lancer11

I'm starting to look into a trip to Greece for September 2017. First, I do need to get a good guide book. Which is the best for the Greek islands and Athens? I have about 19 /20 days including travel days.
My thoughts, fly into Athens and then to Crete. 5 nights in Crete. Then ferry to Santorini 4 nights. Then ferry to Mykonos 2 nights. Fly to Rhodes 3 nights. Then fly to Athens 3/4 nights. I know this is a lot of running around but not sure if we will ever get back to Greece. I am torn between Rhodes, Naxos and Paros. I am looking for a great 4/5 star beach resort on a fantastic beach. I'm thinking, and I could be wrong, so please give opinions, that the beaches in Rhodes are beautiful. Any help would be appreciated. We like to stroll around city centers and shop, eat etc. History is okay and beach/pool downtime with great views is a must. Ruins are good as well as churches. Hubby is not a fan of museums. Thanks for any input

stevelyon

Rhodes is quite an attractive island and Crete has its fair share of nice beaches. The Greek island with the best (certainly the most) beaches is not on your list, and that's because this Forum obsesses about Crete and Santorini, I have never quite understood the enthusiasm for Santorini. But don't be put off going there, I just think there are better islands.

HappyTrvlr

stevelyon is correct. You don't go to Santorini for it's beaches.

lancer11

stevelyon what Greek island do you think is the best? You didn't say. I am looking for some advice and opinions. I am just starting to research and my next vacation day going to the book store to buy a guide. Thanks again

stevelyon

I'm very biased, since going to Skiathos I have become what's called a boomeranger. People fall in love with the place and return time and time again and mostly its because of the beaches, the transport between them and the extraordinary friendliness. I've been on lots of beaches around the world and put Skiathos right up there as having the most beautiful.

littlejane

I like the Rough Guide - although (or because!) it is focussed on budget travellers it has good maps of the ferry routes and connections between islands. I think the starting point is to find a number of islands you would like to visit, and that all have direct ferry connections between them. Maybe pick your favourite island first from looking at images or the "top 10" section at the front of the book, and add a few contrasting islands.

I think it is nice to combine islands of different styles. For example you might pick an island that has plenty of traditional greek vibe, an island that has lots of italienate influences, an island that has spectacular scenery and an island that has archaeological sites you want to visit.

Start with finding your 4/5* beach resort - there are not so many of them in Greece compared to the likes of Spain / Portugal, and depending where that is, then see what other islands you can visit around there.