Greece or Spain in August?

mmc29

Has anyone been to either Greece or Spain in August? (I'll add Italy to that as well!). We're getting married in August 2011, so we're reluctant to go to the Caribbean since that's the start of hurricane season. However, I've been warned that August is when Europeans go on holidays which I guess could mean that places are more crowded since everyone's traveling and also that cute little stores, cafes., etc., might be closed if the owners are away.

If anybody ran into these or any other problems, I would very much appreciate the advice! Or, if you looked at any of these places but chose to go somewhere else, that info would be great to hear too!! TIA

ExpatPumpkin

I lived in Madrid for a few years, and it's definitely true that the city pretty much closes down in August   If you're planning on going to the beaches, however, that's where everyone will be

Reilly626

They are both very crowded. Id say Greece moreso because all the Italians vacation there that month.  How about Mallorca in Spain, that wasnt so crowded and it was lovely!  I'm going in August also, but we are staying closer this year and selected Aruba at the RIU.  Its out of  the hurricane belt...

lottie21

I'm from Ireland so have been to all of these countries, August is the busiest time in Europe for holidays so pretty much anywhere you go will be busy, its the peak season. I second Sorrento, very romantic and you could possibly go to Rome and travel down the almafi coast then. I would also recommend Ibiza, it has a reputation as being a party island but that is only one area (San Antonio) and if you stay clear of this and go to the east of island near Ibiza Town or to the north  you will find some lovely towns and small villages with gorgeous beaches. Mallorca is another island nearby and again this is lovely but will be very busy so research the different resorts & pick one that suits. Greece is also gorgeous, you should research the different islands and perhaps island hop between 2 or 3 of them. No matter which island you choose you will have to fly into Athens first and then get a ferry or boat to the islands.

LaFemmeRousse

I've been to Greece in August- the Athens riviera at the beginning of the month, then Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens proper at the end.  The beginning of the month was more crowded than the end for sure, and more things were closed at that point, but it really didn't negatively impact our trip at all.  Be warned, though, it is very HOT there in August

bfernz

Went to Greece two years ago in August.  Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Ios. Santorini, was the best of all the islands, it had a little bit of everything, definitely romantic.  If you go, you must go to Lucky Souvlakis for some gyros. Anyway, didn't think of Greece as crowded, but is was hot. Especially, waiting for the ferry boats in the terminals with no A/C!  It was still an awesome trip!

kpasc

We are honeymooning to Spain in mid-July, my mom & her fiance are honeymooning to Greece in September.

It really depends on what you like, since I've never been to Spain or Greece I can't recommend one over the other.  But I can tell you that you can't possibly go wrong with Italy.  Amalfi Coast (Sorrento, Pompei, Positano, Amalfi) is amazing.  You should also check out Rome for a few days at the least.  I think Positano is the best place to stay on the coast, from there you can easily get to Sorrento, Pompei, Capri, etc.

Sorrento will be much more lively at night, whereas Amalfi and Positano will be quieter, but still charming.