Athens & Greek Islands - August 2016

Hi all,

My brother and I are taking our parents to Europe for 4 weeks next year in August, and there will probably end up being about 9 of us travelling from Australia.

We will be spending about a week in Greece, with a couple of days in Athens and then the rest of the time on an island. I have been to Mykonos before and had a great time but would like to go to a different island this time. I am thinking Santorini but was hoping to get some opinions on if perhaps another island is worth a look instead and why.

Also, in regards to the ferries, is there a particular ferry company that has a better reputation for reliability / service / more comfortable etc that may be recommended? I am happy to pay a little extra for a faster ferry and also one that is considered better if need be.

Thanks in advance for the help!

I've been to both Mykonos and Santorini quite recently ... but any advice depends on your interests. Santorini has lots of breathtaking views but (effectively) no beaches, and those on Mykonos are not that accessible or exciting. So if a small seaside resort village, with a stroll to the beach, is what you're after for your parents, I wouldn't recommend either of these.

But if you identify your really key needs for the Greek Island experience, I am sure seasoned travellers can consider some options as alternatives to Mykonos and Santorini.

August is absolutely PEAK holiday season for Greeks as well as the rest of us so you might want to find a less horrendously touristy island than Santorini. Ian #1 is right - we need to know what you like to do - there are many islands worth visiting in Greece.

I think what I'd like from my time on a Greek Island is some good beach time (we have beautiful beaches in Australia so the thought of black sand doesn't sound great to me, but the Mykonos beaches I've been to were still very beautiful), snorkelling possibilities, a lot of relaxing with a book, wandering through markets and casual sit down meal options.

I don't at all want to go to Mykonos for this trip, only because I've been, I partied, and I'd like to try something else.

What would you recommend for the above interests that also doesn't have black sand and preferably is no more than a half day ferry away?

Sophie, others on this forum will accuse me of being a Johnny-One-Note, but it can't be helped -- it's just that ONE island suits your needs and wants so perfectly ... NAXOS. Trip Advisor just issued its list of the World's 10 Best Islands, and the ONLY Greek Island that made the list -- in fact, the only island in whole Mediterranean area... was Naxos.. It's attractive to all ages -- grandparents, active 20s- 30s, teens, and young families. A few reasons why:

• 20 km of golden sandy beaches all in a row... some shallow, some deep, some even for "naturists"
• beautiful inland mountain landscapes & villages,

• tons of history: forts, ruins, a tiny FABULOUS museum, ancient statues, underwater ruins...
• fascinating port town winding maze-y lanes, shops, food markets -- and NO Mykonos Richy-Rich designer shops
• No package tourism - because airport doesn't take jumbo jets, harbor doesn't take giant cruise ships (YAY)
• Excellent bus system to reach all beaches, and hill villages, only rent car if you want a day of touring around
Here are some great pix of these hilights:
• Week in Naxos June 2014 - https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/sets/72157645113682278/
• Trip Around Naxos - http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/sets/72157634605629689/
• St. George Beach - https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/sets/72157632113170279/
• Naxos Town - https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/sets/72157632094558042/

St. George Beach is adjacent to Naxos Town, so it's an easy 10-minute stroll along the sea front to all the town shops, cafes, nightlife... yet beach-lodgings are quiet at night. This beach is shallow, but great for a dip, and a bus gets u to other beaches in 20 minutes. For a family, don't seek a "villa" (they are always way back from beach, need a car for everything). but instead book some adjoining "studio units" in nice budget lodgings with balconies right on the water, or just yards away. On St. George, Self-catering include: Studios Kalergis, Studios Thomais (upper floors of these), Hotel Naxia, Studios Naxos, Hotel Elizabeth. Beachfront Hotels includ Hotel Glaros, Hotel Asteria.

Daily 7:30 am ferry (modern large BLUE STAR, 1500 passengers) It's great to sit on deck & watch the wake, and if you pay about €5 more for "reserve airseat" there will e comfy leanback seats reserved when you go inside. It arrives about 12:45.... half a day. And if some in your party want to fly instead (45 minutes). there's 1 flight per day on a small (35 pp) MODERN jet. Sign up for Aegean Air "newsletter" (really an e-mail alert) and watch for "special" pricing; but don't wait too long these flights are fully booked months in advance... cost sabout €75?

There ... I've responded to your wish list. An island to please all 9 of you!

You know what? I think you've totally sold me on Naxos!

Thank you so, so, so much to take the time you have with your reply, I'm incredibly grateful. I really loved your photo albums and this place sounds like it will be perfect for us. I'm very excited now!!

Happy that I could be helpful! However, I cannot take credit for the fab photos ... they are the work of another Naxophile, "Stanbr" who like me has been posting on Greece travel forums for years about our fave island .. he posts mostly on Trip Advisor and Fodors Forum , and it was there that I met him, and subsequently met him & his wife in person on Naxos in 2006 ... and we've been having an almost-annual rendezvous on Naxos ever since! We all stay in St. George in June .... and tho August will be more crowdy, still I think that beach is the best choice for your group of varying ages. The key for you is to book early, in order to reserve in High Season the best choice of beach-side units ... they fill up early! Here are some additional advantages I didn't list above:
• Since you will have less than a week (prob 5 days) on an island, staying in ONE island is preferable. But by staying in Naxos, some in your party who just MUST see santorini can do so on a day-excursion. They go 2x a week from the port at about 8:15, return about 7 pm. Two vessels do this tour, Naxos Star & MV Alexander -- the latter is preferable because it's larger, smoother ride. You cn book the day before, at a travel agency along the port.
• By Staying in St. George you offer more freedom of action for various family members... you don't need all to do everything together, & coordinate car travel. Maybe u would want to shop, while your parents would favor a nap! Also, the islands is VERY safe, and teens can wander a bit, without mom anxiety. There's nightlife in town for the late-nighters, and an easy walk home to quiet St. George.
• The BLUE STAR ferries back to the mainlan have 2 daily sailings: 9:45 - arrive 1500, and 6 PM, arrive midnight. If you want to squeeze the most beach time out of your holiday, you can take the latter. My strategy is to do the mandatory 12 noon checkout, leave my bags with reception, and arrange with my hotelier to come in about 4 pm and use a "spare" bathroom to quickly shower & change into travel wear. Then I can enjoy a last afternoon on the beach. For the evening ferry I recommend the "reserve airseat" so after sunset u can come in from deck & nap.

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