big2354

Hey,
I am planning a honeymoon to Greece from Sept 12 to Sept 26 2013 and would like your input before I book. We are both in our late 20's. We are looking to relax with nice views/beaches but also want to experience nightlife that isn't completely dead. This is our rough itinerary so far...

Sep 12:
Arrive in Athens and take a flight to Santorini

Sep 12 - 16:
Cave House at Delfini Villas in Oia (Any other hotel suggestions will be much appreciated)
I think Oia will be much more relaxing but would like to experience Fira for a night. Bus? Cab?

Sept 16 - 20
Ferry to Naxos or Mykonos
After reading many posts, I am leaning towards Naxos. How 'touristy' will Mykonos be at that time? I figure since Santorini and Athens will be expenisve, Naxos will be lighter on the wallet. If we do decide Naxos, I am thinking about a hotel at St. George. If its Mykonos then a hotel near paradise beach or in town. (Any suggestions?) Is there enough time to experience both islands?

Sep 20 - 26
Ferry or flight to Athens
I'm looking for a hotel in Plaka. (Electra Palace?)
Is this too long in Athens?

As this is our first time in Greece, I would very much appreciate all your suggestions and tips. The dates and the order of islands within our trip are flexible. Below are few links I found for flights and ferries. If there is something I'm missing, please let me know. Thanks

http://en.aegeanair.com/
https://www.olympicair.com/
http://www.petas.gr/

HappyTrvlr

Athens..take two-three days to see Delphii and Napflio, staying overnight in both.

Heimdall

Naxos will definitely be kinder on your wallet, and a hotel in St George a good choice for that time of year. Mykonos will be quieter than in August if you decide to go there instead.

Should you fly back to Athens from Naxos it will be with Olympic Air, while Mykonos has flights with both Aegean and Olympic. I know nothing about petas.gr, the third link in your post. If you are booking a flight it would be best to use the airline's own website. If you go back to Athens by ferry, just buy your tickets on the islands, and this applies either to Naxos or Mykonos.

Sep 20 - 26 in Athens isn't too long, and it will give you the opportunity to visit other places outside the city, e.g. Nafplio and/or Delphi as suggested above.

big2354

Thanks. My fiance is saying Mykonos but I will try to persuade her into Naxos. Do you have any recommendations for hotels in St. George?

The last link is to book ferry tickets, but I'll buy them on the islands if there shouldn't be a problem with availability.

clausar

petas.gr belongs to a travel agency in Athens, i happen to know the manager of the agency and i can only recommend them.

There is no need to book any ferry tickets in advance, you can do it as you go, September is not the high season, and plenty of sits will be available.

Heimdall

There is nothing wrong with Mykonos — do you really want to disappoint your fiancé? ;-) Naxos will be quiet by mid-Sep, with low key nightlife. Mykonos is more expensive, and has better nightlife. Both islands have great beaches, the ones on Mykonos being more organised with beach bars, sun beds, etc.

big2354

Thanks for the replies. A few of her co-workers recommended Naxos over Mykonos so I didn't have to do any persuading. Can you recommend any hotels?

mariha2912

Naxos Resort, Nissaki, maybe Astir of Naxos. If you don't mind 10 minutes walk to beach, check Xenia too. Maybe Porto Naxos too as far as you require one of their pool facing rooms away from the road.

big2354

Thank you. I think I'll book Naxos Resort. Does anyone have hotel recommendations in Oia and Athens?

brotherleelove2004

Oia: Old Oia Houses, Golden Sunset Villas, Marizan Villas, Filotera Villas, Olympic Villas, Fotinos Houses, Thea Studios, Anemomilos Hotel, Casa Sofia, Villa Kallisti, Theodora Suites, Oia Mare Hotel.

big2354

Thanks

big2354

These are the 3 hotels we are leaning towards. Has anyone been?

