LaurenP

My husband and I want to go to the Greek Islands for our 1 year anniversary in the beginning of September. We will likely leave on a Friday night and stay from Saturday-Saturday or Sunday (7 or 8 nights total). We are not interested in staying in Athens. I definitely want to spend most of our time in Santorini but am wondering if I should spend a few days on Mykonos as well or if it's better just to stay put. I am also wondering if it going to be too much of a party scene because that's not what we are looking for. Any comments would be helpful. We also need some hotel reccomendations - if we could stay under 500 Euros that would be ideal and I would like to have our own jacuzzi on the terrace and a gym would be a plus but not a necessity. Thanks!

billbarr

Early September, for me, is the best time to visit Mykonos. It’s so good it’s kept me returning at that time for more than 40 years The town is quieter compared to the madness of July and August but it still retains a buzz. The weather will be warm to hot and the sea temperature will be ideal to bathe in.

The party scene can still be found but it is much more subdued. In early September you need to go looking for it. In July and August it can hardly be avoided.

Most folks think that the same party scene is all that the island has to offer but there are many more things to check out. The town itself is undoubtedly the prettiest in the Cyclades, you are a short boat ride from the amazing island of Delos (does not open on Mondays), the traditional restaurants and ancient monastery in the island’s second town Ano Mera are worth the short journey in one of the local buses. A short stroll from Ano Mera will take you to the castle of Gyzi which was established in the 13th century. Only ruins are now left but I’ve always found it atmospheric. There is also a prehistoric tomb closeby.

You will also find some terrific beaches on the island. Those on its south side will be busier, those in the north much quieter and occasionally deserted. Two special things for me are the extraordinary sea colours at Agios Ioannis with stunning views over to Delos, or being a member of the audience in the tiny outdoor theatre in town, watching and listening to island dances and songs.

All of the out-of-town places mentioned can be travelled to using the island’s small bus network.

Before you make your decision whether or not to visit Mykonos please give some thought to the logistics and travel time from Santorini. These days I fly direct to the island and my knowledge of ferry times and their operating days is scant. Hopefully Heimdall or Clausar will come along soon and give you some information about those.

Did you mean 500 euro per night or in total for the days you will be there? If you could clarify that I’ll be happy to give you some recommendations. Let us know if you’d prefer to lodge in Mykonos town or closer to one of the beaches?

Bill

Heimdall

Based on last year's sailings there are likely to be at least two daily catamarans between Santorini and Mykonos in early September. Each take around 2½ hours, but with hotel check in/out, transfers, etc you have to consider most of that day lost to travel.

Sea Jets Consortium has already released their timetable for Superjet, departing Santorini at 1130. Timetables of the more reliable Hellenic Seaways catamarans have yet to be released, but FlyingCat 4 departs Santorini around 1200, and FlyingCat 3 around 1620. All these ferries have days of the week when they don't sail, but there are usually at least two on any given day. Also remember that schedules are subject to change, and occasionally weather disrupts ferry departures.

Personally I think Mykonos is worth a visit, especially for the opportunity to see Delos. Mykonos has some beautiful beaches, including busy Paradise, and the quieter Agios Ioannis. You should consider, though, whether it is worth losing a day to travel on such a short trip.

LaurenP

Thank you both - can you fly between islands? I meant 500 euros per night. I haven't thought about where to stay location wise on each of the islands and would like some recommendations on that as well. In general I prefer to be closer restaurants and shops than somewhere remote.

HappyTrvlr

Mykonos is worth your time. Santorini is OK for a night or two, but not a week. Also,look at Paros as it's between Santorini and Mykonos on the ferry line. You could fly to Athens from Paros.

brotherleelove2004

Sky Express offers a few direct island-to-island flights during high season. Otherwise you'll have to fly back to Athens for a plane change to the next island. Some islands, such as Naxos and Santorini or Santorini and Crete, are only a couple of hours apart by ferry. Naxos and Paros are one hour apart.

On Santorini check Ikies Houses, Canaves Oia, Perivolas Villas, Kirini, Katikies Hotel, Aspaki Suites, Fanari Villas, Marizan Villas, Esperas Houses and Oia Castle Hotel.

littlejane

I would have said Santorini is fine for a full week - if you haven't been there before there are plenty of different aspects to explore, daytrips to do etc.

If you can't fly between islands and still wanted to fit in a second island, somewhere like Naxos is closer than Mykonos (so there is less chance of missing your return flight because the ferry from Mykonos didn't sail, etc etc) and a nice contrast to Santorini.

Heimdall

Frankly there's not much advantage to flying between Santorini and Mykonos. Although the flights are quicker, you need to transfer to the airport, check in about an hour before the flight, wait for your luggage at the end of the trip, then get a transfer from the airport into town.

Although sailing time for the catamarans is about 3 hrs, all you do is hand over your ticket as you board and stow your luggage in the racks near the ramp. There are no weight restrictions for luggage on the ferries. The flying cats dock at Mykonos old port, right in the middle of town. No waiting — just grab your bags and get off the ferry.

billbarr

Some suggestions for Mykonos. Dates used to obtain rates 4th to 7th September:

Town Hotels

Cavo Tagoo http://www.cavotagoo.gr/
Deluxe Room: Jacuzzi on private room terrace. Rate includes American Buffet Breakfast. 500e per night

Hotel Bill and Coo http://www.bill-coo-hotel.com/
Deluxe Suite: Jacuzzi on private room terrace. Rate includes a la carte breakfast. 520e per night

Beach hotels

Apollonia Hotel, Agios Ioannis http://www.apollonia-resort.gr/
Deluxe Room. Jacuzzi on private room terrace. 350e per night

Mykonos Grace, Agios Stefanos http://www.mykonosgrace.com/
Deluxe room: Private plunge pool on terrace. Rate includes breakfast. 485e per night

Heimdall

Hellenic Seaways has now posted it's 2012 timetable for FlyingCat 4. Note the no sailing date on Sep 5th.
http://www.ferries.gr/hfd/