Recommendations for greek island holiday

Hi,

Looking for some recommendations for somewhere on the Greek islands, it's for myself and my gf at the beginning of September for 10-14 nights. Tbh I'm a bit clueless about where to go, we are mid twenties. Not looking for anything realy wild but a nice balance between somewhere with nice restaurants, bars and beaches. We wouldn't be looking for anywhere to heavy going!

So what islands would ye recommend and more so which places on the islands?

Or anyone have any suggestions apart from the Greek islands? Anywhere in Spain even that isn't like Dublin in the sun?

Thanks in advance!!

Phileas Frog

Naxos, Naxos town would tick all your boxes

Ponster

10-14 nights I'd imagine that you could go to a good few places. Spending maybe 3-4 nights in each place you could easy split your time between Naxos, Santorini, Paros and Mýkonos getting ferries between each of them. I've been many years ago now, also in September, and had a place booked for the first 3 night and the last 3 nights and just made up the rest as we went along, deciding to move to another island if we didn't like it all that much.

evolving_doors

Zakynthos was nice. We flew into there too so it was handy. Booked package with Cassidy travel. That was ten years ago though!

The J Stands for Jay

Ponster wrote: »

10-14 nights I'd imagine that you could go to a good few places. Spending maybe 3-4 nights in each place you could easy split your time between Naxos, Santorini, Paros and Mýkonos getting ferries between each of them. I've been many years ago now, also in September, and had a place booked for the first 3 night and the last 3 nights and just made up the rest as we went along, deciding to move to another island if we didn't like it all that much.

Isn't Mykonos a bit far away from the others? Ios is in the middle between Santorini and Naxos/Paros, and would give the party Island with windmills that you would get from Mykonos.

ted1

McGaggs wrote: »

Isn't Mykonos a bit far away from the others? Ios is in the middle between Santorini and Naxos/Paros, and would give the party Island with windmills that you would get from Mykonos.

It’s Closer than Santorini, especially if you take in Syros too

raxy

evolving_doors wrote: »

Zakynthos was nice. We flew into there too so it was handy. Booked package with Cassidy travel. That was ten years ago though!

I'd 2nd here. Was also about 10 years ago when we went but really enjoyed it.

evolving_doors

raxy wrote: »

I'd 2nd here. Was also about 10 years ago when we went but really enjoyed it.

There are bus ferry tours to other islands but maaaan they took hours in the heat.

Actually we rented a little motor boat ourselves and drove around the island, that was cool.

bladebrew

If you are not interested in moving islands I would suggest Zakynthos aswell, it has some really nice hotels, loads of nice restaurants, we stayed in Tsilivi a few times, there are a few clubs but it's pretty tame compared to Laganas,

With 2 weeks you could pick a few islands but the ferries are not as cheap as I expected, Piraeus to Paros was €72, Paros to Santorini €60 and Santorini back to Piraeus is €120, so it adds up quickly,

ted1

bladebrew wrote: »

If you are not interested in moving islands I would suggest Zakynthos aswell, it has some really nice hotels, loads of nice restaurants, we stayed in Tsilivi a few times, there are a few clubs but it's pretty tame compared to Laganas,

With 2 weeks you could pick a few islands but the ferries are not as cheap as I expected, Piraeus to Paros was €72, Paros to Santorini €60 and Santorini back to Piraeus is €120, so it adds up quickly,

Dont buy them separately!!! That’s just pissing away money.
Get an island pass for 90 euro for 5 ferries
https://www.interrail.eu/en/interrail-passes/one-country-pass/greece-passes/greek-islands

beggars_bush

Crete

CBear1993

Mykonos or Santorini overall to those who have been? For couples holiday in mid 20s.

Parents were in Crete last summer and loved it but said there wasn’t a lot happening in the evenings on the bar scene.

The J Stands for Jay

CBear1993 wrote: »

Mykonos or Santorini overall to those who have been? For couples holiday in mid 20s.

Parents were in Crete last summer and loved it but said there wasn’t a lot happening in the evenings on the bar scene.

Been to Santorini and I didn't see much in the way of nightlife. It's not really a place for a beach holiday. It's a great place to go, but it's a different type of holiday to Crete.

CBear1993

Have you been to Mykonos?

Friend heading to Crete to an all inclusive adults resort looks very snazzy

ShineOn7

Loads of recommendations here too

Mods; could we have a merge of the two threads when you get a sec?

The J Stands for Jay

CBear1993 wrote: »

Have you been to Mykonos?

Friend heading to Crete to an all inclusive adults resort looks very snazzy

I haven't been to Mykonos, but it's famous for its nightlife.

RickyBobby1

Tempted to go to Greece myself but worried about work is the only thing. I know its on the green list for now but my employer is hinting at even if we travel to the green listed countries they will not be happy with is. Bit of a risk during these times for job security. What is everyones thoughts on this? In two minds as i have being through a stressful time with my divorce this year and a sun holiday would give me a great boost

RubyK

Currently, throughout Greece until 31st Aug, all tavernas must close by midnight. It wouldn't be an issue for us, but some people weren't aware and not too happy judging by online comments

Corfu is a lovely. We like Agios Gordios on the west coast, it only a very small resort, but has a lovely sandy beach, and some great tavernas and a couple of late night bars. It's about 25 mins from Corfu town, which is lovely in the evening to walk around. Great shops and lots of tavernas, it's a really lovely town.

It might also be a good time to visit Santorini, as I image it would not be a crazy packed with tourists as previous years. Ryanair are flying direct from Dublin. It's a beautiful island, very small so easy to get around. However, I wouldn't base myself in Fira, I would go to Kamari and visit the town/Oia. Santorini is know for it's views rather than it's sandy beaches (only one black sand beach and a red sand beach on this island, the others are stony). I would include a trip to Naxos for a few days also. 2 hr ferry journey. Naxos town, is lovely and just a few mins walk away is St Georges beach, which is nice. A short bus journey will bring to Agios Propopokis and also Agi Anna, both beautiful beaches.

