The water is deep enough to swim here and is calm most of the time. Although this may just be a popular myth as no one has ever counted them all. Skyscanner finds the cheapest rates. But, totally up to you. Even better, Far Out has a hostel, hotel and camping site so you don’t have to go far if you’ve had a few too many drinks, or want to stay well into the night. Athens is a good year-round destination. We are considering flying between Athens and Santorini. Consider a trip out of season for an overall more tranquil, and sustainable, visit. I am going to be in Greece (Athens & Santorini) during part of Holy Week (18 Apr to 24 Apr) and trying to sort out the best timing for my locations. Not only are the ferries for passengers, but most Greek islands rely on the boats for food and other supplies. I only have 3 full days on the island. Visiting churches is one of the top things to do in Ios, and there are certainly enough churches here to make visiting each one a challenge. Many restaurants have sunbeds and umbrellas for rent and some won’t charge you if you order food or drinks from them. Thanks for all of the great info that you provide! Mediterranean Winter is the story of an education. It is filled with memories and history, not the author’s alone, but humanity’s as well. By getting this guide, you will feel like having your best friend in Santorini, showing you around. If you are looking for the encyclopedia of travel guides for Santorini, this is not your guide. My wife and I are celebrating her 40th birthday. Framed by electric-green pine trees, two forested headlands and a small salt-water wetland, Koukounaries' silky 3937ft-long (1200m) sweep of bleach-blonde sand is Skiathos' – and one of the country's – most sparklingly beautiful, with beach bars, sunbeds and water sports creating a buzzy vibe. Outfitters help with everything from rental equipment and lessons to overnight accommodation in surfer-dude-style hostels, but it all closes down in winter. Do you know the exact times? Hostel heroes the world needs right now. You will find similar possibilities on the tourist strip east of the town of Rethymnon though the hotels and the beach are divided by a road – unlike in Chania. Conversely, the Cyclades are close together and it’s easy (and lots of fun) to ferry from one to the next. #29 Best Value of 143 Family Resorts in Greece “ It is a family friendly resort and I would recommend thoroughly recommend it, We left with many special precious memories, ” “ The Hotel seemed really family friendly with lots for children to do … One of the most popular things to do in Ios is to explore by ATV. The tourist season usually gets into gear after Easter. Mykonos has a reputation for partying and nightlife but as long as you avoid the clubs and bars (and a few of the party beaches) it has a surprisingly family-friendly vibe. Maybe 10th-18th. Kali mera! If you’re looking to get some exercise, hiking is one of the best things to do in Ios. Meals including an appetizer, entrée, dessert and a drink can range from €50 to €100. I wanted to add one more island to our itinerary before heading back to Athens and on to home. Most of these are privately owned and are rarely open, but they are all beautiful and picturesque. Crete is the farthest south and gets the warmest weather early in the season (and late too). The long, tranquil beach of colourful shells and crystal-clear water in the mouth of a mountain river is one of the Northern Samos’ most attractive; Potami’s beach bar is one of the best, too. Check the latest guidance in Greece before planning a trip, and always follow local health advice. August is usually the hottest month but peaks can come anytime from early June to late September. The new escapist novel from the author of Island of Secrets. Found insideAlthough oneofthe great dreamsof Greek travelis findinganidyllic coastal villa and ... Over theyears most traditional youth hostels inGreecehave closeddown; ... For beach lovers, it doesn't get much better than Greece. With no airports, the ferries are the lifeline of the islands. I need a compromise and hope you can help. The Rough Guide Snapshot to Melbourne and around is the ultimate travel guide to this area of Australia. Not only is this a nice walk, but many hotels or hostels are located along here. The blockbuster of Greek beaches, Navagio on the island of Zakynthos really does have it all. Framed by towering vertical cliffs, the beach boasts azure waters, pure, perfect sand and, just to give it an extra bit of character, like a beauty spot on a face, a shipwreck. This isolated Lorentzena or Loretzaina beach offers the perfect view of the Ios sunset. Considerably further west and in the middle section of the southern coast is the less-shy former hippy resort of Matala which wears its monicker rather retro-proudly. Hi Dave This broad sweep of beach on the island of Crete has magical-looking pink-cream sands and teal waters and is known for its stunning sunsets. thanks so much! And which islands? With activities in Ios including hiking, watching the amazing sunsets, visiting historic sites, and enjoying the laid-back lifestyle of Greece, you’ll never be bored! The restaurant