If you could only go to one island out of these two, which one would it be ?

This is for 2-3 days in September - we're a couple in our late 20s, and are interested in nature, scenic beauty, culture and history. We will be in Athens for 3 days and have time for 1 island - and am looking for help to pick one of these two.

Thanks !

I know you'll get posts from people who love Santorini, but I was just a little disappointed when I was there. Yes, it's stunningly beautiful, but very very touristy. (I had the opportunity to go there in the mid-70's and I wish I had done it then.) It's not that I didn't enjoy it, but you know, I wish we had spent more time in Rhodes.

One island that I really like (I visited it in 1976 and in 2000) is Naxos. It really was a wonderful experience for me both times.

Santorini is marvelous but I would agree with Susan that there are so many islands to choose from, perhaps one less busy might suit you, though you really neeed to see Santorini once ( at least ).

If you are picking Rhodes on your time schedule it sounds like you are going to have to fly there. Of course if you have limited time you may be looking at flying to Santorini as well and the cost is probably the same but a ferry to Santorini is possible but very time consuming to Rhodes.
I have been to both. Santorini more than once. I would pick Santorini. I have spent a week in Rhodes and driven the outside road of the island. There are 2 things of major interest in a short trip on Rhodes and that is the old town inside the walls (museums and shopping) and Lindos with its castle and beach. Butterfly valley is somewhat lame.
I found Santorini more spectaular in scenery and interest. Seeing the excavation, the red beach, the beaches on the other coast, the wineries, Oia and Thira. To me there was more to do and see. Rhodes has a real commercial feel to it. Not that Santorini isn't extremely drowning in tourists but it has a different feel, less Package tourism. My comments are if we are talking about these 2 islands. Otherwise I would be thinking about Naxos and Karpathos and Amorgos.

Santorini. Definitely Santorini. This spectacular island is like no other in the Aegean. It won't be so busy in September as in July and August and prices will be dropping from Peak Season levels. Make sure to visit Oia.

Looks like Santorini it is !

brotherleelove - how do I get to Oia ? We are not planning on renting a car (unless you folks feel otherwise), and will be limited to public transport. I was reading somewhere that the sunset is awesome in Oia - you agree ? How do we get back from Oia at night ?

The bus system on Santorini is very good. The hub of the island is the main village of Fira. From there you can catch buses to every corner of the island. There is a bus square in the center of Fira where you will find the schedules posted and where you'll catch the bus to Oia. The schedule for Oia will tell you when the last bus returns to Fira. I think it will be around 9:30-10pm in September

You can also take a taxi from that square as well, and you can ask at a restaurant in Oia for someone to call you a taxi to take you back to Fira if necessary. The taxi will come to the bus square in Oia to pick you up.

Sunsets on Santorini can be spectacular but they can also be quite tame. It depends on the weather. Clouds add to the colors in the sky and many times there are no clouds. But in September you'll be able to see some beauties. I love the way the light reflects off the buildings turning everything pastel shades of orange, pink and gold. It doesn't really matter which village you're in for the sunset as long as you're on the cliff overlooking the caldera.

Why not stay in Oia? When you see it you'll understand why I recommend it so often. But if you require a bar scene at night Fira is better for that.

We spent a wonderful 2 day in Oia at the far end of Santorini. It was the BEST! We stayed at Oia Mare (they have a web site) which had lovely rooms or small aparments overlooking the caldera and a gotto-like pool that is heaven to swim in at night. A van from the airport to Oia is met by a donkey that carries your bags to the hotel. Oia is less touristy that Fira (Thera) and you can get everywhere by walking. Be sure to walk all over and explore the cave houses and up to where the bells hang, you'll recognize them from all of the pictures of Santorini.

"1800" was a very good restaurant to eat in and picking up cheese, tdziki (yogurt, cucumbers and mint) and crackers at the small grocery store in town was perfect for lunches. I've also heard that The Blue and White restaurant which is down on the water front is very good. It's a little out door restaurant. They have fresh fish they cut it up and throw it on the b-bque. Great for watching the sunsets also

We rented a car for one day and went to the archeological dig at the other end of the island which is still active I think and gives you an idea of how they excavate, etc without being very large.
Fira is lots of bars and everyone gets together to watch the sunset. I've read about taking a cable car down from there to the shore or walking down and taking the cable car up.
We hated to leave after 2 days Good Luck...we loved it there.

Oh we are not into the bar scene at all (in fact we dont drink at all). Our concept of nightlife is to relax in the room reading a book or watching tv and talking about stuff !

