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Last Greek Island
britta
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Hi All. I have a few questions. First time in Europe and want to get some input/suggestions.

Heading to Barcelona June 30 – July 5 (this is already booked – can’t change anything)
We have rented an apartment, and I wanted to get some suggestions on day trips. We are 4 girls in late 20’s. We enjoy a mix of party scene and relaxing. We plan on beaching it, enjoying good resturants, Sagrada Familia, maybe head to montserrat for a day. Any other suggestions on things to do? Is there another beach close by we could head to?

Flying into Mykonos from BARC on July 5th (10AM landing) We haven’t booked accomodations here yet. We are planning on staying about 3 nights. I’ve looked at Paradise Beach Hotel… and I’m worried we are going to feel too old here. Thoughts? In Mykonos we are looking to enjoy the beach, culture, nightlife. We want to be around where it is busiest but also don’t want to enter into a frat party. Any suggestions on hotels/hostels would be greatly appreciated!

Santorini (Approx July 9 – 11) I need some suggestions on what area to stay in. Again same type of interests.

Now the big question. I need one last island. Naxos or Paros? Thoughts on those? Since it is the last island, again I’m looking for a mix of busy beach/great scenery. From the last island i’ll be heading back to athens to catch my flight on July 15th.

Basically we are looking for a good mix of party/culture/relaxing. Don’t get me wrong.. we may be in our late 20’s but love to drink, dance let loose – But also don’t want to feel like we are in cancun.

Any help would be greatly appreciated !

I am leaving from Toronto with $3000 for 15 days
Barcelona, Mýkonos, Santorini
Cil
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It sounds to me like you have Barcelona all figured out. For sure do not miss La Sagrada Familia (and see other Gaudi if you can.)

I have not been to Myknonos, but hope to some day, and when I do I will take a day trip to Delos.

For Santorini, we stayed in Oia and were very, very happy there. Fira might be cheaper, not sure.
We bargained a bit with a guy and got a good deal on a cave apartment for a few days. The view of the caldera was literally breathtaking. Do not miss the volcano excursion.

For the last island, well, not sure. We had to go to Ios so that my husband could retrace his youthful footsteps. Plenty of partying and cheap accomodations there. Lots of people-watching, that’s for sure.
Prior to Santorini, we had flown to Crete, and I loved that island.
Our very first island was Corfu, which was very beautiful—there is more to that place than the Pink Palace.

luv_the_beach
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I’m responding a bit late here, but:

britta wrote:
Heading to Barcelona June 30 – July 5 (this is already booked – can’t change anything) We have rented an apartment, and I wanted to get some suggestions on day trips. We are 4 girls in late 20’s. We enjoy a mix of party scene and relaxing. We plan on beaching it, enjoying good resturants, Sagrada Familia, maybe head to montserrat for a day. Any other suggestions on things to do? Is there another beach close by we could head to?

Since you’re going to be in Barcelona for that long, I highly encourage leaving the city for a daytrip or two-day trip. Montserrat is one option. There’s also the Costa Brava beach towns north of the city (like charming Cadaqués, or Tossa de Mar with its fort and great beach; or Lloret de Mar if you’re only interested in a great beach; there’s a lot). There’s also Tarragona and Sitges south of the city. The entire Catalunya coast is lined with great beaches, a number of which are also charming architecturally-interesting towns, like Tarragona, Sitges, and Cadaqués. Sitges is very close to Barcelona, and you’ll find the old town very charming; but it’ll also be quite touristy.

britta wrote:
Flying into Mykonos from BARC on July 5th (10AM landing) We haven’t booked accomodations here yet. We are planning on staying about 3 nights. I’ve looked at Paradise Beach Hotel… and I’m worried we are going to feel too old here. Thoughts? In Mykonos we are looking to enjoy the beach, culture, nightlife.

Not sure why two women in their late 20s feel old. I’m barely older than you (31). While there are [sadly] some places in Greece that attract the frat crowd (college-age North Americans and Brits), Mykonos is not one of these places. Late-20s will fit right in. I can’t speak for the Paradise Beach Hotel specifically; but if it turns out to be a frat-party hostel, then by no means are you obligated to spend your time there. Just sleep and shower there, and go elsewhere to party.

britta wrote:
Santorini (Approx July 9 – 11) I need some suggestions on what area to stay in. Again same type of interests.

The two main towns on Santorini are Oía and Firá (not to be confused wtith Thira which is an alternate name for Santorini). There’s also smaller towns, and hotels/hostels located far from Oía and Firá. My impression of Oía was: although it was gorgeous, and worth a visit, it doesn’t seem like the place for single people to stay overnight; it seemed very much like a place either for older people or for honeymooners. And Cil’s probably right; it’s probably much more expensive than Firá, although prices may have gone down as a result of the current fiscal crisis. Firá is larger than Oía, and is the party town. But not cheesy frat parties. Firá actually have quality bars; so I recommend looking for a place to stay in Firá. You can still visit Oía by bus; it’s a famous spot to watch the sunset.

britta wrote:
Now the big question. I need one last island. Naxos or Paros? Thoughts on those? Since it is the last island, again I’m looking for a mix of busy beach/great scenery. From the last island i’ll be heading back to athens to catch my flight on July 15th.

Paros is very touristy, but not Cancun-ish. Naxos is quieter. But both are architecturally similar to Mykonos. Paros is also dry like Mykonos, whereas Naxos is green. So, between those two, I’d recommend Naxos, to add a quieter island, after having visited touristy Mykonos and Santorini. But also consider (and do some research on) Andros and Syros.

If you’re able and willing to leave the Cyclades, consider Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Zakynthos, or Kos.


beach-lunch-siesta-beach-shower-dinner-nightlife-repeat

clevelandbrown
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From Barcelona, you can take a train to Figueres, see the Dali Museum, then a bus to Cadaques to visit his well preserved house. I’m not a fan of Dali, but that was a very interesting day-trip.

They also have tours covering that route, if you think you would be more comfortable with a guide.

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