Oia - Oia Mare Villas
Naxos - Naxos Resort
Athens - Elektra Palace

brotherleelove2004

Just so you know, there are more steps to reach Oia Mare Villas than for any other hotel in Oia. If you have any mobility problems or respiratory issues I don't recommend staying there.

Heimdall

Naxos Resort is a nice hotel just off St George Beach. I've never stayed there myself, but the more modest hotel I use is right next door to it. It's only 10 min walk into town from Naxos Resort, and not too far off the bus route to Ag Prokopios and Plaka beaches. If you decide to hire a car, the hotel has its own parking area.

SusannahT

We stayed in Mill Houses in Firostefani, which we preferred to Oia. Mill Houses were fabulous.

In Athens we really liked Home Sweet Hotel near Acropolis - new hotel with very friendly owners and opposite Marcos that was fantastic for dinner.

WWK

Look at AVA Hotel and Suites for Athens. It should be the same amount or less than Elektra Palace. It's a very small boutique hotel located in the Plaka, about a ten minute walk ( maybe less) from the Acropolis. The rooms are gorgeous, large, and several have big terraces with straight on views of the Acropolis. The staff is wonderful. We used to stay in other hotels, but now this is our favorite place to stay in Athens.

If you decide on Naxos, I wouldn't rule out Nissaki. Again, a small boutique hotel right on the town beach, maybe a ten minute walk from town. Really lovely rooms, lots of art, bright colors, and an exceptional staff.

justineparis

Well I am likely a lot older then both of you, and I think Mykonos would be a lot more fun then Naxos if looking for nightlife, I know its makes people feel a bit sophisticated to put their nose up at Mykonos and call it touristy etc, but its popular for a reason, it has a pretty town, it had many nice beaches, many fun restaurants etc. , I had time of my life there when in your age bracket. I personally look forward to visiting Naxos next time I go to Greece, but I am over 50 and am not looking for nightlife.. keep in mind that people recommend things based on their personal tastes, its never whos wrong or whos right, but whats right for you.

I would not spend 6 days in Athens.. I would never ever pare down time on islands for Athens,, give it 3-4 days and that would be enough.. I couldn't wait to leave after only 2 days..

big2354

brotherleelove2004 - The reason we are leaning towards Oia Mare is because I read about the sunset being visible from the room balconies. Is it worth it or are there other hotels that have a view of the sunset? We are both pretty fit so the stairs won't be an issue; however, it might get annoying having to walk the stairs every time we want to go into town.

Heimdall - Can you please tell me the modest hotel next door to Naxos Resort you are referring to? It doesnt hurt to look into it and maybe same some $$.

SusannahT - We prefer Oia as it will be our first stop on our Greece honeymoon and it will give us a chance to relax and enjoy the views. We will definitely spend a day/evening in Fira and cab it back to Oia at night.

WWK - Thanks for the suggestions. I will look into it. I was thinking of going with a cheaper hotel in Naxos as I think we will be exploring the island and wont be spending much time in our rooms.

We are also thinking of extending our trip to Sep 30th and spending 3 or 4 nights in Mykonos.

brotherleelove2004

Not all room balconies at Oia Mare have a sunset view. I can't advise you which do but if you want it you need to make sure they give you what you ask for. Otherwise you'll have to watch the sunset from one of their common areas, such as down on the pool deck. Most rooms actually face south, not west.

If you take a room at Golden Sunset Villas or Marizan Villas you'll have a great sunset view. There's no pool but these 2 are less than 50 meters away from a public-access pool: http://www.lioyerma.gr You can also sit and watch the sunset from there if there's a table available.

Others with a sunset view: Oia Castle Hotel, Theodora Suites, Fanari Villas, Esperas Houses.

Most hotels in Oia have a caldera view, not a sunset view.

big2354

Theodora Suites looks perfect; unfortunately there is no availability through Expedia or Hotels.com. I have emailed them directly. I am hoping they have rooms available.