Greek Hol Help - Alternative to Tsilivi?

katiesam

Hello everyone,

I'm looking for some suggestions for Greek holiday destinations that are similar to Tsilivi in Zakynthos (Zante).

My boyfriend and I have been to Tsilivi about 4 times in the last 5 years and although we love it, he would like to go somewhere different this year for a change.

It's years since I've been abroad anywhere other than Tsilivi (used to go with my family as well!) but I went to Sidari in Corfu over 10 years ago and it seemed busy then but I've read comments that it's similar to Tsilivi although I assume it has grown a lot in size and popularity since I went?

My boyfriend and I are in our early 30s and don't like 18-30 type resorts (so Kavos and Laganas are definately out!) but we do like to have a variety of tavernas, restaurants and bars to choose from in a night and things to do during the day e.g. waterpark, excursions, minigolf.

We also prefer sandy beaches! Am I being too picky?!

We would be going away in mid-August.

Thanks in advance for any help

diddyangel

What about Ixia in Rhodes? Is very close to Rhodes Town if you want some culture (or shopping ) and its also fairly close to Faliraki which has a waterpark I think - don't be alarmed that I'm mentioning Faliraki I know its 18-30 reputation, but its on the other side of the island so far enough away not to be disturbed by it but only about 20km so you can easily get there!!

I haven't been anywhere else in Greece other than Rhodes and Zante, but have you thought about Cyprus. The Nissi Beach end of Ayia Napa is lovely and much more geared towards couples and there is a brilliant waterpark there. Limassol is also nice and more for couples and has a waterpark. Perhaps that would be a good alternative to Greece but still Greek.

shayne_2

i've been to most greek islands and apart from corfu, we stayed at moriatica near benitsis cos quieter, we love kos town, there's old & new, fantastic beach, harbour, ruins, boat trips etc so something for everyone, tsilivi had to many english folk living there for me & did'nt feel like greece, though good beach, Heraklion was'nt great, in crete rethymnon is like kos something for everyone with fantastic beach, menorca has fab beaches & is quieter tham majorca

katiesam

diddyangel wrote: »

What about Ixia in Rhodes? Is very close to Rhodes Town if you want some culture (or shopping ) and its also fairly close to Faliraki which has a waterpark I think - don't be alarmed that I'm mentioning Faliraki I know its 18-30 reputation, but its on the other side of the island so far enough away not to be disturbed by it but only about 20km so you can easily get there!!

I haven't been anywhere else in Greece other than Rhodes and Zante, but have you thought about Cyprus. The Nissi Beach end of Ayia Napa is lovely and much more geared towards couples and there is a brilliant waterpark there. Limassol is also nice and more for couples and has a waterpark. Perhaps that would be a good alternative to Greece but still Greek.

Hi diddyangel, thanks for your suggestions. To be honest, I hadn't thought about Cyprus as I've always been to the Greek islands and loved it there but I'm learning to speak Greek at the moment so Cyprus would be another possibility - I'll have to have a look at that as well as Ixia

katiesam

shayne wrote: »

i've been to most greek islands and apart from corfu, we stayed at moriatica near benitsis cos quieter, we love kos town, there's old & new, fantastic beach, harbour, ruins, boat trips etc so something for everyone, tsilivi had to many english folk living there for me & did'nt feel like greece, though good beach, Heraklion was'nt great, in crete rethymnon is like kos something for everyone with fantastic beach, menorca has fab beaches & is quieter tham majorca

Hi shayne, thanks for your reply. Whenever I go to Tsilivi, it feels like going home but I know what you mean about all the English people! I'll have to have a look at Rethymnon

SaverSueG

Hi katiesam.

Congratulations on trying to learn Greek. I've been trying too but finding it really hard, not much chance to practice for one week twice a year! Am stuck not much further on than Kalimera!

We went to Tsilivi a few years ago, it was OK but probably not my favorite resort only because of all the waiters being a bit pushy trying to get us in to the tavernas.

We have also been to (and would recommend):

Tingaki (Kos). I'm sure you would love it there - really easy access to Kos town as previously mentioned, and a waterpark not too far away. We found lots of things to do, easily, as it's a small island.

We've been to Crete three times - Rethymnon is OK but Crete is so big your accommodation may end up being quite a long way from the actual town. I'd prefer Chania, would love to go back there sometime. Just be aware it's a huge island so unless you hire a car (we don't) it takes a long time to get around.

