I will be travelling to Paris the last weeks of May, then I want to go to either Greece or Spain/Portugal. Here is what I'm looking for. Not the big tourist traps, more on the quiet side. Small villages, quiet beaches. I have been to Mykonos and Rhodes one before. I prefered Mykonos,just to give you an idea. Also where is it cheaper??? Can anyone give direction? Regards Francine
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
417 posts
Well, if you are looking for sun, quiet, and small villages, you will probably have better luck on some of the less touristy Greek islands. Of course, tourists will be anywhere you go, but some spots are less crowd crazy. Naxos and Milos come to mind since you liked Mykonos. Both are fairly large islands, get less tourists than Mykonos, Santorini, or Paros and have villages, beaches, and beautiful scenery. I also think that they would be slightly cheaper than Spain.
This is just my opinion though!
Posted by
Laguna Beach, CA, USA
272 posts
Tough call. You will have a great time either way I am sure as this really is a no-lose choice. I lived in Greece for a year and Portugal is my favorite country.Hmmmmmmm........I think you could find a less populated Greek isle and while away your days there. But then not sure what more you will do should you want a diversion from the beach. Of course, food, drink, shops. And some islands have nice hiking and ruins and churches. I am going to give my vote to Spain/Portugal. In Spain I have only seen BCN, Madrid, Granada and Seville so not sure I am qualified to recommend a small village/beach. But in Portugal.....you can spend some time in Lisbon. then head to a beach town of Cascais or the lovely beach of Ericeira. You can visit the small town of Sintra for the quaint city center (nice wine bar there!!!) and the castles/palaces to see. there is an interesting monastery in the nearby town of Mafra. All this easily accessible from lisbon. or stay down on the Algarve coast. Some towns more touristy than others (lots of Brits and Germans from what I recall) but you could research more and look into Sagres, lagos, faro, tavira or albufeira. lovely beaches. i was there in may and it wasn't too crowded yet actually. you could even consider time in lisbon then make the approx 4 hour bus ride down to the algarve. Portugal is one of the least expensive countries in western Europe i believe!
Posted by
gaston, oregon, usa
842 posts
I can't comment on Greece, but in 2007 we spent a couple of weeks in Portugal, and the prices were very, very reasonable. (one of the best EU countries for value for your $$$)
We were there at XMass, and were still out wading in the water in the Algarve. There is so much to see and do, and the freeways are awesome, so we traveled from the south to central Portugal, and enjoyed it all.
It should be very warm on the beaches in May, and just as great for a side trip to the beautiful valleys around Porto up North. There are some small towns that could meet your requirements,but they still have great lo-cost restaurants, with lots of wonderful sea food, etc. to pick from.
We rented apts in Tavira and Lisbon, and stayed in a good lo-cost hotel in Porto.
We found Rick's book on Portugal to be 'right-on-the money."