Gary

I plan on visiting Greece next year and have been researching some of the various islands. One idea I had was to visit one island(for 2-3nights) from the Ionian, North-Eastern Agean, Cyclades and Dodecanese Islands. My questions are:<BR>1. Is it worth it to jump around to the various island groups?<BR>2. Is it better to stay and visit multiple islands in one group?<BR>3. Most of the posts I read are of the Cyclades. Are these other before mentioned island groups as good as the Cyclades?<BR><BR>Thanks for any info<BR>

Elaine

You're asking some really loaded questions here and the answers, being mostly subjective, are not that easy to put into a few words, which is probably why you haven't had any yet. However, I'll try and answer as objectively as possible, in reverse order -<BR>3. The reason most people here stick to the Cyclades is probably because they are the easiest group to get around - round being the operative word - since ferries tend to travel a circuitous route, it's easy to hop from one island to another. The other groups are not necessarily any better or worse - just different - but not always as easy to explore. <BR>2. It's certainly easier to stick to one group. Even if it's not the Cyclades, it will be easier to get ferry connections within the same group. <BR>1. It depends how much variety you want vs how much time you're prepared to spend travelling back and forth from Athens. And if you want to include the Ionians (a group which is usually very neglected by non-Europeans, but very different from the others and imho the most beautiful) you'll need to set aside at least a couple of days for travelling, since you can't even get a ferry from Athens - you either have to travel overland to Patras for a ferry connection or fly from Athens.<BR>So, it really depends on how much time you've got and how much variety you want out of your trip. Personally speaking, if I only had a couple of weeks, then from a purely logistical point of view, I'd stick to one group - but this wouldn't necessarily be the Cyclades. On the other hand, if I had the whole summer, then I'd see as much as possible and view the time spent on ferries as part of the experience. If you want to get an idea of ferry routes and timetables try www.gtpnet.com and if you want more detailed and informed advice about the different groups and individual islands within them try the newsgroup alt.travel.greece.

Ana

I was in the Cyclades last year and the Ionians this year. It definitely depends on the length of time that you have. The Ionians didn't seem that well connected, but they are so green and beautiful. The Cyclades were dry with little vegetation, and the water looked stunning against it. If I had about 10 days I would stick to one group. I was in Corfu (Ionian) most of my time this year, and would recommend it if you are not going in peak season. You can take day trips to Butrinti, Albania and to Paxos. If it is your first time (like it was mine last year) Cyclades are great because of what Elaine mentioned, they are very well-connected. And you will get to see the most talked about places in Greece, Mykonos and Santorini. I highly recommend going in Early June- not crowded, great beach weather.

soph

The Cyclades are nice like Santorini & Mykonos.(heard Paros was nice-never been) As for the Dodecanesa I recommend Rhodes. You really dont need to worry about see all the islands. Just pick 3 (at most 4) & relax. Too much island hopping will tire you out & you'll need another vacation after that. If possible go by plane to the different islands cuz ferries take too long, are unreliable, dont run every day & can make you really sea sick!

Gary

Thank you for your replies. I think I will leave it between the Dodecanese and Cyclades. Please respond to my new post. Thanks