Hello all, I am planning a trip to Greece this October for the first 15 days. This will be my first ever trip out of my country (North America) and I will be doing it solo. I am realizing that 15 days isn't enough to do every thing I want to so I would like to make the most of my holiday. I am looking for a unique experience, ie. Athens doesn't seem unique enough to spend much time there, and Mykonos, I can't seem to get a clear sensus of the value of making a stop, I am however really intriqued by Santorini (Oia). These are the islands I'm interested in:
Andros, Mykonos, Naxos, Santorini, Milos, & Sifnos

I would like to narrow them down to 3 or 4. Any ideas?? Your opinions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Tracy

You will get more answers if you repost with a title that indicates Greek Islands.
Apparently you aren't interested in the cultural history of Greece? Sounds like you just want scenery and beaches? If so, you need to specify that in your post, so people can help you more.

Are you interested in an active vacation? If so, one option might be to join a walking tour that involves visits to several islands for 8-9 days, and then add one some other islands or towns to visit at the end. I have long wanted to do something like this:

http://www.explore.co.uk/Tour+Detail...reCode=WTR2008

While I don't normally recommend tours as a way to travel, if this is your first trip outside North America and you're trvelling solo, starting your trip with a 7-8 active tour can be a great way to start a holiday. You'll likely meet a few interesting people and have more of the day-to-day hassles of travel handle for you - but you'l still have time at the end to do your own thing, after you've acquired your "travel legs".

I didn't realize that my post would be on the main board as well, I thought selecting Greece as a message topic would limit where it shows on the forum. So I can see why some may not know what my post is about!!
I'm not sure where I gave the impression that I'm not interested in the cultural history of Greece unless the Islands I have chosen don't offer any of that?! So to clarify, I am very interested in the history, the scenery the beaches (but I don't plan on doing much sunbathing if at all), the people and all Greece has to offer. I wish I had more time to get it all in!!

frogoutofwater, thank you very much for the link. That is a really great idea and your right it may be a good way to get acustomed to the differences easier.

Thank you both for your insight.

My impressions was your saying that Athens doesn't seem unique enough to spend much time there. If you are interested in history, you can't beat the Parthenon, the Agora, the Archaeological Museum, the Cycladic Museum, and so much more. My second "clue" was that you listed islands rather than the ancient sites like Delphi or the many on the Peloponnesus, or Meteora.

I've been to Santorini twice and it is no doubt about it, stunning. And on my fifth trip to Greece this summer, I'm going to spend several days on Siphnos because it is so untouristy--kind of the opposite of Mykonos with its reputation of party island. But for me, the Peloponnese sites and Crete came first, and island hopping on a third trip.

Tracy, I don't think you gave the impression that you were not interested in the cultural history of Greece at all. I think you were very clear about wanting more information about the specific islands you mentioned. I am going in June so I can't help yet, but I wanted to encourage you to keep asking questions and I believe you'll get the answers you're looking for to help you plan a great trip!

A little hint here: Greece isn't just islands.

In fact, the best of Greek history and culture is to be found on the mainland. Veramarie made some excellent suggestions in her second post.

While all the islands have year-round populations, most of those on your list will be <i>very</i> quiet in October. Santorini and Mykonos (to see Delos) would be worthwhile and unique, leaving the rest of your trip for, e.g., Delphi, Meteora, Peloponnese and Athens.

Who knew some of you would be so offended by my choice of holiday. With that said I'm not sure why you responded to my post if you didn't like what I wrote. And even doing so you still didn't really answer the question, you merely responded to how you felt towards the post. If you can't resist the urge to leave your &quot;opinion&quot; then in addition to your outlook, at least answer the question the author was asking.

For those looking for a more open-minded view of Greece (including the mainland that Heimdall was nice enough to point out) check out www.greeklandscapes.com

TracyT: Welcome to Fodors. &quot;<i>I didn't realize that my post would be on the main board as well,</i>&quot;

Just so you understand how Fodors' forum works -- It isn't &quot;the main board as well&quot; - there is <u>only one board</u> - &quot;Europe&quot;.

Clicking on Greece (or any other country) merely lets folks find some of the threads about that country.

Here's another thread with info on various Greek island possibilities
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...amp;dirtyBit=1

I would encourage you to go to Delphi on the mainland in addition to Athens and some of the islands--spectacular scenery plus history

Tracy, I've been to Mykonos, Santorini and Naxos, and thought they were all beautiful. Mykonos and Santorini were very expensive. Mykonos was a day trip- we had a great time, but I don't feel like I need to go back there. Spent 3 days on Santorini- the scenery is wonderful, but it was way too touristy for me. I fell in love with Naxos. We were there for 10 days- I was never bored.
We also went to Crete- loved that too. Hiked the Samaria Gorge, ate some awesome food and had an all around great time! I hope that your first trip is as wonderful as mine was-
We leave at the end of May for our next adventure in Greece. This one will be different- we've booked a hotel in Athens for the first two nights and then we plan to hop on the first ferry/airplane that looks good. It was too hard to decide which island to go to. Wish us luck!