Greek Islands
 

I'm planning a trip to Greece for next May, and I need to find an island to visit that people who aren't beach bums can still enjoy. Any suggestions?

You might want to give us a little more info...How much time do you have? Do you have a budget in mind, and will you be flying in or out of Athens? Are you set on flying to island hop, or do you want to take a ferry systems? Loads of questions I know, but the Greek Islands are varied (I think there are something like 2,000 islands) and the more info you can provide the better.

We've been to Samos Island, but it's right off the coast of Turkey, so it's a long (12-hour) haul on a ferry from Athens. It is a nice island though, no beach bumming required.

Jules

We will start in Athens and can fly or ferry depending on distance/time. We'll have about two weeks total and want to see something of the islands but are more interested in sightseeing than beaches. And since we may only do this trip once we'll probably be more flexible with our budget than usual. I hope that helps.

Personally, I would hit Chios and Lesvos in the Northern Aegean - both are rich in charming little villages, are more quiet and traditional than the the Cyclades islands. A car is required for maximum exploration (driving is easy and signage in English).

I spent 5 nights on Chios and thought that was perfect. I stayed in Mesta, a medieval village in the south. 5 days gave me plenty of time to travel all over the island.

You may be interested in my trip report - scroll down about half way to see my comments on Chios:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34829349

Lesvos is a large island with a lot to see and do. In 6 nights I really only saw the north, but was pretty enamoured by the area - especially Molyvos. You can refer to my trip report for comments on Lesvos too if you like.

FYI, I've put up some pictures of Lesvos and will be posting my Chios pictures tomorrow.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34829349

You could easily fly to Lesvos, ferry over to Chios, then fly back to Athens from the airport in Chios Town.

Greece is wonderful where ever you decide to go.

Cheers,

Murphy

Eileandona - How about Crete? Plenty of interest ... and weather should be reasonable in May.

Steve

I think both Crete and Rhodes would fit that description. Although they both have gorgeous beaches, there is plenty to explore for non-beach goers, too.

Thanks everyone. This was a big help.

Definitely Crete. You could spend a fortnight there without going near teh beach; although a 3 day expedition to Santorini might be in order.

Chania and Rethymnon are interesting towns to mooch round; there are Minoan palaces and towns at Knossos, Malia, Gournia, Agia Triada, Phaistos and Zakros. You have spectacular mountains, and, incidentally, some great beaches.

Have a look at www.explorecrete.com.

Incidentally, if you go in May, you can get accommodation no bother without pre-booking so you can just follow your nose.