is located next to the pool on an open-air deck. The location of the beach on the west side of the island, and the rocks surrounding it make the sunsets here picture perfect. Tharroe of Mykonos Boutique Hotel would be my choice but it’s a little outside the budget! This church was built in the 17th century in typical Cyclades architectural style. eschews local SIM cards completely and offers online data deals using built-in software.Designed to perfection by Hong Kong-based Macaroon, this one is a hybrid all-in-one that does away with … Have fun! Whether you’re looking for a spot well suited to younger swimmers, a popular strip of sand with a bit of a buzz, or a secluded cove to escape the crowds, here’s our pick of the best beaches in Greece. If you want a second island to visit then Naxos. Interesting that point… I for example started my travels around the world to my 18 years of age and even though it was not something my parents wanted very much followed my adventurous heart and I have been through more than 20 countries. Marie Finn. Its marble pebbles, emerald water and giant rocks polished by the waves make you feel you've been teleported into the middle of the Indian Ocean – hence the name. Found insideDrawing on the knowledge and passion of Lonely Planet's staff, authors and online community, we present a year's worth of inspiration to take you out of the ordinary and into the unforgettable. Greece › Best Time to Go Hi Dave, great site!! Would Naxos be a good option? If you can only visit one island make it Santorini. Found insideGrotta, Naxos Town The best place to watch the sunset on Naxos comes with ... backpackers on the more popular islands, big on social life and a party ... Party at Pathos Beach Club. However, after reading your site, I have to admit it is not enough time to do it justice. There is a good selection of accommodation and restaurants set a little way back from the beach. I know it’s early season but need to know where the best chance of good weather is. The best thing about this is you can party all night, sleep late and still enjoy the beach in the afternoon. Loving your work and happy to be a Patron to support this great website. Thank you . You can visit anytime even if there isn’t a performance happening. Monday 25th – Drive to more eastern Crete and stay in Agios Nikolaos. Yes, it will be too cool for swimming and diving but Crete is a great off-season destination. Found insideAlthough one of the great dreams of Greek travel is finding an idyllic ... Over the years, most traditional youth hostels in Greece have closed down; ... Lonely Planet's Discover Europe is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. How to Travel the World on $50 a Day reveals Nomadic Matt’s tips, tricks, and secrets to comfortable budget travel based on his experience traveling the world without giving up the sushi meals and comfortable beds he enjoys. For swimming, sun, and beach time, June to September is best. Oia Tourism: Best of Oia A small coastal town on Santorini, where vistas and sunsets are the main attraction Stunning Oia is carved out of Santorini's cliffs—a panorama of white buildings dotted with colourful rooftops typical of the country—set against the deep blue sea. ☞ SEE ALSO: Weather in Greece – When is The Best Time to Visit? Amazing island and amazing suggestions! Santorini and Crete are the best islands to visit in winter and will have enough hotels and restaurants open to keep visitors happy. Many of them are clothing stores, but you can also find housewares and souvenir shops. nissaki) and walk to either town or beach. The ‘Island of Wind’, Mykonos is best known for its 16th-century windmills, good watersports and outrageous nightlife. But unforeseen things can happen and always something unexpected happens. As you can see there are many things to see and places to visit in Ios. But what was the best in Hotel Corcyra is the staff working there. We were thinking Crete, but where in Crete would you recommend? We´re not looking forward to beach weather, but is it nice for sightseeing? Judy. Would you advise what are the best places to visit with a baby? The south coast is not as well connected as the North coast inasmuch as there is no straight and direct road across the southern flank of the island. Be careful walking in the dark as the path isn’t well-lit and is uneven. Ios is mostly barren but you’ll be able to catch stunning views of Ios and the surrounding islands from many of the higher trails. Will that be during Easter in Greece and if so how will that affect our trip? Some of the roads in Ios are dirt and this is the best way to see these parts of the island. Climbing to the top is one of my most recommended things to do in Ios. Fly into santorini late the night before and fly out the early morning after my third day (Santorini). The boat tour I took served an excellent Greek BBQ lunch on board. THE ROUGH GUIDE TO THE GREEK ISLANDS is the most comprehensive island-hopper's handbook. