Any ideas for the 'other' islands in Greece? We're going to be on the Ionian side in July and would like information on what to see-where to stay-where to eat, etc. Thanks!

Good for you to go somewhere other than the usual over-touristed Mykonos, Santorini, etc. I highly recommend Paxos, a delightful little island 10 miles south of Corfu. Corfu itself is worth a couple of days or however long you can spare. Two ferries a day leave for Paxos. It is the most beautiful island imagineable, 5-1/2 miles long by 2 miles wide and covered with 300,000 (!!!) olive trees. We just went, without reservations, and lucked out when we landed in Gaios by meeting up with Johnny Grammatikos who owns quite a few properties in Lakka, the little village at the tip of the island. You can reach him at Routsis Holidays, fax (0662)-31161. I don’t think you use the “0” when faxing from here. Ask him to send you a brochure. He has lovely apartments at very reasonable prices. By reasonable I mean we had what I think was his most expensive studio apt. complete with tiny cooking area for $16.75/night. Of course that was in off season about 7 years ago, but it won’t be real expensive now. If you are into water sports, they have all kind of water vehicles for rent there at Lakka. Johnny lived in Chicago for 13 years, has an American wife, and speaks excellent English. They have a lot of English tourists, but never Americans. We were quite a novelty. From there we went to the other side of Greece to Skopelos in the Sporades in the Aegean, which we also loved, but that’s another story. If you want more information, e-mail me.

Rhodes is also a beautiful and interesting island. If you like water sport it has the most beautiful blue waters besides Cpri, Italy. I have visited it twice so far and love it. A little touristy yet a lot of fun. In fact, if you want more info visit my web page http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/...68/rhodes.html on Rhodes or e-mail me.

The Greek Islands are magnificent. They don't even compare to the Caribbean Islands. I've been to many on the Aegean side. In August, I will be honeymooning in Kefalonia (staying in White Rocks Hotel). I've heard this island is beatiful and has an upper class of tourists. Most of the islands are fantastic but I highly recommend Santorini and Crete. I've been to each island twice. I would definitely go again.

Strange, no-one seems to have mentioned the 'flower of the Ionian sea', Zante (or Zakynthos to give it it's full Sunday title)My girlfriend and I have recently returned from a two week break there (in Kalamaki) and loved it, some of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen, friendly people, relaxed atmosphere and excellent food. Oh, and watch out for the Caretta Caretta turtles, too...

To Debbie: I am going to both Santorini and Crete end of August for my honeymoon. Can you recommend some nice restaurants? Romantic, good setting, not too crowded, and great food. $$ does not matter. . .that much. . .yet. <BR>Thanks, pam <BR>

Pam, <BR> <BR>I just returned from my wedding and honeymoon in Greece. The food is fantastic! And so is the wine. You will notice the differences from each island regarding the food and wine. In Ia, Santorini, we had our wedding dinner at Ambrosia, it was romantic and the food was excellent. We sat inside that night, but the view from the outside tables was beautiful. The next night we ate at the 1800, our meals were wonderful, one of the best meals we had on our trip. But as you might already know, these two were highly recommended in the guide books and rightfully so. Another is Neptune, a family owned restaurant passed on from generation. Excellent traditional dishes, veal stifado with onions. Just delicious! When we go back, we want to venture off the beaten path and try some of the quiet little tavernas dotted throughout the island, if you have the time I would recommend it. <BR> <BR>In Chania, Crete, our favorite was Tamam. One of the few places that did not approach you to eat at there restaurant. Wonderful food and atmosphere. While in Crete, try the yogart and honey. Delicious. Excuse my babbling, I could go on and on, I just wish I was there. Hope this helps.

Steve, <BR>Thanks so much for your feedback. I will certainly try these restaurants. . . if I can be so lucky. I'll keep you posted. Did you fly from Athens on Olympic? How was the flight? On time? Quick? thanks - pam <BR>

Has anyone been to the island of Sifnos. It's about two hours from Athens? We may spend the entire week there at the Aklyoni Villas. We are also negotiating with Greece Accomodations Direct - are they reputable? Any input would be very much appreciated.

Pam, we did fly Olympic to Santorini. It was fine. The flight was on time and took about 50 minutes. We had 3 island flights on our trip and they were not as bad as what I was expecting due to the reports I have read. Are you traveling to Crete from Santorini?

