Hi!

My friend and I are heading to Greece from March 31 - April 12, 2011 and am currently sorting out where to go.

Our draft Itineary:
March 31: Arrive in Athens (from Rome)
April 1: Athens
April 2: Travel to Island 1
April 6: Travel to Island 2
April 11: Travel back to Athens
April 12: Travel to London

We are thinking of going to Santorini and Ios. What are the best islands to go to? We want some relaxation, lots of beach and some partying!

Also, what is the best way to travel between the islands? I have heard that some ferries take a LONG time and I wouldn't prefer to get to and from each island as quick as possible.

Any tips and advice would be much appreciated!!

Thanks,
Allie

Sorry to be candid, but you obviously have the wrong impression. The Greek Islands are mainly a summer destination, although some people enjoy travelling there off-season for peace and quiet. Most tourist infrastructure doesn't begin to open until Easter, and the "party season" is confined to July and August.

There will be <b>zero</b> partying on the islands in early April — the clubs will be closed. Ferries will be on their winter timetables until the week before Easter, which is Apr 24th in 2011. Swimming will be out of the question unless you are a member of the Polar Bear Club. ;-)

A little geography lesson: Rome is about the same latitude north as New York, and Athens about the same as Washington DC. Santorini and Ios are about the same latitude as Norfolk, VA. Spring temperatures are good for hiking and exploring historic sites, but too cool for swimming and sunbathing. Suggest you concentrate your time in Greece to Athens and the mainland, with maybe a short trip to an island. Santorini will be very quiet, but Rhodes may be busier. You can fly to either island in less than an hour.

Allie, you might consider whether you and your friend can move your trip into mid-May on. If you are as interested in the beach & party scene as you indicate, it would seem to be a waste of your time and hard-earned money to go at the wrong season. Good luck!

The answers above are right - you will be ahead of the beach and party scene.
Rhodes will be busier in the town, but the beach scene is elsewhere on the island and they will be quiet at that time of year.

If you do manage to change your trip to later, such as June-Aug, you could visit Santorini last and fly directly back to London, skipping Athens. This would save quite a bit of time. I know Easyjet fly this route but only in summer. There may be other airlines too, you can check http://www.whichbudget.com/ to see who flies where.

Also there are slow ferries as well as the faster catamarans. Generally the ferries are half the price but twice as slow. If you want a quicker trip between islands, book the catamaran but be aware you can't go outside and wander around, taking photos and sit in the sun etc. It will be all enclosed. Here is a good website to check timetables and costs:
http://www.goferry.gr/default2.asp?lang=en&mid=43

Kay