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink next to the pool and enjoy the amazing Ios sunset. Manganari Beach is separated into five smaller beaches. The entrance fee is €4. Look for the signs, or ask at your hotel for directions to the trailheads. There is also an Aqua park not far from Chania. My husband and I are planning last minute to visit Greece from the US and fly our 18 yr old son to meet us (he is currently doing a year in Germany). There are 3 medium sized cities (Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymnon) that have large local populations and lively cultures. Both are great. Dom Boutique Hotel. "Live a life of freedom and adventure through the art of budget backpacking"--Cover. we are spending a day/night in Athens and then 4 nights/5 days in Santorini. Trekking up the river, you'll reach a chain of waterfalls and pools, as well as a taverna hidden in the woods. There are numerous accommodation options on Booking.com and on Airbnb. Unspoilt and undeveloped, Plaka has become one of the most popular beaches in Naxos. However I was rather disappointed about the archeological museum in Ios. Easter in Greece is a big thing and travel and accommodation in Greece can be a small challenge during this time (so do book in advance). Hi Dave, really great and helpful your blog! If we pick 1 island which one should it be? Five of the hikes start in the Chora and several of them lead to the more secluded beaches. Ihthe has both white and red wines, with the red being the best in my opinion. © 2021 Lonely Planet. is it that complicated to jump back and forth between islands? Thanks, The beach scene in the town centre – heading on out to the fortress – is actually pretty amenable and the water swimmable. 1. Some churches are large like the one at the entrances to the Chora and some are so small it seems only one or two people could fit inside. Hi Dave, I have come across your site recently and it is a great resource. They had snorkel equipment for people to use as well. From afar it's certainly a stunning sight, with electric-blue waters offset by what appears to be searing-white “sand” (in reality it's white pebbles). Dear Santorini Dave, One of my favorite things to do in Ios is to watch the ferries arrive. It’s one of the best places to catch the sunset as well. Hire a car and get out and see an island! Boasting hundreds of inhabited islands and thousands of miles of coastline, the country is home to an astonishing number of golden stretches of sand, lapped by the crystalline waters of the Ionian and Aegean Sea. This party place reminds me of Ibiza, Greek-style. We are considering a trip 1st week of April for 8 days. Hi Dave! Found insideI'm looking for positions mainly in Western Europe (especially Greece, Spain, ... Many youth hostels don't allow long-term stays so your best bet might be ... i know every trip is personal preference. Hi Dave! HOSCARs 2021 - The most extraordinary hostels in the world have been revealed! I’ve been to Greece a number of times but the other 2 families have not. We’d like to see some historic sites in Athens as well as visit Santorini. He knows Ios extremely well and offers 12 different tour options. Unfortunately our wedding has been postponed until next spring due to the CV19 pandemic but we have decided to go ahead with our pre wedding honeymoon. Agios Nikolaos is a wonderful little town and likely just what you’re looking for. Click here for a free quote. It was a great way to see more of Ios and get to know some other travellers. Can you suggest some activities that we could do/ experience in Crete at this time of year? At the upper end of the budget scale there are some pretty enticing family hotels in Elounda over to the east. Easy to use, safe, and reliable. Since I was there in the off-season, I was the only one on the tour! Sarah Luke. The portal was also an added plus. All price ranges. Harmony offers yoga classes in the mornings to help you recover from your nights out. Get your discount code here. Ios is known for its epic party scene and the Far Out Club is the place to be. There’s a nice balance here. Per your site, looks like late September/early October may be the best time for weather and reduced cost. This means we earn commissions if you click links on our blog and purchase from those retailers. Images in this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com, a website for sourcing royalty-free images and videos. This way you can arrive and start exploring all the exciting things to do in Ios right away! Fly Athens to London. The hikes range in length from less than a kilometer to over 7km. Some of the most popular bars are Traffic, Click, Coo Bar and Sweet Irish Dream. Awesome rates and great for vacation planning. Hi Dave – per your recommendation, I’m trying to buy ferry tickets from Mykonos to Santorini for July on the Hellenic highspeed 4, which you say is the best for people who are prone to sea sickness. Amazing food was served every day, all inclusice service on high level. This city is full of cafes, local lunch spots, and street food vendors. Best tip for honeymooners? also, the most serious attack on our prime minister, was a vegimite sandwich being thrown at Julia Gillard, remember that, that was weird, it was all over the news and there was news footage and everything, and it didint even hit her. Yes, I think Santorini is nice in