Greek Islands: Having difficulty narrowing it down!
 

Hello all!

I'm posting because this summer I will be going to Greece with my boyfriend for about 13 days (possibly a day or two longer) at the end of June. It's been at the top of my travel list for years and I've done a lot of research about the country. I think because I've looked at so much/read so many things, I have way to many beautiful options that I don't know where to start.

What I know is that I want to spend a few days in Athens, and spend the rest of my time on the Islands. I definitely want to visit Santorini. Past that, I've having a tough time deciding on another Island (or two) depending on how much time I have/how much time it would take to travel in between and such. I'm guessing with the time I have I should stick to Islands within the Cyclades because of my wish to see Santorini, however I'm open to Islands outside of that group. If it were a cheaper Island to stay on I am willing to take a plane maybe once especially if it's farther away and would save a lot of time.

What I'm looking for is beautiful views (I like to hike and love being on boats), cute towns, cheap and delicious food, historical sights, and relaxing beaches. I want this vacation to be a good blend of sightseeing and relaxing so I know that I don't want to be hopping to tons of Islands and having no time to just enjoy. Mykonos looks great too but I'm not sure if I should avoid because it will be so busy and I'm not huge on nightlife.

Any input would be much appreciated! Thank you in advance!

I agree that it would be best to stick with one island group, and Santorini is in the Cyclades.

Suggest flying directly to Santorini upon arrival at Athens. You are already at the airport, and a flight to the island takes only another hour. Save Athens for last to give you a cushion in case weather or other problems interferes with the ferries.

From Santorini you have a choice, if going by ferry, of the Western Cyclades route, which includes Folegandros, Milos, and Sifnos; or the Central Cyclades route which includes Ios, Naxos, and Paros. With either of these routes you can make your way back to Athens without another flight.

It's best to choose islands from one route or the other, because cross-route connections are less good. There are many other smaller islands, but I've mentioned only the main ones.

Mykonos is another island easy to reach from Santorini. Since you've already done lots of research you, probably know the attributes of many of these islands. All that remains is to put together an itinerary that takes advantage of the route and sequence that ferries stop.

Stick to the islands nearest Santorini to save as much time as possible. Your 13 days will fly by. The best options are Ios, Naxos and Paros. By the way, there are no inter-island flights available. You would need to return to Athens for a connecting flight to your next island. Save all your time on the mainland for the end of your trip, not at the beginning. This way you are sure to be back in Athens in time for your flight home without having to scramble back at the last minute. Starting June 2 this year there is an afternoon ferry at 3pm (except Fridays) from Rafina to Santorini that would allow you to see a few islands on the way, and get you there at a reasonable hour, 8:15pm. You can easily reach Rafina by bus from the Athens Airport.

Ferry schedules: www.gtp.gr

Within each route the islands are fairly close together, so travel time isn't long. Naxos is about 2 hrs from Santorini, and Paros another hour, for example. Paros to Piraeus (Athens) is another 4 hrs. Remember, though, that checking in and out of hotels, transfer to/from the ports, etc will eat up much of the day, so you are right to choose only one or two islands to combine with Santorini.

Hello,

It is difficult to decide which island to see. I've been there and had the same issue. It really depends on what you like and how much time you have to spend. I wish I had a whole month to see the Cyclades...

Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Ios and Koufonisia can be easily combined.

Best Scenery: Santorini
Best Nightlife: Mykonos & Ios
Best Culture: Naxos, Delos
Best Food: Santorini, Mykonos, Paros
Best Beaches: Naxos,Paros, Milos
Best Low-Key Luxury: Antiparos
Best kiteboarding and windsurfing: Paros
Best castaway destination: Koufonisia

Mykonos has beautiful beaches. Many beaches in Greece have rocks. The beaches in Mykonos have sand. The water is crystal clear warm and blue.
Check them out.

How about considering other islands in the Cyclades besides Santorini/Mykonos for a Greek Island experience? You'll find many of them far less crowded, less costly and maybe a more truer Greek Experience.

Some of my favorites are Sifnos, Milos, Naxos, Tinos (a real gem), Amorgos (loved it!), Astypalea (Wow!), Crete (huge with something for everyone), Chios (traditional with some of the best scenery of any Greek Island I've been to) and lots of others.

More research will find there's more to Greece than Santorini/Mykonos.

You can visit Milos and find accommodation outside Chora. It could be almost 1/3 of the price. And you can spend that money renting a car to move around

Santorini / Paros / Naxos is a good combination for 3 islands each with its own very different feel. I would stay in Naoussa on Paros, in Naxos town (near St George beach) on Naxos, and wherever you can afford in Santorini, but ideally on the caldera if the budget permits.