Greek Islands - 24 Days
Jan 8th, 2018, 01:25 PM
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Greek Islands - 24 Days
Hi there,
We have just booked our flights for our honeymoon to Greece in June 2018.
We are looking for traditional/low key/cultural islands - we love to explore, hike, eat delicious food and then of course chill by the beach. We are not looking for night life (clubs etc.).
At the moment the islands we like the sounds of are - Sifnos, Serifos, Milos, Folegandros, Amorgos, Skyros. As well as Kythira, Kefelonia and Zakynthos.
If there are any other recommended islands similar to the above that would be great.
At the moment im thinking
2 Days Athens (beginning or end)
7 Days Milos
3/4 Days Serifos
3/4 Days Sifnos,
3 Days Folegandros or Amorgos?
and then 6/7 Days in one other location.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
We have just booked our flights for our honeymoon to Greece in June 2018.
We are looking for traditional/low key/cultural islands - we love to explore, hike, eat delicious food and then of course chill by the beach. We are not looking for night life (clubs etc.).
At the moment the islands we like the sounds of are - Sifnos, Serifos, Milos, Folegandros, Amorgos, Skyros. As well as Kythira, Kefelonia and Zakynthos.
If there are any other recommended islands similar to the above that would be great.
At the moment im thinking
2 Days Athens (beginning or end)
7 Days Milos
3/4 Days Serifos
3/4 Days Sifnos,
3 Days Folegandros or Amorgos?
and then 6/7 Days in one other location.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Jan 8th, 2018, 01:50 PM
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Those islands are all good choices. Folegandros is on the same Western Cyclades ferry route as Milos, etc, while Amorgos would require a diversion.
The logical order from Piraeus would be Serifos, Sifnos, Milos, Folegandros, and from there you could go on to Santorini, branching off either to Crete in one direction or to the Central Cyclades islands of Naxos, Paros, etc. Some days there is also a ferry from Santorini to Amorgos.
Your plan would require you to use ferries from more than one company, and most of them would be expensive high speeds. You will need to use gtp.gr and/or openseas.gr to plan the itinerary. It would be best to save Athens for last, but you may need to spend the first night there if going by ferry.
Alternately you could fly straight to Santorini upon arrival in Athens and progress back to Athens in reverse order.
The logical order from Piraeus would be Serifos, Sifnos, Milos, Folegandros, and from there you could go on to Santorini, branching off either to Crete in one direction or to the Central Cyclades islands of Naxos, Paros, etc. Some days there is also a ferry from Santorini to Amorgos.
Your plan would require you to use ferries from more than one company, and most of them would be expensive high speeds. You will need to use gtp.gr and/or openseas.gr to plan the itinerary. It would be best to save Athens for last, but you may need to spend the first night there if going by ferry.
Alternately you could fly straight to Santorini upon arrival in Athens and progress back to Athens in reverse order.
Jan 8th, 2018, 05:56 PM
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Thank you for your reply!
Is it good to visit both serifos and sifnos? or can you do one or the other?
IN regards ot the last 6/7 days we have to play around with - we are also happy to got back to athens and travel to another area if need be -
eg. Kefalonia, Hydra/Spetses, Kythira. - I suppose we woudl liek to see some variety in landscape/culture etc.
Is there a different area that would contrast well with the western cyclades?
Thanks so much,
Eliza
Is it good to visit both serifos and sifnos? or can you do one or the other?
IN regards ot the last 6/7 days we have to play around with - we are also happy to got back to athens and travel to another area if need be -
eg. Kefalonia, Hydra/Spetses, Kythira. - I suppose we woudl liek to see some variety in landscape/culture etc.
Is there a different area that would contrast well with the western cyclades?
Thanks so much,
Eliza
Jan 9th, 2018, 12:03 AM
#4
I thought Folegandros was the most romantic island. We've been to about ten of the Greek islands, probably the only one I wouldn't go back to was Milos. It was OK but nowhere near as nice as others.
Hydra and Rhodes have a different architectural style to islands such as Mykonos and Santorini. Hydra has almost no vehicles, there are donkeys and we walked everywhere. If you decide on Rhodes, you can do a day trip to Symi, which is gorgeous. Or maybe stay on Symi?
I guess you know to check ferries before setting your heart on anywhere? Sometimes it's harder than you think to get from island to island and you don't want to have to backtrack to the mainland.
I found this website useful for our last trip -
http://www.goferry.gr/
Kay
Hydra and Rhodes have a different architectural style to islands such as Mykonos and Santorini. Hydra has almost no vehicles, there are donkeys and we walked everywhere. If you decide on Rhodes, you can do a day trip to Symi, which is gorgeous. Or maybe stay on Symi?
