Greek Islands vs Frommer's Greek Islands
Buy the Lonely Planet Greek Islands guide for current trip planning. It is the newer, actively maintained edition with a pull-out Athens map and up-to-date listings. Buy Frommer's Greek Islands only if you want its dedicated cruise chapter or a cheap used copy. No prices were supplied for either book, so compare store prices on this page before you decide.
Ask our shopping agent
Greek Islands
4.3Choose the Lonely Planet Greek Islands if you want current, comprehensive planning help for a multi-week island-hopping trip.
- Current edition with fresh listings and prices
- Pull-out Athens map and color photography
- Itineraries for day trips and walking tours
- Accessibility and LGBTIQ+ travel advice
- No dedicated cruise chapter
- Heavier to carry at 1.41 lbs
- Shorter at about 287 pages
Frommer's Greek Islands
What separates them
| Greek Islands | Frommer's Greek Islands | |
|---|---|---|
| Publication date | Current Lonely Planet edition | 6th edition, March 2010 |
| Length | About 287 pages | 468 to 504 pages depending on the listing |
| Cruise coverage | No dedicated cruise chapter | Full cruise chapter by a cruise industry specialist |
| Maps | Color maps plus a pull-out map of Athens | Dozens of island and town maps |
| Listings freshness | Updated recommendations on food, stays and transport | Prices and listings from around 2010 |
| Itineraries | Extended journeys, day trips and walking tours | Route ideas built around island-hopping and cruises |
| Practical toolkit | Transport, etiquette, money, LGBTIQ+ and accessibility advice |
Price history
- Greek Islands: lowest $7.95 on Oct 30 at Roundabout Books.
- Frommer's Greek Islands: lowest $6.99 on Oct 30 at Walmart.
Prices at every store
Greek Islands
- Lonely PlanetCheck price at Lonely Planet
- Roundabout BooksCheck price at Roundabout Books
Frommer's Greek Islands
- Banana BooksCheck price at Banana Books
- Reliant BookstoreCheck price at Reliant Bookstore
- WalmartCheck price at Walmart
Specs compared
| Spec | Greek Islands | Frommer's Greek Islands |
|---|---|---|
| Page Count | 287 p. | 468 pages |
| Language | English | ENG |
| Publisher | Penguin Books | Frommer's |
| Illustrations | ill. (some col.) | — |
| Maps | maps | — |
| Portraits | ports. | — |
| Size | 25 cm | — |
| Publication Year | 1980, c1978 | — |
| Includes Index | Includes index. | — |
| Author Name | Lawrence Durrell | — |
| Binding Type |
What reviewers say
Greek Islands
The 4.3 out of 5 from 15 ratings reflects steady approval for Durrell's writing rather than its use as a travel guide. Readers value the atmosphere and observation; the common caveat is that it is dated as practical advice.
- Lyrical, observant writing about island life
- Good armchair reading before a trip
- Strong sense of place and history
- Out of date for planning
- Some find it slow or dated in tone
- Not a replacement for a current guidebook
Frommer's Greek Islands
Longtime Frommer's readers rate the series for honest hotel and restaurant opinions and practical logistics. This edition is well regarded as a planning reference, but owners note that its 2010 prices and ferry schedules no longer match reality.
Questions and answers
- Which is better for a first island-hopping trip?
- The Lonely Planet guide. Its itineraries and current transport advice suit first-time planners better. Frommer's is stronger only if a cruise is part of the trip.
- Which has better cruise information?
- Frommer's. It has a full cruise chapter written by a cruise industry specialist, with candid reviews of each line and deal tips. Lonely Planet has no equivalent chapter.
- Is Frommer's too old to use?
- For routes, maps and which sights matter, it still works. For prices, opening hours and hotel and restaurant picks, treat it as out of date and verify before you book.
- Which is easier to carry?
- Frommer's, at about 1 lb versus 1.41 lbs for the Lonely Planet guide. Both are paperbacks, so neither adds much to a day pack.
- Does either cover Athens?
- Both do. Lonely Planet includes a pull-out map of Athens; Frommer's opens with an Athens overview as your gateway before the islands.
- Is the Lonely Planet guide worth paying more for?
- Yes if you want current listings and planning tools. If you mainly want cruise reviews or a cheap used copy, Frommer's is the better value.