where's the most idyllic spots in the Greek isles?
 

We're looking for the most pristine and idyllic places in the Greek Isles for our honeymoon. PLease offer suggestions on islands, towns, accomodations, restaurants, beaches,etc. Thank you!

Though it can be crowded and perhaps a bit over-touristed, Santorini is nonetheless like no other place in the world. It has a magic all its own. In particular, I'd recommend the village of Oia for beauty and romance.

Believe it or not, you should contact turkishtourscentral.com. They provide special "honeymooner's" specials for the Greek Islands. We used them recently, and you will not be disappointed.They arranged for our flights as well and wholesaler rates.

I also recommend Santorini. It is the most beautiful Greek Island and the food is excellent. You can fly from Athens. It is not pristine but it is idyllic. The views looking out from the caldera are unbelievable.

I forgot, for restaurants try Kukumovlos, its great. We stayed at Vedema, which is out of the town, it is very nice, but for your first time there I would stay in the towns overlooking the caldera.

I'd suggest Simi, easily reached from Rhodes, so you can also spend a day or two there and catch the short hydrofoil to Simi. It's a small island almost untouched by tourists except for the day trippers. The wonderful restaurants around the picturesque harbour buzz at night (mainly with locals). We had our two very best meals in a month of Greek travel in Simi. There are a couple of secluded beaches that you can either hike to (no roads) or hire a boat (very cheap) to take you there. You couldn't find a better or more romantic spot that the Aliki hotel right on the water around the corner from the heart of the harbour. It is a restored sea captain's house with just a handful of rooms furnished with antiques and kept immaculate and charming. We asked for and got their largest room with a balcony facing the water where we spent hours just watching the sunsets and the boat traffic. <BR>Of course the other major option is Santorini -- while the total opposite of Simi, still has an ambience and views that can't be beat. But if you want different and quiet -- opt for Simi.

I read good descriptions of many Greek Islands from Matt Barrett on this website: <BR>http://www.greektravel.com/

Patrick - did you ever make your way to Nissiros? This is a small island very near Simi. I spent 5 months there in 1984 (has it been that long ago?) while in college. Oh the memories - lovely spot and the absolute best people in the world.

No, we were only in Simi for three nights and must confess, didn't do much. That Greek "laziness" set in and I couldn't think of doing anything, but eating and relaxing. I didn't even make it to the south end of the island where most people go to visit the famous monastery.

I don't know what your budget is like, but my husband and I splurged on the Hotel Elounda Mare in Crete in September, 1999. It is a beautiful, romantic place. We got the cheapest room they had, but it was very nice and had an amazing view of the ocean. Some travel journalists call it the best hotel in Greece. You may want to check it out.

Hi, <BR> <BR>I also love the island of Symi. There is a web site symivisitor.com The recent issue of Conde'Nast reviews the islands on the West coast. Santorini is indeed special. Go to two or three islands. There are good inexpensive flights between islands. You will have a fabulous time.

The Caldera on Santorini. There is a hotel called the Perivolas in Oia... We couldn't afford to stay there but the pool was featured on the cover of Conde Nast... outstanding, If we'd been on our honeymoon, you can bet we would ahve shelled out the extra money. <BR>As it was re really enjoyed the Loucas hotel right on the Caldera rim... sunsets so lovely, they brought tears to my eyes.

Try "Lefkes" or "Naoussa" on Paros! Outstanding, magnificent places. Look here for lots of information: <BR>http://www.paros-online.com ! <BR>And have a great wedding!

The smaller islands are far more idyllic than the larger ones. Mykonos is just not the wonderful island it used to be. We were on a yacht charter last year and stopped in Santorini, Mykonos, Tinos, Ios, Paros, and Naxos. I think Paros and Naxos were everyone's favorites by far.....except for the totally spectaular views in Santorini (particularly Oia). <BR> <BR>I am leaving in three weeks for another yacht charter, and this year we are going to Samos, Patmos, Kos, Kalymnos, Symi, Nissyros, Rhodes, and flying to Santorini from Rhodes. <BR> <BR>I think you'll find the less touristy islands by far the best. <BR> <BR>And my advise is to charter a yacht and go........there is no other trip to compare.

Carol, <BR> <BR> What company did you use to book your yachting trip? We are thinking of going in May and it sounds as if you had a good experience with whoever you used. <BR>Thanks, Jackie

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Santorini is the best.<BR>Do not stay in town because rooms are very expensive ($266- $667 per day) and since they are built in the caldera you will see many people walking by your balcony to go or leave their room. And that terrible smell!!!!!!! Donkeys and horses pass by so just imagine!!!!!<BR>The second time I went there I stayed in Studio Artemis, a greek friend of mine made the reservations for me.<BR>Simple, clean, quite when I needed rest and right on the caldera with increadible view. I stayed in one of their suites that had a private balcony.<BR>It costed $120<BR><BR>Try somet