Given this, sounds like Oia would be a good place to stay then ? However, is it a central enough place so that we dont have to rent a car ? Any good hotel suggestions, in addition to the Oia Mare ? (Budget is around US$100 per night).

The Anemomilos Hotel in Oia is a good bargain and less than your $100/day budget. If nightlife isn't a concern than Oia is the village you want. It's not "central," however, it's on the north end of the island. Fira is central. But as I've already stated, the bus system is reliable.

http://www.anemomilos.gr/

How easy is it to get to\from the airport to Oia ? Reason I ask is - we are planning on a very early morning flight (7am) from Thira to Athens and want to make sure that we can easily get to the airport that early in the morning without having to pay a boatload of money !

It will be foolish to save money on a hotel only to spend it (or more) on airport transfers ;-).

Thoughts ?

From Oia you'll have to take a taxi for an early-morning flight. I've been picked up as early as 05:00. Your hotel will arrange it for you and can give you the current rate (I don't know what it is). Some hotels offer a transfer service. Anemomilos does according to their website. I'm not sure, but if it's an Olympic flight there might even be a shuttle bus to the airport from Fira. There used to be.

I always think Santorini is one of those places that is 'better' than you see in the best photos/postcards, it really is a magnifient scene/atmosphere as the sun goes down.

Im trying to decide between the two islands. I can only really go to one island, as I'll only have 4 nights (3 days)
Its a tough decision. I'm flying in very late September (28th) from Rome.

It also seems I'm unlucky and they have direct flights on 27th and 29th of September. Makes it harder, bc I don't like waste time in the air.

Jeez you've received a lot of bad advice. Can't believe some people are talking you out from visiting Santorini because it's touristy.

Rhodes is interesting enough but it can't compete with Santorini. Santorini is unique. How many inhabited volcanoes do you know?

Direct flights that time of year are rare. The Italian vacation season has basically finished.

Four nights isn't really a lot for Rhodes. The medieval town. The ruins in both Rhodes and Lindos. The beaches aren't that exciting IMHO.

Lindos old town is highly touristy. Seems a stage set.

Alitalia has a direct flight from Rome to Rhodos on Saturday morning (Sept 29th). Blue Pamnorama flies in the evening (direct too).

FYI. This post is 13 years old.

lol, it is fun when old posts come back to life

Santorini is lovely but very expensive. I would suggest visiting off season. If still you are going to Santorini during July-September make sure you book early in order to find accommodation offers. When I go island hopping around the Cyclades I spend a day or two in Santorini not more. A friend of mine lived for years in Santorini and wasn't excited with the locals so I might be a bit biased about it... The only problem with Oia is that during sunset time it gets overcrowded, and especially during the summer months, sometimes you have to hunt the best spot hours before the sunset. If you want a quieter place, you can choose the village of Imerovigli, where you catch the sunset at a higher point than in Oia, specifically at 300 meters above sea level, and enjoy a more expansive view. The sun sets directly front and center, behind the small island of Thirassia. An alternative option is the lighthouse at Akrotiri, on the other side of the island. This place is for those who want to escape the crowds. A great place is also a vineyard (many wine tours are organised around the island). Sunset cruise excursions in Santorini are also very popular. They give you the advantage not to be stuck to one spot. An amazing option of these cruises is in a traditional wooden schooner, listening to classical music and watching the changing hues of the sunset, a palette from warm gold to rosy pink. Santorini is also great for Greek island hopping, you might want to get around the around the islands with a Greek island pass. You can easily combine Santorini with Paros, Naxos, Ios, Mykonos and Amorgos.

For nature AND culture I'd pick Rhodes. Rhodes is famous for its rich history which goes back in time thousands of years all over the island. There is everywhere a myth to explore. Some of the most significant historical sites and monuments are the Acropolis of Rhodes, the acropolis of Lindos, ancient Ialysos, ancient Kamiros, the Archaeological Museum in Rhodes Town, the medieval city of Rhodes, Elaphos and the castles of Monolithos, Kritinia and Feraklos. Visiting the small villages and the beautiful nature is an unforgettable experience... Some of the most beautiful places to visit are the valley of butterflies, the Seven Springs, the Tsampika Monastery, the windsurfers paradise Prasonisi, the marine aquarium and the mountains Profitis Ilias, Atavyros and Akramitis that offer great walking paths and breathtaking views.

Yes, and they are full of outdated, misleading information. Good luck on finding a hotel on the caldera for less than $100 in 2018! Better to start a new thread and kill off the old ones.