Greek Island Help
 

My husband and I are traveling to Greece for the first time. We are going for 2 weeks in mid June and starting our trip in Santorini for 3 nights. I was originally thinking of going to Naxos for 3 nights, then Paros for 4 and then 2 nights in Athens which is where we depart for home. The only part of the trip I can change is the 3 nights in Naxos. I am debating whether I should opt for another island instead. Possible ideas were Milos, Folegandros, Crete, Delos. Crete was my top choice but in looking at ferry/travel time, I am not sure it makes sense now. We are active vacationers --love to explore the towns, enjoy good local cuisine, see ruins/sites, walk the beaches (but not sunbathe) -- basically immerse ourselves in local culture. Any suggestions are much appreciated.

Paros and Naxos are somewhat similar. If you were to substitute Antiparos for Naxos you would not be disappointed by the combined diversity of your choices. It's a lovely small island and is easily reached from Paros.

I loved Naxos and think it would serve your purposes well, but then, I didn't visit Paros. IMO, Crete takes more time than you can give it (a week to 10 days to scratch the surface). You can't stay in Delos -- just visit it by day trip.

BTW, I suspect you CAN change parts of your trip other than the planned stop in Naxos -- it just might cost you to do so. If so, you might want to read up on "sunk costs" before you change your plans.

Forgot to mention that you can get to Delos from both Naxos and Paros by excursion boat, and your time in the open sea will be shorter if you leave from Paros.

There are several daily ferries between Santorini and Iraklio (Crete) and between Iraklio and Naxos/Paros. But Crete wouldn't make sense for 2 days only.