The Cyclades Greece
 

We are traveling to Athens the end of May and then off to island hop. Which are the best Cyclades islands to visit. We have about 3-4 days. Were is the best place on the internet to find the new ferry schedules. Are they out yet.

I hear that Santorini is amazing, but I haven't been there yet. My boyfriend and I will be there for the first time in June. We are also curious about where else to go and have just 3-4 days.

Here is a website that can help you with the ferry schedules & fares: http://www.greekferries.gr/

If this is your first time in Cyclades then i would suggest Santorini and Mykonos. For 3 days though just go to Santorini. You won't find there the best beaches because it's a volcanic island but the scenery is beautiful!!
For ferries you can check this:
http://www.gtp.gr/
(It's very acurate)
or you can go to the ship's sites directly:
http://www.bluestarferries.com/ENGLISH/defaultmain.htm

http://www.forth-crs.gr/hfd/english/pgres.exe?PM=CR

Santorini is close to Ios, Paros and Naxos. Start with Santorini and if you want to see another island hop on the fast ferry, the Flying Dolphin, and take a short ride to whichever island suits you. Ios is the party island and Paros and Naxos are more family-oriented, with Naxos having the reputation for the best beaches.

What is Paros and Naxos like. Would we want to spent the night there or should we stay in Mykonos?

Unless you're going to Mykonos for a specific reason such as visiting Delos you might want to reconsider that leg of your journey. It's expensive and trendy, developed to accomodate package tours, honeymooners and charters.

I haven't been to Paros yet, will do so in about a month. Naxos is charming, especially the old town area on the hill above the port. Many posters report enjoying the traditional feel and the interior hiking areas. If you use "Search This Forum" enter Naxos and select Greece and you'll be able to read many opinions. Same for Paros.

Consider hoping off the Santorini-Mykonos U.S. tourist treadmill.

Both are great places and Santorini is as close to a must-see as there is in the islands.

But consider adding another island, such as Paros, Naxos or the dozens more, to get a look at an island that doesn't live or die catering to the whims/fantasties of international tourists. Don't get me wrong, they're both lovely, but they give you a somewhat one-sided view of the islands.

With 3-4 days, however, you don't have much time.