I have not posted on Fodor's in quite a while but my girlfriend and I and another couple are heading to Greece this summer and are planning to spend just over two weeks on vacation.

We have most of our itinerary planned but we are having trouble deciding between a three or four days in Milos or Hydra.

As we will be in Athens for a few days, we could ferry it to Hydra from Athens or spend these days in Milos, as we can ferry it there from Santorini, where we will also be spending time.

Thank you for your help.

John

IMO Milos has much more to offer than Hydra. Take a ferry from Santorini to Milos and another one from Milos to Piraeus.

Hydra has one of Greece's most loveliest towns and waterfronts and is very popular with day trippers and is a hot spot for jetsetters and other well-to-do folks. Still us "common" folks can enjoy the time there without spending a lot of money on accommodations and other necessities.There's really not much to do . . . there is nice walking/hiking through the interior, not much to speak of for beaches unless you like pebble beaches or jumping of rocks. Still, it's atmosphere with no vehicles allowed and only donkeys for transportation will give you an idea of what "old" Greece use to be like. However, Hydra is far from being Old Greece.

Having said that I also agree that Milos has far more to offer, lower prices, less tourists, beautiful beaches, archeological/historic sites and far more options for spending time on that island.

We were planning to go to Milos but then watched Rick Steves and his report on Hydra, which he said was his number one European hidden gem. I hardly ever watch his show but since it had something to do with Greece, I gave it a chance. I guess he really does not know what he is talking about.

JohnnyRocket, without knowing what your interests are, no one can tell you which island to choose. I will say if your interests are beaches or geology, then Milos would be a good choice. I'm not sure what is "hidden" about Hydra, since it is a well known island. Hydra was the location of the film "Boy on a Dolphin", starring Sophia Loren and Alan Ladd, released in 1957.

On Milos, would you stay in a seaside town, and if so, which one, or in a more tranquil coastal area?