Greek Holiday Chat & general discussion - Page 2 - Greece and other Greek Island Discussion Forum, Holiday Forums

sueb2

2006-04-18 08:40:41

We just love Greece as others might love Spain or the US or anywhere else! Greece is top of the list for us for so many reasons:

1. The distinctive smells and heat as you step off the plane
2. The laid back atmosphere
3. The local sounds and chatter of the friendly people
4. The fabulous food and local wines
5. Wonderful scenery and beaches
6. It doesnt matter where you go there is always something good to see and no one around when you go for walks, except for the occasional goat and other walkers.

We have been to Zante which was our first Greek Holiday years ago and although it wouldnt be our choice now Lagana certainly didnt put us off the Greek Islands. We fell in love with the Greek atmosphere straight away and wouldnt go anywhere else for our main hols. We have been to other places in Europe and whilst we have enjoyed it our hearts always go back to Greece. We arent particularly drawn to the Cities, nor the historical stuff although interesting, we much prefer the nature and walking aspect, peace and quiet which is more relaxing.

We are going to Arillas in Corfu for the first time in June and cant wait!

62 sleeps to go!!!

MariaH

2006-04-21 10:35:24

distinctive smells and heat as you step off the plane

Funny you should say that - I can almost smell it now, a hot, dusty smell of mountain herbs.

We've been to Greece about 15 times now (starting to lose count) seeking out the quieter resorts. We rarely visit the same place twice, simply because there is so much to explore and we love seeing new places - but wherever we go in Greece we feel comfortable, welcomed and at home.

We like to hire a car to tour the area - up in the mountains you get the intense smell of herbs and the bonus of wild flowers and butterflies. We like to explore the ruins, imagining the way of life thousands of years ago, then spend some time lazing on the beach and truly relaxing beore a leisurely meal and a few glasses of wine watching the sun go down over the sea.

A week tomorrow we go off on our first independent fly-drive to Greece, flying to Athens then 3 nights each in Napflion, Monemvassia and Paralio Astros, then a final night and half day in Athens before flying home. Now I almost have the smell in my mind, I can't wait.

river

2006-04-21 12:50:39

Apart from Corfu which i didn't like at all

Greece has

really friendly people
they love kids
great weather
good cheap wine
great food (especially salads)
beautiful beaches
not as commercialised as spain
no real high rises building (due to earthquake risk)
A certain rough freel to the place

Both have Been to Cyprus, Kos, Zante, Crete, Corfu
:evil:

, Kefalonia, Rhodes, Skiathos (what a great airport).

shirley h

2006-04-21 15:07:07

Hi River,
just interested to know what specifically you didn't like about Corfu. We've been to Corfu, Zante and Kos and in my opinion Corfu was the place I loved. What resort(s) have you stayed in? We're off 2 weeks again on our 2nd visit there and hope we'll enjoy it as much as we did the 1st time. Be interested to hear your comments.

MariaH

2006-04-21 15:13:22

I think for most of the more commercial islands, you need to make sure you go to the right resort. We also loved Corfu, staying in Aghios Gordios - but I'd hate resorts like Kavos though I'm sure some people love it. Even the busiest islands have quieter and more scenic places, if (like me) that's what you prefer.

shirley h

2006-04-21 16:18:47

I agree with you Maria H. Every resort has something of its own to offer and as you say Kavos and Aghios Gordios are world's apart. We're going to Kassiopi which sounds like our type of place.

Ginamc

2006-04-22 19:14:38

MariaH have you been to Nafplion before? It is such a lovely town, every year when we go to Tolo we have several visits into the town, my favourite pastime is sitting in a taverna in the main square with a frappe watching the world go by. A visit to the Palamidi is recommended and if you don't feel like a walk up the (approx) 999 steps then you can get a taxi.
I have been to Monemvassia twice but still havent made it up to to old town on top of the hill. I have made it as far as the church at the top though, the views are amazing. The town of Monemvassia is a wonderful place to explore.
I know you are going to have a wonderful time and I am so envious that you will be there so soon. I have to wait until Sept before we go on our holiday.

Sarah E Young

2006-04-22 19:36:25

Its strange isn't it, the different things you like about different places. I love Zante, have been three times, going again in August. I feel "at home" as soon as I step off the plane. Its the only place I've been that I don't want to leave at the end of the fortnight. I went to Kefalonia last year, I hated it. Only across the water from Zante but it was totally different. I've been to Crete and that was nice but I have no pull to return.

Roll on August.

Sarah

shirley h

2006-04-23 08:33:02

Hi Sarah,

We've also been to Zante and had a great hliday. It was 7 or 8 years ago that we went on a family holiday (14 of us). We stayed in Argassi and enjoyed every moment of it. The scenery was lovely and even the weather was great although we were there during the 2nd and 3rd weeks of September. Did the Smugglers Cove boat trip which brings back some frightening memories (but that's another story). We hired a car and motorbikes and explored a bit of the island. My son went back to Zante (Laganas) with a group of 20 friends after finnishing his A levels (5 years ago) and had a ball. Though I suspect it was a totally different kind of holiday (hmm!). I really am a lover of Greece and can't wait till I step off the plane in 12 days time.

