First trip to Greek Islands
 

I'm leaving on Friday for my first trip to the Greek islands - Santorini and Lesvos. Does anyone have any tips on things to do or sights to see? I'm interested in any ideas. <BR> <BR>Thanks, Martha <BR> <BR>

Martha - i went to Santorini about 2 years ago and had a great time. Make sure you go to Akrotiri - a village that was covered and preserved in volcanic ash. It is VERY HOT inside so wear cool clothes and bring lots of water. On the other hand, I wish I had some warm clothes for evening because the islands do get windy at night. Try to make time to go to the black beach and also visit the vineyard - i did a tour ofthe village, beach and vineyard that was worthwhile. Most importantly - go early and get a prime spot at the edge of the old castle on Oia to get a view of a beautiful sunset!! Have fun

I agree on the above post about Akrotiri, but be sure to be on a guided tour. Last year I went for the second time but without a tour guide. Walking around without knowing what you're looking at would be a waste of time.

Thanks for the tips. I'm really looking forward to Santorini. Did anyone do the walk from Fira to Oia along the coast? I was thinking about taking that path late one afternoon to enjoy the sunset - then taking a taxi back to Fira, where I'm staying. Thanks again. <BR>Martha <BR> <BR>

Thats a very long walk! Make sure to go to Perissa beach and also to the red sand beach near Akrotiri. Also be super careful on the scooters .Lots of accidents each summer and not enough guardrails. Take a ride up the white mountain from the Kamari beach side to get incredible views and postcard pictures during the day. Also make to pack a windbreaker for sometimes breezy cool nights. Have a great time!!!

Martha, <BR>That walk is long but I think it would be wonderful. We did some but I would have done all of it if I'd been on my own.

We went on a glass bottomed boat trip out to the volcanic islands in the middle of the caldera - nea and palei kameni. <BR> <BR>The boat stops at one, palei kameni and everyone scrambles to the top of the island - wonderful view of the whole caldera, and of Thera and Thirassia. <BR> <BR>The boat also stops to allow ppl to swim in the fabulous hot springs surrounding nea kameni. Finally, the boat stops off at Thirassia for an hour or two for dinner before heading back to Thera. There a few reasonable restaurants along the harbour front at Thirassia. <BR>You cannot see a lot from the glass bottom on the boat until it slows down, it does however slow down at times which is amazing. On the way back to Fira, the boat goes close to the cliffside of Thera - its fascinating to see them up close - a beautiful array of colours! <BR> <BR>ps. You can also do the tour by Caique. <BR>

Forgot to point out that the trip leaves from the old port at Fira - the port is worth a visit if you do not arrive in at it. Get a donkey to bring you down if you're feeling brave or the cable car if you're feeling lazy!! <BR> <BR>Other interesting things; <BR>I concur withthe advice above re Akrotiri and Red Beach <BR>We walked as far as Firostefani, I think thats about half way between Fira and Oia. Beautiful pathway winding along the side of the caldera.. <BR>The museum in Fira beside the cable cars is worth a visit too.. <BR>Whatever you do, do not miss the sunset every evening - a wonderful air of serenity and calm appears to descend on the island along with the descent of the sun. <BR> <BR>We spent 5 days in Santorini last September and didn't see it all so we're going back for a few days next week - I can't wait!! I've travelled through the most beautiful cities of Europe but without doubt Santorini is the most impressive and wonderous place I have been! <BR> <BR>

Rent a moped for a day. I had a great experience doing that on Santorini!

i loved the big church (i forget the name). it's all white inside with tons of silver everywhere and walls where the locals for generations have tacked up little tin cutouts of arms, legs, hearts, standing for body parts they're asking their favorite saints to heal.

We visited Santorini in late Nov. early Dec. and stayed in OIA. The walk to OIA from Fira is VERY long. It was hard enough driving and avoiding being run over! (ha) The island can be driven from end to end in one afternoon. The winery was the only thing we could visit due to the season and it was great! Fira has great places to shop and eat. Our villa was in OIA and we walked every evening to watch the sunsets. Would recommend Santorini for everyone to visit at least once in their lifetime!

Martha: Don't listen to them!!! I hiked all over Santorini (and Mikonos, Corfu and mainland Greece) and the walk from Fira to Ia along the edge of the caldera is a great walk; great views and no crowds. The hike over the ridge between the coast and the main road is interesting. The hike over the mt. from Kamari Beach to Perrisa Beach is also fun...but a litle more strenuous.