I guess you know to check ferries before setting your heart on anywhere? Sometimes it's harder than you think to get from island to island and you don't want to have to backtrack to the mainland.
I found this website useful for our last trip -
http://www.goferry.gr/
Kay
Jan 9th, 2018, 12:05 AM
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It would probably be easier to drop Serifos unless you want to see a small island, but each island has its own character, and I can't tell you which you would like best. Also remember, when planning your trip, that to spend three full days on an island you will have to stay four nights, etc, so it's better to plan in terms of nights rather than days. Each time you change location the travel day will be taken up checking in and out of hotels, transfer to port/airport, travel time, etc.
You wrote: <i>"I suppose we would like to see some variety in landscape/culture etc."</i>
So far, apart from Athens, all your destinations are islands. If you want variety it would be best to plan some time on the mainland. Maybe you could take those extra days and drive through the Peloponnese, for example, which has high mountains, a beautiful coastline, Byzantine towns, Venetian forts, and some of the most important historic sites in Greece. It's easier to get around on the mainland when you rent a car, because you aren't dependent upon ferry schedules, and you can stop wherever you like.
A couple of other places to consider are Delphi, a wonderful historic site built on the side of Mt Parnassos. Remember the legend of the oracle? There you can see ruins of the temple where the high priestess made her predictions.
Another to consider is Meteora in the northern part of Greece, where monasteries are built atop of pinnacles of rock. I once passed up a chance to go there and have regretted it ever since. A few years ago my daughter and her husband drove into the area at night on an overland trip in their Land Rover. As it was dark when they arrived they couldn't see anything, but when they woke up the next morning were stunned by the scenery.
That overland trip was before they were married. Now they are happily married and have made me a grandfather. Congratulations on your forthcoming wedding, and have a very happy honeymoon!
You wrote: <i>"I suppose we would like to see some variety in landscape/culture etc."</i>
So far, apart from Athens, all your destinations are islands. If you want variety it would be best to plan some time on the mainland. Maybe you could take those extra days and drive through the Peloponnese, for example, which has high mountains, a beautiful coastline, Byzantine towns, Venetian forts, and some of the most important historic sites in Greece. It's easier to get around on the mainland when you rent a car, because you aren't dependent upon ferry schedules, and you can stop wherever you like.
A couple of other places to consider are Delphi, a wonderful historic site built on the side of Mt Parnassos. Remember the legend of the oracle? There you can see ruins of the temple where the high priestess made her predictions.
Another to consider is Meteora in the northern part of Greece, where monasteries are built atop of pinnacles of rock. I once passed up a chance to go there and have regretted it ever since. A few years ago my daughter and her husband drove into the area at night on an overland trip in their Land Rover. As it was dark when they arrived they couldn't see anything, but when they woke up the next morning were stunned by the scenery.
That overland trip was before they were married. Now they are happily married and have made me a grandfather. Congratulations on your forthcoming wedding, and have a very happy honeymoon!
Jan 9th, 2018, 08:17 AM
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Elizasarah, I like this list of Western Cyclades islands you posted, and just want to give some itinerary advice, given my ferry experience during 12 trips:
• ATHENS LAST - This could vary depending on your dates, length of trip & flight times (which you need to share, for best advice). If you have a looooong trip from West coast of N. America, and arrive exhausted at 5 pm, you may decide to collapse at a cute B & B with pool, near the airport (St. Thomas B & B) and then either next day do some athens sightseeing. But if your trip is under 15 hours, you arrive mid-day or so -- head for a ferry.
• DOABLE SEQUENCE - Agree with Heimdall on sequence of Serifos-Sifnos-Milos. Yes, you could then go straight to Folegandros, but by then perhaps you want a change, so do Santorini for a night or 2, then Folegandros. Yes Santo can be a "mob scene" but not as bad if you plan it outside of M-Th, when the most cruise ships dock, and pick a hotel outside of both Fira town and Oia (Firostephani is good) then back to Athens for final days. As for allotting time, and basic comments:
• SERIFOS - its SO relaxing even for 2 days! For FAB bungalow steps from sand and divine beach, CORALLI BUNGALOWS. Book thru this agency, http://www.thesaurus.gr/hotels/serif..._bungalows.php because u can book with CC - otherwise Coralli requires sending $ to a bank, a real drag). You'll thank me over & over! They pick up at ferry, but it's just a 15 minute walk over a hill to Livadakia beach -- only 2 places on beach, the bungalows and Alexandros & Vassilia Guesthouse, with a cute taverna. U walk into port town for dinner, and back under moonlight. Aah.
