Greece Itinerary Questions
 

In late May, my husband and I will be traveling to Greece for 16 days. We're spending two days in Athens at the beginning and end of our trip. We're heading to Nafplio for three nights after our first days in Athens. After that, we're visiting two islands -- Naxos and Santorini. My question: Should we go to Naxos first and Santorini second, or vice versa? What's the best way to get from Nafplio to these islands? What's the best travel modes to the islands (air or ferries), between the islands and back to Athens?
Thanks so much for the help!
Best,
Kelly

It doesn't really matter which order you do the islands. Personally I would go first to Santorini, then save Naxos and its beaches for last, but there are arguments for doing it the other way round as well.

Athens/Piraeus to/from Santorini - either Aegean Air flight or Hellenic Seaways highspeed ferry.

Santorini to/from Naxos - Blue Star ferry.

Naxos to/from Athens/Piraeus or Rafina - either Blue Star ferry or Hellenic Seaways highspeed. There are Olympic Air flights from Naxos to Athens as well, but, IMO there is no advantage flying unless you are leaving on a connecting flight.

Heimdall,

Thank you so much. This information is very helpful. I think at this point we're looking to do Naxos first. Here's our planned itinerary so far:

Athens - 2 nights
Nafplio - 3 nights
Naxos - 4 nights (w/a day trip to Delos/Mykonos)
Santorini - 3 nights
Athens - 3 nights

Does this look good? Are we allowing too much time in Athens?
Thanks so much!

I'll chime in here. 5 nights in Athens is way too much time. 3 nights maximum is all you need and will probably be able to tolerate. Spend the extra time out on the islands instead of in the city.

Your itinerary looks fine to me. There are daily ferries leaving Piraeus for Naxos both early morning and late afternoon.

Some would say you are spending too much time in Athens, others not enough. It's all down to personal preference. With a total of five days in the city you will have plenty of time to see all the major sights. You might consider fitting in an overnight trip to Delphi.

BTW, Sun June 15th is Greek Pentacost, and the following day a holiday, so on that weekend roads and public transport will be busy. If you are still in Greece it shouldn't have too much effect on your plans, but is something to be aware of.

Some have already said five days is too much. I'll have to learn to type faster. :-D

Many thanks on the advice! We're now rethinking our itinerary somewhat. I've heard that it makes sense to save Athens for the end and go straight to Nafplio from the airport on arrival. So here's our newest plans:

Sat. May 17 -- Arrive in Athens; pick up rental car and drive to Nafplio (visit a site or two on the way)

Nafplio - 3 nights (then drive back to Athens airport and catch flight to Santorini)

Santorini -- 4 nights (Take ferry to Naxos)

Naxos -- 4 nights (then fly back to Athens)

Athens -- 4 nights (including a day trip to Delphi)

Is this better? Thanks everyone!

I personally would add a night in Nafplio and take it off Santorini ... if you want a neat beach, there is a divine sandy beach outside Nafplio (Asine) that has almost NO people!

I was there last year on June 1, only 6 people on beach, water was sublime. Take bus for Tolo (which is a crowded beach), ask to be let off at Asine crossroads, walk down a lane and voila! a Hellenic ruin, walk past it and a beach! Remember Santorini beaches are black grit, so it's mainly about staring at the caldera, and do u need 4 nights for that?? Just my 2 cts worth.

I like your changes. How many days to allocate for each location is a difficult decision - we all have our own ideas. I spent three days on Santorini last May, and found that to be sufficient. On the other hand, my friend brotherleelove spends over a month on the island each trip, and says that is not enough.

Whatever you decide, you will have a great time. Late May in Greece is wonderful. :-)

We had 4 nights on Santorini and both felt that it was one night too many. Hop on a bus or hire a car and go to the beaches, yes they are black sand etc. but we loved that side of the island. Fly from Santorini back to Athens, there is nothing to see on the fast (hah!!)ferry and it takes FOREVER!! We were told four hours but it took six while the flight takes 30 mins. Don't miss the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, it is wonderful. If you aren't really into ancient history, then at least go to the sculpture wing - it is absolutely stunning. Hope you enjoy Athens, we loved it.

Small world, these are the same places we are planning on visiting, around the same time! Days divided up a bit differently and planning on doing Crete as well, though. (Thinking something like 3-4 nights Nafplio, 2 nights Athens, 3 nights Santorini, 2 nights Naxos, 4 nights Crete)Just bookmarking for future reference (esp. the bit about the hidden beach around Nafplio!)

Carrie