expatmama

Hi! First time poster here.
We are planning just over a week in April 2019 in Greece, coming from Israel. We are trying to narrow down a good itinerary for kids. I love history and my husband would prefer lots of beach time.
We have three kids, ages 4-9

So far this is the plan

Day 1: fly to Athens, then from there to Naxos, landing around 10am
Day 2: Naxos
Day 3: Naxos- boat to Santorini
Day 4: Santorini
Day 5: Santorini, boat to Athebs
Day 6: Athens
Day 7: Athens
Day 8: Fly home

Really the only thing that cant change is that we MUST be in Athens by late afternoon on Day 6. We may be able to add one more day on the end.
So two questions: is that too crowded? We may be able to add one extra day to the beginning, either in Naxxos or Santorini. I had originally thought to stay in Mykonos instead of Naxos, but have been reading that with kids and already going to Santorini, that Naxos would be a better bet.
Maybe its enough to stay only in Naxos and do a day trip to Santorini?
Second: Im a planner by nature, I love tours, and exploring. My husband likes sitting on the beach. Any must do tours at any of these places with kids?
Thanks!

Heimdall

You have a good plan, and I wouldn't change much of it, but here are a few points:

Greek Orthodox Easter is on April 28th in 2019, and although that won't affect your stay on the islands, travel during the week before that will busy, so make your flight reservations early. If you are there during the Easter period it will give you a chance to observe some of the Greek Orthodox celebrations.

Sea water temperatures in April at Naxos will be about the same as at Tel Aviv, around 18C. Air temperatures will be warm enough for sunbathing on most days, but April weather is variable.

Consider flying back from Santorini instead of using the ferry. Blue Star Ferries take about 8 hours between Santorini and Athens, while the flight is only 50 minutes. You will still get a ferry experience on the 2 hour voyage between Naxos and Santorini. With Blue Star you get great views from the open deck, especially as the ferry enters the caldera.

HappyTrvlr

We were ordered to go below deck on the ferry if disembarking in Santorini so did not get to see the famous views on our first trip there.

Heimdall

That's the problem, but you don't have to go to the car deck immediately. You can wait until the ferry gets past Oia, at least.

expatmama

We are planning to leave Athens around April 22, so hopefully before Easter. While I think it would be cool to see, the rest of the family isnt so interested.

Ill look into flights from Santorini. There isnt a 5 hourish ferry? My problem is I hate small planes, and am already having a hard time thinking about taking one.... let alone two!

Heimdall

I don’t consider an Airbus A320 to be a small plane, but maybe you do. To me a small plane is a Cessna 172. If you are leaving Greece on April 22nd you will have missed the Easter period. There may be a highspeed ferry as early as when you are travelling, you’ll have to check the timetables when they come out in the New Year. Generally they start sometime in April, or the week before Easter, while conventional ferries run all year round.

kja

It really depends on what you want to see and experience, but I must admit that I'd skip either Naxos or Santorini on this short of a trip -- too much time in transit for the time you have on the ground, IMO! And FWIW, I far preferred Naxos to Santorini. But you know your family, so I'm sure you'll make a choice that works for you.

expatmama

I guess my worry is the accommodations on Naxos. I kinda dreamed of having the views of Santorini. Overall I think my family would prefer something like Naxos... although in April maybe the beaches wont be as worth it, so the views of Santorini would be better?

Or is there another single island an easy trip from Athens you would recommend?