We are planning on visiting Naxos, Santorini, Folegandros and Athens in late July/early August. What is the most efficient way to go about doing this trip? Correct order? I was thinking of flying from Athens to/from the islands and taking ferries within. Folegandos seems like the tricky one since it isn't as visited.
Thanks!!!

CC, the ferry schedules for the summer are not out yet but I do know there is regular service between Folgandros and Santorini. My guidebook also says that there is daily service between Folgandros and Pireaus. In my four trips to Greece I have yet to fly to any of the islands because I like taking the ferries so if I was visiting those three islands I would go Naxos, Santorini and Folgandros. But if you want to fly to and from the islands I would go Naxos, Folgandros then Santorini. Sailing into Santorini is special and shouldn't be missed. Also if you can't sail directly from Naxos to Folgandros you will likely have to stop in Paros because its a major ferry hub.

Thanks Trish for this info!

No, ferries to Folegandros are not regular at all. Guide books are no use whatsoever, they are too out of date.
You need a flexible approach i.e. when you arrive in Athens immediately try to ascertain the next ferry from Piraeus, if there is not one within a day or two take one to Milos (1x/day) and change there for one to Folegandros.

Alternative routes are to Paros or Ios (at least 4x/day), and change there.

C-Link ferries is one of the ferry companies.

Virtually all the islands are attractive places to stay so it does not matter if you get stranded for a few days, just relax while waiting for the next ferry.

I have been to Folegandros about 4 times and would recommend you stay in the Chora rather than the port. The ferries leaving are listed on a blackboard outside the travel agency, and the island bus usually connects with ferry arrivals and departures.

I'm having a really hard time planning for this since I will be there during high season so I need to make my hotel reservations but can't because I don't have an accurate ferry schedule. Are there any schedules posted with Folegandros as a stop? I can't seem to find any. Thanks!!!

Here is a link to the Piraeus-Folegandros ferries (Monday, Wednesday and Friday), all car ferries, and please note that they also continue on to Santorini.

Use www.gtp.gr for searching other routes and timetables and for scheduling updates, although I suspect that the current Folegandros information is fixed.

http://www.gtp.gr/RoutesResults.asp?...Y24FOL,11855,7

The problem I see with the above timetables is that they arrive on Folegandros after midnight, making them somewhat inconvenient. Getting from Santorini to Folegandros is much more convenient, and the boats from Folegandros back to Athens/Piraeus also leave and arrive at more reasonable times. Because of this I suggest you fly to Santorini. From there you can also take ferries to other islands in the Cyclades. Naxos is only 2 hours away. Car ferries and express boats are available to get you there.

Thank you! I will be in Santorini and was planning on using that as the hub of getting to/from Folegandros. Do you have any idea if the schedules are daily?

It appears that the boats go from Santorini to Folegandros Tuesday through Sunday. That's why I gave you the www.gtp.gr website so you can check the time for a specific day. Once you learn to navigate this website it will help you a lot with your planning. Just be aware that there are delays and unscheduled changes you might have to deal with. It's best to check the day before you travel and again in the morning to see if anything's changed.

Thank you so much! You are the best!!!!!