Thank you all so much for your replies. In answer to where I'm coming from, it's Israel, which is only one hour away, so extremely convenient. Although I'm originally from Canada though, and should be used to the cold, I'm not, and wouldn't be able to go into the cold May water. That's okay though, we're happy just to relax, see the views that everyone raves about, and do a bit of sightseeing.

I have another question though - what do you all think of splitting the week between Athens and Santorini? I'm feeling a bit guilty about just being in Santorini without at least a bit of serious history! (Don't get me wrong, we usually love a lot of sites; we were in Italy last year and did three cities in one week and it was fabulous - no veg-out time though!)

And one more idea - all of a sudden I thought "what about the Amalfi coast instead of Greece"? We have never been there either. What are your thoughts on the better choice of the two?

thank you!!!

tamara

Santorini & Athens. That Great city has been waiting for you for 3,000 years -- give it 3 days! The weather is delightful there in May, and the ancient sites will impress even a person from another ancient land.

Travelerjan, what a great way of putting it! thank you!

Does that also mean you would prefer that combo to the Amalfi Coast?

YEs.

I'd agree with the idea of splitting time. Athens is a great experience and the flight is less than 30 min. While we really like the Amalfi Coast, Athens and Santorini is a hard combination to beat.

Athens was my big surprise. I would stay in Athens and visit the islands by ferry. Very easy to do. We spent a day in Santorini. Two days would be the most I would spend there. See the movie Mama Mia(filmed on Santorini) We also went to Mykonos. I would only spend a day here. Athens and surrounding city is awesome. Can't recommend a hotel-we did the Greek Isles by cruise ship. Consider one of the smaller ones like the Windstar. Have fun. Janet

Mama Mia was filmed on Skopelos and Skiathos, but not Santorini.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0795421/locations

You might get some inspiration from a travel podcast I produced on Greece for my Travelrific Travel Show (www.travelrificradio.com). Enjoy the islands!

On our honeymoon 5 years ago we split our time between Santorini and Corfu with only one day in Athens. If I were to redo the trip we would give ourselves 2 or 3 days in Athens to really see and feel everything and the rest on Santorini in Oia. Santorini is just wonderful.

Thank you all again! It's amazing how generous you all are with your time and wonderful advice.

Another question: Are three days in Athens enough? I'm sure it's never enough - but is it possible to hit some good highlights and get a good feel for the place in that time? What are the must-sees there, without overdoing it in three days' time?

thanks again,

tamara

I don't know if you settled on a hotel in Santorini, but I HIGHLY recommend Ikies Traditional Houses in Oia. My husband and I spent the first part of our honeymoon there and it was absolutely fabulous. The service, the view, the room-- everything was wonderful. Santorini is a magical place-- enjoy your trip!

In Santorini we stayed at Canaves Oia which was fabulous. Breakfast was delivered to your room each day. Just magical. We had wanted to stay at Katikes but they were fully booked.

To answer your question, both the Amalfi Coast and Greece are incredible destinations, but I think for what you are interested in, Greece is a better fit.

To Mark 11: Your comments are totally offensive on a website that's meant to promote, in part, understanding and cooperation through world travel.

To answer your question re time in Athens, you could cover a lot in 3 days. We spent 6 and still left some things undone.

IMO the "must sees" include National Archaeological Museum and Benaki Museum (where you could spend a full day visiting both depending on your interests); the Acropolis; Roman Agora; Ancient Agora & Museum; Plaka (just for fun and interesting shops etc); Keromikos (Old Cemetary) & Museum; Syntagma Sq and Parliament, and National Gardens + Temple of Olumpic Zeus, across the street.

As a Greek-American who owns a condo in the beautiful Athenian suburb of Glyfada, these are my recommendations: I would split my time between Santorini and Athens(2-3 nights. Santorini has great beaches. Rent a Jeep and go to Perivolos, the black sand beach with rows of fabulous restaurants and bars beachfront. Visit a winery like Boutari. Santorini wines have grown popular internationally. The Athens suburb of Vouliagmeni has awesome beaches! The wealthy Athenians go there. You will experience true Greek life and no tourists! Stay at one of the private beaches for approx. $6-8 depending on day. Lounge chairs included, snack shops & restaurants on the premises. Easy access by bus. Before or after the beach, visit the seaside town of Glyfada, only 10-15 min. from Vouliagmeni. Lots of shopping, fabulous restaurants and modern Greek nightclubs. The nightclubs don't get started until 1:00 a.m., but they are so worth it! Make sure that you are not visiting a tourist club. Think Anna Vissi,Despina Vandi,Giorgos Mazonakis. If you could stretch your trip by 2-3 days, I would add Mykonos or Skiathos. These areas are known for their beaches! Corfu is great too, but the distance from Santorini will eat up too much time. Whichever beach area you choose in Greece, you cannot go wrong! The only question is: will the water be warm enough in May?

P.S. There is an abundance of hotels in Glyfada since the closure of the old airport. You can probably get a great price and a seaside view, too!