erb

Hi
I'm looking for suggestions re: which are the best 2 islands in Greece for my interests and how to split the time...I have 9 nights
We are a mature couple...we would like somewhere really picturesque but also with interesting things to do such as worthwhile towns to see...perhaps one day of ruins good restaurants
Would really appreciate some advise
Thanks in advance!!

brotherleelove2004

Santorini has fabulous views from the villages overlooking the caldera. There are two archaeological sites you can research on the internet: Ancient Thera and Akrotiri. Wine making is a thriving industry there so there are several opportunities for wine tasting. There are a few small museums. There are hiking trails.

Couple Santorini with Paros or Naxos for a good, diverse experience of two islands. Both are nearby and easily reached by daily ferry.

If you plan to spend any time in Athens save it for your last stop so you don't have to scramble back to the mainland at the last minute for your flight home.

dedgy007

Kefalonia is beautiful
Myrtos Bay
Fiskardo is a small harbour a few places to stay overnight then only a short ferry to the isle of Itacha
Sami, Poros Skala nice towns to visit on Kefalonia.

erb

Thanks to both of You for your reply
We are actually thinking santorini and perhaps both Paros and Naxos.
Do You think its too ambitious for 9 nights?
Thanks again for the help!!

Heimdall

It would help to know what time of year you are travelling, but to answer your question it would be possible to visit 3 islands in 9 nights. Another factor you haven't shared with us is where you will be flying from/to on your trip. If you are flying in and out of Athens, you really need to consider the first day as a day of travel, and plan to spend at least one, preferably two nights in Athens at the end of the trip. If that is the case, you have time for only two islands. Much as I like Paros/Antiparos, Naxos would probably be the best choice for you as a second island.

erb

Thanks
We will be flying in and out of Athens
My 9 nights are only delegated to the islands...I have an extra night built in for Athens at the end before we depart.

brotherleelove2004

It will be much more relaxing if you stick to 2 islands instead of 3.

parosblue

I also agree that the combination of Santorini and Paros would be a good choice. Rather than a third island, you have easy access from Paros to other islands for day trips, e.g. Naxos, Antiparos , Delos. Paros has some interesting sites and towns to investigate and Santorini has breathtaking views. Plan to spend more of your days on Paros.

Heimdall

You can't go wrong with either Paros or Naxos. IMHO, Paros and Antiparos need more time to explore, while most people who go to the larger island of Naxos stick to the small area around Naxos Town and the nearby beaches, e.g. Agios Prokopios and Plaka. If you hire a car you can spend one day exploring the mountain villages of Naxos. Paros is a little more complex, with beach resorts spread around the perimeter of the island, and nearby Antiparos added to the mix.

Actually I spend most of my time on Antiparos, taking occasional day trips to Paros when I want to explore Parikia, Naoussa, or other parts of the island. Antiparos is a laid back island in May, June, and September but like most Greek islands gets hyper busy in late July and August. To get the best advice it is essential to state when you are travelling, being as specific as possible.

CARMENT

Besides Santorini and Paros, you could try Folegandros. It´s a small island, with a wonderful Hora, perfect for pictures. Several pleasant restaurants, with tables under trees. It is really magic. Take a boat trip to some beaches nearby and enjoy the cristal clear sea.