We were just approached about the possibility of a "Moorings" sailing trip around the Greek Isles. There are several itineraries from which to choose. This would be our first trip to Greece, so I know absolutely zero. I'm reading lots of names on a map, but it's all......
(oh never mind, can't do it.)

I would like to begin by picking up a few books that are informative, accurate and detailed about the different islands. The choices are not just in the Mediterranean area, but the Ionian and the Aegean.

So Greece-loving Fodorites, what are your favorite guidebooks?

Greek Islands, Ernle Bradford.
G.

I just got Island Hopping 2008 and thought it was useful as it gives the pros and cons of each island. I always use the Eyewitness books as they have good pictures and useful info.

I second Eyewitness books. I love the pictures-Chris

Gaspard

Ernle Bradford's Companion Guide to The Greek islands is the best guidebook I have ever read about the Greek Islands. I am amazed at your recommendation as I thought it had been completely forgotten about.

I have a hardback copy of the guide and it must be at least 35 years old. I doubt if it is now published. It accompanied me on my first trip to Greece and has returned with me many times.

lvk, if you can find a copy of this book please buy it. Its historical information is superb and the descriptions of the islands and their people are to be savoured.

bill

bill,

The most recent version I have found (ABE Books) was published in 1998, updated by someone other than Mr. Bradford: http://tinyurl.com/28fvjx

I think I'll have to order that one for the history, and a more recently published guidebook for more updated info.

Thanks for the recommendations so far. I'll look into Eyewitness, also.

Lvk, I always suggest that you go to your local Barnes & Noble, find a comfy chair, and look through a bunch of guides to find your best match.

For the visual overview I agree that "Eyewitness Greek Isles" is tops -- VERY good color graphics that help u understand topography of isles and layout of ancient sites!

For practicalities, I also agree that Cook's "Greek Island Hopping" is v. useful because of candor, and its help in understanding which islands link up most conveniently in putting together an itinerary. Another one that gives terrific, candid detail (and doesn't waste space with color fotos u can get on the internet) is ROUGH GUIDE. For R Guide I always advise, tear out sections to take, not the whole book.

I just looked at the Moorings website and saw that one set of trips (7 or 14 days) takes you up to the Ionian Islands, and the other set takes u to the Cycladic Islands. I'd STRONGLY recommend the Cycladics trips.

The short version goes to islands that see few tourists,Kea & Serifos for instance -- and they are really enchanting! Livadiki Beach on Serifos is one of my all-time faves. And each small isle has a "chora" high town that is breath-taking. The longer Cycladic trip adds some of the more famous touristy islands such as Mykonos & Thira (santorini) but ALSO lovely Sifnos & Amorgos where the huge cruise liners cannot dock.

I'd say, Eyewitness & Rough Guide. And Oh I am so envious.

lvk

Now I do really feel old after clicking the link and finding the book was originally published 45 years ago. You can't go wrong buying it though as it seems much of the original writings are still there.

I'm envious too, travelerjan

bill

Greek Island Hopping is great, but my favorite Greek guide for any area is Cadogan. 9th edition is 2007. The Cadogan guides have personality as well as detailed, accurate information. (I'm currently perusing one for Ireland).

Thanks Gaspard and Bill. I've just added Ernle Bradford's guide to my list.

I enjoy travel books written a good few years ago at a time when not so many tourists visited the islands.

joe

Thanks so much for the additional recommendations. I hope the local Borders & BN have these in stock. For these types of books, I would much rather sit and turn actual pages in a store than sit at my desk and turn "virtual" pages on Amazon, etc.

It's just a "possibility" right now, but if it becomes a reality, I'll be back with more intelligent questions.