Hello, this is my first post. Would be very grateful for some advice.
We are planning to travel to a Greek island for 2 weeks mid/end june. This will be our first ever package holiday (so am nervous!) and our first time overseas with our 3 yr old. We are after somewhere away from large groups, somewhere that isn't 'brits abroad' with English pubs and the like. There needs to be enough to keep us busy for 2 weeks (but are happy to travel off island and also hire cars etc) and we need to be close to nice beach and a traditional town with little bars/places to eat/shops. We would like somewhere we can wander around in the evenings.
Have looked at Rhodes (initally thought Pefkos, but then read some negative things about it being very british) - Lintos looks lovely but cannot find anywhere in budget close to beach AND to town with a pool. I love the look of Skiathos but not sure if it is too quiet and Kos was suggested to me also.
I have a picture in my head of a little town with winding streets and a lively square with beach close by but I don't know if this place even exisits! Help! Please. Thank you.
I think that Chania on Crete could be your town - it has bags of character and winding streets. It has it's own airport. The old Venetian waterfront area is lively by day or evening and has plenty of places to sip a drink/eat and watch the world go by. The backstreets have some nice places to eat tucked away too (and cheaper). Where I stayed near there will be too quiet for you, but I'm sure other members will have some suggestions as to resort areas that could fit your bill. A Googlesearch on Chania town in images gives you an idea of what the town is like
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/346735/index_all.html
You also might consider Parga on the north-west mainland. If you stay on the Valtos beach side, the beach is gorgeous and the town has the little winding streets, a ruined castle and a harbour. Again, loads of places to visit if you hire a car and get out and about.
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/345143/index_all.html
Don't be nervous, there are lots of fabulous resorts in Greece and it is very child friendly.
What do people think of Skiathos based upon my extensive wish list? I looks so beautiful and authentic.
also take a look at Kefalonia
Somewhere in Corfu could also be up your street
Kafelonia for me as well lovely
Skala in Kefalonia would be my choice
I think Lesvos would be ideal. Some very good beaches, not too touristy, no lager lout type resorts and large enough to keep you busy for more than 2 weeks. Island hopping is not easy from here although Chios is possible. We have covered over a 1000 miles in 3 trips on this island and the roads are excellent, away from the towns traffic is very sparse. Some of the roads in the south are quite mountainous. Molyvos is one of the most spectacular towns in Greece. More info. in my previous posts.
Skiathos is lovely for a beach holiday, the main town is nice and connected by bus to the resorts till quite late. It is quite a small island and not a lot else to do, but there are boat trips to Skopelos and Alonnissos. Nearly all the beaches would be suitable for a 3 yr old.
Both these islands have a shorter flying time than Crete, which is a consideration when taking little ones, also quite short transfers to most resorts (not Skala).
thanks so much for all your replies, have given us lots to think about. Having looked again we think we have decided on Crete, I think it offers enough for 2 weeks and I was having problems finding nice hotels in budget on some of the other islands. Now we have narrowed it down to Crete we just need to decide on where abouts!
Hi we have been to a number of greek islands rhodes is lovely and we have stayed in pefkos twice and yes it is getting busier we were there a few years ago lindos is lovely, we went to halkidiki 2 years ago with my son who was 2 at the times we stayed in polychrono would recomend this to anyone the beach is lovely aznd perfect for children we stayed at the fanis hotel perfect and directly in the beach there is a road between but in the season it is pedestrainised if not is very quiet. Last year we went to skiathos this is my favourite island so far very small we stayed in kolios/agias paraskevi plenty pof lovely tavernas and again the beach was lovely very easy to get around to other resorts as there is only 1 bus route! koukanaris is busier but the beach is gorgeous, again I would def recommend my son was 3 and he loved it still talks about it now we stayed at the marina studios in kolios, we will def be returning.
Parts of Crete would suit your criteria but choose with care. Some resorts are lacking 'Greek' atmosphere and the area immediately to the west of Chania is like the worst of Spain, all neon and adult clubs. Malia is fine for 16/24 year olds, otherwise avoid. Some nice resorts on the south coast and Akrotiri Peninsular
I have been to many greek island but I must say I am now biased towards skiathos, it has everything we want from the bustling town and pretty harbour at night, to exploring the island and beaches by day!
Jan
I went to Skiathos last August and the town is fab, many a merry night in the roof top bar and old porterhouse. I didnt think the beaches were that good and koukanaries was a let down for me, as i have seen many better
Didn't like banana beach at all, way too many sunbeds and the toilets well - !!
I think a lot depends on what time of year you go as well.
iallen - yes roof top bar is brill, we've had a few 'merry' nights there as well!!
Jan
Roy and Marge were a right laff, we used to help Roy carry the barrels up the stairs, we did like Mandraki and visited the dogs home. We are used to fig tree bay in cyprus so koukanaries doesnt come close to that. were off the Santorini in June, i love nice beaches and know there not very good but the missus has twisted my arm
I love Greece and have been to several islands. I would suggest some parts of Corfu for its gently shelving clean sandy Beaches.Crete is great in the South but too Hot for Little ones.Kos has the warmest waters but is not as friendly as other islands.Kefalonia is Quiet & Peaceful.
I was going to Skiathos until i was told of the "Noisy Italian Hordes "who drove us away from Formentera Island in Spain.Best to Avoid August anywhere if you wish to avoid them and there Noise.
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