Hi everyone. I realize that there have been many messages with this same topic, and I really have read them all. But now I'm ready to get real specific: spending 2 nights on Santorini that end up being the last day of high season and the first day of low season (Sept. 30 - Oct. 2). Our first trip to Greece, will be on Crete before Santorini and Athens following. Hubby and I are 50-ish, no need for night life, so Oia looks like the perfect choice for us. Would like to enjoy a room with a terrace/caldera view. Breakfast included or available at hotel. No need for a 'kitchen' but a fridge would be nice. Not sure if a pool is necessary at that time of the year. We will spend time exploring the village and dock area, maybe visiting a beach, watching the sunset, enjoying wine and a good dinner. We are on a budget but staying with friends on Crete so can spend 125 to 150 Euros/night. Seems like most posts have either asked for cheaper or more expensive accommodations. Suggestions?

Also, any restaurant suggestions appreciated (Katina's Fish taverna one night and Kastro Restaurant the other?) Need mid-price range please.

And one more question - is it easy and obvious to get on-island transport from the port to Oia (arriving via ferry) and to the airport from Oia?

Thanks everyone! I was going to wait a few more weeks before posting this but am just getting anxious looking at all the beautiful photos of Oia!

Check Rimida Villas, Volcano's Villas, Strogili Houses, Chelidonia Villas, Caldera Villas, Filotera Villas, Aris Caves, Old Oia Houses and Lena's House.

For restaurants there's Skala, Neptune, Laokasti, Thomas Grill, Lotza, Pelekanos, Anemomilos Hotel, Pizza Edwin and Seagull.

There will be a bus to meet your ferry. Put your bags in the storage compartment underneath and get aboard. Take it into Fira and wait for the next bus going to Oia. Someone will come to you to collect your fares once the buses are under way. Port>Fira=1.6 euro. Fira>Oia=1.2 euro. Unless your flight to Athens is very early you can take the bus into Fira and then either take a taxi to the airport or the bus to Monolithos which stops at the airport, but be advised that the bus to Monolithos is not very frequent. You may get lucky, but expect to take the taxi.

http://www.ktel-santorini.gr/

Brotherleelove: OMG! I have found the websites for all of these hotels and can't possibly figure out how to decide! They all look wonderful. Here's to hoping that some of the island's romance rubs off on hubby - I feel transformed just looking at the pictures and imagining sitting there on one of those terraces. I'm already thinking: "who needs Athens, lets just stay in Oia forever!"

Sorry to butt into this thread!Brotherleelove and Traveljan, we are inching closer to Greece and I just wanted to thank you again for all your advise. I did leave Brotherleelove a message, or so I thought on Tripadvisor, but never got a reply. No biggy. I am coming to terms with a more expensive trip then I hoped for, but I'll have a blast I am sure.

Cindyj,
We are 50ish...all six of us and we leave for Santorini, Crete, then Athens in a few days. If I find any amazing eats I'll post back to you. Bye!

tt

You're welcome, glad to help. Sorry I didn't respond to your message. I usually don't unless there's another question.

Aroma Suites in Fira : http://www.aromasuites.com/

´Loved my stay there and can highly recommend it. It has been getting so many GREAT reviews in TA that you will be lucky if you find available rooms.

Sorry, just realized you are looking for a place in Oia, not in Fira. Anyway, have a look at beautiful Aroma Suites!!!

Thanks for all the info, but I really need help narrowing down the Oia hotels.

seeksocean: yes, I've gotten a lot of help from your posts and will eagerly await your report and hope that you'll stay on the board to answer my questions that will arise as I continue planning over the summer. Enjoy!

Happy Global Warming..it's like 90 degrees here in California. Was 35 degrees three days ago in the morning.

Cindy, I'll try to write a trip report with the bests, worsts and in betweens when I get back. I sure owe it to Fodors as I have received SO MUCH info from posters on every trip in the last four years. Better give back!!

Brolov, Still looking for a good itinerary for 4 full days in Crete, staying in Chania. Aren't renting a car, but can do a bus for day trips. One big thing..or little thing each day would be good.

I have a frozen shoulder...bites getting older...anyway, that might slow me down some, but I'll pre-med with ibuprofen each day I guess. Have great weekend all!


OH YA..Cindy, Google these three words; Rick Steves Athens, and you get a great 20 page exerpt from his new book coming out in 2009. It's a complete walking tour in Athens with SO MUCH INFO and so much more about everything to do!! It's all I'll need.

Thanks, I'll check that link. No sign of global warming here in Maine; we still have snow in the yard and I'm only right outside of Portland - not up in the 'great white north'!

I just picked up a Lonely Planet book exclusively on Crete and it had some good info. It might help with your itenerary and will make good readying for your extremely long flights! We are staying near Rethymnon with Belgian friends. Plan one day to Knossos and one day doing Samaria gorge. I'm sure you've read Frozen North Dave's trip report? If not search for the posting - its hilarious and very helpful!

Can't wait to hear about your adventures!

My experience on Crete is dated by many years, but I enjoyed Chania, Agia Galini, Matala, Phaestos and Knossos.

My experience in Crete is also dated -- 10 years ago. But we had a wonderful vacation at the Elounda Bay Hotel. Also the Elounda Beach Hotel next door was also wonderful. And you do need a car.

Myra

cindyj,

I stayed at Aris Caves in Oia last Sept. and enjoyed it very much. Excellent location, very clean units with small fridge and hot plate. The view is fantastic! IMHO, unit #2 is the best. http://www.ariscaves.gr/?lang=english&pageID=0

Cindyj,
Speaking of 'frozen'...my frozen shoulder is killing me and I hope maybe to get a cortesone shot before I leave....hence, light baggage and I'll let the other 5 deal with the travel books. I have a whole file (not very heavy) of all the Fodors Forum threads that have helped me. I leave them for others as I travel from one place to the other. People really appreciate it.

I use an orange highlighter to highlight food ideas and a yellow one for siteseeing. The definition really helps. Quick for the eye!

Brotherleelove, if you get a chance on Tripadvisor, open my old message. Gotta go enjoy the 88 degrees before it gets cold again. Glorious out there!!

Sorry, I delete them as soon as I answer them.

I know this thread is 10 months old... but how did the trip go?

Balto, I don't believe seeksocean came back and gave a report... alas, often those who post the most messages about an impending trip never tell us how it turned out.

If you want to know how he/she fared, I don't think you'll find out by posting a query on this old thread, because I think she never looked back. Your best bet would be to find what threads she is posting on NOW.

How to do that?? just click on her screen name. The LH column will then show a list of threads that she has posted on, latest one first. I just did that, and there was something about ?? spanish foods? I forget. Anyway -- just go on that thread and say "This is Off-topic but I'm hoping to reach 'seeksocean' and find out how her Greece trip worked out."

Either she will ignore you completely or she will tell you.

Hi It's me....On Fodors, recently responded to posts float to the top. It's true, I didn't do a trip report. But, give me a few hours and I'll get back with some info on our trip. Gotta run!