I have narrowed down our visit to Naxos first, then Santorini, then back to Athens. If we fly directly into Athens, how is the best way to get to Naxos the same day? Then three days later to Santorini? I assume the best way to fly from Santorini back to Athens then, with Aegean Airlines? Thanks!

Oops, sorry. Just went back and re-read an earlier post and it looks like there are ferries and possibly a flight to Naxos. I will just have to wait till plane tix are booked. Getting hotels lines up a bit, though.

Hi rbnwdlr,

We're actually leaning towards this exact same itinerary for September 2009 as well!

From what I've learned on reading all the posts here, it's best to fly directly from Athens to your first island, if possible. Currently, Olympic Airlines flies to Naxos. However, from what I understand, Pantheon Airways will possibly be taking over Olympic, so I don't know how that would affect things.

From Naxos, you can take a ferry to Santorini. After that, fly back to Athens on Aegean airlines for the end of your trip.

Did you decide on Aris Caves, Chelidonia, or are you still checking things out? Good luck!

Still deciding. I am leaning towards Aris Caves. I have heard from Hotel Galini in Naxos and will most likely book with them. My problem is that our two twenty-somethings are supposedly joining us but with their jobs-love lives-travels-etc. I can't be sure that they will actually go with us. I will need to wait for a few months to get actual confirmation from them. I may book the hotels, just to get the rooms, and then concentrate on other aspects as the months go by. I most likely won't book any flights until closer to the date, but I am watching airfares weekly.

RBN--- about Olympic Air.... yes something is going to happen about this in the next few months, with Pantheon etc. Certtain schedules will be cut back... But this mainly will affect INTRNATIONAL FLIGHTS. The Domestic flights will condtinue as some form of Olympic Air. Why?? BEcause so many islands are served ONLY by Olympic Air and the govt. can't cut them off. It would be like cutting off ferry service. So flights will continue to Naxos.

Besides, if for ANY reason Olympic pt the Naxos route up for offers, Aegean air would SNATCH it.

BTW -- you have never shared when you are going ??? This fall ?? Next Spring?? Next Agust?? it makes a big difference! Peple ask for advice but fail to give highly relevant information. Be thoughtful and share more.

Oh gee, sorry I wasn't more specific. It is just that I have posted on this trip half a dozen times and thought I was repeating myself! We are planning on going in early June, 2009. Thanks for the help!

Thanks, travelerjan, for posting the information about the Athens-Naxos flights - that makes sense, and makes me comfortable with planning our transportation options.

rbnwdlr: Good luck with both your hotel and airfare search ~ I will be following shortly behind you, as we're going the first part of September, 2009 for our 10th wedding anniversary! After reading all the wonderful posts about Greece here on Fodors, I can't wait!

Be advised that there is only one flight per day to Naxos. This year it departs Athens at 12:30 PM. The plane is small because the airstrip is as well. If you decide to fly book that flight as soon as the website will allow so you don't miss out.

http://www.olympicairlines.com/