Greece

[Firstshoes]

We mainly holiday on Spanish islands but fancy Greece next year for 10 nights. We have two older teenage dcs so we're looking for somewhere pretty that has a good pool/beach but also with lots of bars, restaurants and places to see. Not a party place! We don't know Greece at all so would love some recommendations. We usually prefer self catering and don't have a massive budget. Thank you!

Corfu is my favourite place. Kassiopi is my favourite with some lovely restaurants and tavernas. With Corfu though bare in mind the East coast is pebble beaches and the West is sandy. Kassiopi is pebbly little coves but the whole island is stunning. I'd say avoid Sidari and Kavos. Paleokastritsa is absolutely stunning but very very busy in summer. Also something to think about is Greek star ratings and 'luxury' tend to be less than other places. Lots of SC places (which is what we book) are very basic but clean and you can't flush the loo roll you have to use a bin which puts some people off. Some bigger hotels you can flush nowadays!! It's the most beautiful place though and I would emigrate there if I could!!

I would suggest Crete, Chania side. Chania itself is lovely, or Rethymnon which is also beautiful. You'll have beaches, nice nightlife, restaurants galore, cobbled streets, history etc.

I love Cofu too. It's so lush compared to some of the other islands, though they are all lovely. Agree with the above poster, except once we stayed outside Sidari and that was also very quiet and lush. From Kassiopi you can hire a boat out and go to lovely little pebble beaches with tavernas. Sea is crystal clear.

Not been to Kefalonia but I hear it is lovely.

I wouldn't want to spend a week in Rhodes or Santorini.

The Cyclades are mainly lovely.

Thank you for all the excellent advice. There are a few options to look at there

Mainland or islands? I don't think you can go wrong with any of the islands. Rhodes and Kos are my favourites.

@NeedToKnow101 💯 outside Sidari is a lovely area just wouldn't stay right in the centre. Tbh. We stayed at St George South before on a cheap as chips holiday and that wasn't picturesque at all for Corfu but we still had the best time. I think the people make it.

Gorgeous sandy beach at St George South though 👍

Love Crete - Aghios Nikalous is lovely and there’s loads to do.

Crete, Chania area. Chania is one of my favourite places. Off there myself next month. Pretty harbour and old town, plenty of bars and restaurants. Search on the net for photos, it's beatuiful.

Kefalonia is lovely, it I’d say not for teenagers if they want night life.
I’d say Corfu.

You should have a look at Parga. It's on the mainland, just across the water from Corfu and you can do a day trip there by ferry. Its also a good base for taking a trip to Meteora which is pretty breathtaking.

We are planning to go to Kefalonia next year, we did a day trip there years ago and fell in love with it. Lassi or Skala resorts would probably fit your bill, lively but on the whole Kefalonia doesn't have a 'party island' reputation.

We love going to Crete. It is such a big island that there is something for everyone. Our family loves hiking so we normally choose a base town and then try different trails nearby. This year we tried Kritsa - a very cosy traditional village in the mountains. We stayed here: www.booking.com/hotel/gr/cinnamon-house-in-kritsa.en-gb.html
It's not very close to the sea, so for those who prefer being next to the beach not the best option. Good luck!