Which Greek island?

[fitofthegiggles]

I'm thinking (and saving up) a bit ahead to getting a surprise Christmas present for DP of a holiday on a Greek island for the two of us (kids all now all grown so we're beginning to take advantage!) in the late spring/early summer next year.

Neither of us has ever been to a Greek island before. Reading up on it I like the idea of Crete but would really appreciate any suggestions/recommendations?

We have just returned from Georgoupolis, Crete. Loved it. It's in between Rethymno and Chania - both also lovely and very near Lake Kournas which was stunning.

Corfu is one of the best holidays we've ever had.

We went to Crete in late May/early June. It was beautiful and green with loads of wildflowers. The food was amazing and there's so much to do.

We are currently on honeymoon in Paros - thirty minute flight from Athens. Heaven! Incredible beaches, wonderful food plus beautiful villages. It is where lots of Greek people come on holiday. Yet to hear a British person. After one week we are catching ferry to Naxos

You can't go wrong with pretty much any of the Greek islands to be honest. There are so many to choose from and all have their own unique qualities and charms, all very different . I would however say to avoid the likes of Mykonos and Santorini perhaps, which are seeing the effects of Instagram popularity at the moment and as a result are extremely overcrowded and overpriced.

I've been to Crete 3 times and loved it every time. The island is large and so many different area's to choose to stay and explore. Chania area is a personal fave. Depends what kind of things you like doing.

Rhodes is my all time favourite Greek island though. Have been around 8 times and always find something new to do or explore. Somewhere like Lindos or Pefkos would be beautiful for a couples holiday.

Thats just some of the more well known islands though - there are lots of beautiful smaller islands that you can get to via ferry that would be perfect for a romantic break.If you're on FB, join the group 'greek islands' you'll find lots of ideas on there.

I loved Santorini.

Crete is lovely. It's a big island though, so make sure you're near the bits you want to be and I'd suggest hiring a car. There's a pink beach elafonisi that's remote but beautiful and not really kid-friendly but wouldn't matter to you (can you hear my jealousy?! Ha!) Lots on Crete is quite remote. Two fab holidays there. Now, I have no idea why, but I found no halloumi on my last trip to Crete! Maybe I was unlucky but I was so shocked.

I also really like Cyprus. I prefer paphos to limoussol which is like a built up strip on a major road, but Paphos is more fishing/ restaurants etc. I think another part of the island might have nicer beaches- possibly larnaca, but haven't been here). Troodos mountains are a nice day trip. Would definitely go back and see Nicosia that time too.

Not a huge fan of Kos for things to do- i didn't think there was a lot there and cant imagine ill go back. Rhodes is nice but not sure i did it properly. But there's so many other parts of Greece I haven't been to that I've heard people rave about and if I didn't have young kids and had the cash, I'd think about an island hop/ catamaran too.

I've found the Greek people on every island to be so friendly. :-)

I went to Crete this summer and loved it, would definitely recommend! There is so much to see there plus a great place just to chill if you wanted.

Santorini is my favourite

Alonnissos (fly to skiathos and catch ferry)
Paxos (fly to Corfu and catch ferry)
Thassos (fly to Thessaloniki, catch coach, then ferry)

all quiet, unspoilt, romantic, beautiful

Another vote for Corfu, absolutely stunning. I've stayed in so many parts of the island - except Kavos, stay away from Kavos!

Now, I have no idea why, but I found no halloumi on my last trip to Crete! Maybe I was unlucky but I was so shocked.

Halloumi is a Cypriot cheese @3rdtimemumma and has to be made there to be called halloumi. However, I was equally surprised as it's a good veggie option for gyros etc.

I love Corfu. Crete is also lovely and there’s lots of history, but you can’t beat Corfus scenery. Paxos is also lovely, though I’ve only spent the day there.

off to kefalonia for the first time in a couple of weeks. I’ve always wanted to go and it’s supposed to be beautiful.

Kefalonia is one of my favourite places ever … but we are off to Corfu in September. Glad to hear it’s fab.

Skiathos is one of my favorites with a day trip to Skopelos.

Agree with PP that you can’t really go wrong with the Greek islands.

I loved Santorini, and I’m really looking forward to our trip to Mykonos->Paros->Antiparos in a few weeks.

My plan is to visit at least one island per year for the foreseeable. Thinking Naxos next year!

Skiathos is my personal favourite.

Mykonos is stunning but has gone ridiculously expensive now.

Rhodes particularly lindos is a beautiful area to visit.

As other have said Paros but you have to catch a ferry to get there.

Crete is nice but I've been to nicer Greek islands.

kefalonia is stunning, as are Corfu and Thassos.

However as I said skiathos is my personal favourite. It’s got gorgeous beaches, it’s easy to get around via public buses. Skiathos town has something for everyone, and you can take a ferry for the day over to Skopelos.

Crete is stunning. We stayed in Agia Marina in late April but explored a lot of the north west of the island. Fallasarna was incredible.

Corfu is my absolute favourite, especially staying near old Corfu Town as it's so lovely and easy to explore. For late Spring I'd go to Crete (more South). Northern Greece can still be quite wet in Spring. I'm going back to Corfu next week and I cannot wait!

@halfthesun we’re in Paris right now. Agree very few Brits, but LOTs of Aussies.
@Usernamen we just left Naxos - it was incredible.

In preference order, we’ve enjoyed holidays in:
Syros - stunning!
Naxos
Tinos
Mykonos
Santorini - least favourite but glad we visited.

It really depends what you want, and when you’re going. Early May is quite different from late June.

If you want the classic Greek island with white houses, blue roofed churches and bougainvillea then pick the Cyclades islands (generally best to fly to Santorini/Mykonos and get a ferry to your chosen island from there).

The Ionian islands are more Italian feeling, tiled roofs, greener. Many have their own airports if you prefer a simple journey.

If you want lots of walking and countryside then Crete is probably best, though Amorgos and a few others are also known for this. Crete is lovely but for me doesn’t have that classic Greek island feel as it’s so big.

If you want sandy beaches that narrows it down a fair bit - Skiathos, Kos, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Paros all have them.

My own favourite is Alonissos - a classic Greek town (Chora), beautiful water (but stony beaches) and not too developed. Paxos is also lovely.

On the bigger islands be careful which area you pick as some can have party central and quiet and authentic, all on the same island but feels a million miles apart.

Thank you to everyone for taking the time. You've given me a lot of food for thought. It all sounds wonderful!

We’ve just returned from Thassos. It was very green. Felt very traditional (as though we were still in the 1990s)

it was green and has hundreds of beaches to explore. Food still exceptionally cheap!

Ooh I'm excited reading this as hoping to book a family hol to a Greek island next summer! Did some island hopping courtesy of inter rail in my student days and loved Naxos.

I also love Georgiopolous. My favourite island though is Naxos as it's a major ferry hub and you can island hop very easily. Even the late ferries are catered for as the restaurants near the port open until the early hours, our kids loved pizza at 2am