Greek Islands

fricatus

I'm thinking about this year's holiday and fancy the idea of going to the Greek islands. I've never been there, but just on a quick read-up, Rhodes and Corfu look good.

Basically what I'm looking for is somewhere hot and sunny, and which is nice and warm in the evenings so you can eat outside. My wife can't take too much heat, but if I can get a nice hotel with air conditioning and a pool, I think I can sell it to her.

We wouldn't be doing a lot during the day other than reading on the balcony, and then heading out for a long leisurely dinner. I like to be in some sort of decent-sized town with nice streets and shops though - we were in Sorrento a few years ago and it was ideal.

With all that in mind, can anyone recommend anywhere? Naturally you'd have to be able to fly there from Ireland.

miketv

I think Santorini is your best bet. You can fly directly to the island from london (It stoped from Dublin with Xl a few years back). There is a nice place that got 2nd best hotel in trip adviser 2012 awards I think. From there if you feel like island hopping Ios Island (better beach) is an hour up the road. Both amazing places I would recommend.

Balmed Out

Id second Santorini. There are charters from Cork and presumably Dublin. Beaches poor but a great destination for week in the sun if your looking for more then just a sunlounger. The more stunning towns are very expensive but its cheap to hire a quad bike to share and visit them that way.

miketv

Balmed Out wrote: »

Id second Santorini. There are charters from Cork and presumably Dublin. Beaches poor but a great destination for week in the sun if your looking for more then just a sunlounger. The more stunning towns are very expensive but its cheap to hire a quad bike to share and visit them that way.

Oh I did not realise charters were going to Santorini Balmed, what airline or company is involved?

houseplant

Hi. Myself and OH are looking into going to Greek islands in mid sept for a week. We thinking about Zante and Tsivili in particular. We looking for the sun, nice beach, bars and good food. Will be renting a car/quad for a couple of days to have a good look around. Can anyone give me any ideas of what this place is like? Any tips on hotels, bars, what to do/see? Or would we be better looking elsewhere? Btw we a couple in late 20s early 30s. Thanks

tatli_lokma

Tsilivi is nice enough - good beach nearby and close to Laganas for nightlife. It is the most touristy area though, so not my preference. Its been a while since I was there though so it might have changed.
I stayed in both Tsilivi and Argassi and much preferred Argassi.

although I did enjoy Zakynthos, of all the Greek islands I have gone to it is my least favourite as there is not much sightseeing on the island, thanks to an earthquake in the 50's which flattened the whole island. Having said that, I did go twice! but purely because both times I got a great deal! If you do go, I would recommend hiring a car and exploring the island - lots of lovely small beaches and less touristic villages to be seen off the beaten track.

I am pie

Strongly recommend Naxos, you can get a ferry from Santorini or from Athens. Few days in Santorini lapping up the scenery then go to Naxos for awesome beaches, drives over the mountain in the middle of the island and dinners in little mountain villages. Much cheaper than Santorini also.

On Santorini itself it is worth moving around, few nights in Oia, few nights in Fira, few nights in the black beaches of Perissa (volcanic sand). Lots of cool bars and restaurants on the beachfront of Perissa, cheaper than Oia and Fira. Definitely do the boat trip on Santorini to see the sun set over Oia, it's well worth it.

tatli_lokma

I am pie, the original post was in Feb so I think OP may be sorted by now! my response was to houseplant who is looking for info on Zakynthos/Zante - but I suppose they should have opened a new thread!