More GREECE Questions

After eliminating Bora Bora as a HM destination (due to lack of nightlife) we considered the Amalfi coast - but eliminated that after running around in Vegas last weekend...we want a relaxing vacation - some culture, some nightlife, variety, etc.

So we're back to *my* first pick - Greece. More specifically, the Greek Isles.

For those who have been, what islands are THE islands to see and which have the best beaches, relaxation, variety, etc?? I'm not all that interested in Mykonos - doesn't seem all that romantic...but the following seem interesting.

Crete
Santorini
Rhodes

We want minimal time spent travelling, so I wouldn't mind spending all my time on one island - if that is the best for us - what is THE island to be on? (We'd also probably spend a day or 2 in Athens - just to see the ruins.)

Thank you!!!

I havne't been to the islands, but just a thought--Olympic Airways is the worst!!!! Don't take them if you don't have to. I work for a ballet company and we toured Greece this past summer. I know we are a huge group (about 100 people total) and people get scared just to see us coming--not to mention the fact that some dancers are very young and a bit unruly. But, the flight attendants were EXTREMELY rude, they were smoking in the galleys, the seats are so tiny, no leg room, etc. One of my friends said it was like flying in a chicken coop! And it was!! IT's too long of a flight for that kind of thing!

Good luck!

I know Rhodes has a beautiful resort because my parents loved it so much on our family trip they went back and stayed on Rhodes for their next trip to greece. I also like both Santorini and Crete - Santorini was a prettier island I though - but I didn't see that much of crete.
I have friends from crete and they love to visit there - so I think you can't go wrong with any of them - but my choice would be
Rhodes, followed by Santorini and then crete

Could you split your time between them all or between two of them?

Honestly, all the isles are beautiful, so you can't go wrong. But if you're looking to spend a long time in one place, I would go to Crete. It is a big island and there is a LOT to do. The beaches are gorgeous, lots of nice hotels, there's a great nightlife during the summer, etc..
Santorini is also pretty, but it wasn't the super-amazing place that I was expecting after hearing so much about it. I probably wouldn't stay there more than a week.
I've never been to Rhodes, so I can't offer any advice there.
Just some advice - Rhodes and Crete are pretty far away from each other. Unless you want to spend most of your time in an airport, I would pick one place or at least 2 or 3 islands that are close together so you have short flights/ferry rides.
Hope this helps!

Thanks everyone!

We're looking at taking a 10-14 day HM so it's feasible to do more than 1 island...but from what I've been reading, the islands aren't as close to oneanother as I had originally thought/hoped. So with that said, I'd want to limit it to 1 or 2 islands, tops.

How long of a flight is it from NY to Athens? I read that Delta flies direct. Other airlines fly into Rome...which we'd consider doing - spend a day or 2 in Rome. But there I go contradicting myself again!

Thank you - you have been really helpful!!!

You all have - thanks!

I went to Greece about 7 years ago, and just loved everything about it .. even Athens (sure its loud and crowded and all of that .. but I loved the Parthenon and seeing the ruins!)

At that time we took a cruise of the Greek Islands.. Santorini, Mykonos, and a bunch others .. I have to say my personal favorite was Santorini, but that was probably b/c we had the LEAST amount of time there ... so I'm not sure if I would say there is enough to do in Santorini for an extended period of time. It was the best way to see Greece and get an idea of what NOT to do next time..

Of course I still haven't been back, so much for a 'next time!'

loved the movie!

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Posted by neesiepie

loved the movie!

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You're a witty one!


Another question...Could anyone recommend good sites on Greece/Greek Isles, books and/or brochures??

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Posted by DKA1026

Honestly, all the isles are beautiful, so you can't go wrong. But if you're looking to spend a long time in one place, I would go to Crete. It is a big island and there is a LOT to do. The beaches are gorgeous, lots of nice hotels, there's a great nightlife during the summer, etc...

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I agree!


Rhodes is also beautiful ( I was there this past summer for a week ) and has beautiful beaches, but its too far away from Crete and you'd have to fly back to Athens and then to Rhodes so it can be a pain in the you know what. I would suggest doing Crete and Santorini. I have a great recommendation for a hotel in Santorini that FH and I stayed in when we went two years ago. FM me if you would like for more details.

As far as airlines go, yes I have to agree that Olympic Airways does scuk! The only reason I would fly with them is because of what is going on now with all the airline delays and cancellations with air france and british airways and delta. I personally would feel a little more safer flying w/Olympic, but this is just my opinion. Delta is the only other airline that flies to Athens non-stop. If you don't mind a connection flight, British Airways usually has some really good deals. Also try Virgin Atlantic, I got an awseome price with them when FH and I went two years ago.

Hope this helps! You can FM me for more details. I have been to Greece many many times and have spent many fun and beautiful summers there.

I agree with Angela... Olympic can stink.. the stewardesses are obnoxious! But it is one of the safest airlines, so if flying on it is an option, it's not a bad idea. It usually takes us about 8.5 to 9 hours to get to Greece and 9 to 9.5 hours to fly back to the US. If it's an option, fly business class, it will make a big difference.

There are two or three huge cities in Crete that are relatively far from each other, so you can even move around within Crete if you'd like. Also, tehre are resorts there are about half an hour from major cities - the resorts have everything you need.

I have heard Rhodes is beautiful also. You can get a connecting flight from JFK to Athens to Rhodes, then fly to Athens, spent a couple days there visiting the sites, and then fly to Crete. It shouldnt be that far... Greece is not too big.