•SIFNOS - One of my Favorite Isles!!! I like staying in hillside towns like Apollonia or Artemonas & taking good bus system to various beaches. If u love hikes this is paradise, with flagstoned paths linking towns. 4-5 days
• MILOS - 22 beaches!! But u need a car, bus system is super-lame. Don't overlook fascinating mining museum with unforgetttable video documentary. Do the sail around island (or half-round, my choice, more time for stops in coves, swims, BBQs). Boats lined up in port before dinner, you "shop" and choose. We liked the big catamaran in June because stayed under sail most of time... wind forced small 6 person sailboats to drop sail and use motor 90% of time, no fun. Ive stayed in Adamas ( icky beach, but more dining choices, later)and in APpollonia (nice village on beach, good fish taverna). 5 days is plenty.
• FOLEGANDROS - you can enjoy in 3 days, beaches not outstanding, but Chora is heavenly. My friends (who were teaching in the school there) put me into Hotel Anemousa in early June a few years back, at an amazing €35 - doubtless more by now. Infinity pool, stunning cliff views.
• AMORGOS - if you DO decide on this one, I recommend Aegali over Katapola (much less charm). From Aegali you can hike to 2 villages up on the mountain, have dinner at Niko's, bus down in the dark. For a jolly sociable place just a few yards back from beach, check http://www.askaspension.gr/ - young crowd, separate camping area, friendly hosts.
• REMAINING DAYS - by shortening some of y our island allocations, you have ample time for, as noted, DELPHI (you can drive, or take good modern intercity KTEL bus in 3.5 hours -- advise going up mid-day staying o'night). Another Must-see you'll thank me for -- NAFPLIO. THE most beautiful Old Town in Greece (it's been called the Proposal Capital, because so many men take their girlfriends there to propose). This NONcommercial website is just a taste of the many attractions: http://www.visitnafplio.com/ and here's a foto album http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7632094108982/. You can easily spend 4 days here, exploring town and VERY historic sites; I was sent there on my first greece trip by a wise Greek artist ... and have returned at least 6 times.
• FINALLY - add at least 1 day more to Athens -- after being in Greece for weeks you'll know how things work, and coping with a busy capital will be easy -- and you'll also have so much more appreciation of the culture & history.
.... what a honeymoon, your FIRST trip to Greece! Later, you'll come back with the kids, and then we'll have new destinations to recommend.
• ATHENS LAST - This could vary depending on your dates, length of trip & flight times (which you need to share, for best advice). If you have a looooong trip from West coast of N. America, and arrive exhausted at 5 pm, you may decide to collapse at a cute B & B with pool, near the airport (St. Thomas B & B) and then either next day do some athens sightseeing. But if your trip is under 15 hours, you arrive mid-day or so -- head for a ferry.
• DOABLE SEQUENCE - Agree with Heimdall on sequence of Serifos-Sifnos-Milos. Yes, you could then go straight to Folegandros, but by then perhaps you want a change, so do Santorini for a night or 2, then Folegandros. Yes Santo can be a "mob scene" but not as bad if you plan it outside of M-Th, when the most cruise ships dock, and pick a hotel outside of both Fira town and Oia (Firostephani is good) then back to Athens for final days. As for allotting time, and basic comments:
• SERIFOS - its SO relaxing even for 2 days! For FAB bungalow steps from sand and divine beach, CORALLI BUNGALOWS. Book thru this agency, http://www.thesaurus.gr/hotels/serif..._bungalows.php because u can book with CC - otherwise Coralli requires sending $ to a bank, a real drag). You'll thank me over & over! They pick up at ferry, but it's just a 15 minute walk over a hill to Livadakia beach -- only 2 places on beach, the bungalows and Alexandros & Vassilia Guesthouse, with a cute taverna. U walk into port town for dinner, and back under moonlight. Aah.
•SIFNOS - One of my Favorite Isles!!! I like staying in hillside towns like Apollonia or Artemonas & taking good bus system to various beaches. If u love hikes this is paradise, with flagstoned paths linking towns. 4-5 days
• MILOS - 22 beaches!! But u need a car, bus system is super-lame. Don't overlook fascinating mining museum with unforgetttable video documentary. Do the sail around island (or half-round, my choice, more time for stops in coves, swims, BBQs). Boats lined up in port before dinner, you "shop" and choose. We liked the big catamaran in June because stayed under sail most of time... wind forced small 6 person sailboats to drop sail and use motor 90% of time, no fun. Ive stayed in Adamas ( icky beach, but more dining choices, later)and in APpollonia (nice village on beach, good fish taverna). 5 days is plenty.
• FOLEGANDROS - you can enjoy in 3 days, beaches not outstanding, but Chora is heavenly. My friends (who were teaching in the school there) put me into Hotel Anemousa in early June a few years back, at an amazing €35 - doubtless more by now. Infinity pool, stunning cliff views.