I really liked Rhodes town but the beaches aren't great unless you head south to Lindos. Lindsos itself is brilliant, if you want a pool though the accomodations are out of town (walkable but a hike!). Or try Pefkos - but to be honest there were too many English people in Pefkos for my liking, and the tavernas were geared to that - depends what you want, it was very friendly. Haven't been to Ixia so can't comment there but it's close to Rhodes town.

Parga town was also good - on the mainland. Brilliant atmosphere at night and loads of good bars, tavernas, etc. Good choice of beaches but no waterpark.

Have fun wherever you choose. :beer:

katiesam

SaverSueG wrote: »

Hi katiesam.

Congratulations on trying to learn Greek. I've been trying too but finding it really hard, not much chance to practice for one week twice a year! Am stuck not much further on than Kalimera!

We went to Tsilivi a few years ago, it was OK but probably not my favorite resort only because of all the waiters being a bit pushy trying to get us in to the tavernas.

We have also been to (and would recommend):

Tingaki (Kos). I'm sure you would love it there - really easy access to Kos town as previously mentioned, and a waterpark not too far away. We found lots of things to do, easily, as it's a small island.

We've been to Crete three times - Rethymnon is OK but Crete is so big your accommodation may end up being quite a long way from the actual town. I'd prefer Chania, would love to go back there sometime. Just be aware it's a huge island so unless you hire a car (we don't) it takes a long time to get around.

I really liked Rhodes town but the beaches aren't great unless you head south to Lindos. Lindsos itself is brilliant, if you want a pool though the accomodations are out of town (walkable but a hike!). Or try Pefkos - but to be honest there were too many English people in Pefkos for my liking, and the tavernas were geared to that - depends what you want, it was very friendly. Haven't been to Ixia so can't comment there but it's close to Rhodes town.

Parga town was also good - on the mainland. Brilliant atmosphere at night and loads of good bars, tavernas, etc. Good choice of beaches but no waterpark.

Have fun wherever you choose. :beer:

Hi SaverSueG,

Learning Greek is certainly a challenge! I'm lucky in that we managed to set up some taught lessons through my union at work. It's only 2hrs a week for 10 weeks at a time in term times but it's been running for about 3 years now and doesn't break the bank!

After the long holidays, me and the other 'students' are all a bit rusty but we have a patient tutor and it's more for fun than anything. Even knowing a few basics seems to surprise the locals when I've been to Greece but unfortunately I struggle with finding the confidence to try!!

I'll add Tingaki and Parga to my list to have at look at. In the past. I've often looked at Thassos but wondered if there'd be enough to keep us occupied!

I actually stayed just outside Chania one year with my family - Crete was in the middle of a heatwave that August and even the rep said she'd never known it that hot! :eek:

Thanks for all your suggestions and good luck with the Greek :T

MrSmartprice

If you want to see Greece at its best the go island-hopping. Get a flight to Athens (or anywhere else with ferries) and just jump on a boat. If you are armed with the Greek Island Hopping book and some basic Greek you will find it a wonderful experience.

The best islands tend to be those without airports, for obvious reasons. The ferries tend to ply along lines, like spokes of a wheel, and usually do a round trip each day. There are also places where you can cross lines to come a different way back. You don't need to book any accommodation if you go off-peak. June & July are best. There are always people meeting the ferries offering places to stay at reasonable prices.

If you want just one island where it's not too hectic, we love Angistri. It is only an hour from Piraeus by catamaran. Access to other islands is easy too.

Good luck with the Greek. I learned basic holiday Greek at night school in the 80s and it has been very useful. When you are off the beaten track on the smaller islands many speak no English whatsoever, but as soon as they hear you speak a little Greek they are wonderfully hospitable.

SaverSueG

Hi again. I wish I could find Greek lessons locally. unfortunately though we have lovely countryside here in north Shropshire there isn't much in the way of interest night (or day) classes!!

Island hopping, seeing the real Greece and meeting locals sounds like heaven to me. I do dream, at the moment have to compromise a little to suit my OH and little one who want (one or the other!) cheap, not too much travelling, and swimming pools. But one day I am determined to do it. :beer: Yamas.

katiesam

Island hopping sounds a lovely way to spend a whole summer

Unfortunately, I haven't yet mastered the art of 'packing-light' and a backpack wouldn't fit half my stuff so I think I'll have to consider something with a bit less travelling around for this year at least! :rotfl: