I have researched for hours and although I wish I could go everywhere in Greece I have narrowed it down to these islands. Is this a reasonable itenerary? We have 14 nights in late May 2011.
Athens then:
3 nights Milos

3 nights Naxos

4 nights Santorini

3 nights Felogandros

1-2 nights Athens

We don't really want to spend much time on the mainland and would like to reserve that for another trip. I would rather see more nature, countryside. I would love to go to Crete, Hydra, and Rhodes...but those places are so spread out and too much to see in such a short time. Anyone have any suggestions? Would it be stupid to skip Mykonos?


Thanks, Tosha

Slightly better than your original itinerary on Trip Advisor. I hope you don't plan on doing the islands in the order listed, though, or you will be zig-zagging through the Cyclades. Most ferries from Milos to Naxos stop first at Folegandros. Depending on next year's timetables, Milos > Folegandros > Santorini > Naxos (or vice-versa) would be a more logical order.

Although there are regular ferries on those routes, they don't always run daily, so be prepared to adjust your itinerary +/- a day or two between Milos and Santorini. Don't make the mistake of relying on last year's ferry timetables to make firm hotel reservations.

No, it wouldn't be stupid to skip Mykonos when you already have an ambitious itinerary. In fact, were it me I would skip another island as well, but won't suggest which one — that's a matter of taste. BTW, if you start with Milos you may have to spend a night in Athens first, depending upon day and time of arrival in Greece.

I see greek-traveller answered your question on Trip Advisor with very similar advice to mine. To further clarify what he wrote, Milos and Folegandros are on the Western Cyclades ferry route, while Naxos and Santorini are on the Central Cyclades route. While ferries run daily from/to Piraeus on each of these routes, cross-route connections are less frequent, maybe 3-4 ferries/week, except during high season (mid-Jun to mid-Sep).

Your trip sounds good. We have visited Greece quite a few times and were in Milos, Folegandros and Santorini in August this year. I would suggest trying to fit in Mykonos instead of Milos, if the ferry timetables permit. Milos was OK but not an attractive island and not a lot to do or see. We found the beaches disappointing. I thought Mykonos town was very picturesque and much preferred it to Milos. We really liked Folegandros, the Hora is small, pretty and has a lovely lazy feel about it.

Where are you coming from? We flew direct to Santorini from London and managed to avoid Athens which suited us as we've been there before. It also meant we didn't need to overnight in Athens, because of timetables.

Another option may be to fly in to Athens, then fly straight out to Mykonos. Stay there, then ferry to Santorini. From Santorini you can get the ferry to Folegandros, then back to Athens for a few days to do your sightseeing there.

Hope you have a great time.
Kay

If you are opting to maximize your time on the islands, fly right out to one with an airport. You should also be able to ferry between Santorini>Folegandros>Paros. Those would be good choices. I also recommend you cut back to three islands and spend more time on each.