Need Your Help for Greece...
 

Hi!<BR><BR>I am currently planning a trip to two Greek Islands, for which I have one week.<BR><BR>I definitely want to go to Santorini, but am having a hard time deciding on a second.<BR><BR>I would like to go to what is considered the next most beautiful or scenic island after Santorini. Things that are important to me are beautiful beaches, scenery, architecture, and some good tavernas!<BR><BR>What are your opinions on Mykonos or Naxos?<BR><BR>Thank you SO much for your help - I know this is kind of vague, but your opinions will help me.

Have you thought about Paros? Its a very pretty island, has numerous sandy beaches and has the busy Parikia or the quieter Naoussa. Naoussa is only 15 minutes by bus from Parikia. You could even manage a day trip to another island from there if you wanted- Antiparos is just off of parikia.<BR>One of my favourite islands is Crete. It has everything you are looking for but is perhaps a little big for the timescale you have.

Val<BR>are you absolutely set on Santorini? If you are, I would agree with fiona but there are some beautiful islands out there that are also within easy travel distance of others.Can give suggestions if you decide to change your mind!

another vote for Paros.

another thought.Are you flying directly to Santorini or do you stop over at Athens? A day or two in Athens will give you more than enough architecture!And there are so many great sites to see.The great tavernas are definitely to be found in the Plaka- a maze of cobbled roads with all the small shops you could want.Of course, I'm assuming that you haven't already been which is maybe wrong!

We just returned from a trip to the Greek Isles - Santorini, Mykonos and Rhodes. Santorini was our favorite. Mykonos was best for beaches, but Rhodes has some beautiful beaches as well. While all three of the islands are more well-traveled since many cruise ships stop there, it's nice to have the restaurants/shopping in the main towns along with the ability to rent a car/scooter and still explore the less populated parts of the islands.<BR><BR>You will have a great time in Greece.

My husband and I loved Santorini! We also visited Naxos and Paros, all for 3 nights. Please see my travel page for photos, restaurants, the hotels we stayed in, and my journal of our trip: http://www.luvtotravel.homestead.com/home.html

Of all the islands Crete has the most to offer in every category you listed. Also, check out the Sporades island which is northeast of Athens-- very green, very beautiful.

Let's keep it simple! If you want to go to Santorini - and let's face it, it is unique - then go. And there are lots of other beautiful islands within easy reach. My personal favourites are Folegandros (for its complete isolation, friendliness and good food) and Naxos (for its mountainous interior, white washed villages and sandy beaches on the southwest).<BR><BR>A good source of ideas and places to stay is:<BR>www.i-escape.com/greece.php