Cyclades advice
 

We are 3 "barely senior gals" spending 10-14 days in the Cyclades October 2-16 2016. Looking for 3 islands each with different experiences. We like relaxing, hiking, local culture, beaches, shopping, eating, wine and having fun - but not feeling rushed!

We are considering Santorini, Folegandros and Naxos with a side trip tour to Delos/Mykanos.
Mostly because all 3 seem "different" and have good ferry connections.

Would you suggest these islands? How many days on each island?

Crete was considered but research tells me it's not a good choice for a short visit.

Help?! Thanks!

I think your 3 choices will provide you with an excellent cross-section of Greek island life.

I agree with brotherleelove2004. They are all different and each has its own vibe. Folegandros is my favorite.....look at Anemomilos Apartments there.

Folegandros is delightful ... and 3 days there can feel like a week elsewhere. so you could enjoy it in fewer days than Naxos, which has SO much to discover, a week there can fly by. Also Naxos, with its large permanent population, will have more going on in October, were Foley may be getting ready for off-season nap.

Folegandros' high village, Chora, is beautiful from every angle... I spent an hour one day looking for a NON-lovely part and could find none. Judy is right, Anemomilos is gorgeous -- but also take a look at Anemousa Hotel, http://www.anemousahotel.gr/en/article.php?cat=2 with same glorious view AND stunning infinity pool https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9KnOvH-QT4 ... and I think about 1/2 the price.

Good choices, but you might be foiled by transportation issues.

The day trips from Naxos to Delos/Mykonos usually end in September, so you would have to stay on Mykonos to get to Delos. Mykonos is delightful outside the main season (no party scene that puts some people off) and has excellent shopping and dining.

Folegandros is beautiful but has a very short season. There is limited shopping, and many of the restaurants may be closed by October. The Sea Jets schedule is showing their small catamaran Superjet going between Santorini and Folegandros through Oct 16th, and it starts its trips at Piraeus, but I wouldn't depend on it that late in the season when seas are often rough. Conventional ferries serve the island 2-3 time/week, their schedules usually published a few weeks in advance.

Hello,
Very good choice of islands. Make sure that you have planned for Santorini 3 days, it is so amazingly beautiful, that you will definitely need this amount of days! Make sure you put all the ferry schedules into your plan and you still have time for everything.