Small Greek Island Suggestions To Get Away from Crowds

I suggest Paros and Antiparos when combined with Santorini. They're close and conveniently reached by ferry. Paros has some lovely beaches, lots of shops and restaurants and will be a lot less congested than Santorini. Antiparos is even quieter and there are a couple of different local ferries they can take to get there. For inexpensive rooms on Paros check Alexandra's Rooms. For Antiparos check Mike's Place.

Kelly, You might have a look at This Excellent Website to get some idea of the "character" of each of the Greek Islands. The author if that website is very responsive to E-mails and very helpful. I suspect that in June, it may be difficult to find an island that's not packed with tourists. Regarding the trip to Santorini, I'd suggest at least an overnight stop or perhaps two days, as a stop of only a few hours is not really "worth the effort" (IMHO). By the time she arrives there from Crete, it will probably be afternoon and as they'll be hauling luggage, it won't really be possible (or enjoyable) to see much in a few hours. The easiest solution would be to find another island (or two) that are on the same Ferry routes from Santorini. Naxos might be one choice, as it has some nice beaches. It's the largest of the islands, so it's possible to visit some of the smaller towns in the interior and not be swamped by tourists. One smaller island that's beautiful and easily accessible from Athens is Hydra. A few tips to remember regarding travel in Greece and most of the Islands - prepare to buy bottled water on the islands as the tap water is often dreadful (that includes Santorini). Be sure to observe the "bath tissue" rules, and prepare to encounter the "porcelain footprints" style of bathroom appliance (or toilets without a seat). On that note, Happy Travels!

Ios is a beautiful little island near Santorini which has a reputation as a party island ... so I'm not sure if you'll want to suggest it to them or not! But it might be fun for them to spend a couple of nights. If they do go to Paros or Naxos (good choices), I'd highly recommend a day trip (from either island) to the sacred island of Delos. No one is allowed to spend the night, as it's an important archeological site, so NO crowds there (except for the other tourists). As for Ken's mention of the "porcelain footprints" style of bathroom appliance (or toilets without a seat) ... I'm really curious, Ken, about where you saw those? We've been to about 20 Greek islands and we've never run into them, and would like to continue to avoid! I'm suspecting they are on the mainland, as we've not spent any time there (except for Athens).

Those older squat toilets are slowly going the way of the dinosaurs but there are still some to be found here and there. I can think of two places where they're still in use in public toilets on Santorini.

I second the vote for Matt Barrett's family of websites (greektravel, greekislands, etc.). A great resource. IIRC he recommends Sifnos for a quiet getaway.

@ janet, Yes, it was Matt Barrett's website that I suggested. I used it extensively in planning my trip to Greece last year, and found it very helpful. Matt also graciously replied to some specific questions that I asked via E-mail. There's a LOT of information on his two websites (greektravel.com and greecetravel.com). I'm a "mature" traveller so it was great for my travel plans. I wasn't aware of the other "youthful" website, but it probably wouldn't have "fit" me as well. Cheers!

I second the suggestion of more than a quick stop on Santorini. The view of the caldera deserves more than a casual glance on a "walk-around". Spend two nights, preferably in Oia, with a room offering a caldera view. Perhaps take the walk as far as they wish to go toward Fira. With the frequent visits by cruise ships, Fira is crowded during the day. Naxos is a charming island with nice downtown and beach. Rent a car, drive around the island. Nice places are available and not too expensive. Stay on the beach, a short walk from Paros Town, or at a nice B&B in town. Paros, in our opinion, doesn't have much to offer. Not expensive either, and since it's in the general area, can be easily visited for a night or two enroute to Athens.

I gather that ken's "This Excellent Website" was the Matt Barrett website. I suggest another one, which has a somewhat more youthful perspective, while not scanting the landscape/ancient site aspect either. It's compiled by a youngish Greek teacher, who loves history AND beaches AND good food AND Nightlife.. his take on each island does catch the ambience, and has Lots of photos: http://www.greek-islands.us/ It's a good idea to leave immediately on arrival to farthest Island & save Athens for last. Several reasons: it's safer, in case there is a travel "glitch" to have Athens at end, before flight outl Also, they'll get more adept at traveling in Greece so at the end will cope better with busy modern city. And with exposure to Greece along the way, the Athens landmarks will mean so much more. Scenario: fly (bargain fare??) or o'nite ferry to Chania CRETE (4 days for crete, via local bus & 1 day car rental?). Heraklion ferry to SANTORINI (1-2 nite) Arrive noon; check out Villa Fotini a GREAT bargain, edge of Fira, use of pool, free transfer to/from ferry. Main activity: look at The View. Leave next day on Blue Star to PAROS or NAXOS (5 days?). From either, do 1-day Excursion to DELOS/MYKONOS. Evening ferry (630 pm-midnight) to ATHENS ... final 3+ days sightseeing. Lodging buys: Hotel Phaedra, or AthensStyle hostel (but has pvt. rooms! roof terrace w. Acropolis view) http://www.athenstyle.com/findus.html Early June is wonderful ... everything's open, nothing's crowded (except maybe Santorini on midweek days when the cruise ships dock). Warm enough to swim, weather is ideal, prices are still off-season.

Thanks for the great suggestions so far! I have only been in Greece in May and did not need to book ferries ahead. Do you think ferry reservations are required in early June or does it depend on the islands?