Anita, Dont worry about your hotel not having a restaurant cuz there are many good eateries in Santorini like 1800 or Kastro both in Ia, or Sphinx or Selene in Fira.

ttt

I was at Esperas about 2 weeks ago there rooms are traditional but I thought they were very charming. Our balcony had a beautiful view of the sunset, my brother and father had a different room that had 2 balconys and both had views. Esperas has just opened a restaurant and the food was pretty good and their buffet in the morning was also good. You had the coice of eating it poolside or at your room. The staff at Esperas was exceptional and I would certainly stay there again.

topping

Just returned from 4 nights at the Atlantis Villas in Oia. Stayed in the Junior Suite and loved it. Much more private than Katikies (ie., patio area).

I just returned from traveling solo in Greece last Monday. <BR>On Santorini I would highly recommend staying in the town of Fira even though it is a little more touristy and noisy then some of your other options like Oia... <BR>The main bus station is there, and you can easily get to any part of the island for less than 2 Euros in less than a 1/2 hour. If you were to stay in Oia and wanted to go see some sites you would first need to take the bus to Fira and then to transfer to another bus. <BR>In Fira I stayed one night at Hotel Leta, which was way too noisy, and my least comfortable bed of the entire trip, but which only cost 20 Euros a night. I then spent one night at Tzekos Villas, which had a good caldera view, a swimming pool, tv, a/c... and which cost 84 Euros a night including breakfast. Tzekos Villas was located at the (Eastern?) edge of Fira so I had no problems with noise at all, and the bed was heavenly (especially after Hotel Leto!)<BR>If I had been traveling with a companion I could see staying at Oia, but as a solo traveler the convenience of being centrally located is pretty key for me. <BR>You would have no problem walking out your door to get to shops, restaurants, the museum, bus station etc. After a nice ouzo its only a couple winding cobblestone paths home. <BR>

Anita:<BR>when are you going?... we're heading there next spring... do we have to book in advance ?.... anyone knows about car rentals on the islands, or not a good idea ?<BR>Frank

Frank,<BR><BR>I'm going there next spring. The reason why I book so early is because I was able to get 2002 prices for next year. Every year the prices go up, so I decided to book early. <BR><BR>I, myself, wouldn't rent a car as I have read many postings on how crazy the driver's are. Also, if you should partake in the ouzo you might not want to drive. <BR><BR>Hope this helps.

Marian:<BR>any good beaches in santorini?did you get a chance to go for a swim.....and what's the water temp ?<BR>wouldn't mind doing some windsurfing when i get there.... did you happen to see any windsurfing rental shops?<BR>i know there are some on Paros, was wondering if other islands have them.

ttt

Just returned from 4 nights at the Atlantis Villas in Oia. Loved it and the sunsets are beautiful from that location.

Anita<BR><BR>did you ever think about renting a scooter, especially in santorini, it's not a very big island. you can do it easy with a scooter. if i do end up going solo, that's what i will do.<BR>are you going in the spring to avoid the crouds?.... the weather in the spring would be very nice, if you're not into swimming,the water would be cold then.<BR>hope you have a nice trip.<BR><BR>Frank

Frank,<BR><BR>If I rented a scooter I would probably kill myself. If anything, I would rent a jeep for a day or two. Thanks for that idea.<BR><BR>My trip for the spring had to be postponed for September. The weather is stll great, warm enough for swimming and missing most of the crowds.<BR><BR>Thanks for the note.

Hi anita, September would prfect,not only less crouded, but the weather would be very nice too, you definitely can do the beaches and the water would be warm. I guess you don't need a scooter if it's going to cause you trouble..... the island is not very big anyway.I did the scooter thing around the costa del sol, spain, last june.... was great. if you stay in Fira , you would be in the middle of the action, at least that's what i'm hoping to do.<BR>initially was planning to go in mid June to avoid the July/Agust crowd, however, don't think i can do it in june.If i can't get time off in September, might have to go in July. not sure whether it would be very hard to find accomodations on the islands.

Frank,<BR><BR>I'm telling you if I had a scooter not only would I kill myself I could see me driving right off the caldera and landing on the volcano!!<BR><BR>I found another great hotel in Fira called Porto Fira Villas. I wrote them asking for a brochure. I still have my reservations at Katikies, but I want to take a look at this one. My travel agent wrote that Porto Fira is a beautiful hotel, however, she feels I would be getting more for my money at Katikies. She also pointed out that in Fira you have to deal with the crowds from the cruise ships, which I forgot about. Bottom line - I still don't know what to do. <BR><BR>Agree about month of Sept. - it will be less crowded, but still warm enough for pool and beach. If you can't go in Sept. go in July, not August. During the month of August all of Europe is traveling with their children. Not so much in July. <BR><BR>Keep me posted.

Anita : will keep you posted…. And you do the same. Don’t worry about falling into the volcano….. it’s been inactive for a long time…. Should be cool by now !<BR>Looked at both hotels that you mentioned, the Kitikies looked beautiful and posh, however, very expensive…. If you want to spoil yourself, it’s the place to be. Porto Fira villas, just as beautiful not as expensive. I know santorini, like Mykonos, is a must stop for all cruise ships. And I know it can get very crowded, that wouldn’t really bother me….. makes the place look lively. was in the virgin islands last year, few days in St. Thomas, again all Caribbean cruise ships stop there. When I was there, there were 5 cruise ships in the harbor,lots of tourists<BR>What worries me is trying to find an accommodation in the peak season.<BR>Where else are you planning to visit? Any other islands? <BR>

Frank,<BR><BR>I'm going to be in Athens for 3 nights, staying at the Electra Palace. It is in the Plaza district, going through renovations and reopening in April. I'm also going to Mykonos for 3 nights staying at the Belvedere. From Mykonos I fly back to Miami with a stopover in Athens. <BR><BR>Where are you going?<BR><BR>Honestly, I would start making reservations by the end of this year or beginning of 2003. Most of the hotels are really small (by our standards)and it sounds like you really need to make them well in advance.<BR><BR>I'm still torn between the 2 hotels and driving myself nuts. <BR><BR>Will keep you posted.

Anita, you don’t have to drive yourself nuts over that.<BR>I’m sure that both places are equally as good.<BR>I have very similar itinerary , however , made some changes after reading Some postings on this forum. I gathered that the local flights are not very reliable With lots of cancellations and or delays….. if you have an international flight to catch<BR>You might want to be in Athens a day or two before, just in case.<BR>Left Athens at the end of my trip for that reason…. Will be in athens for 2 nights before my flight home.<BR> <BR>

Frank,<BR><BR>Heard the same about the flights. I was planning on an early morning flight from Mykonos to Athens making a noon flight back to the states. At the time I made my itinerary I didn't even think about the flights being delayed or canceled. I think I should speak to my travel about this. Thanks for the advice.

Anita, I agree with Frank I would be worried about getting to Athens in time for my connection. As someone who usually flies by the seat of her pants with no reservations I am always in Athens the night before my flight home. If you are looking for a more bustling central location I would stay in Fira if you want a more quiet get away from everything I would stay in Oia.They are both beautiful towns just a different vibe to each.