I would also say Zakythos is a great island too. It was our first taste of Greece, when we stayed in Tsilivi 15 years ago. Nice beach, great selection of restaurants. Only 4-5 miles from Zakynthos town, which is nice to visit. A walk up/or tourist train to Bochali, is well worth it, for fabulous views.

We were supposed to be going to Crete next week, but have postponed it until next year. We did Chania/Rethymon/Georgioupolis last year, would recommend both Chania and Rethymon, even though they are cities, both were fab.

Sorry for the long ramble, I am missing Greece so much.

CBear1993

Great advice ruby.

Would you prefer one above all if had to choose,- Crete vs Corfu vs Greek islands?

After advice on here I’m thinking Mykonos 7-10 days with a few day trips in the middle To Naxos maybe Santorini (ferry bit too far 4hrs) and the other one beside Naxos.

Both our employers are fine with traveling to it at present. We can both work from home after returning

Tenzor07

CBear1993 wrote: »

After advice on here I’m thinking Mykonos 7-10 days with a few day trips in the middle To Naxos maybe Santorini (ferry bit too far 4hrs) and the other one beside Naxos.

You're picking quite an expensive base in Mykonos...

If it were me i'd fly into Myk for a couple of days and ferry it down to Crete, fly back from there, get in a few stops on the way...
though Crete in itself has lots to see..

ShineOn7

There's currently two Greece threads. Could we get a merge Mods?

CBear1993

Yeah I’m getting quote of €1,038 for Aeolos Resort ( looks fab) for 7 nights in Mykonos 11-18 September. Flights €138 each return from Dublin with Ryanair

Personally I’d prefer to push it out to ten days or split the 7 in half as a user above suggested, maybe try Crete , Naxos or one of the other islands. Partner hates moving about location while on holiday though :rolleyes:

RubyK

CBear1993 wrote: »

Great advice ruby.

Would you prefer one above all if had to choose,- Crete vs Corfu vs Greek islands?

After advice on here I’m thinking Mykonos 7-10 days with a few day trips in the middle To Naxos maybe Santorini (ferry bit too far 4hrs) and the other one beside Naxos.

Both our employers are fine with traveling to it at present. We can both work from home after returning

If I could, I would fly into Santorini, spend a few days before going to Naxos, and then ferry to Mykonos, and fly home from there (Ryanair). But as Tenzor said, Mykonos is a very expensive island :pac:

But, I'm sure wherever you choose in Greece, you will love it.

CBear1993

Yeah I think trying to split 10 days between 5 in Mykonos and 5 in Crete might be too much moving about or spoil the holiday. A few ferry day trips instead perhaps from MKS.

A friend who got engaged last year said they spent 2 nights in Santorini from Mykonos, going by google though the boat is 6 hours and no flight option? That’s long on a ferry while on holiday!!

Tenzor07

CBear1993 wrote: »

Yeah I think trying to split 10 days between 5 in Mykonos and 5 in Crete might be too much moving about or spoil the holiday. A few ferry day trips instead perhaps from MKS.
A friend who got engaged last year said they spent 2 nights in Santorini from Mykonos, going by google though the boat is 6 hours and no flight option? That’s long on a ferry while on holiday!!

Fast ferry from Santorini to Mykonos is about 2.5 hours..

For a lot of flights you have to go to Athens first then down to the next Island... really not worth the hassle of going through airports and possibly getting a Covid test along the way...

RubyK

CBear1993 wrote: »

Yeah I think trying to split 10 days between 5 in Mykonos and 5 in Crete might be too much moving about or spoil the holiday. A few ferry day trips instead perhaps from MKS.

A friend who got engaged last year said they spent 2 nights in Santorini from Mykonos, going by google though the boat is 6 hours and no flight option? That’s long on a ferry while on holiday!!

Mykonos is well placed for day trips. https://www.ferriesingreece.com/

Myk - Tinos takes 35 mins €8 per person
Myk - Syros takes 1 hrs 15 mins €38 per person
Myk - Naxos takes 1 hrs 30 mins €38 per person

Also, regarding Crete, it has been announced today that people in the Chania prefecture of Crete, must wear masks outdoors, and that includes on beaches. Just so you are aware :-) This might of course change before your holidays.

CBear1993

Partner Booked Mykonos 11-18th September. Wishing I’d booked 10 days now as I left it to them cos I’m flat out at work. Doubt it would be worth the hassle extending as it’s Ryanair.

Hoping I can fit in a few day trips by ferry to Naxos and maybe Santorini but again we only have 7 nights Friday - Friday.
Hotels are expensive enough at the minute, staying in Mykonos town itself.

Thanks for all pointers!! I know what you had mentioned about MKS being an expensive base but, first time and all that, plus last minute, wanted direct flights, not indirect to Athens

CBear1993

Just heard That including the isle of Mykonos, Greek government has extended mask wearing outdoors to 19th September.

FFS

stargazer 68

RubyK wrote: »

Also, regarding Crete, it has been announced today that people in the Chania prefecture of Crete, must wear masks outdoors, and that includes on beaches. Just so you are aware :-) This might of course change before your holidays.

Not due to go until the end of Sept so hopefully that will change however we have a private villa so it won't be too much of a hardship I hope! :cool:

CBear1993

False alarm. From going onto the tripadvisor forum for mykonos it appears that people who are there now said 60-70% of people aren't wearing them at night. Not on beaches, at pools etc. It's mostly indoors which is the same as here.

Phew!!