penguingal

Dear forummers, we're thinking of going to Greece in Sept. As it's our first time, we would appreciate advice on a good mix of islands (touristy Santorini is going to be 1 of them, not sure if we want to go to Mykonos if we're already going to Santorini)... and other smaller, quieter islands. We're not big party goers, we do love the sea and browsing around village shops and just chilling.

Hopefully the islands you recommend for our 2 weeks also minimize ferry times or are en route so that we can maximize our holiday. We'll be flying into Athens & so are already planning to spend 3 days there.

Heimdall

Paros and Naxos are on the same central Cyclades ferry route as Santorini, so either (or both) would be a logical choice. Both have excellent beaches and interesting inland villages, Naxos having a slight edge in that respect. Paros has one big advantage over Naxos - the little island of Antiparos, only 30 minutes away by excursion boat or bus/ferry from Parikia. So with Paros you get two islands for the price of one.

Mykonos has a reputation as a party island, but that's mainly during high season (Jul & Aug). By September it is much quieter, so a good time to be there. To me the attraction of Mykonos is it's beautiful chora (main town) and proximity to Delos, the wonderful archaeological site. Mykonos has a number of high end shops, hotels and restaurants, but also more economical places to stay and eat for the likes of me. ;-)

stanbr

It is generally a good idea to head out the islands as quickly as possible when you arrive and then make you way back to Athens at the end of your trip where you can spend your 3 days. Being in Athens at the end of the trip means you are not way out on an Island trying to get back for your return flight. Sometimes stuff happens when traveling and it is can be unfortunate if you miss that return flight.
So if possible, see if there is still a flight available to get you to Santorini the day you arrive so you can start your relaxation in style watching a famous Santorini sunset.

Island hops can take up a fair bit of a day so we normally try to spend more time on fewer islands. Thus Heimdall's suggestion of pairing Naxos and Paros with Santorini makes so much sense. Both are lovely have quaint main towns and a relaxed atmosphere compared with Santorini. Food and Lodging tend to be less expensive here as well.
There are day excursions from both to Delos if you do not decide to visit Mykonos.

One area you do not appear to have considered is Nauplion in the Pelopponese. If you have 2 or 3 days available get back to Athens (again flying if possible to save time) and rent a car at the Airport. Nauplion is only a 2 hour drive and on the way you will pass the Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth the Roman city and Ancient Nemia a sister city to Olympia with its own stadium a partially restored temple and a good museum. You will also pass Mycenae and Ancient Tiryns the home of Herakles. Nauplion has a lovely Neoclassical old town and 3 Venetian era fortresses to explore.
This plan is the one we have followed on several of our Greek Trips.
Here are some pictures of Naxos and Nauplion.
http://travel.webshots.com/album/552001505EYxVYT
http://travel.webshots.com/album/551991579dJbWvh
Have fun planning

penguingal

I'm thinking of flying from Athens to Naxos/ Santorini.

From either of these islands as a base, how much (cost) and how long is the ferry ride say between each island: Paros-Naxos-Santorini?

Heimdall

Recommend flying to Santorini rather than Naxos. Santorini has several flights each day with three different airlines, each using medium-sized regional jets or modern turboprops. Naxos has one flight per day on a small, 37 pax Dash 8-100 turboprop, the only aircraft that can land on the short runway there.

An economy class ticket from Santorini to Naxos on Blue Star costs €16. Should you wish to visit Paros as well, that is the next stop on the Blue Star route to Piraeus. Doing the trip starting with Santorini will allow you to fly to the furthest island from Athens first, then make your way back towards Athens on the ferry to Naxos or Paros. Santorini to Naxos on Blue Star takes about two hours, then another hour to Paros.

stanbr

Paros to Naxos is an hour on conventional ferry and I think it is about 15 euro for deck passage. ( We did this trip in June this year but I do not remember exactly the fare but it was not much)
Naxos to Santorini is about 2.5 hours with one stop in Ios. It can be done faster if there is a highspeed cat on that run on the day you want to transfer.

BeachGirl247

Bookmarking

Heimdall

Blue Star leaves Santorini daily at 3:30 pm, and arrives on Naxos at 5:30 pm. It doesn't stop at Ios. This is a conventional ferry, where you can stand on the outside deck when the ship leaves Santorini, giving you those beautiful views of the caldera and villages along the cliff. You can save about half an hour travel time on SuperJet, the less than reliable catamaran, but you will sit inside a small cabin and see very little at all.

Heimdall

Slight correction: until Sep 13th Blue Star leaves Santorini at 4 pm and arrives on Naxos at 6:05 pm. After that the times in my previous post apply.

penguingal

Great, thanks for all the suggestions. Current plan would be to leave for Santorini (flight) the same day we arrive in Athens.

Santorini (3 nights)
Naxos (4 nights)
Paros (3nights)
Athens (3 nights)

Does this sound about right? We can add in a day here or there as we intended to spend around 2 weeks in Greece?

We also intend to take ferries from island to island and then fly back from Paros to Athens.

Accommodations wise, I understand that Santorini is really expensive. We would love to have a room with a view (Oia is the place to stay or so we've read) - are there ant traditional white washed houses facing the water (hopefully with a pool) for around 100Euros?

Any recommendations for hotels in Paros/Naxos will also be welcome.

brotherleelove2004

Check the website for the Lauda Hotel in Oia. You'll have to book over the phone as they don't do internet booking, but their prices are low and they have an excellent view of the caldera and one of the best pools in Oia.

Others in Oia with a calcera view but without a pool in that price range include Villa Kallisti, Casa Sofia, Thea Studios, Old Oia Houses, Fotinos Houses and Delfini Hotel. The Lioyerma Cafe/Pool is available for free as long as you buy food and/or drinks. It's a great place to sit and enjoy a glass of wine and the sunset. http://www.lioyerma.gr

Heimdall

Your allocation of time sounds about right.

Re flying from Paros to Athens: I've done that many times, but only to meet a connecting outbound flight. Since you are spending your last three nights in Athens, there is no real advantage in flying. Blue Star takes only four hours from Paros to Piraeus, Hellenic Seaways highspeeds about 2 hrs 45 min. It's quick and cheap to get from your hotel to the port at Paros, and quick and cheap (by metro) to get from Piraeus to central Athens. If you fly, you will have to take a taxi to the Paros airport, and arrive an hour before flight departure. At the Athens end you will have to wait for bags, then make your way to central Athens by bus, metro, or taxi.

Trust me on this - it's just as easy to get from Paros to central Athens by ferry. You can even pamper yourself and travel business/VIP class on the ferry for less than the price of an air ticket.

Odin

We've just come back from 4 nights in Oia - accommodation does not have to be expensive. We stayed at Old Oia Houses which was perfect for us (check TA reviews for photos and their website). The houses are whitewashed with verandahs overlooking the caldera and are simply furnished in Greek village style. There is daily maid service and breakfast provisions supplied to which you can supplement with items from one of the bakeries etc. The view from the houses is stunning, the owners very kind.

The houses are quite private, once you pass the wooden door and down the steps you are away from the crowds. There is parking nearby for the rental car or the bus station is not far away.

Although there is no pool we swam a few times at Ammoudi, beyond the tavernas and following a path along the cliffs. It was also great to go to Ammoudi in the evenings for a meal by the sea at Katinas Fish Taverna (as suggested by brotherleelove). You can drive there or walk down the steps (ok on the way but a bit tough on the way back after dinner).