I like the idea of visiting both if you have time, unless you really want to just relax and stay put. They each have something different to offer - the beaches on Mykonos, Mykonos town with the windmills, a possible day trip to nearby Delos with its ruins, history, and views... then Santorini with it's unparalled scenery. Certainly one of the most spectacularly unique places in the world not to be missed, IMO. Akrotiri (is it open?) is a great archaelogical site, a boat trip out to the volcano, winetasting, the black sand beaches...interesting and fun.

Interesting discussion of hotel rates...I stayed for $3 a night on my first visit to Santorini back in 1982.

My husband and I went last summer and stayed in Oia, Santorini (as well as Naxos, from which we daytripped to Mykonos).

Mykonos was very cute and charming, though overrun with a sort of wild and raucous tourist vibe. Oia was, we both agreed, simply the most beautiful man-made place we'd ever been. It was breathtaking. There were times of tourist bustle, but that was limited to certain parts of the day, and otherwise it didn't have that wild feeling. I've heard that things are a bit more lively in Fira, so you could have both. We went to the beach--which was pebbly, but pleasant--at Kamari, and loved it. (Rent a car--you can easily do that on the island after you arrive, and it's not expensive.) We heard that Red Beach is also great, but we didn't have time to visit.

We stayed at Aspaki, which was very nice, but in June it was extremely hot and Aspaki had no pool. I had looked into Ikies and Katikies, which were both beyond our price range but have rooms that fit your budget. We stopped by to look at them while there--they were just stunning. I would definitely stay at one of those if I were spending up to 500 Euros. And yes, in my view that is a reasonable target for a budget for Santorini. There are cheaper accommodations, but this is one place where it just feels right to go first class.

You'll have a wonderful time!

Definitely agree with visiting both if you have at least a week. They are different and both very nice.

We went on our honeymoon 6 years ago and loved staying in Oia. Katikies is beautiful. The hotel we stayed at in Mykonos was also very nice (Kivotos Club). But just so you know, while these are very expensive places, they are still "European" -- meaning, they don't have the super-fancy amenities of a Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons. Those places don't exist in Santorini or Mykonos. In Crete, we stayed at the Elounda Beach resort and again, so expensive and beautiful grounds, but not posh, like some other resorts.

The other thing to consider is that it will be May and the weather may not be all beach weather. Last May, a good friend of mine went to Santorini on her honeymoon and it was rainy and cold the whole time. My sister, however, went a week after my friend and she had perfect weather. My point is that you are not guaranteed perfect beach weather in May.

If it is just beaches that you want, between these 2 islands, the Mykonos beaches are nicer.

"they don't have the super-fancy amenities of a Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons"

Not true, not true. Check Vedema, Mystique, Andronis Suites, Suites of the Gods, Tsitouras Collection, La Maltese, Oia Castle, Perivolas Villas, Kirini, Zannos Melathron and Volcano View Villas to name a few.

Thanks, everyone.
It seems we're doing 3 nights in each of the two islands and two nights in Athens.
I'm really looking forward to it.

The hotels we've chosen:
www.katikies.com (barely within our budget, by the way) and
www.mykonosgrand.com
look spectacular.

stayed at Katikies a few years ago -by far the most amazing place in the world-completely worth it, definitely the time to splurge! INCREIDIBLE views, the pool area lounges are actually foutons covered with terry cloth covers, the staff so amazingly attentive, there is a fresh towel waiting every time you step out of the pool. so quiet too, even the cleaning staff puts rubber on the bottom of all cleaning supplies so they don't make any noise.
restaurant there is amazing. do the wine tasting, absolutely spectacular!!!
you will not be disappointed!!!

Ciaony; Try the Mykonos Grand Hotel and you will celebrate your 10th anniversary in 'heaven'. Just make sure you get an ocean view. ENJOY IRIS

Just thought I'd add another hotel suggestion to the list although it looks like you've got it covered already. I stayed at Petasos Beach Hotel in Mykonos in October 2005 and fell in love with it. Check it out if you haven't already booked. It's about a minute's walk from a lovely beach with plenty of tavernas around. I still dream of Nico's Taverna on Platys Yialos Beach. The more "famous" beaches like Paradise and Super Paradise are a but a water taxi ride away. And Mykonos town is a quick bus ride away.

We had a port stop in Santorini on the same trip so only had a few short hours there. Stunning is the best word I can come up with to describe that place. We are heading back to Greece again this September and this time we'll stay in Santorini with a quick port stop in Mykonos. As much as I hate only having a few hours in my beloved Mykonos, I can't wait to have more time to spend exploring Santorini. You are so lucky to be doing both! Enjoy it and congratulations on your anniversary!

Thank you for such a thoughtful post, lifeofmytime.


The wife and I can't wait. Our trip is just two months away!

Are ATMs easy to come by in Myk/Sant?

Mykonos: yes
G.

I travel to Greece a lot and would never rely only on ATMs for cash. You will probably be ok if you do that but bank strikes, broken ATMs, ATMs running out of money etc. are not rare events! I suggest that you take at least some euros with you in case you get stuck, or even dollars that you can change at a hotel / foreigh exchange if necessary.

It's always a good idea to have backup in case something happens to your ATM card, but most islands have more than one cash machine. Even little Antiparos has three ATMs operated by different banks. Mykonos and Santorini will have more.

Dear ciao ny,

We honeymooned 20 years ago in Greece with 4 days on Mykonos and had a wonderful time. I hear it is changed, yet still a wonderful and fun island.

This October we spent a week on Santorini and we loved it, but honestly only left our comfy chaise chairs overlooking the caldera to take a dip in the pool (oh, and one day we sailed and swam in the "hot" springs).... It was a lazy but wonderful trip...We had two teenagers with us and they were in heaven. We stayed at Karini - we were extremely well taken care of - every day an incredible lunch was brought right to our sunbeds. It was a simply, but beautifully done hotel.

At night we did venture down the road to Oia - lots of great restaurants and bars and some basic tourist shops. The ruins on Santorini are closed due to a tourist death and we didn't feel too inspired to leave our view more than a few times. Those from our hotel that explored, agreed we had the right idea;)

There are some nice hikes I read about, but my family was not inclined. There are lots of websites that give the hiking routes.

I confess I missed the winding alleys of Mykonos though. Enjoy!!

Have the fried feta cheese in Santorini... yum...

Happy Anniversary!!

Thank you, all!

Gruezi, I think you and I will have similar Greek island experiences.
My wife and I are NOT looking to be entertained on this trip.
We just want to enjoy some luxury and comfort in a beautiful setting for a week or so.
We're not hiking anywhere, we want to have a drink in our hands at all times even if at times it's the same one for hours, and if we feel ourselves starting to sweat, we'll jump in the pool and stay there until the sun goes down.

Other than that, I want to taste a real gyro, a good cut of lamb, and some fresh fish daily.

We work too much not to enjoy our vacays properly.

Can anyone tell me how to say this word? "Katikies"
I've been saying ka-TEE-keez.
But someone told me it's ka-tee-KEE-ess.
I think I may have been wrong.


Thank you.

It is indeed "ka-tee-KEE-ess."

Pervolas - Oia, Santorini. Perfect. But, I wouldn't know because I can't afford 500 a night so stayed at Volcano Villas. No beach, but what a view!

We're getting close.

10 more days.

Any food/wine recs?