Crete or Rhodes? Or there again Cyprus

There is very little danger on any of the island. There is conflict but it is mostly political. Things have escalated because the US is now supplying Cyprus with arms, and Turkey doesn't like it. It's part of an effort to isolate Russia. Cyprus allowed Russian vessels to use their ports, they have stopped that.
UN troops have been stationed on the island for years. You will only see them if you visit Nicosia and the border. Except one year I saw quite a few on the beach. They arrived in mini buses and vans with jet-skis etc. They looked to be having a great time.

Are people saying we shouldn’t go to Cyprus as we’d be in likely danger? This worries me as we are due to go in June.

Went to Crete once - never again, I’m not a fan of the Greek islands, been to a few but not Rhodes. Italian Lakes absolutely every time.

We have stayed in the SE and NW- and loved it.

Sicily too, been 5 times and scoured the Island.

But our next trip is to Istria, Croatia- much closer and fabulous.

I love Crete but I’d avoid the busy resorts in the north east. Fly to Chania rather than Heraklion so you have access to the quieter resorts. Research carefully, sone of the bigger hotels are on main roads away from the towns and villages. I stay on the south west coast, it’s beautiful . There are some up market villas in the mountains. Crete is wild and beautiful with a fascinating history

I stayed in Elounda in Crete. It was fabulous.

Fleurpepper

Anneeba

Northern Cyprus is still relatively unspoilt, whereas in the south the beautiful places we went to when I was a student are now travesties of their former selves. There are, as ever, two very different sides to the Greek/Turkish divide and to take just one side shows a lack of information IMHO. Provocation gets reaction. We have only ever met warm and friendly people in the North. The divided city of Famagusta is now open to walk or cycle round. Seeing up close all the deserted buildings from when the mass exodus and partition began (my DH was a boy living there at the time) is fascinating. The beaches, especially if you poke around and find the more secluded ones, are lovely.

A must read 'the sunrise' by Victoria Hislop, about Famagusta and what happened during the war.

I read it when we came back from Cyprus because we'd visited the place where you could look across to Famagusta (Derynia?). We stood in silence thinking about what happened there so relatively recently.
Victoria Hislop's book brought it to life.

We also visited Spinalonga but that was after I'd read her book The Island.

An interesting post Aneeba, thank you. A friend used to visit the North of Cyprus frequently as his relative had a villa there, but we've never been.

Crete!!!

Crete every time! Hospitality, food and history. Read Victoria Hislops The Island and visit Spinalonga.

Yes Fleurpepper, I've read it, thanks for the recommendation though.

Fleurpepper

Anneeba

Northern Cyprus is still relatively unspoilt, whereas in the south the beautiful places we went to when I was a student are now travesties of their former selves. There are, as ever, two very different sides to the Greek/Turkish divide and to take just one side shows a lack of information IMHO. Provocation gets reaction. We have only ever met warm and friendly people in the North. The divided city of Famagusta is now open to walk or cycle round. Seeing up close all the deserted buildings from when the mass exodus and partition began (my DH was a boy living there at the time) is fascinating. The beaches, especially if you poke around and find the more secluded ones, are lovely.

A must read 'the sunrise' by Victoria Hislop, about Famagusta and what happened during the war.

I read it. It is a much sanitised story. The reality was much worse. The Cyprus church (Greek orthodox and traditionally conservative) suspended its opposition to abortion after the invasion to help the numbers of Greek Cypriot women who had been raped by Turkish soldiers.
The bodies of people who disappeared are still being identified and remains returned. (on both sides)
It's a lovely book but not too realistic.

Anneeba

Northern Cyprus is still relatively unspoilt, whereas in the south the beautiful places we went to when I was a student are now travesties of their former selves. There are, as ever, two very different sides to the Greek/Turkish divide and to take just one side shows a lack of information IMHO. Provocation gets reaction. We have only ever met warm and friendly people in the North. The divided city of Famagusta is now open to walk or cycle round. Seeing up close all the deserted buildings from when the mass exodus and partition began (my DH was a boy living there at the time) is fascinating. The beaches, especially if you poke around and find the more secluded ones, are lovely.

A must read 'the sunrise' by Victoria Hislop, about Famagusta and what happened during the war.

Both Cyprus and Crete are wonderful. I’ve been to both the north and south of Cyprus and both are beautiful. Crete is a huge island so I will have to take many trips 🤣

Northern Cyprus is still relatively unspoilt, whereas in the south the beautiful places we went to when I was a student are now travesties of their former selves. There are, as ever, two very different sides to the Greek/Turkish divide and to take just one side shows a lack of information IMHO. Provocation gets reaction. We have only ever met warm and friendly people in the North. The divided city of Famagusta is now open to walk or cycle round. Seeing up close all the deserted buildings from when the mass exodus and partition began (my DH was a boy living there at the time) is fascinating. The beaches, especially if you poke around and find the more secluded ones, are lovely.

MagSt

How about Madeira, beautiful Island, lovely gardens.

No flights to Madeira from our airport.

Soozikinzi

I know you say you've been to Croatia but there are alot of different parts . We live Cavtat because its a short flight and transfer . Its a quiet harbour resort and near to Dubrovnik for visits.

Our local airport no longer offers Croatia. We stayed in Cavtat and loved it.

Cyprus. Pafos area definitely

Many years ago we stayed in a windmill at Elounda on Crete when it was still a small fishing village. Wonderful. Crete has lots of historical interest and the gorge near Chora Sfakion is worth a visit.

I din't want to Turkey either, however, I did end up going and it was incredibly beautiful, with the best food I have ever tasted and the nicest people in the world. I've never been to Greek Cyprus but Northern Cypros is wonderful too.

I know you say you've been to Croatia but there are alot of different parts . We live Cavtat because its a short flight and transfer . Its a quiet harbour resort and near to Dubrovnik for visits.

I love Crete but all of the Greek islands are lovely. I lean towards history but the beaches are beautiful

How about Madeira, beautiful Island, lovely gardens.

Out of your three options the one I’d go back to is Crete.

Ah, I see now.
It's been the same for very many years.

Glorianny

Northern Cyprus is an occupied country, not recognised by the UN. The foreign office warns they are unable to support British nationals who get into difficulties there.
Cyprus is lovely but fully inform your self before you go.

This and far far too close to big trouble, and an obvious target due to large military base there.