devedi

My fiance and I are in the midst of planning our honeymoon in early-mid August 2012. We really want to do Italy and would ideally like to hit one or two Greek Islands (Santorini and Mykonos or Naxos). I know August in Europe generally is hot and crowded but unfortunately we only have from 8/5 - 8/20 to travel. The tentative itinerary is to fly into Athens and head straight to the islands for 6 nights. From there's we'd hit Rome and Florence for 4 nights each. I've traveled extensively in Italy and my fiance has never been so I'd like to hit at least two of the big cities while we're there. Neither of us have been to Greece. We're in our early 30s and don't mind packing a lot in (within reason). Given all that, I'd appreciate your thoughts on the following:

* Is Greece in August really that bad, even if we're out before the 15th? And if so, would you recommend swapping in the Amalfi Coast instead (I've been there in July and I'm worried it's apples to apples in terms of crowds).

* Given the crowds, would it be better to just do Santorini for 4 nights and squeeze in Amalfi? (I know in my heart that trying to do the Greek Islands, Rome, Florence, AND Amalfi is asking for trouble, but I'd love to get back to Positano too if I can!)

* If we brave the Greek Islands in August, should we skip Mykonos? We're from NYC and don't mind a bit of a scene. That said, I've heard great things about Naxos and Paros but am concerned we might get bored/miss out on the vibe in Mykonos.

Thanks in advance!

qwovadis

santorini.com ikies.com Oia my choice very HM worthy
intercontinental.com my fav in Athens also Rome Ville
That would be enough for me in the time you have.
skyscanner.net might fly to maximize time in the nice places.

Have fun and Congrats!

clausar

Mykonos and Santorini are the two posh islands of Greece..
Especially Mykonos has a terrific nightlife with great bars and clubs and many beachparties.
If you like to spend a few intense days after relaxing in Santorini, Mykonos is the place.
There are plenty of fabulous hotels and restaurants and prices are the highest that you can find in Greece.
Last year as per statistics, Mykonos was the most expensive Mediterranean Island.
The high season hat it's peak from 1-20/8, so no matter when you go ( you said before the 15th) it will be crowded...
But then again all Greek Islands during this period will be absolutely crowded.
I don't know what you are looking for, when you speak of the scene.. but Paros and Naxos even though not like Mykonos have a nightlife too !!!!

devedi

Thanks! By scene, I just meant we're not necessarily opposed to the nightlife in Mykonos but that said, we don't want to sacrifice the serenity and charm of the islands that we've heard so much about.

clausar

In that case i would choose either Naxos or Paros.
If i'd have to compare :
Naxos would be more quiet, followed by Paros.
Both can be relaxing if you choose smaller places away from the crowds....

A_Brit_In_Ischia

With a bit of planning, you could go island-hopping in Italy?

From Rome's small port out at Fiumicino, last year they reinstituted a summer service to Ponza - for the Pontine group....

http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/ventotene

http://roma.corriere.it/roma/notizie...74637986.shtml

... then come down by hydrofoil to Ischia...
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/allaboutischia

http://www.snav.it/en/destinations/pontine-island.html

... from where you could easily cross to Capri - or, preferably, pretty little Procida:

http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/procida1

... before landing at Naples to take a ferry or hydrofoil on the longer trip down to Sicily's Aeolians...

http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/aeolians

http://www.snav.it/en/destinations/aeolian-islands.html

...and then, to get back home, a direct flight to JFK with Meridiana Fly - from Palermo?

Perhaps not the best time, but you might make that second city visit with a stay in either Naples....

http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/mainlynaples

.... or Palermo?

http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/pal_mond

................................

I've not bought this but, as an all-in-one, it may be of interest...

http://www.amazon.com/Frommers-Itali...5836461&sr=1-4

Peter

mariha2912

I see you have only 6 nights in Greece and you do not plan to visit Athens. Where are you coming from? There are some flights from European cities directly to the islands, you may want to have a look on this option. There is definately flights Rome-Santorini on Aegean, so even if you have to fly on Athens, you may want to connect from Santorini to Rome straight after your Greek island portion. If it has to be only 6 nights on two islands and that been Cyclades, personaly I would do 3 nights Paros and 3 nights Santorini, or 4 nights Naxos, 2 nights Santorini (although this is very fast paced, 6 nights on an island make more sense to me, especially on a honeymoon).