Crete (my grandparents are from there) is a big island that can offer many flavors e.g. one can live in a village -low cost accommodation- and in 30 min find himself in the city-. The rethymnon-chania area is exceptionally beautifull. Crete competes easily with the small islands where one goes just for the nature. Tourists are treated very well. Until the late 60s if you where a stranger to the island you could go to the center coffee shop of the village and say it and the locals would offer you meals and accommodation . It would be an insult not to accept... Here ends my advertisement of Crete.

frad, Jul 2, 2008 @ 16:41

Hi Adelinda!

well, I can suggest plenty of chilled-out spots in Greece.  My favorite one is Samothraki island.  It is located on the North of the Aegean sea, it is a small mountainish island with one main port.  The island is famous because of the marvelous waterfalls.  People free-camp on the banks of the river which starts on the top of the mountain.  Its very relaxing, with a lot of huge tries making a lot of shade.  Local people are very friendly, there is a big organized camping, there are some ancient greek temples, and also you can have natural hot baths.  the beaches are not the most beautiful of greece, but all in all, the island is amazing - full of energy!!

Another suggestion is Ikaria island.  located in the eastern part of the Aegean sea, and close to Turkey.  People are very relaxed, there are really nice festivities taking place in August with a lot of food, local wine, and traditional dance all night and day long.  You can also find natural hot baths, and the you can also find very beautiful beaches.  The island is bigger tha Samothraki, which makes moving around more difficult.  All the times I've been there, I stayed at Nas beach, which is famous for free-camping, and hippies!  You should know however that free-camping is officially elegal...

Lastly, I want to suggest Crete island.  Its the biggest greek island, and you can find everything there! Tourists, locals, beautiful virgin beaches, popular beaches, excellent food, big citites, small remote traditional villages, ancient cite-seeing... you just need to rent a car though...

Enjoy Greece!
paris, Jul 2, 2008 @ 16:43

If you drive, Crete is by far the best island especially those places facing the libyan sea. If you dont drive then is not good as the distances are huge.

In Cyclades there are different islands for different tastes. ie some more noisy some more quiet, for couples, for family..etc

Santorini for the scenery is probably second to none but very expensive. Renting a scooter is a must. recom. for couples but a lot of backpackers too. 

Mylos offers very nice beaches, scooter is a must there

try Amourgos (Le Grand Bleu was filmed there), not as tourist as Mylos or Santorini. this island is very traditional and it might be worth to pay a visit

Last but not least try those Saronikos islands such as Hydra, Poros and Spetses. you dont need a car, good water sports and vert close to Athens

Enjoy
sir853, Jul 2, 2008 @ 19:36

i will agree with above - lots of (very) different options available

very much depends on what exactly you are looking for , and whether you travel alone or with a companion

if you need help on ferries or  more practical details let me know

have fun
als88, Jul 3, 2008 @ 01:00

1. Amorgos, where the movie "Big Blue" was made. Rocky, windy island, not touristic. However a lot of french people visit it, because of the movie

2. Samothraki (in the north). Probably the greener island in Greece. A lot of springs, a site with thermal baths, basins with fresh water, ideal for free-camping. The beaches are wild, only one sandy one. The inland of the island offers opportunities for climbing-hiking.

3. Ikaria. Where everything runs slower...Very interesting and lively traditional festivities during the summer.



However, if it is your first time in Greece, just get in a boat to Cyclades, get-off on a main island and if you find it too crowded, there are smaller boats to smaller islands.

Have fun!



Christos.
christos, Jul 3, 2008 @ 01:20

Hi Christos,  You sound like the guys who knows, so I ask you.

We are a young couple, I am from NYC - he's Swiss. We're searching for somewhere with great, with deserted sand beaches during the day, but still some cool adult nightlife. But we're into our 30's so we'd prefer to stay away from the wasted college students.We're hoping to stay in one place for at least 5-7 days, then to another island - but not too much hopping.

I've been to Mykonos, but 18 years ago - It was great then, I am just afraid it'll be too much now as everyone calls it the party island.

Any advice, Insight?

Thanks,

Feliz

Feliz_S, May 21, 2010 @ 19:41

Hey, i seconded chania, crete :) is beautiful and great place for couple :) so romantic.  I was there last year in august, took a ferry from athens (piraeus) to chania.  so laid back area with good food and happy people :)

If you want to head for a summer party, Hersonissos is the place :) a recommendation from my friend.

Have a good time travelling and enjoy your holiday!

Ai Meng Tong, May 27, 2010 @ 00:09