Greek Island Suggestions??

[Scottie15]

I'm heading to Greece with my wife in a couple weeks. Staying on Crete for a few days, then heading to the islands for another five or so days.

Snorkeling and renting a boat are on the list right now. Planning on at least a couple nights in Santorini.

Do you guys have any suggestions on where to go and what to see? Where have you stayed on Santorini? Any other ideas/advice?

Cheers.

 

[Palehorse68]

Castellorizon

 

[Bri0242]

Astra Suites Santorini - Luxury Suites & Honeymoon Accommodation
Santorini - Thira
Caldera (volcano), Sunset sailboat cruise, Don't ride the donkeys
Crete - Chania is a great small town, Samaria Gorge
Good luck - I missed a trip to Santorini while the Greek air traffic controllers were on strike a couple of years ago

 

[Philotimos]

If you get a chance to visit Zakynthos.

Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) - Zakynthos - Reviews of Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) - TripAdvisor

Blue Caves in Zakynthos, a Magical World

Blue Caves Luxury Villas in Zakynthos island Ionian Greece

Literally there are thousands of magical moments you can spend in Greece. Swimming in these caves is a definite must.

 

[Alpine 338]

I spent a lot of time/trips to Chania (pronounced Hannia), Crete, and didn't have to travel far to find wonderful beaches and great food. The furthest I traveled from Chania was Rethimnon, and it was a little too busy and crowded for me as it was a larger city. It's been over 10-years since I was last there, but I'm sure wherever you go on the island of Crete, it will be good.

If you like hiking, I suggest hiking the Samaria Gorge. Take the bus from Chania up to Xyloskalo, and hike it down hill, here's a good link:

https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/samaria-gorge

 

[Hairball]

Last time I was in Greece my favorite place was Rhodes.

Rhodes Tourism: 237 Things to Do in Rhodes, Greece | TripAdvisor

 

[Scottie15]

I spent a lot of time/trips to Chania (pronounced Hannia), Crete, and didn't have to travel far to find wonderful beaches and great food.

Good info. Chania is our first stop, and I'm planning on hiking the Gorge.

Philotimos - I will see if we can make it up there.

Thanks for the suggestion on Thira. I wasn't sure where to stay.

 

[Philotimos]

Scottie, First off I wish you a wonderful trip. Looks like from the beginning you'll have a long flight ahead of you if you're leaving from CA. I'm guessing CA to NY-NY to Athens- Athens to Crete. Looking at 15 hours flying alone. Worth every minute though. Don't underestimate the Gorge, it's an all day hike at altitude. And remember one thing, to truly take in what Greece has to offer, it's not how many places you visit on your trip, it's being able to stop at the infinite amount of scenic areas and stop to smell the roses, as they say. Crete alone can satisfy you for much longer than your stay will allow. It's just that beautiful. It's been 30 years for me since I was there last and am a little envious. Again wish you a wonderful trip and don't be shy to share some pics with your fellow hiders.

 

[Bri0242]

Four years ago, we ate a really good restaurant next to the marina behind the sailing museum in Chania. It looked like a person's house. We also listened to wonderful bouzouki at a taverna across from the marina one night. The gorge is a bitch if you bring the wrong shoes. So, be prepared! Knossos Palace in Crete was an interesting archaeologic site. There's a nice museum in Heraklion. My wife has a cousin in Rethymnon, which is also a nice smaller city, but Chania is the best! I'm jealous!