Going to Greece Summer 2008

Post your ideas on where to stay and places to go in Greece this summer.  Let your friends know about what islands are jumpin, places to stay and things to see.

My favorite islands...

Santorini-  I stay up in the main city of Fira.  Side note...I stay in the city and take a short car ride to the beach everyday rather than worry about driving at night.  My favorite hotel is Porto Fira Suites.  I have been staying there for the last 8 yrs.  It gets booked up quickly so make sure to try and get reservations early.  Great views and very attentive staff.  You can find them online at http://www.portofira.com/.  So much to see and do in Santorini that you should definitely do some research before you go.  Don't forget to bring your cameras to snap pictures of some of the most beautiful sunsets you will ever see.

Crete-  It is one of those islands that you can see and do everything and has something for everyone.  From 5+ star seclusion and spas in the resorts in Elounda to the crazy nightlife of Hania, Hersonisos, etc., you can find it all here.  I prefer the quaint little port town of Agio Nikolao.  It has everything a larger destination has to offer (restaurants, hotels, shopping, nightlife), just on a smaller scale and in a more intimate setting.  Travel in Crete by car is relatively safe (compare to lunatic drivers in Athens), so I would recommend renting a car and seeing different parts of the island by doing day trips to nearby exotic beaches in the area.  My opinion, you get the most out of your vacation budget in Crete.

Mykonos-  Fun, Sun, Party time.  Enough info has been written about this island and it is readily available online and in tour books.  The only thing I would recommend is staying in the main city if you plan on being a part of the bustling nightlife.  Cabs during late hours are not always readily available and you may find yourself stuck waiting in line for a cab for 2 hours while your 300 Euro per night room in Plati Yialo sits empty.  If you are not as concerned with nightlife, there are many great resorts outside the main city.  In the city, I usually stay at Hotel Elena.  If available, ask for the "junior suite" that overlooks the ampitheatre.  You might get lucky and get to watch a concert from your balcony like I have a couple of times.

Please share your thoughts and tips.  I am always looking for new places to go and see and it is always better to have some first hand knowledge of where to stay and what to do.

 See you on the islands in August!

If you have