Thanks so much!!

Ivy

Many town hotels do not have there 2008 rates available but here are some good places that I hope should meet your budget or be only a little over when they publish.

Theoxenia

http://www.mykonostheoxenia.com/

A very nice hotel, recently renovated and in a very good town location.

Hotel Cavo Tagoo

http://www.cavotagoo.gr/

Considered one of the best with some celebrity visitors. Not in town but in Tagoo area, perhaps 10 to 15 minute walk to centre. This year many road renovations which hopefully will be finished in winter and not spoil the vacation. The hotel was renovated 2007.

Hotel Belvedere

http://www.belvederehotel.com/

Classic hotel in Mykonos town in one of the best districts (Rochari). Only about 8 minuts to harbour and close to restaurants and bars

Hotel Harmony

http://www.harmonyhotel.gr

Above the old port. A very good boutique hotel with regular return visitors

Semeli Hotel

http://www.semelihotel.gr/

Also, in the very good Rochari district. This is worth checking further. Operated by a well known local family.

I usually recommend beach hotels at Agios Ioannis, a special part of the island and one of the most beautiful. Again, 2007 rates are only available but they are within your budget or perhaps only a little more.

Mykonos Grand

http://www.mykonosgrand.gr/

Considered by many to be the best hotel on the island. The rates here can be very good.

Hotel Apollonia

http://www.apollonia-resort.gr/

A smaller boutique style hotel at Agios Ioannis. Very nice hotel an a great location

Hotel Manoulas Beach

http://www.manoulas-hotel.gr/

One of the best rates of all the hotels and the best views also. Made famous by the nmovie Shirely Valentine. Recently renovated with new beach taverna attached.

Petasos Beach Resort

http://www.petasos.gr/

Another hotel that should be within your rates when published. Is know here to be very good hotel and with many return guests. Is located at Platis Yialos beach.

thanos

thanks so much, this is all great information - I really appreciate it!!

you guys have been so helpful - I am really torn about lodging in Santorini. Love the Oia castle, but worry about the lack of pool. The aqua suite with it's own pool is a bit out of our price range. Any other suggestions with a pool?? Thanks!!

Check Volcano's Villas, Villa Ilias and Scirocco Hotel.

Did you check out the Fanari Villas that I mentioned in an earlier post? They have a pool and the location couldn't be better. And the rooms & service are great too.

Ivy look at this site:
http://www.santonet.gr/
It has a lot of hotel options for santorini.
Also i've stayed there once http://www.oia-strogili-houses.gr/index.htm and the rooms were very decent and inexpensive for Santorini. When i was there they didn't have a pool but i see now that they have one so you can check that out too.
I'm glad that you'll go to Mykonos! Personally i like it more than Naxos. And especially June it will be a good time there. (avoid being there on a weekend though).

Yes I agree with cristine. June is I think one of the better months to visit Myconos. You miss the craziness of May when the island has thousands of Greek students here. It used to be just one weekend with them visting, last year it was two weekends. 2008? I do not know.

I also think middle September is a good time to visit also.

thanos

bookmark

OK, have given this much thought and have decided to focus the trip on the mainland and skip the island. the reason is that I am most interested in antiquities and the mainland and Peloppenese are clearly the place to go for antiquities. So now, I need hotel recommendations for the Northern Pelop. Am thinking Grande Bratagne in Nauplion. Any ideas where to stay in Olympia? Am also thinking of trying to squeeze in Delphi - any recommendations there?? THANKS!! - Ivy

Hi Ivy,
Another vote for Fanari Villas in Oia,
www.apanemaresort.com in Mykonos, close to town very homely and charming with great views. Olympia area at Kyllini has some Grecotel's you can check from their site, Mandola Rosa suites are great.
At Nafplion on top There is Naflia Palace or Amphitrion hotels from Helios hotels group. There are some small but nice looking B&B's at old town as well.

Greetings to Dear Botherleelove from Turkey :-)

Happy travelling,
Murat

Sorry typing mistake would be Dear Brotherleelove ;-)

Greetings, Murat! ((Y))

ttt