favourite Greek Island (in early spring - mid March)

Santorini is so dramatically beautiful, I'd have a hard time wanting to go anywhere else. Staying in Oia at the end of the island is quiet and peaceful -- and beautiful. I understand the walk between Fira -- Imeroviglia -- and Oia is really breathtaking. We stayed in a gorgeous place in Oia and just never left the village -- except to go down to Ammoudi Bay for lunch one day. Plenty of nightlife is available in Fira.

Santorini is breathtaking. But I'm also partial to Rhodes, partly because I think it's history and architecture is fascinating. But Rhodes is some distance away. Both are busy enough to have a night life.

Thanks for your thoughts re Santorini and Rhodes! I just wanted to make a revision - realized I had made an error - "night life" for me and my husband would be a later dinner and a walk. In fact, we want to be away from the party crowd. We will certainly consider Santorini more seriously after your reviews. Thank you.

Natalie

Santorini is spectacular, but I was there in mid-March three years ago and it was very quiet. A lot of the restaurants in Fira weren't open and I was often the only person eating in the ones that were. My impression was that because Fira is so heavily touristed in season all of the locals have moved out, which means there's no real atmosphere in the off season.

Tinos is a lovely island, and is excellent for walking. Even better, for walking, is Andros. We generally go to these in September, so I've no idea how open they would be in March. Certainly the main towns on both have a life of there own throughout the year.

I very much like Syros and, as the capital of the cyclades, it has life all the year round. There are frequent buses around the island but it probably isn't so good for walking.

Cheers
Alan

Heading to Santorini for my first time in September. I've been wanting to go for 30 years and can't believe it's almost here! They are famed for stunning sunsets and great local wine. Be sure to indulge in both if you choose this unique and fascinating island! They seem to think it's the Lost Island of Atlantis!!

Mid March is Off season for the islands. As one poster noted, many restaurants, shops, even Hotels will have closed up in November or December and open only as April and Easter approach. Santorini does have some services (as the poster noted) Naxos is large enough that it has a winter population, Rhodes is probably far enough from Athens that the locals stay put, Crete would be another good option. I would make sure that you contact any potential hotels directly, making sure they are open before you show up, but other than living with fewer dining and entertainment options, you should have a lovely quiet time. Ferries are also more limited, so you may want to consider flying.

I know that May or September would be preferred shoulder months to go but I'm a teacher and only have Christmas break (too cold), summer holidays (way too hot for me!) and two weeks in March. We did go to Sicily at the same time and it was cool and we wore layers but loved walking without sweating. It did rain one day. I sure enjoy everyone's feedback - and would welcome even more before we have to decide.

Natalie,

Easter 2010 and Orthodox (Greek) Easter 2010 both fall on Sunday, April 4. Prior to that you will not find many tourist venues open in the Greek Islands.

Santorini is spectacular and I'm sure that you would like Oia but we have been there at the end of April and they were just opening up. These places actually close for a winter holiday. We were trying to make reservations in February and March but often there was no response at all. In mid March the beauty would still be there but you would often find yourself alone and the weather cold.