Thinking of going to Greece for 2+ weeks next June... landing in Athens -- was thinking of staying there for a couple of days to recover from the trip, but sounds like Athens isn't worth staying in? Mainly want to get to the Isles. Also was thinking of maybe 4-5 day cruise around the Greek Isles? Otherwise possibly stay in a villa or two on different islands?

Any suggestions?

 

Athens sucks - maybe one day of sight-seeing. The two most common islands to see are Mykonos and Santorini, and both are great. Mykonos is the most developed and touristy, but also has the most restaurants / nightclubs, and is a fun island. Santorini is spectacularly beautiful. When you think of the Greek Islands, with white-washed homes in the side of the hill overlooking a blue sea, that is Santorini. My favorite by far. Ios used to be a fun, smaller party isalnd, but I haven't been there in years.

Santorini would be my must-see. Others who have been more recently can chime in too. We're going back with the kids next summer i think - different priorities than when I was there last . . .

 

I don't have much to contribute on where you should go, but I know of the Islands you should avoid. Or rather, where most of the 15-25 year old euro trash goes to party. While it can be nice in the right setting, it doesn't sound like the goal of your trip is to foam-bathe with drunk 17 year old Norwegian girls.

So I would suggest visiting some of the least exploited and touristy ones, ruling out pretty much all of the Dodekanese islands.

 

Santorini is beautiful. I'll see if I can come up with pics

 

Santorini is beautiful! It's exactly what you expect when you think Greek Isles. So check that out. Santorini has a white beach, red beach, and black beach I believe. I'll dig up some pics...They also have a Santo Winery which has some good stuff. Some very good desert wine.

 

I will let you know...I am going for my first time next month!

Woohooo!

 

I was in the Greek Isles a few years back and it is amazing. Like others have said Santorini and Mykonos are the most popular islands. Mykonos is a party island with many clubs along the beach. Santorini is a must, the views in the town of Oia in santorini are a must see. Rhodes is also very beautiful and it was one of my favorites. It is very traditional and the old town is amazing. Crete is also a very large island and is very nice as well. There are many more beautiful islands that you can visit, depending how much time you spend in each stop. Enjoy your trip it will be great.

 

My lawyers spends alot of his time on Mykonos. Goes back every year. He absolutely loves it. Although he is in his early 30's and gay as can be, and parties with Jean Paul Gaultier. So it seems to be that crowd on that island...

Id love to go to Crete for the historical aspect ( WWII ) similarly with Rhodes.

Guess you should try and visit a few of them.

 

I went to Mykonos last year and absolutely loved it. It is has the best of everything. Amazing dining, great night life, luxury, beaches, and a nice mix of older and younger crowd. It's a classy island with a lot of life. I also spent a few days in Santorini, but found it a bit boring, despite the beautiful scenery. I'm in my late twenties, so if you are quite a bit older than me you might like it.

If you had to choose one, I would go for Mykonos. I'm going back again this summer!

 

Why travel so far? You can "go greek" in LA for just $50 more.