Typical American, I know but we only get so much vacation - we will be in Greece for 8 nights. We want to spend some time in Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini. My question is should we spend some time also in Crete. That sounds rushed I know but we could spend two nights in each place. I was thinking first two nights in Athens, ferry to Mykonos, spend two nights, ferry to Santorini, spend two nights, ferry to Crete, spend two nights, and fly then to Athens and out to Spain. Or should we drop Crete and spend 3 nights each in Mykonos and Santorini?

What are we interested in doing - some history, lots of food and wine, and relaxation. It's me and my daughter - her graduation present.

Thanks for all input. CMR

You really don't have time for Crete. It's a huge island with lots to see. A day in Athens, two days on Mykonos, two days on Santorini - that's already shaving it very close. Many of the ferries go during midday, so changing islands usually means not having much time on either that day.

Two nights at any location means only <I>one full day</I> for sightseeing sandwiched between two days of travel, checking in & out of hotels, etc.

When on Mykonos you should reserve one day for an excursion to Delos, and another for time on the beach or other activities. Santorini has so many things to see, you would be rushed with even three days there. Examples: Akrotiri, Ancient Thera, wine tours, sailing trip on the caldera, exploring the island's villages and beaches. Crete is as large as some small countries, best left for another trip when you have at least a week for that island.

Go to as many places as possible if your goal is to visit ferries, harbours and airports; chose not more than 2 or 3 places if your goal is to visit Greece.

I suppose you know that there are direct flights from Mykonos to Barcelona. Fares for July start around 60 EUR.
http://www.vueling.com/en

Thanks to all for the input!

You don't have time for Crete. And dropping Mykonos would be a good idea unless you are into 24 hour partying. Do yourself a favour and spend the Mykonos time in Nafplion.

Mykonos is not necessarily 24 hours partying, unless you want to party.
Mykonos can be very relaxing and has one of the most beautiful Choras of the Cyclades.

<i>"And dropping Mykonos would be a good idea unless you are into 24 hour partying."</i>

Leave out the "2" and that statement would be more accurate, because most of the partying in Mykonos Town goes on between midnight and 4am! During those 4 hours I am usually tucked up in bed in my hotel room, so don't even notice the partying. Earlier in the evening Mykonos Town is just like any other busy island chora, with people walking around, looking in shops, and having dinner in sidewalk cafes.

Paradise Beach is known as a party beach, with clubs that open during the day, but there are other much quieter beaches, e.g. Agios Ioannis (St John), the beach famed for scenes in the film "Shirley Valentine". When I've been on Paradise Beach the partying went on in the clubs, and didn't spill over onto the beach itself.

Mykonos is expensive, and crowded in July and August, but otherwise a wonderful place to visit. It's the easiest island from which to visit Delos, the uninhabited island with one of the best archeological sites in Greece. I have a special interest in the mosaics, which is reflected in these photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/heimda...57627791957268