Which Greek Island

davidlizard

If you are into Greece, its worth the effort getting to some of the islands that the main package tour operators do not offer. These are usually very quiet, full of culture, and with a good mix of nationalities, but probably 60% of the visitors are Greeks (and after all, they probably know which of their islands are worth visiting), and also a fair bit cheaper than some of the more popular ones.

We went to Milos and Serifos last year, and in three weeks met just one other English family and one English couple. The scenery in both islands was stunning, and we had the beaches near enough to ourselves, without a sun-bed in sight. And were paying less than €1 for a beer, and more often than not spent less than €25 for 4 of us eating including drinks.

We have been to a couple of islands with populations less than a couple of hundred, with probably around 100 tourists. You get 1 shop, 3 tavernas and half a dozen beaches and that's it. Gives you a wonderful "away from it all" feeling.

vivatifosi

davidlizard wrote: »

We went to Milos and Serifos last year, and in three weeks met just one other English family and one English couple. The scenery in both islands was stunning, and we had the beaches near enough to ourselves, without a sun-bed in sight. And were paying less than €1 for a beer, and more often than not spent less than €25 for 4 of us eating including drinks.

I've never been to Milos but really like the Cyclades and loved Serifos. That and Sifnos are among my favourites. They are reasonably priced, pretty and not very touristy - perfect for a laid back holiday.

blossomhill_2

Lucky you, we love Zakynthos, love Kos too, I have to say we like it a wee bit touristy but stop short of the cafes that pin labels from Heinz Beanz and HP sauce to cork boards outisde to lure British tourists in!

markwilkinson

We've been to Zante 3 times in the last 2 years and stayed at 3 different resorts. We prefer a bit more of a 'Greek' experience but we aren't offended by the English bars, we just avoid them.

If you get the chance to book excursions and you like that kind of thing, a round the island trip is good. One thing you must do if find a trip to see the loggerhead turtles. Choose a trip which uses the Greek marine protection boats as they get you close enough to see the turtles but keep their distance at the same time.

Enjoy!

Twiglet0309

My vote goes to Kalymnos - the sponge divers island. A haven for true greecophiles. You fly into Kos then take the ferry over. They have been building an airport on the island for the past 20yrs at least. Think it is about the size of a helipad by now. Beautifully unspoilt. No sandy beaches as such but some fantastic snorkling.

paulwellerfan

well i have done
Thasos- bit quiet, but did it in October in 2005
Corfu- great when i was 20
kos great when i was 40.
however i feel they are all a bit same same really.
forgot to add i also did Rhoda but as i said its same same.
they all merge into one.

Standingtall

Anywhere in North Corfu (except Sidari)

jonesMUFCforever

Only been to one - Rhodes last year - quiet in Ixia where we stayed not far from Rhodes Town but would go back again.

blossomhill_2

x_missymoo_x wrote: »

My fiance and I are looking to book our honeymoon to Kefalonia for August this year and we've shortlisted down to the two 'main' towns of Skala or Lassi as whilst we want a bit of relaxation we also want to do things like watersports at the beach and enjoy eating out in a variety of places in town - has anyone got any advice or tips for these two regions?

Kefalonia is a bit too sleepy for me but the light is amazing, we used to go round a bend where the road dipped down and it was as if you could have just stepped off the hillside and walked on the light
Resorts are much of a muchness but I bet you will have a good time, personally I'd choose another island
We liked the snakes though, never saw a live one but the road by our villa was strewn with big runover ones by the olive groves

blossomhill_2

joho wrote: »

Tingaki or Kefalos on Kos also sound like they might fit your requirements, malid. Both lively enough to keep you occupied, lovely beach at Tingaki (bit shingly at Kefalos, but still nice and spacious), plenty to drive out and see (Bubble beach comes to mind), or get the bus to Kos town for a culture fix.

We stayed at the Mariana Studios in Tingaki and they were fine. Far enough out of town to be quiet, but near enough to walk to beach (20/25mins easy walk) and town. Both resorts are walkable so everything within reach.

I'd happily go back to either resort, but also fancy trying somewhere different this year.
Happy holidays. x

I'd totally 2nd Tingaki - we stayed at Mariana too, funnily enough, loved Tingaki, used to get the bus to Kos Town in the evening, great sunsets
We went two years running and the bus driver said "welcome back" when we boarded the bus the 2nd year!