Trip to Crete & Another Greek Island

by Anna
(USA)

Hi,

I am planning a trip to Greece for our family that includes 22 and 16 year old boys in mid-June. We've been to Greece once and visited part of the Peloponnese (Napflio, Montemvasia, Mystra), Delphi, Meteora, Athens, Naxos and Santorini).

We are looking for a combination of great and uncrowded swimming beaches and nature in general, as well as old towns & historical sites that we can explore. We have 2 to 2.5 weeks. I was thinking about going to Crete, but not sure what would be the ideal time to spend on Crete in order to be able to explore and enjoy both west and east Crete but have enough variety for a 2-week or so vacation.

Could you please advise? I was also wondering if it would be a good idea to combine Crete with one of the following - another island in the Cyclades (hard to get to?), the Dodecanese (crowded and hot?), Ionian, Peloponnese (hot?), or northern Greece (Ioannina, Zaghoria, Meteora).

My hesitation is that I would prefer to spend most of our vacation in places that are not crowded with tourists and feel real. I would really appreciate your advice on the itinerary for Crete and beyond, places to stay (we prefer apartments, not resorts) and things to do.

Thank you so much!

Crete and Cyclades

Hi Anna,

In Crete you will certainly find uncrowded swimming beaches in June. Crete is a big island so is ideal for a longer stay of 10 days or more. Perhaps you could spend the first half of your holiday based in the west of the island and the second half based in the east. If you want plenty of time for lazy, unhurried days by the beach, then 10-12 days is ideal to see most of the highlights of the island.

If you had 18 days or so, it would be totally possible to choose another island as well. Perhaps think of 9-10 days in Crete and 6-7 days travelling and based on another island.

It seems you have already experienced many beautiful places in Greece, and you will also understand that each island has its own charms, highlights and style. Another island in the Cyclades will give you a beautiful balanced experience and the ferry journeys from Crete are not too far. We would suggest Syros or Amorgos. Both these islands are not over crowded, however Amorgos is the least developed.

Information you may need:

Getting to and From Crete

Five Days in the West of Crete

Syros

Syros Beaches

Syros Accommodation

Amorgos

Crete to Santorini

Bon Voyage! Kalo Taxidi!