Helen T

2006-04-23 11:47:58

greece is best

Hi all you Greece lovers. Our first Greek holiday was at Kos Town 10 years ago. We stayed self catering and when we opened the villa door in the morning the beach was literally about 15 yards away. There was a Greek chap in his 80's who used to park his bicycle outside the villa, have a dip in the sea then sit on our villa wall to dry. One day my daughter took him a glass of lemonade while he dried in the sun, and whenever we were around this became a ritual. On our last day we returned to the villa to find the kitchen table literally covered with fresh fruit which this chap grew himself, strwberries,plums,oranges and lemons to name but a few. He'd given them to the cleaner and told her to thank us. This to me is what the Greeks are all about- generous laid back & absolutely charming. My description of Greece would be "Heaven on Earth". Ok their plumbing might be a bit outdated - but do we care - certainly not.

toastedmallow

2006-04-23 15:04:11

FAO GINA!

Hi Gina!
Don't worry about name.......your version sounds better!
Thx for replying re Tolo...even more reassurance. If the 18-30s hate it, it will be perfect for me!
Also your later comments about Napflio sound very appealing. I've heard it's lovely. Roll on July. I need my Greek fix.....salad & retsina asap. :wink:

Ginamc

2006-04-24 17:18:13

Hi Toastedmallow
I'm glad I put your mind at ease. I am not going on holiday till Sept, so long to wait for that first bottle of mythos! (not a retsina fan)
A local deli sells cans of greek food so we can indulge in dolmades, gigantes and the like whilst in England. They taste ok but not like they do out in Greece.

If you like good food (not cheap) there is a very nice restaurant, on the road heading towards the sandy beach, called Chez Gilles. It is advertised as French food with a Greek twist. I can recommend any of the chicken dishes and the garlic pork chop (make sure that everyone else in the group eats some garlic though).

I am so looking forward to Sept but it feels ages away yet.

toastedmallow

2006-04-24 18:13:09

-Thx again Gina,
I love Greek food and I honestly think it's the freshest, most wholesome I've had anywhere. Will definitely try chez gilles. We're staying at the Romvi hotel( B &B) which I believe is supposed to serve great Greek food, so I suspect we might eat there some nights too. Do you know anything about it?

Helen T

2006-04-24 18:17:26

Shirley Valentine

Just conjoure up a picture of the film Shirley Valentine - got it - that's why we all head for Greece. Charismatic, timeless, ageless people, orange sunsets, clear blue seas, fantastic food and Ouzo. What more can one say except roll on summer.

Ginamc

2006-04-27 16:56:11

Toastedmallow.

We have never stayed at the Romvi but we have eaten there. I enjoyed the food.

Have you checked out the following site, it is full of useful info about Tolo including Romvi hotel.
http://www.tolo-guide.gr

MariaH

2006-04-28 08:41:11

MariaH have you been to Nafplion before?

Yes, we've visited both Nafplion (from Tolon) and Monemvassia before but not stayed at either, so it should be good, and we have some interesting accommodation at these 2 places.

This time tomorrow we'll be on our way - will write up a report and post some photos when I get back, if anyone's interested.

flybynight

2006-04-28 13:16:59

Greece

We have been to several Greek Islands and also last year to Halkidiki on the mainland. I must say we prefer the islands. Hanioti was very welcoming and friendly but we do tend to prefer the quieter resorts. We are going back to Alikanas in Zante this year, it will be the first time we have ever gone back to the same place. Hope it hasnt changed but hope the airport is better. Cant wait 9 weeks to go! :lol:

toastedmallow

2006-04-28 16:10:01

Great link Gina! Except it's made me even more impatient! And glad to hear the Romvi food is good. :wink:

Will look forward to your report, Maria!!

Cruisecontroller

2006-04-30 19:04:40

Greece chat

Hi, flybynight, we stayed at Grapevines Apartments in Alykanas last year and loved the area. One problem with us, we also love Turkey though like many have said before me in this discussion, the cuisine is more varied in Greece with plenty of traditional dishes. In the past, we have been to Crete, Corfu, Rhodes(stayed in Faliraki !!), Zante(went on trip to Athens from here), Santorini and Cyprus(twice). At some point, we would love to go to Northern Cyprus, may be next year. As far as the Greek experience goes, we've never had a bad holiday. Les.

kathyh

2006-05-01 13:41:42

Zante

Hi Flybynight

We are going to Zante for first time at end of July. Just wondered why you said "hope the airport is better"/

thanks

Kathy

Greece and other Greek Island Discussion Forum

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