Need help to decide on which island to go to in Greece in August?

I agree with Popi on the fact that going to Greece and staying by the pool is a pity (but I have seen many people doing that so...)

And also I really liked Milos and the various beaches this island can offer. The color of the sea is different on each beach from blue to green to turquoise...magic... (fantastic trip by boat to do around the island with stops for swimming).

But take care if you really miss "green", the islands in the Cyclades are volcanic and you really can not expect a lot of green but more a lot of rocks (and the traditional white and blue houses and churches of this region).

For more green islands you have the Sporades (Alonissos, Skiathos and Skopelos) above the Cyclades but I am not sure how easy you can find a boat between the Cyclades and the Sporades, you may have to go back to Pireas.

And green as well the Ionian Islands on Italy side : Zakynthos, Lefkada (those 2 are big enough to have some very touristic and busy places and some much more calm), Kerkyra (Corfu)...

Some of the boat companies to check different itineraries on Internet:

HELLENIC SEAWAYS

http://www.hellenicseaways.gr/index.asp?a_id=442

BLUE STAR FERRIES

http://www.bluestarferries.com/ENGLISH/defaultmain.htm

ANEK

http://www.anek.gr/french/dromol/kykladesST.html

Just 2 advices :

- do not plan for too many islands not to spend half of your time on boats and to have time to enjoy the island (some are quite big and you can not really go fast on the roads because of their quality or/and the relief of the island). I tried to visit Crete in 1 week and we spent our vacation in the car :-)

- to avoid nightmares on boat, better to choose cabins for long distance trips or try to arrive early to select nice places (you do not want to stay 4 hours under the sun), buy some nice food before leaving (choice limited and pricey on the boat), have some medicine with you (easy to get seasick :-) and always plan to come back in Athens a couple of days before your plane because if the sea is too big the boats are not moving (especially the fasts ones).

Enjoy the sea, the taverns, the speed (very very relaxing speed :-)

Mmmm I am jealous :-)

Naxos !!! u will never regret it !

Thanks for the advice. After discussion we've decided to island hop. The recession has helped as there are still plenty of places available at a decent price! We're looking forward to seeing the greenery and the sea and the ruins and the tavernas ...

Hi there!! I hope you have booked a place already for Greece because on August its the vacation month there so the most of the hotels will be booked... I dont though this year coz of the recession etc.. But normally its very busy on August..

Of course you are not planning to go to Greece and lay by the pool... do you?? remember you are not in Qatar.. Greece its famous for the magnificent beaches..you will be amazed by the beauty.. For couples a very nice relaxed island is Milos.. very famous for its nice beaches, very nice food etc..It belongs to Cyclades.. Yeah 1 month its too much for only 1 island.. You can visit Cyclades for 2 weeks, Mylos and Santorini( which a must to see island - dont miss it!!) and after go to Crete or Corfu... These islands they have different beauty..Green... But its far from Cyclades..If you are willing to travel to see more than 1 place you can do this.. But if you want to stay in one place visit Cyclades...

In order to go to the islands you will land to Athens (capital) first so you can stay there for 2 days to see the Parthenon and the area around (old town)...Its the biggest momument in Greece and really impressive.. Lots of history..

By the way Mykonos doesn't have only gays.. Yeah its the majority but if you want to party its the best place for the Greek Summer!!! Its the party island all the day longgggg

If you need more informations please let me know.. And be care of the taxis.. They like "stealing" the tourists!!!

I am sure you will have a great time and you will not want to come back!!!!

Thank you for all the advice it is much appreciated!

Mmmm just noticed that you are planning to stay 4 weeks. Too long for only 1 island but from or on the way to Santorini you can stop in other islands in the Cyclades like Amorgos (Le Grand Bleu) or Folegandros (quiet island next to Santorini).

Check the Cyclades :

http://wikitravel.org/en/Cyclades

Hi Dabbler, went to the cyclades islands last year and wasnt over impressed.However if you chose these, Santorini is a beautiful island and well worth a couple of days.Avoid Mykonos as its pricey and full of gays (male)and I mean FULL! A couple of general tips are always plumb for the fast ferry option as the ships are very slow and pack light as you end up hauling luggage everywhere and there is no storage for it on the ferries, they just pile it up on the back. Happy hols and I hope you have a good time!

Well in august the islands (especially the Cyclades) are very busy but if you like that you can go for the classical but always lovely Santorini.

Finding an hotel in Imerovigli will allow you a little more quietness and amazing view on the caldera.

You are 5 mn away from Fira (the capital) and Oia, the 2 busy and nice villages of the island.

Look at those sites to start dreaming (dream has a price, the hotels in Imerovigli are pricey especially in this busy period)

http://www.santorini-hotels.info/santorini-island-map-hotels/hotels-in-Imerovigli.asp

http://imerovigli-palace.com/

Personally I will not go to Santorini in August because I like deserted beaches and more green islands but if it is your first time in Greece and you like relaxing at the pool and busy villages it is a safe choice.

check this site out...

www.athensguide.com

the guys gave really good info base don his experience in Greece...

I'm planning to go there with my fiancee this July...