March and your best choice for what you’re looking for. Mykonos Bay Resort is on a decent beach about a 10 minute walk from Mykonos Town. What sites in/near Athens do you recommend? Grandma’s is located inside the Liostasi Hotel and offers modern Greek cuisine with a twist. My husband and I are planning a 2 week vacation in Greece with our little 18 month baby. Manganari Beach is highly regarded as the best beach in Ios. The beach has earned blue flag status, which means it has met standards for cleanliness, environmental management, and safety. Alas, this natural gem is less than idyllic in high summer, when hundreds of umbrellas and sunbeds clog the sand, putting enormous pressure on this delicate ecosystem and on the minimal infrastructure, especially the toilets. Therefore, your days from 2-8 April may be marked by a level of paucity in food choices (think Ramadan in Muslim countries). There are lots of shops, restaurants, and car-hire places and the long beach is generally sandy and shelving. Some of the larger hotels near Rhodes New Town (on the west side of the island) cater well for children so have a look here too. Accessible via a windswept road that snakes for 10km south from Kattavia, Prasonisi Beach extends to form a tenuously-narrow sandy isthmus that connects to Cape Prasonisi, Rhodes' southernmost point, in summer. The tomb is located on a hill in the northeast area of Ios overlooking the Aegean Sea and offers stunning views. Hi Dave, It gets busy from mid-July to mid-August, primarily with day trippers from Hania and Kissamos. There’s a wide variety of incredible things to do in Ios, it’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Greece. We are leaving Santorini and then deciding between Mykonos, Naxos, Ios, Paros. Found insideAlthough one of the great dreams of Greek travel is finding an idyllic coastal ... Over the years most traditional youth hostels in Greece have closed down; ... Better to do a day trip maybe! Planning a trip to Greece this year?. 2. I’m glad I found your site. The cost is €4 for entry and it is usually closed on Monday. Goats On The Road currently use and recommend Safety Wing (one of the most popular options for travellers). I’ll be traveling to Greece mid to late August with my husband and 10yr old daughter. Because the Easter Sunday celebration is a family affair on the whole, unless you have an invitation from a family to participate, you may find yourself on the outside on Easter Sunday with only a handful of places open for your Easter lunch (once again, in the most touristy spots this won’t be a problem). Thank you for any advice on whether Naxos or Paros is best for us. Island hopping in Greece is one of the best options for solo female travel, with cheap ferry transport, and excellent accommodation on islands like Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, or Zante. Chania is the highlight of Crete and has year-round population and visitors so will have some life to it even in March. If you’re ferrying to and from the islands then do Athens at the end of your trip (just in case ferries are cancelled you’ll have a few days to play with to get back to Athens for your flight home). In this completely updated edition of Off Track Planet's comprehensive, uncensored travel guide, you have all the tools at your fingertips to reignite your sense of adventure and travel the world to over 100 destinations. Found insideWhether you want to cruise the reflective waterways, wonder at the works of the Old Masters in the Rijksmuseum, or indulge in the city's hedonistic nightlife, your DK Eyewitness travel guide makes sure you experience all that Amsterdam has ... Greece has been on my bucket list for years and hoping to cross it off. We love food, wine, music, scuba diving (thinking it would be too cold to dive now… yes? This year it’s April 28 for the Greek Orthodox, so you won’t be there during Easter at all. This site is amazing! Island hopping in Greece is one of the best options for solo female travel, with cheap ferry transport, and excellent accommodation on islands like Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, or Zante. A week is not a lot of time, so you may want to limit yourself geographically to one of the four places mentioned. Hi Dave, Then fly directly to Santorini. 3 nights (2 full days) should be enough for Athens but if you’re really keen on history then you could easily fill 3 days. Is there anything near it walkable in the evening? The half-day tour was €60. Momondo is the best for first and business class tickets. Disclaimer:Goats On The Road is an Amazon Associate and also an affiliate for some other retailers. And I really prefer to travel by car on the roads rather than by plane. Santorini sounds great, but after landslides due to persistent rain on our last trip to Scotland, I’m trying to get the least clouds and rain possible but still great scenery. I saw on a few websites that it only gets to about 80 degrees? Some are more intact than others, but regardless, they still make for a great photo. So want to cram as much as possible into the 7 days we spend there before moving on to Tinos. Learn how to make money on the road, so you can