hello everyone.

i need advice, i g/f and i are planing to go to a quiet authentic greek island in may/june next year. I have only ever done the "package hol" before. can anyone offer any suggestions as to which islands are best and the easiest way to reach them. cheers

Your choice will be determined by what you require and what you define as "quiet". I would suggest picking an island of the Cyclades group. There is something there for every level of budget, with amenities including A/C and swimming pools at some hotels. If you want total seclusion, Anafi is probably the least developed island of this group. Anafi is reached by boat from Santorini. Paros is quiet but still has some tourist attractions like shopping and good restaurants. Naxos is a step up in intensity from Paros. Mykonos is very popular and busy. My favorite, especially in May and early June, is Santorini, specifically the village of Oia on the north end of the island. It's the most beautiful village on the island. This is not a "green" island, it's rather barren, but the views from the clifftop villages out into the caldera of the dormant volcano are spectacular, romantic and one of a kind. It's not at all crowded in May and early June, you don't even need a reservation if you want to wait until you arrive to see what's available. If you're arriving by ferry, take the port bus to the main village of Fira, then a taxi or bus to Oia. Walk up into the heart of the village from the bus stop and you will see what I mean about the view. Walk along the footpath in either direction for a choice of restaurants, hotels, private rooms for rent and shops.

All of these islands can be reached by ferry from Athens/Piraeus, or Mykonos and Santorini can be reached by plane.

Have a wonderful trip.

i completely agree about santorini. having just returned from the island yesterday, i found it to be relaxed, cheap, friendly and although touristy in areas, very picture-postcard. oia at this time of year is quite a sight - witnessing sun worship on a massive scale as hundreds of people emerge from nowhere to clamber upon every available edifice to watch it set into the aegean. a biblical scene. ps the beach at perissa/perivolos is immense and gorgeous. don't miss.

I visited the Cyclades a couple of years ago and had a fantastic time. We found accommodation for as little as £5 a night (about 8 Euros) and the beaches were beautiful and relatively quiet. If you're looking for somewhere less 'touristy' then I'd suggest Andiparos, although all of the islands' economy is based largely on tourism. Also, steer clear of Ios, as this is where the young backpackers flock to drink and be merry (although I did have a fantastic time there too!). Andiparos is half an hour by boat from Paros and is one of the smallest Cyclades islands. It has little in the way of a road infrastructure but you can rent scooters and explore the island yourself without getting lost, again very cheaply. You can navigate around the islands easily and on a budget and so you'll probably end up visiting several and having a great time.

Yes, I have heard a lot of good things about Santorini, also.

Paul

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Not sure i agree with Brotherlee's assessment of Naxos being more "touristy" than Paros. I've visited both islands at least 3 times and would definitely say that Paros is the busier and more developed. I always find Santorina (even Oia) rather hard work - too many cruise boats - but definitely worth seeing.

Sophiela's suggestion of Anti/Andiparos sounds good - have'nt been there yet, mostly due to idleness.

If you're in love, go to Folegandros and stay in Hora. One of the most chilled places in Europe, incredible atmosphere. Find "the bar" (you'll know when you get there) and sit under the tree and watch the world go very slowly by. And if you're not in love when you get there, then you probably will be when you leave.

Have fun and tell us how you get on.

Paros is very popular not only because it is easy to get to and from but because it is big enough to have something for everyone--from active towns to quiet villages and deserted sand beaches.
June (and September) is the best combination of good weather and low prices.
Enjoy.

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Thanks for everyones advise will let you all know how we got on

cheers

mnem

naxos and sifnos are very nice islands but depending on how long your going for you can do a couple of islands just make sure your not too far away to get your boat in time for your flight home

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you never forget it!!!!!!

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