Two days in Oia are enough?
 

Is it enough to stay for 2 days in Oia when or should we save more days for there? We are going to spend 3 days in Mykonos, 2 in Santorini and 3 in Athens. Would you make it 3 days in Oia and 2 in Mykonos?Should we go there by ferry or by plane?

treyheart, we'd like to help, but you give us very little to go on.. When you say "go there" do you mean traveling from 1 of those islands to another, or getting to island #1 from Central Athens or from airport immediately upon arrival? The answer would be different in each case -- although if 8 days in Greece (not counting arrival or departure days) is your limit, I'd say that at least 1 leg of your journey needs to be by domestic air.

As for how much time for each place -- For some people 2 WEEKS in Oia, or Santorini is not enough, for o thers, 48 hours is plenty. It depends on who you are and what your interests are, and you don't share that. Are you honeymooners, Golden Agers, or active sports people? What are your priorities-- mainly relaxing on a balcony with a view, or exploring ancient sites, or enjoying a sandy beach, or shopping, or late-night clubbing?

It also matters, somewhat, WHEN you are going? During high season there are daily fast-ferries between Mykonos & Santorini, but earlier or later, you might have to change in Paros, and that can eat up precious time. Also, are you planning to be in Athens both before AND after your islands? you might save almost a day, but staying in athens only at the end. Even if you've made tentative reservations in any of the 3 spots, you have time to make changes without penalty, unless you're leaving within 2 weeks from now.

Do come back with specifics, and our experts can give you appropriate advice, instead of having to guess, and perhaps suggesting something that doesn't fit your case.

Hi Treyheart, I'd say it's really depending on what you are wanting from your vacation. If you prefer more of a party atmosphere, Mykonos would be the place to be. It's very chic but very busy, depending on when you're going. Oia is a more quiet place. The main town of Fira is very busy but Oia is more relaxed and the thing to do there is enjoy the caldera view. I prefer Santorini over Mykonos but that's because I enjoy visiting the wineries, Akrotiri.... (if it's open), doing the hike along the caldera between Oia and Fira and visiting the smaller unique beaches. Mykonos does have Delos nearby and that's a definite see.

Travels days are going to eat up your time so, that may determine what you do. For instance, if your ferry doesn't get into Santorini (or Mykonos) until late, than that would be the island where I'd spend three days, since one day is gone anyway.

You can't fly direct between Mykonos and Santorini so, with your limited time I'd suggest you fly to Mykonos, ferry to Santorini and then fly back to Athens, or in the opposite order.

First of all, thank you so much for answering!
This is a draft of my itinerary, nothing fixed yet:
June 21, early in the morning: arrival in Athens and fly to Mykonos at 10:40 a.m.
June 23: Fly to Santorini, via Athens, at 22:15 p.m.
June 25: Fly to Athens at 21:00 p.m.
June 28: Fly back home possibly at 21:00
Actually, I have no idea what to do in Oia. I will be there with my boyfriend but we are not keen on parties and nightlife. We like culture and nature, the beach and the sunset, that’s why we are planning to visit Oia…

Hi treyheart,

No point in flying from Mykonos to Santorini (via Athens) when there will be at least two or three fast ferries with direct connections between the two. FlyingCat 4, for example, takes less than three hours for the trip, with no check-in or wait for luggage at the end. Look for timetables later in the spring. :-)

If you like culture and nature but not so much partying and nightlife is Mykonos the right island for you?

I'm afraid I agree with ParisAmsterdam, and that's why I'm posting a rather long response ...

Are you sure you have chosen the right islands for you?? Or are you just going by the places promoted the most on cruise brochures?? Since you have not booked anything yet, I urge you to look NOW at this terrif website of Greek Isles, done by a young Greek guy, which gives a QUICK visual overview of each Isle, idea of its atmosphere & attractions -- http://www.greek-islands.us/

I think you may decide that you'll most enjoy perhaps a stop at Santorini (2 nights) and then another Isle (not Mykonos) for 3-4 nights, then back for 3 days in Athens.

