Hello,

We are 2 females graduating college this year and traveling through Europe. We are planning on visiting Greece from June 29th to July 6th. Our itinerary is 2 days in Athens, 3 days in Santotini and 3 days in Mykonos or Naxos. Origonaly we were going to Mykonos but heard that it can be unsafe, so are switching to Naxos.

Can somebody help us with the best town to stay in Santorini - Oia or Fira as well as in Naxos. We were looking to stay at hostels, any recommendations?

At all costs AVOID the Pegasus Suites in Santorini. They will overbook the original property and place you in an old dump next door. This happened to us in 2005 when I paid ($500/night)for 2 suites. My daughters were placed in the original property and my wife & I were placed next door in an old hotel that need a major face lift. They agreed to a partial refund but I'm still waiting for the money.

It really depends on what you're interests are. If it is nightlife and shopping then Fira would be better than Oia. If it is beaches then maybe at one of the popular spots down the other coast. I know some travellers that stayed in a campground type of hostel near Perissa I believe and they said they nickle and dimed them for every little thing.
I don't know why you would hear that Mykonos is not safe. It is as safe as any of the islands and they are all safe. Mykonos has good nightlife and great beaches. Naxos also has great beaches and it is an interesting island to explore. Mykonos is a little more touristy than Naoxs.

Thank you for the helpful advise. Do you know the easiest way to get from the airport to Fira? How expensive is it?

There are taxis at the airport when a plane arrives. While one of you stays inside to collect your bags, the other should go outside right away to get the taxi. It will cost about 10 Euro to Fira.

On Naxos there are two campgrounds which may also have hostel accomodation. The first is called camping Naxos I think. It is very near the airport and in my opinion not in a particularly handy location to either the beach or the town. The other one is Maragas Beach Camping. Just as adverised it is right across the road from Plaka Beach. That is realy a very nice beach. You can get there directly from the ferry dock on the local bus. Just look for the bus marked Aggia Procopious, it continues down the road past Procopious and Maragas is one of the bus stops. It will cost about 1.2 euros.

Another fantastic option (more options in early season)is to arrange a room at the port if you come in by ferry. Prices are good, you deal directly with the property owners and they will typically transport you to the facility and back again. Do research ahead to know where on the island you want to stay so you get the right location and place. I have been to Greece twice and to multiple islands and it has been a fantastic choice for me. Don't think I would do it in high season, but I was there the same time period last year and it did it in Mykonos, Naxos and Santorini. Most of the rooms are fairly basic, but all had TV, refrigerator, great location, clean and met local people. Prices ranged from 30 to 45 euros.
As for islands. Both Mykonos and Naxos are great choices, but very different. I would describe Mykonos as more for the younger set, more nightlife while Naxos is more popular with families. It is quieter and the beaches unbelievable.

Once took Blue Star ferry line to Paros, Santorini, and Naxos. Paros is a nice island, with typical Cyclades whitewashed architecture, very beautiful.

The ferry at that time stopped at both Paros and Naxos, not too far apart. Personally, enjoyed Paros more than Naxos.

On Santorini, stayed at Artemis Villas in Imerovigli, awesome view, huge terrace, affordable in late spring.

For Santorini, check out Pension George. Stayed here in 2005 and LOVED it. It is in the village of Kanterados, which is walking distance from Fira, but out of the noise and MUCH cheaper than staying in either Fira or Oia. We had an immaculately clean double room for 30 euros/nt.

Also, George will pick you up and take you to and from the Pension from either the port OR the airport.

http://www.pensiongeorge.com/


Mari

I spent 4 wonderful days in Fira at the Theoxenia Hotel for about 100 euros/nt. A huge breakfast tray was brought to my room each morning, which I enjoyed looking at the volcano in the bay.
Yhe "hotel" only has 9 rooms, but is charming. Here's the link:

http://www.theoxenia.net/

Squeaky, I've often wondered about the noise from people passing by the Theoxenia. Was it a problem when you were there? When were you there? Do all the rooms have a view?