• AMORGOS - if you DO decide on this one, I recommend Aegali over Katapola (much less charm). From Aegali you can hike to 2 villages up on the mountain, have dinner at Niko's, bus down in the dark. For a jolly sociable place just a few yards back from beach, check http://www.askaspension.gr/ - young crowd, separate camping area, friendly hosts.
• REMAINING DAYS - by shortening some of y our island allocations, you have ample time for, as noted, DELPHI (you can drive, or take good modern intercity KTEL bus in 3.5 hours -- advise going up mid-day staying o'night). Another Must-see you'll thank me for -- NAFPLIO. THE most beautiful Old Town in Greece (it's been called the Proposal Capital, because so many men take their girlfriends there to propose). This NONcommercial website is just a taste of the many attractions: http://www.visitnafplio.com/ and here's a foto album http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7632094108982/. You can easily spend 4 days here, exploring town and VERY historic sites; I was sent there on my first greece trip by a wise Greek artist ... and have returned at least 6 times.
• FINALLY - add at least 1 day more to Athens -- after being in Greece for weeks you'll know how things work, and coping with a busy capital will be easy -- and you'll also have so much more appreciation of the culture & history.
.... what a honeymoon, your FIRST trip to Greece! Later, you'll come back with the kids, and then we'll have new destinations to recommend.
Jan 9th, 2018, 09:58 AM
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Hi,
I would give Kefalonia and Zakinthos a miss, and also Skyros unless you intend going mid June to the Sporades in general, a ferry thing. Kythira fits in with the mainland rather than island hopping.
I would not change location either as in all those cases actually no point.
e.g. Skyros is actually Cycladic looking and you would have to go to Alonissos, Skopelos or Skiathos in the group to get something different. So diverting from the Cyclades to Skyros is pointless.
As far as the western Cyclades goes a convenient routing is:
Piraeus > Serifos > Sifnos > Milos > Folegandros > Amorgos >
From Amorgos you could go to Astypalaia, Small Cyclades, Naxos, Paros, Syros etc. Then of course back to Piraeus.
Small islands you can forget about culture and good food.
I have stayed on all your suggested islands apart from Kythira for the reason mentioned, so can make the comparisons, and I go for up to 33 days.
I would give Kefalonia and Zakinthos a miss, and also Skyros unless you intend going mid June to the Sporades in general, a ferry thing. Kythira fits in with the mainland rather than island hopping.
I would not change location either as in all those cases actually no point.
e.g. Skyros is actually Cycladic looking and you would have to go to Alonissos, Skopelos or Skiathos in the group to get something different. So diverting from the Cyclades to Skyros is pointless.
As far as the western Cyclades goes a convenient routing is:
Piraeus > Serifos > Sifnos > Milos > Folegandros > Amorgos >
From Amorgos you could go to Astypalaia, Small Cyclades, Naxos, Paros, Syros etc. Then of course back to Piraeus.
Small islands you can forget about culture and good food.
I have stayed on all your suggested islands apart from Kythira for the reason mentioned, so can make the comparisons, and I go for up to 33 days.
Jan 24th, 2018, 06:20 AM
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Hi,
Regarding the western Cyclades I'd suggest skipping Serifos...
Piraeus > Sifnos > Milos > Folegandros > Amorgos
Astypalea (in the Dodecanese) and Amorgos are the two most relaxing islands I've been to.
You'll feel the vibe as soon as you land on their shores.
When in Amorgos better stay in Aegiali. Great food all around the island. Visit Tholaria village as well!
I loved Astypalea for its beaches, lifestyle and great food. Value for money. I ate the most fresh and delicious fish. They had diver's bring them the loot of the day!
The most beautiful chora you'll see (after Santorini of course) is the one in Folegandros. A very romantic island. You don't even need to rent a car there.
Astypalea has an outstaning chora as well, even though it does not belong to the Cyclades. It is a mix of the Dodecanese and the Cyclades...
Regarding the western Cyclades I'd suggest skipping Serifos...
Piraeus > Sifnos > Milos > Folegandros > Amorgos
Astypalea (in the Dodecanese) and Amorgos are the two most relaxing islands I've been to.
You'll feel the vibe as soon as you land on their shores.
When in Amorgos better stay in Aegiali. Great food all around the island. Visit Tholaria village as well!
I loved Astypalea for its beaches, lifestyle and great food. Value for money. I ate the most fresh and delicious fish. They had diver's bring them the loot of the day!
The most beautiful chora you'll see (after Santorini of course) is the one in Folegandros. A very romantic island. You don't even need to rent a car there.
Astypalea has an outstaning chora as well, even though it does not belong to the Cyclades. It is a mix of the Dodecanese and the Cyclades...
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