Greek islands help - villages, historical sites, beaches.
 

Need help with island selection. Thought we had finalized our intinerary but adult kids (early 20's) caused us to rethink our plans. They want to experience Greece not go to the nightclubs (really glad they want this just was not expecting this response from them).

Currently, our itinerary was planned as:
Athens - 2 nights - Not looking to change.
Santorini 3 nights - Not looking to change.
Mykonos 3 nights - Planned for the kids
back to Athens 1 night before flight home.

Given the fact that July is the High season we were not particularly fond of going to Mykonos due to the anticipated crowds but thought the "kids" would enjoy this island.

After more research and talking to the kids who said "we would rather see Greece than spend time in the bars" we are rethinking our itinerary.

Question is....should we go to another island rather than Mykonos (especially in July).
Which island would you suggest where we can experience Greece (not the nightclubs and hotel pools).

Thanks to everyone for your help!

Hi Basch0902,
It can be hard work to get the itinerary just right with adult kids. You can still find some lovely remote beaches on Mykonos in July, but I was literally run down one night by revelers on scooters. I recommend Paros for its variety. It has history, artifacts, clubs, a busy chora but also quiet villages, hilltop views, and beautiful beaches. You can also take day trips to another island, like Antiparos, Naxos, Mykonos, or Delos. As you can tell Paros is one of my favorite islands and would fit well in your itinerary. Santorini is also crowded, but worth it for the breathtaking geography.

If you want to "experience" Greece, you could go straight to the Peloponesses & skip the ultra-crowded and overly touristy Santorini & Mykonos in July ...

Much to love in Peloponesses:

Nafplion (Mycenae, Epidavros, etc)
Mistras
Monemvassia
Arkadia (Dimtsena, Stemnitsa, etc).
Ancient Olympia
Mani
Delphi (ok, not strictly in Peloponesses!).

Agree with Parosblue, especially since it fits best after Santorini. Here's an excellent overview of Paros, which gives a good idea of where to stay ... In July a beach place on or near Krios may be more peaceful than right in Parikia or Naoussa, and less windy than east-coast beaches.

What about Crete? I'm following this thread since I'm starting to plot my family's summer sojourn!

Agree that Paros or Naxos would be a better choice for a second island, given your children's preference. Any chance you could squeeze a few extra days into your holiday?

With only three nights to spare, you won't have much time for day trips to other islands, though Antiparos is only 30 minutes by excursion boat from Parikia, the Paros port. There are also round-island boat trips that leave every day at 10am from Antiparos harbor, stopping at Pounta (where car ferries leave for Antiparos) to pick up more passengers. These are a lot of fun! They stop at small unpopulated islands for swims at deserted beaches, and have bbq lunches complete with wine and ouzo. With four adults, a rental car would be a big advantage, saving you the hassle of crowded buses.

Naxos has it's share of beautiful inland villages (Paros too), so a trip into the mountains there will give you a sense of the 'real Greece'. Naxos has several long, sandy beaches, reputed to be some of the best in Greece. Paros mirrors Naxos with long sandy beaches on it's east coast (popular with windsurfers), but also has many smaller beaches excellent for snorkelling.

I have to say, though, that Greece is much more than just Athens and islands, so have a close look at tom_h's post. The Peloponnese has what your children are looking for, and seacoast too. Frankly it's hard to see the 'real Greece' on any island in July when it is packed with tourists. :-)

I'm with tom_h. Taking into account the change in your requirements, stick to the Peloponnese. I'll also add Tiryns to his list of places to love.

bill

The Peloponnese has it all and it will not be as crowded as the islands you have suggested.On the way to Nauplion stop in at Ancient Corinth and Ancient Nemia both are well worth an hour of your time. Nemia was a sister city to Olympia and stillhas its stadium, museum and a partially restored temple. All Nemia lacks is a good marketing department.
Here are our pictures of the area.
http://travel.webshots.com/album/570747214TsFWOw
Monemvassia
http://travel.webshots.com/album/551987765EoLDkO
Mystras
http://travel.webshots.com/album/551988174qxbTNw
Mani
http://travel.webshots.com/album/551988658NSgKQY

Enjoy planning

WOW!!! Thank you all for all of the great information. I will start researching now.

Heimdall,
I would love to extend our trip however we have to work around the kids and since they are all new to the workforce they get very limited days off :-(.

As many have said before, this forum has such a great group of well informed people. Your advice and perspectives are so valuable to all of us who are trying to plan the perfect vacation holiday. Thank you for taking the time to help us!

It is hard to choose, but ask your family if they need the islands or not. Nafplion area is beautiful with lots of ancient sites nearby. You could definitely roam the Pelopenneses and have loads to see and do. Mycenae and Epidaurus are wonderful stops near Nafplion.
On my dime, however, I wouldn't want to miss the island experience.