Steve - Yes, we are flying to Crete from Santorini. I am definitely expecting the worst for Olympic. Do you need to make reservations for the dinner places you recommended? Did you go to Crete? If so where did you stay? This is so great to be able to do this before I go. <BR> <BR>Much appreciative - Pam <BR> <BR> <BR>

Pam, I won't worry too much about the flights and as for making reservations, we never had to. It was still early in the tourist season to get a table anywhere. Though you might want to check that out once you get there. The month of August is still peak season. <BR> <BR>It is good you already have transportation to Crete. We waited till we arrived to make plans and had to settle for a 2am-6:30am ferry ride from Santorini to Crete. Our options were limited (we could not even fly that day either), but it was inexpensive and actually nice to get a taste of what traveling by ferry is like. As for Crete, we stayed in Chania at the Casa del Fino. Very nice hotel. There are a lot of nice hotels around there. Very different landscape and architecture than Santorini. Also hiked the Samarian Gorge, beautiful and a relatively easy hike. We also stayed one night in Iraklio to see the Palace of Knossos and the Museum. Where are you staying on Crete?

Steve - thanks again - here is our plan: <BR>Aug 30 fly to Santorini - stay Canaves Villas in Oia until 9/3, fly to Crete, Heraklion, rent a car - stay at Elunda Beach Hotel until 9/7, then drive to Chania and stay in. . . . .Casa Delfino Hotel for a few nights. I am dying to know what the Casa Delfino is like. . . can you give details? Sorry I am asking so much - I gotta take advantage of this forum. tytytytytytytytyty = thank you, pam <BR>

Pam, No need to apologize, I enjoy discussing what I've seen and if it helps, thats great. We stayed at Canavas (what a coindence) in Ia. Our room, located above the pool, was in the Canavas II, the newer addition. We loved everthing about it. The people are so nice there, and Martina, a wonderful Irish woman, who will take care of all your room service. Santorini has a smaller water supply than what we are use to. No tp in the toilet and we had to turn on a water heater one-half hour before a shower. No problems, just had to remind yourself. <BR> <BR>In Chania, the Casa del Fino a Venetian hotel. Quite different from Canavas. I would also say more luxurious too. We stayed in a honeymoon suite, 20 ft ceilings, kingsize bed, jacuzzi, marble everthing. It is gorgeous. Less money than the Canavas too. Wonderful yogart and honey for breakfast. The Casa del Fino is not exacting on the water (about 100m away) so the view from our balcony overlooked one of Chania's chaming streets. The view at Canavas is surreal and very dramatic. They both were special to us.

Steve - I can't believe you stayed at the Canaveras - great news. I will let you know if I have any more questions. Actually, one. . . .do we need to bring any dressy clothes? Does my fiance need to bring a suit? We would like to travel very light. tytytyty - pam

I've only been to 2 of the Ionian islands and I definitely prefer these over the Aegean Is. In Corfu I stayed at the Hilton bec that was the only brand I recognize. Its a bit away from town. You may take the bus or taxi. Corfu is very different than the other Greek Is. in architecture. It looks more Italian or its northern neighbours. My favourite is Kefalonia. I did not stay in White Rocks but I believe that is one of the best hotels in terms of view and beach accessibility. But it is in the middle of nowhere. You need to rent mopeds or bikes. Their rental car is fun its stick shift only (which I cant drive) and when you rent it there is no gas and you return it without gas either. I dont even know if there is an Avis there (Avis is the only brand that I recognize in Europe that is located in remote places). I've stayed at Irina US$30 w/ bfst(I do not recommend) and at Mouikis htl which is right in the town of Argostoli. I lucked out with that in fact the British tour co. Thompson Holidays uses this htl. I was impressed bec for US$35 sgl or 40dbl a night it has aircon, and had a hair dryer! You must see the Lake Melissani cave its so diff. You take a small boat(there is a boatman) he rows you around the lake then go inside the cave. The entrance will surprise you cuz its like where is the lake? You wont see it until you walk inside the tunnel. There are beaches all over the island but the most famous and beautiful is Myrtos. Fiskardo is another nice place to visit its a quaint fishing village. <BR>Have a nice vacation!!!

Pam, I never saw anyone in a suit, It was casual. 1800 and Ambrosia were a little fancy, I would feel underdressed wearing shorts there. Maybe bring one nice outfit or buy one there? Traveling light is definitely the way to go.