Greek island holiday May/June 2024?

[bakedpotatoforlunch]

Looking to book a surprise holiday for a Christmas present for the two of us to celebrate 27 years of marriage. Never been to a Greek island before but we've often talked about wanting to go one day.

Looking to go May or maybe early June next year on a reasonable budget but for hopefully a lovely and memorable holiday. Any suggestions please?

My kids’ passports are out of date. They need new ones before a holiday in May. We have moved house since they were last issued a passport. Can I renew or do I have to put in a full new application?

Government website says:

If your child’s name or other personal details have changed, you cannot renew their passport. You must apply for a new passport instead.

I’m assuming a new address counts as “other personal details” but I can’t find a definitive answer anywhere.

@umbel you need to start your own thread

@bakedpotatoforlunch any ideas what type of holiday you are looking for .
Big or small island ?

My favourite island is Kefalonia. Corfu is nice too.

Crete is that bit further south so will be a bit warmer in May /June. Later on in the summer / early autumn I'd suggest Rhodes but it has a nasty chilly wind in May

I loved Kantouni Beach hotel on Kalymnos island.
Lovely relaxed small hotel with amazing rooms and service.

10 min taxi into town for lots of small tavernas etc.

You fly into Kos and then take a short ferry to Kalymnos.

Highly recommend it

I totally thought I had! Many apologies. I’ll try again.

Santorini is just beautiful, and if you go early in the season you can beat the crowds. I've never seen anywhere like it and it's certainly memorable. The walk from Fira to Oia around the crater is just spectacular and the little village of Pyrgos is gorgeous. If you stay in Fira it's easy to get around as all the buses go out from there. Stay crater side if you can afford it!
If you're looking for a beach holiday though, then there are better options.

@itsmyp4rty I hated santorini. It's an overcrowded, overhyped island.

@grayhairdontcare Thankyou. Definitely a lot of time on a nice beach! But with interesting places to explore too. What are the main differences between bigger and smaller islands?

Been to kefalonia (long time ago), cyprus (very easy to get around as drive on the left and we have been several times) , corfu (dont go autumn as wasp problem), and Rhodes. I think the resort is probably at least as important as the island. There is usually one 18/20 type one that we steer very clear of.

Have you thought about mainland. The pepomolese.....thats spelt very wrong - is the place i would go back to if i could get local flights.

I would second Kefalonia, especially for couples. The weather in May can be good but not reliably so. Mid to late June is ideal, before it gets more crowded and very hot.
There is no established youngsters clubbing scene on the island which makes it very laid back, quiet and relaxing but obviously disappointing if that’s something you like.

There is a very informative Facebook group called Kefalonia Unplugged where members ask questions and swap recommendations. Everyone has their favourite spot.

Kefalonia is beautiful, perfect for a couples holiday.

I went in June last year and it was a lovely temperature.

@Kyogo67 doesn't Kalymnos have it's own airport? That was my first holiday with DH, 35 years ago and they were talking about building an airport then!

My favourite in the Cyclades are Naxos and Syros, followed by Paros with a 10 min ferry hop too Antiparos. So many amazing islands to explore!

Paxos is stunning. A small island to the south of Corfu. AntiPaxos is a tiny island you can visit from there has the most perfect Caribbean white san beach. You do have to get a Ferry from Parga on the mainland.

Been to kefalonia (long time ago), cyprus (very easy to get around as drive on the left and we have been several times)

Cyprus isn’t a Greek island.

You can't go wrong with Kefelonia.
It's a beautiful island with lots to explore.