Hi<BR><BR>I'm planning a honymoon in Greece the first 2 weeks in July. Our itinery is 6 nights Santorini (Villa Vedema - 3 nites, Katikies 3 nites), Paros (Asir of Paros) for 3 nites and Mykonos (Royal Myconian) for 3 nites.<BR>The reason we said we'd spend 6 nights on santorini was so we could have a week of romantic relaxation which we'll need after the wedding.<BR>However after reading many posts on this and other sites it sounds like santorini can be a tourist trap and teeming with tourists at this time of year. And I really don't want a cheesy holiday...<BR><BR>Should I change my itinery to relax on a different island first? <BR><BR>Also - I've been told to try and get to Milos - is that possible as a day-trip from Santorini?<BR><BR>I really need some good advise...<BR><BR>Thanks in advance! - James.

I wouldn't call Santorini a cheesy tourist trap, but it wasn't my favourite island either. When we went to Greece in September 2000, I think my expectations were unrealistic. I first went to Greece in 1976 and wish I had stopped on Santorini then. We actually did stop there on a ferry, but didn't stay - I'm not sure why! Anyway, it is a stunning island visually and I'm glad we visited it when we did - we just stayed too long (we had 5 nights there, which was really 4 days since we arrived around midnight the first night). However, I don't think I'm representative of most of the people who go there and love it. Many others absolutely loved Santorini and would go back in a heartbeat. Friends who visited the island a couple of months before us couldn't say enough about it. They thought it was the most unique place they've ever seen.

I was in Santorini 3 years ago with my then boyfriend who is now my husband (who is greek)and we loved it. We are going back this summer and will probably stay for 5 days or so. We stayed in Perissia (fairly quiet black sand beach) and can't decide whether to stay there or in Oia. We arrived in Santorini at about 5:30 a.m. and our room of course was still occupied so the hotel manager took our things and we headed to the beach and could hear the monks chanting on the mountain monestary overhead. It was one of many magical moments in Santorini

we were in both santorini and paros (and also athens and mykonos) for 12 days. i think 6 days is way too much time on santorini, although it is beautiful and well worth a few days. My favorite by far was Paros. We stayed in the Astir, and it was wonderful and had a great little beach. i would add a few days to paros if you want to adjust the number of days on each island. Also, Athens was very nice -- it is a city, so its not serene, but the marketplace is great fun and interesting to spend time in.

I thought Santorini was a cheesy tourist trap. Six nights would be way too long for me. But, as Susan says, lots of people love the place. Maybe you will too.

Santorini can be touristy if you stay in Fira or spend a lot of time there. For a relaxing, romantic visit try staying in Oia, Firostephani, or Imerivigli. I've been to Santorini twice and would love to return.<BR>

Hi James, My husband and I have been to Santorini 3 times and to Paros once.<BR>We always stay in Santorini for at least<BR>6 nights. The best place to stay is in the village of Oia (Katikies is in Oia) on the northern tip of the island. The Villa Vedema is a beautiful hotel, but it is kind of in the middle of nowhere.<BR>You will need to drive to everything. The Katikies Hotel is on the cliffside in Oia and is spectacular! Oia is a small village that has a main walkway that runs along the Caldera ( the view down to the Volcano). You can stroll along the walkway at night to shop and go to many great restaurants. A beautiful romantic dinner can be had at the '1800 Restaurant'.(reservations are recommended). They have a rooftop dining room with wonderful food. As far as relaxing Oia is the place to be. Its possible to sit on the patio of the hotel with a bottle of wine and be mesmerized by the view for hours. <BR>You will need to rent a car to really enjoy the island. There are many beaches that range from diving off rocks to full black sand , to red sand.<BR>Yes Santorini can be touristy. The town Fira is very crouded and cheesey. This is where all the cruise ships dock. But Oia is relaxing and romantic. If you want to relax as you said, 6 nites is not to much at all. It will take you at least a day or 2 two find your way around. Also the pool at Katikies is one of the best in the world. Just to sit there would be relaxing if you didn't feel like exploring. Oia is also the place to be for the sunset. The whole island comes there just before sunset and lines the streets to watch it go down. <BR>We have always gone to Greece in September so July will probably be a little more crowded.<BR>I could go on and on about Santorini.<BR>Please feel free to E-Mail me with any questions you may have.<BR>Have a memorable and romantic honeymoon.<BR><BR>Janice<BR>PS- there is a travel agency on the walkway in Oia that can get you anywhere you want to go. There is probably a ferry, or better yet a Flying Dolphin, to Milos. They will book it for you from the port in Fira.<BR>

Thanks to everyone for all their REALLY helpful info. I think I'll stick to my original plan of 6 nights (the first night is a right off anyway as we don't get there until late). Spending my time between the Vedema and Katikies should be fun and break the 6 days up. Thanks again!