Which Greek Island would you recommend?

[jas]

Hi all,
Have done a search for this topic, but nothing seemed to answer my specific needs hehe
Looking at spending a few days on a Greek Island at the end of Europe trip next July with boyfriend. I just would like to know which island you would recommend. Would like a place with a good nightlife for a young couple, but is not completely overrun with tourists. Would also like to experience some Greek culture/history. Possibilities are Santorini (have read it is full of older tourists though. Is this true??). My boyfriend has been recommended Mykonos, but is this too touristy?
Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much

[jas]

Have also looked at Corfu and Ios- they seem like fun. Would we be best to mix our time between two islands, maybe Corfu or Ios for fun and Santorini for the scenery??

[madamtrashheap]

jas, finding a Greek island in July that's "not overrun with tourists" isn't going to happen! So, it might come down to whichever island sound like what you're looking for and you'll just have to share it with those pesky tourists! ;D

Santorini - looks just as you'd expect a Greek island to look and offers beaches, caldera (proper term for the remains of the volcano that formed Santorini), donkeys, white-washed houses and sunsets that inspire.
Mykonos - something for everyone; party beach (Paradise Beach), gay-specific beach (Super Paradise), old town, great giros/kebabs, windmills, day trips to surrounding historical islands (Delos) and excellent nightlife.
Ios - once party central, it's a little tired and worn out now, but still turns it on during Summer; not much in the way of "history" as such.
Corfu - a very green and non-Greek island-looking place (no white-washed houses), but great fun with the old town for eating and the northern beaches (Gouvia, Roda, etc) for nightlife; quite a pretty island with a lot of history too - hire a car and drive around.

If you were going to mix between islands and wanted to get two diverse places, then go for Santorini and Corfu. Having said that, what' stopping you doing the ferry route around the Cyclades islands and getting a taste of more than two?

[jas]

Thanks for the reply- lots to think about. Unfortunately lack of time means we can only see two islands. Always an excuse to go back!! Thanks again.

Another question, is it worth seeing Athens if I am in the country anyway?? Have not heard the greatest comments about it. Thankyou

[madamtrashheap]

Hi jas,

I've posted a few times on Athens - have a look at this thread, saves me writing it all over again:

pretravel.proboards1.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&n=1&thread=2791

You'll be going through it anyway, so spend at least one night and part of a day to see the Acropolis, Plaka area and the National Gardens/Zeus Temple. It is the cradle of western civilization afterall - and it kind of grows on you too! ;D

[jas]

Thanks. We are actually looking at flyikng directly from Rome to Santorini so I think I will need to look into whether it worth flying into Athens instead, or heading back to Athens after the islands. Something else to think about