tenthumbs

We are planning a trip for next summer, mid-June to the first week in July. We plan on spending 3-4 days in Athens, then stay 2-3 days on one of the islands; however, we are completely overwhelmed! I have been doing some research but would like help narrowing down the choices. We are a group of women~my mother, myself, my sister, my 17 year old daughter and 9 year old niece~we enjoy beautiful beaches, swimming, history, good food, beautiful scenery.......

Keeping in mind the things we enjoy, does YOUR favorite Greek island boast of any or all of these things? Why is it your favorite?

Thanks for any input!

yiassas

First of all, if you are taking an international flight at the end of this trip, then reverse your itinerary, island first, then Athens. This means you can easily get to the airport, being on an island leaves you with a risk of weather/mechanical/strike problems delaying your return to the mainland & making that homeward flight.
Ok, favourites, I have quite a few, but reading your preferences I would say Naxos or Rhodes. Other mainly Cycladic islands would fit the bill too. Not Santorini (you wouldn't have your beautiful beaches), nor Mykonos (beautiful beaches, but lack of history apart from visiting neighbouring Delos)
I absolutely love Lesvos, but it's too large for just 3 days.

Heimdall

I agree with yiassas that reversing your itinerary to save Athens for last would be advisable. Also bear in mind that travelling to/from an island will eat up the best part of a day each way when you include checking in and out of hotels, transfers to the port, etc. if your 2-3 days for an island includes travel time, you won't have much time left for beaches and sightseeing. Naxos would fit all your requirements.

tenthumbs

Thank you both~this is exactly the type of information I was looking for!

P_Peppington

Rodos has beautiful beaches AND history.

Stay at the Rodos Park Hotel, just outside the Amboise Gate to the Old Town. The swimming pool is pretty great.

Shop for jewellery at ilias lalaounis. Mr. ilias is Greece's greatest goldsmith.

P_P

Chania

I would say Naxos based on your time limits and close proximity to the mainland but if you intend to fly to an island then I would recommend considering Karpathos or Crete for great beaches and greek life.