SANTORINI -- what people always call a "must-see" for its caldera view; also the costliest isle. It has The View, but not much "nature" if by that you mean greenery... its rocky & dry. You don't go there for a beach experience (they're black & gritty)... lovely sunsets but not just in Oia, the entire West side has lovely sunsets, Oia is just the spot that is promoted. For "culture" -- well, Akrotiri the arch. dig, may re-open in June, maybe not. There can be up to 3 cruise ships docking on a given day, pouring up to 8,000 cruisers on to the islands so, yes, you will be surrounded by other tourists... I think the best way is to find a good hotel room with a caldera view (look a Firostephani -- it's quiet at night,yet is a 10-15 minute walk to the "buzz" of Fira Town ... wander the lanes, watch a sunset, check out the (truly good) little museum and then -- for beaches and culture and nature -- move on to a second island.

MYKONOS -- A lovely harbor town view upon boat/ship arrival; white cubic houses, lovely winding lanes. But again, 2-3 cruise ships deposit thousands there daily, so you're mostly in the midst of a crowd of (older, richer) Americans like yourselves .. lots of high-end shopping (Cartier, Hermes, DKNY, Calvin) but these are available in summer in East Hampton w.o. all the airfare :-D. The Mykonos beaches are sandy & nice; be aware everything's costly (rental for 2 sunbeds & an umbrella can cost €18 vs. €5 or 6 on nearby isles). Lots & lots of nightlife .. but you said that was not your thing. A dry rocky island; you can rent a car to drive around. For "culture" you can do a day-trip to Delos the sacred isle.

OTHER OPTIONS for ISLE #2 (look at this map to see locations; click to enlarge) http://www.explorecrete.com/crete-ma...ges/greece.gif
-- both PAROS and NAXOS are just a couple of hours away from Santorini on an enjoyable BLUE STAR ferry... large ferry, open decks to sit on and enjoy the view! Both of these have excellent beaches, lots of History (ruins, museums, ancient statues!), places to hike, lovely landscapes (marble-quarry mountains! Olive groves), enjoyable night life but not crazy, plenty of young couples like you, no cruise-ship crowds -- and lodging prices that are half that of Santorini/Mykonos. Flights back to Athens are fewer (1-2 per day), but Blue star runs a nice "sunset ferry" daily, arrives before midnight.

Here are some visuals for these Islands:
NAXOS: http://travel.webshots.com/slideshow/552001505EYxVYT
PAROS : http://www.greekhotel.com/cyclades/p...ramas/home.htm

Do take a look, reconsider your itinerary & get back to us and we can talk hotels & activities.

Travelerjan, thank you for your suggestions. The website with the greek islands is very interesting and I have found out some islands that look amazing! Crete is in any case a great option, I also fancy Serifos and Milos! Well Santorini looks even greater and I really want to go there. I am now confused! Should I replace Mykonos with Serifos or just try to stay more in Greece in order to visit more islands??? I have no time for Crete at all! Paros could be an option too. I have to think a lot before deciding! Thank you very much for giving me such a plethora of alternatives!!!

It seems that 2 days are enough for Oia if you just plan to see it in general. I am also looking for information on Oia and I have found out that it is a very nice village with a couple of sightseeing areas and of course the sunset. So, given that you are staying there for 2 days, you can explore the neighborhoods of the village on the first morning, go for lunch at Ammoudi, have a rest in the midday, go for the sunset in the evening and walk in the village before dinner. You can even visit Fira or Imerovigli on the next day, they look lovely too! I have found out some interesting information on Oia here http://www.oia-santorini.net/ . You can have a look and this will help you to find things to do in order to enjoy your two days trip there!

Hi again treyheart,

When you post a question such as this, you immediately get all sorts of responses with alternate island suggestions — result: more confusion than ever! With the short time available for your trip, suggest you stick to your original plan of Mykonos and Santorini. Why? They are both beautiful islands, and, although busy, won't be jammed with visitors even in late June. They both have multiple daily flights from/to Athens, and connect well with each other by highspeed ferry.

You've already realized that you don't have enough time for Crete. What you should also realize is that Serifos and Milos have fewer ferry connections, complicating the timing of your itinerary. Some of the passenger-only catamarans on that route have less than perfect reliability records. If this is your first visit to the Greek Islands it is best to keep it simple. You will have plenty of time on future visits for the harder to reach islands of the Western Cyclades. :-)