You seem to know so much about the islands...having trouble finding hotels that are open April 15th on Naxos. Is that a really stupid time to go there? We are set on the dates as it is school vacation and will be coming from Santroni. Like the beach but like to explore more. Thanks for any info. Also, is Oia too far away from anything to stay at? We like to hike, bike, and am willing to rent a car but would Fira be a better location? Nancy

My knowledge of Naxos is too dated to be of any use to you, but others here do have recommendations that will help you. Just enter "Naxos Hotels" in the 'search this forum' box.

Oia is 7 miles from all the nightlife of Fira. There's not much going on in that regard in Oia beyond the restaurants and a few quiet bars. There's a hiking trail between Oia and Imerovigli. Driving a car back to Oia after a night of partying and drinking in Fira would be a VERY BAD IDEA. The road is very dangerous. For nightlife access, stay in Firostefani if you want a peacefully situated hotel, then it's only a 10-15 minute walk into Fira.

I guess we were trying to avoid fl]ying back to Athens to get to Crete so we chose Naxos but it looks almost too quiet at this time of year. Where would you stay in Crete? Looking for a really nice place. What do you think of the Santorini Princess on Santorini? At this point our plan is to fly to Istanbul for 4 nights, Santorini 3 nights, Naxos or now maybe Crete 3 nights and Athens 2 nights. Are we out of our mind? I'm beginning to think so!!!

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In general that's a lot of ground to cover in 12 days unless you fly everywhere, and even then you'll probably spend at least the equivalent of one full day of your precious time moving from location to location and getting yourselves settled in. You might want to cut one island from your itinerary and stick around long enough to enjoy your surroundings. Also, I think 3 nights in Istanbul is enough.

"I guess we were trying to avoid flying back to Athens to get to Crete so we chose Naxos"--I don't understand this--fly back to Athens from where, Istanbul? If so, how does it help to choose Naxos instead? I'm confused.

If you fly from Athens to Crete stay in Chania, it's much nicer than Heraklion. Then if you want to go to Santorini you can make your way to Heraklion. FYI- In May there's a daily highspeed ferry between Heraklion and Santorini except for on April 8,11 and 25.

Aegean Airlines has the best prices for flying from Athens to the islands.

http://www.aegean-air.gr/aegeanen/home/

The plan today was to get into Istanbul Sunday night which is Easter and spend Mon-Thurs then move on to Santorini on Thurs and leave on Sunday to another island and stay for three nights. We would then go to Athens for two nights before heading back to the States. We thougth Naxos as we could take the ferry but we may just be a couple weeks to early. So now we're not sure what to do. We could fly from Santorini to Crete but would it be worth it for three nights? I feel really confused!

Naxos will not be completely "dead" in April. Beginning with Easter the islands slowly start coming back to life, businesses re-open for the season as the tourists arrive. It seems as if the "season" begins earlier every year. But if you're concerned about finding things to do why not go from Santorini to Crete instead? It's a much larger island and if you rent a car you won't have any difficulty entertaining yourselves.

About the ferries: The car ferry running between Santorini and Athens/Piraeus that stops at Naxos is a daily routine all year long. Also, it would actually be cheaper and faster to take the highspeed ferry from Santorini to Crete than it would be to fly from Santorini to Crete. Then it WOULD be worth it. You can then fly or ferry back to Athens.

You say: "Like the beach but like to explore more." April usually isn't warm enough for beaches, although you could be lucky and arrive during a spell warm enough for a little sunbathing. Most people go to the islands for the beaches (Santorini being an exception), and that's why the season doesn't begin until May.

So that leaves exploring. Naxos is noted for its long sandy beaches, but there are some good places to hike as well. For April I would choose Mykonos, though. You can explore its beautiful chora (main town), although many of the shops and restuarants will not yet be open for the season. But Mykonos has the neighboring island of Delos, one of the most amazing archaeological sites in Greece, I believe it is open in April (except Mondays). Thanos, if you are reading this can you confirm?

Why not consider something completely different? Since April isn't the best time to visit the islands, spend those extra days on the mainland instead. Fly to Santorini and back, then go to Delphi, Meteora, or the Peloponnese, all easily reached from Athens.

Great info brotherleelove and njswyo! I have changed my plans due to your knowledgeable suggestions.

Now I'd love some assistance with my May itinerary so far:

Arrive Athens - 1 night RAFINA (AVRA HOTEL)
5 nights SANTORINI (ASTRA APTS)
1 nights HERAKLION (LATO)
4 nights CHANIA
2 nights ATHENS (PLAKA)before flying home.

My question is: what to do with 3 nites after arriving in Athens on the back end and given that I already have the 2 nites there? Rent car and go to Delphi, Peloponnese, Meteora? What do you suggest for outdoors, active, 50's & a bit upscale travelers?

Thanks so much!!