Greek Island help
 

Where should we walk and eat on these islands? We'll be sailing and just have a short time (half day-day on each). Kea---Sifnos--Milos--Folegandros--Santorini--Paros--Mykonos. One special thing to do or see? Thanks so much for all the help so far. We're leaving Wed. Joan

With only a half day on each island you won't have time to get very far, and on the quieter islands many places will be closed for the season at this time of year. Just walk into the village closest to where you dock your boat and you'll eventually find something. Part of the fun is exploring the back alleys and side streets for the surprises they offer. On Santorini take a taxi to Oia, or maybe you can dock below Oia at Amoudi (eat at Katina's on the water) or Armeni, and walk up the stairs to have a look around the most beautiful and traditional village on the island.

First of all, you can't go wrong with the food in Greece. Mmmm Mmmm! I found the best kebabs to be the ones on the street. Oh gosh, I miss them!

On Paros, there's an American woman who has an ice cream shop right on the shore near the harbor. I know that in the winters she lives in Venice, so she may not be there when you will (you didn't mention when you were going), but if she is ask her if she knows of the man who serves food from his house. Ok, I know this sounds random, and it's really sad I don't remember this guys name, but he's kind of famous on the island so ask around....it's a real experience. The story goes, there is an older Greek man who used to live in NY and all around the states. He was an aclaimed chef. Anyway, he loves talking to people about his life, Greece, and food. If you can find his home he'll give you a tour of his gardens (incredible) and his home and all his antiques and cook for you anything you want. He's simply a beautiful man who wants to share with everyone. He won't charge you. He'll refuse to take your money...he just likes to talk and to make people happy.
This was one of my most special experiences I had in the year I was Europe.
If you can find this man, go...there should be more people in the world like this. It was a totally romantic experience. Paros is a bigger Island than Santorini and Mykonos, and if i remember correctly (don't quote me on this) his home is near a town that starts with an L, on the way to the Byzentine trail - if you've got time do that also.

I can't believe you only have 1/2 days on these islands. I would recommend cutting out some and spending more time on others...is that possible???
Regardless, have fun. Greece is a special place.

Sifnos - Take a bus or taxi to Appolonia walk down to Kastro and back.

Milos - Take a bus or taxi to Tripiti walk down to the catacombs, near to where the 'venus de milo' was found, take the footpath down to Klima (fishing village with no tourist tat) there is a friendly restaurant, 'Panorama' up some steps from the sea front, leave by going out of the back up to Klima then bus or taxi back to Adamas.

Folegandros - Bus, taxi or walk 3km up to the Chora, there are a number of restaurants on the main three linked squares, if you have time a further 3 kms to Agali beach.

Santorini - Depends where your boat docks really, but try doing Thera to Oia you can get bus back.

Paros - Take the bus to Naoussa (tourist style fishing village), or possibly to Lefkas the former capital. For a coastal wander try Pisso Livadi to Drios.

Mykonos - Mykonos town.

Kea - I've not been there.

WOW!!!! Thank you for such great sounding answers. I'm leaving tomorrow and I just can't wait after reading about these special things. Joan

I just wanted to say we returned from our Greek cruise on the Galileo, a motorized ship with sails. It was a great experience, only 20 people on board, excellent service, food, ambiance. We did most of the things that you suggested, (except finding the Greek man who cooks for you), and they were really terrific ideas. We also just sometimes rented a car and roamed, or jumped on a bus to wherever. Sometimes the return bus didn't show up, but that's part of the fun. The weather was wonderful 70s and 80s, and the islands were not overrun with tourists, a great time to visit the Greek islands. Thank you so much for your thoughtful input. It really helped to make our trip memorable. Joan