darkestdwelling

Hello everyone,
I've always wanted to see Santorini. I'm debating the length of time to spend on the island though. Our Greek island hopping will be in the last 10 days of our five week journey across Spain, Italy and Greece so I would like to relax in this last part of the trip.

I also would like others opinions of interesting and worthwhile Greek Islands that are relaxing and not so "touristy"

Any comments would be greatly appreciated
Thank you!

marshacarlin

We spent 2/ 1/2 or 3 days on Santorini aabout 5 years ago and although you could stay longer I think that was about the right amount of time. I recommend staying in Oia at the far end, for a more relaxing time and beautiful views of the caldera. Thera (or Fira) the capital has more nightlife restaurants , hustle-bustle, if that is of interest and the cruise ships dock there so there are a lot of day visitors, so that's why we prefer Oia. You will LOVE Santorini altho I've read here that it has become more touristy in the past few years. We rented a car for one day and drove to the archeolgical dig at the far (other end) of the island. If you search you will find lots of threads about Santorini. Don't know about other islands...Good luck...BTW what time of year are you going?

darkestdwelling

We're going in late May 2006. I know I'm starting to research early, but it's really exciting.

What are the beach towns like? I heard Perissa was nice. Is it better to stay in Oia or in a beach town?

repete

Since you're heading to other islands -- that almost certainly will have better beaches -- then try Oia, Imerovigli or Fira for a short stay in Santorini.

Many folks can be perfectly happy touring Santornini for the entire stay and coming back to that gorgeous caldera view night after night. Although there are other things to do on Santorini many of those other things are done better on other islands. For me, and I know others will disagree, Santorini was marvelous but a bit of a one-trick pony, almost solely driven by tourism.

I'd suggest three days in Santorini and divide the rest between a couple quieter Cyclades islands, perhaps Milos, Naxos (a personal favorite), Folegandros or Paros. I've expounded on Naxos plenty already, you can click on my name or run a search here for plenty of info and opinion.

brotherleelove2004

In May you don't need reservations for hotel rooms, so play it by ear. Start out on Santorini and leave when the spirit moves you, or stay until they have to drag you away!

Paros is a good island that's not too touristy but yet has much to see and do.