Where to go in Greece?

[FelicisWolf]

We're looking to book a holiday for a week in July to Greece (or we were also thinking maybe Portugal). It will just be DH and I (we don't have kids yet) so doesn't matter about family friendly locations particularly. We would like to be near a beach, but also have interesting things around to explore and to do - cultural/historical/nature activities. We enjoy going for a drink in the evenings, so somewhere with bars would be good, although not into clubbing! Preferably not heaving with tourists, although I know that's probably asking for the impossible!

I am hoping you wise people of MN will have some recommendations - I'm nervous to book a week on an island somewhere in case it's just wrong for us and then we're stuck!

Many thanks in advance

I've never heard of two centre trips before, that sounds interesting! We'll be getting AirBnBs so I guess I'll have to look into the logistics of that, great idea though!

Also never thought about looking on Google Earth at AirBnB locations to see what's around mind blown although I guess they only give you an approximate area, but still! Great tips here, thanks everyone!

We love Kardamena in Kos - 15 mins from the airport, couple of livelier bars in the Square if you want that (still nothing close to clubbing) and most of the restaurants are on the harbour front. Cheap to stay there, and quite cheap to eat out, most evening meals €8-€10 range

The Sporades are lovely and being more northerly don’t get as hot as the more southerly islands. Skiathos is quite touristy but hop on a ferry to Skopelos and that is much quieter but still beautiful with lovely beaches and lots of cobbled streets to explore. Further out again is Alonissos which is my absolute favourite island, so green and beautiful and quiet. You can go there for a day trip from Skopleos or Skiathos.

Street View covers a lot of Greece but some of it was filmed during winter so don't be shocked if it looks deserted.

You asked about cost/prices in Greece. Along with sterling and the Euro being very nearly eqivelant, you also need to factor in the vat equivalent in the islands. Until a few years ago, the islands had a l lower rate of vat than the mainland (this was to cover the cost of the islands need to get so many goods transported via ferry.). All that stoped and now the islands vat is the same as the mainland.

From a visitors point of view, this makes the islands a bit more expensive than they used to be, as the shops/taverners/bars have largely passed that increase into the consumer. It's not a vast amount, but I now figure on spending about the same on any island in Greece that I do in the UK. But the weather is better, and so are the views where I go

I fell in love with Syros (and hated Mykonos) last year. This year we are returning to Syros, followed by 6 nights in Tinos (20 min ferry) so very happy to see Tinos recommended on here.

Santorini was stunning. We stayed on the other side Not the cruise boat side. It’s was pretty cheap there but not where the cruise boats com in. We were half board but I didn’t find food expensive for snacks and lunches. There was a fab bus system so we didn’t hire a car and managed to get to loads of places. I’d go back for sure.

We travelled a lot in Greece pre kids. We loved Symi - a mini Venetian harbour and unspoilt beaches dotted with authentic tavernas. Tilos, Alonissos and Karpatha also unspoilt but not loads to do. Crete has it all I would say and you could mix up a quiet beach village with a bit more night life there.

If it's just the 2 of you then santorini! So romantic and the most beautiful sunsets!

There's a volcano to climb, loads of historical stuff, an ash encrusted village, those gorgeous white cave house hotels, vinyards and pebble beaches (it's a rocky landscape). Lovely bars just so so nice!

But the beaches are shit and in June/July it will be RAMMED.

I recommend Naxos. "Old" Greece and not too busy. Two hour ferry from Santorini (nearest airport) so you could do a few days there but I wouldn't have my whole holiday there (in Santorini that is). Rhodes is also lovely as is Paros.

I didn’t find Santorini busy and we went in June. Ola was busy but otherwise it was fine. I actually preferred Fira as a town. More normal shops and cafes . Ola was beautiful to see but a tourist trap.

Oia sorry banana brain

Paxos and Naxos are beautiful islands that would both fit your bill. I went to Santorini in the early 80s (there was just a military airport and no building to wait in) and it was wonderful then with virtually no tourism. Almost everyone I know who goes now describes a place I would hate - heaving with tourists and cruise ships.

Please avoid Santorini if possible. Absolutely shocking animal cruelty happens everyday, backed up by the government. Google Santorini donkeys or Santorini Animal Welfare.

Also people that have lived and worked there for 20 years are being priced out as greedy home owners refuse to rent by the month and will air bnb the smallest, grottiest room for 80 euros a night. I lived there 10 years and the last year we had to stay 6 months in a tent with our 5 month old as no homes were available

Definitely recommend Anafi over Santorini.

The Santorini hate is unfair

All holiday destinations are busy in peak season unless your a millionaire and can get private tours to remote unknown beaches etc.

I hated Santorini apart from the archaeological site, it was all steep cliffs and I get vertigo. I've been to islands on and off the tourist trail and my favourite has been Naxos. The main town is lively but not OTT, it's also a ferry hub so you can visit other islands. Even if your ferry gets in at 2am there are places open to get something to eat and drink

I can offer Kalymnos (island of the sponge divers) and Samos. Both lovely and weren't too touristy when we visited. Samos is easy to drive round, too as well as doing a day trip over to Turkey to see the excavations at Ephesus.

The best holiday I ever had was in Crete. We had a windfall at the time, and we booked a private villa overlooking the Skafian mountains. It had an outdoor pool and you could swim looking out over this tremendous view, watching the eagles soar down from the mountains and over the olive groves. It was utterly magical. And then, a quick drive away, you have amazing scenery and biodiversity (Samaria Gorge etc), incredible archaeology (Knossos) and really vibrant, beautiful little towns (Rethymno). I absolutely loved the Cretan people - totally bonkers, in the best possible way. The local taverna had a trick whereby they supersized EVERYTHING, and then everybody in the place laughed when waiters came out with platters groaning with ridiculous amounts of food!!

I second the PP who suggested Parga, on the west coast. But ... I haven't been there for 30 odd years now, although I'd been there a few years running as I loved it so much. Back then it was a small resort such as you want - I guess it's become a bit more tourist-centric but, hopefully, without losing its charm.

Two beaches either side of the main town/harbour - Valtos, which is very long, and Lichnos. You can get water taxis from Parga harbour to both beaches - or walk, if feeling energetic! Also daily boat tours to Paxos and Anti Paxos.

You can fly to Preveza, which is just over 1 hours drive; or Corfu and get the ferry from Corfu harbour to Igoumenitsa on the mainland, which is about 45 minutes drive. (Both by car, but there are probably buses as well).

All holiday destinations are busy in peak season

But some are much busier than others. Visit, for example Santorini and Samos in August and you'd get totally different experiences.

Sadly places like Santorini (I'd say Rhodes too although it's bigger so you can find quieter spots) have become victims of their own success.

OP check out Amorgos if you want to be away from the hordes. Long ferry trip though I think.

Has anyone been to Thessaloniki? I fancy going there next month on a flight only and booking accommodation separately - because I’d quite like to see a bit more of it.

So perhaps somewhere in Halkidiki, then Thessaloniki itself, then down to somewhere like Katerini on the other side (have a friend living near there). I understand buses are cheap and easy to get around on - prefer that to car hire.

Any ideas anyone?