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Looking at late April next year for a mini break (7 nights).
We’ve discounted Crete as it’s very windy and whilst I don’t mind it being 20 degrees – I don’t want the wind (we live in North Cornwall so see enough of it).
We don’t like busy brit-bars and anything tacky. Prefer local restaurants/tavernas, cold beers, chilling out, walking, relaxing and reading books on a sandy beach.
Late April is quite early for Greece. The sea will still be chilly and, while it might be warming up in the daytime, evenings will be chilly and some tourist facilities may be closed. Can you delay until mid May?
If you want to avoid brit-bars and tackiness, go to an island with no international airport and arrive by ferry instead. That rules out Mykonos, Kefallonia, Corfu, Santorini and Zakynthos amongst others.
In the Cyclades, look at Naxos. It’s a large island with plenty of opportunities for walking but has completely escaped the horrors of large resort hotels. The chora is sophisticated without being blingy and it has some of the best beaches in Greece.
Or look at the Argolic and Sardonic gulfs. These places relatively unknown in the international market but are very popular with upmarket Athenians and are sheltered from the prevailing northerly winds. I’ve sailed in the area a few times and have always been blown away by the charm.of some of the ports we visited. Have a look at Hydra, Poros or some of the small towns on the mainland around the Argolic Gulf.
Thanks jj. I shall look at those places suggested.
Truth be known we could go anytime but ‘his’ polytunnel and vegetable plots take priority. I am told that going any later means no food from the garden! I’ve done well in getting the last week in April. We did go to Kos (Kefalos) pre Covid and it was beautiful but cool even in May and I did suffer the entire year without home grown produce…
Late April is quite early for Greece. The sea will still be chilly and, while it might be warming up in the daytime, evenings will be chilly and some tourist facilities may be closed. Can you delay until mid May?
If you want to avoid brit-bars and tackiness, go to an island with no international airport and arrive by ferry instead. That rules out Mykonos, Kefallonia, Corfu, Santorini and Zakynthos amongst others.
In the Cyclades, look at Naxos. It’s a large island with plenty of opportunities for walking but has completely escaped the horrors of large resort hotels. The chora is sophisticated without being blingy and it has some of the best beaches in Greece.
Or look at the Argolic and Sardonic gulfs. These places relatively unknown in the international market but are very popular with upmarket Athenians and are sheltered from the prevailing northerly winds. I’ve sailed in the area a few times and have always been blown away by the charm.of some of the ports we visited. Have a look at Hydra, Poros or some of the small towns on the mainland around the Argolic Gulf.
We went to Poros by boat for a couple of days as part of our main holiday in Athens. We had difficulty finding a good quality hotel. Don’t stay at the New Aegli Resort Hotel… it was a Fawlty Towers type disaster with no hot water that night in our bathroom and the night receptionist didn’t speak a word of English. Lovely peaceful island though. In Athens we stayed at the Gem Society Boutique hotel & spa which I can’t recommend enough. Lovely rooms and very friendly staff and excellent massages!
@Philondon I visited Poros on a sailing trip so can’t vouch for accommodation as I stayed on board the yacht. I loved the town and found some great restaurants, though, which is why I recommended the place.
I travel to Greece a lot and don’t find Crete too windy in April.
I would suggest flying into Chania and staying for a couple of days, then heading West or South (great links by public transport) to Paleochora on the south west coast. There are nice beaches here that are sheltered, plenty of restaurants and a great mix of visitors and locals.
You can walk to Anidri and go to the Schoolhouse restaurant for lunch and beautiful views over the Libyan Sea. Then return by going down the Anidri Gorge. There is also a ferry from Paleochora to Sougia from where you can link to the E4 European trail back home. There are beer kantinas on a couple of the beaches to keep you refreshed.Thanks Peggerz, I will have a look at Paleochora.
Looking at late April next year for a mini break (7 nights).
We don’t like busy brit-bars and anything tacky.
Well avoid Cyprus then!
Crete around Chania as suggested
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