Hello, I'm looking for some advice. My Fiancé and I are going to Greece for our honeymoon at the end of May (22nd - June 1).

I don't want to pack and move too much so, I figure 2 islands and a couple of days in Athens at the end. I've been dreaming of Santorini, so that's a definite. But, where should we go for the "other" island?

I think to make traveling easier and less time consuming I'd like to pick on that's relatively close to Santorini. So far, I've been considering Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros.

Since it's our honeymoon, we looking at this trip a little differently. We'd like something with some Greek authenticity, not super, super touristy, but we'd like places to go to dinner and go out at night (although we're not looking to party until 3:00 am). We like some nightlife and shopping, but not right in the middle of any craziness. Any suggestions?

And our other dilemma is what town to stay in Santorini? I know Fira is to busy and touristy for what we'd like. But, I can't decide between Oia and Imerovigili. Oia sounds beautiful, but I'm afraid it might be a little too isolated. Would Imerovigili be a better option, still nice cliff hotels in a quiet area, but close enough to easily get to Fira when we feel like going out?

And one last question (I promise) any hotel suggestions for Santorini? We'd like to have our little bit of splurge in Santorini. The honeymoon suite at Katikies just isn't in the budget, but I think we could swing around $250 or so for our 4 nights.

Sorry this is so long, I just figured it may be easier to give suggestions with a little background. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Oia is only about 7 miles from Fira, most people don't realize this. Taxis and buses are easy to use. Cheap rental cars are also available. Imerovigli is obviously more convenient to Fira, but unless you intend to do some bar-hopping into the wee hours of the morning I still think Oia is a much better choice for all its beauty and unique setting.

The Hellas Flying Dolphin fast boat conveniently travels 4 days a week between Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios, Santorini and Crete. Car Ferries travel every day but are slower.

http://www.greekislands.gr/hfd/

Paros is the least commercial of these islands, Ios the most party intensive, and Naxos has a very charming "old town" and very nice beaches.

As far as "craziness" is concerned, there won't be any at the end of May. It's too early in the season for that.

Here's a link to a website with a good selection of upscale hotels, separated by village and category:

http://www.santorinihotels.com/hotels.php

Oia is a good choice as you can easily walk to restaurants/shops and take the bus or taxi into Fira if you wish. Imerovigili lovely, but isolated and a long walk into Fira --one way is slightly uphill.

Between Imerovigili and Fira is Firostephani. I thoroughly enjoyed Sun Rocks Villas. We had a suite -- #31. This would make a great place for a honeymoon.

I've stayed in both Imerovigili and Firostephani. I recommend either Firostephani or Oia.

www.sunrocks.gr

Your description of your ideal second island fits very closely with your first choice (Santorini). Another good choice for this blend is Naxos. It's quite large with an expansive interior that is traditional, but Naxos Town itself is busy and lively. Paros might be another good choice but with perhaps a lesser traditional feel. If, on the other hand, you wanted a contrast to Santorini, take a look at Folegandros or Amorgos, especially the latter. It is quite traditional, has many fantastic beaches, and some excellent hiking. Highly recommend the Aegiali side of the island.

Have a great time and congratulations.

Regards, Bruce
Greece Travel Photos -- http://www.brucegcollier.com/galleri...level2_all.htm

For what it's worth the vast majority of people who say to avoid Fira because it is so touristy, loud, and wild, never stayed there. Yes, Fira is all that. But for the most part if you stay in one of the hillside hotels facing out to the caldera, you could easily be a hundred miles away from that. You are not aware of it at all, yet if you want to go out at night and join the throngs parading the shops that are open late and pick from dozens of restaurants, or even go to a nightclub, then it is right there, up behind you, and separated from your peaceful hotel terrace by the ridge. Our room and terrace at the Loucas Hotel could have been in the far countryside for all we would have known if we hadn't left it. Yet a short climb up and out into the streets of Fira was also easily possible.

Oia is nice, but remote. If you want that, fine, but I would never think about driving that road to Fira at night, or depend on the bus to get back and forth. If you stay in Oia, you're best staying in Oia, in my opinion.