travel forever. Anemomilos Apartments are very nice and in the main town (Chora) of Folegandros. As the water swirls across the sands, rainbows shimmer across its surface. He has been taking photographs on Ios for many years and has been visiting Ios since he was 10 years old. The value of this night out is worth the price. Saskia. Some are more difficult as they cross the mountains. I have spent the last 5 summers in Greece; using Athens as my home base while Greek island hopping and documenting all of my favorite things to see, do and experience in the country. This article was first published in July 2020 and last updated in March 2021. After all the partying you may be doing on Ios, you may want to unwind with some yoga. Off Elafonisi's long, wide strand lies Elafonisi Islet, occasionally connected by a thin, sandy isthmus, which creates a lovely double beach; otherwise, it's easily reached by wading through 50 yards (50m) of knee-deep water. Found insideLonely Planet East Coast Australia is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. It’s located at the bus stop in the Chora. The 16th is Easter in case that changes anything. You will visit six bars in Ios. Our first time in Greece! Would you recommend the Beach Art hotel over this hotel and why? This is the old donkey path from the port to the Chora, and is a great hike as well. Ios is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. Spanning more than thirty years of American history, from the twilight of Kennedy’s Camelot to the beginning of Bill Clinton’s presidency, We Are All Good People Here is “a captivating…meaningful, resonant story” (Emily Giffin, ... Required fields are marked *. So if you’re after Europe’s best beaches, its most beautiful countryside, great food and Europe’s oldest historical sights and cities then look no … Goats on the Road Posts » Travel Blogs » 27 Best Things To Do in Ios, Greece. Such as where to stop, how long to stay, hotels? Hellenic has 2 ferries running between Mykonos and Santorini this summer. For most young people, the best thing to do in Ios is party! I want emails from Lonely Planet with travel and product information, promotions, advertisements, third-party offers, and surveys. You can walk there from the Chora down a path near the windmills. My best tip is to take the early ferry from Piraeus, if coming from Athens, so you can be in Ios by the early afternoon. I recommend doing all of these things to get the full Ios experience. Since the area is small you should arrive early if you are in Ios during the high season, which is from May to September. Honeymoon atmosphere not needed, nor wild party scene. I´m planning my honeymoon in Athens, Mykonos and Santorini, between March 18th and March 26th. Hi Dave, They usually have fresh fish as a special and you must try one of their salads, but I suggest sharing the salad as it’s huge. Many beaches on Ios are only accessible by boat. Travel during Easter week will be busy and you should book ferries in advance even though it is low season. If you want the ultimate Greek Easter experience and would like to participate in at least two of the church celebrations, then Corfu is popular with Greek Easter pilgrims where the Epitafios and the Anastasi are worth witnessing at the large church of Spyridon in Corfu’s Old Town. If you want to be near the centre of the action on your stay in Rhodes, Faliraki offers a full range of accommodation, from hostels, self-catering apartments and villas, to hotels, spas, and all-inclusive venues. There are 10 marked trails crossing most of this Greek island. It can hold 1100 people. Written for backpackers by backpackers, this guide to 11 countries lets you go further, stay longer and pay less for an adventure of a lifetime.This original and longest-running travel guide to Southeast Asia covers Myanmar, East Timor, ... These hostels have a lot of regular events which are also open to those not staying there. Hostel SuperHero Live In Volunteer Our mission at EcoMAMA Hostel is to give our guests a space to explore the city of Amsterdam and connect with each other at the hostel to learn different cultures and to get insider travel tips. Any suggestions would be helpful… it’s a bit overwhelming to start planning with a little framework. However, there is still enough people visiting that you don’t feel isolated. How to pair Greek Islands for a varied island-hopping trip, First-time Greece: The 10 unmissable experiences, How to get around Venice: from gondolas to vaporettos, Bargain breaks to Venice: top free things to do in the floating city, Travelers eligible to visit New Zealand will need to be vaccinated from November, England's new travel rules take effect today - here's what you need to know. The price changes each season, but last season it was €60. this is low low season and a lot less will be open and available on the islands. We are planning a visit to Greece in early May. We are scheduled for April 2-11 in Greece, but am a little confused with Greek Easter. Or would you recommend another island near Mykonos? There are so many unique shops on Ios, especially in the Chora (main village).
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