19 days - Athens, Milos, Crete
 

Hello,

We have 19 full days in Greece from the start of July (excluding arrival/departure day - and quite last minute for us for peak season). Planning 3 days in Athens, and the one thing we're undecided about is whether to spend the the rest of the time in Crete (maybe additional Athens/Delphi time) or look at Crete/Milos with approx three days in Milos. We enjoy beautiful small towns, great food, historical sites and beaches - some smaller walks/hikes. Will have a car - comfortable moving around with 3-4 nights in towns (less on occasion). Travelling with a nine year old who loves Greek mythology, hence Athens and Crete. We have been to Athens, Santorini, Naxos, Ios, Hydra (without child over a decade ago) and our favourite was Hydra - would love to go back. Last in Sicily - enjoyed Ortigia, Ragusa, Palermo and Cefalu - Agrigento and Villa Romana del Casale were highlights for all of us. Before that, other places we love include Polignano a Mare and Ile de Re. Advice appreciated.

Crete easily merits 2 weeks, but of course, it depends on your interests. You can fly there, fly to Athens, fly home from Athens (or vice versa).

You might find some useful information in my trip report. The section on Crete begins with post # 48; the section on Athens begins with post # 181
https://www.fodors.com/community/eur...reece-1460735/

I'm sure you know to expect hot hot HOT weather.

Milos is logistically easy as the big Piraeus (port of Athens) - Heraklion (Crete) ferries stop at Milos in July.
But if you are into archeological sites, 2 weeks in Crete might be the better choice.
There are direct ferries and flights from Athens to Chania, Heraklion and Sitia and furthermore ferries from Athens and from Gythion to Kissamos.
This latter ferry makes it possible to go down the Peloponissos (Mykenae, Thyrins, Epidauros, Nauplia, Sparta and medieval Mistras, Monemvassia castle) and then cross to Kissamos in Western Crete, close to the famous beaches of Falassarna and Elafonissi.

Thank you both. Yes, appreciate it will be very hot, we’re used to Australian summers, and hoping we can sightsee around hottest parts of the day. I hadn’t considered Gythion ferry - thank you. Will look at this also. Milos looks amazing, but thinking that it would be better to not rush Crete and save it for another time. But then it makes reasonable logistical sense as it’s a neat two 3-4 hour ferry trips to include Milos. It would likely be 12 full days Crete and 3 days Milos. Will keep thinking on it. Thank you!