My adult daughter and I are heading to Greece in May 2025. We have nonstop flights from Atlanta to Athens on May 4 and returning on May 16th. Now all that's left is to figure out where we're going and where we are staying for each stop. I'm just beginning the research and learning just how much there is to see in so many different areas. I know it's arguably the most touristy spot but I'm not going to let that little detail discourage us from visiting Santorini. I've seen the photos for years and there's no way I'm visiting Greece and not seeing it for myself! Now we just need to decide where else to visit so I can lock in reservations for lodging before everything gets filled. At one time I thought about visiting Crete and taking a horseback tour, visiting Rhodes and seeing the Old Town, hopping to different islands for their own unique scenery and vibes. My daughter's friend shared a sailing/boating tour (with Polco Sailiing - I'm not allowed to post links as I haven't met the minimum number of posts yet) she took during a previous visit to Milos
so that's on my daughter's list. In Athens we do want to visit the art museum as well as the Parthenon and dear daughter (dd) will not find Athens complete without having dinner somewhere in Athens with the Parthenon in the background.

As I'm reading more, I'm learning that it's not so quick and easy to just knock out Crete, Rhondes, Athens, Santorini, Milos, and more islands. The travel between each of them is more involved than I initially estimated. Of course I'd love to see everything and need to scale back our original dreamy plans. I'm willing to eliminate Crete and Rhodes visits and if there's a comparable boat tour from other islands then my dd would probably be open to skipping MIlos. She enjoys the outdoors so a nice hiking excursion would be great too if that's available somewhere. I'm not in the same physical shape as her but a 3-5 mile hike is doable.

Initially we were going to stay in Athens a couple of nights upon arrival to shake off the jet lag and visit the Parthenon and Art Museum but now my dd thinks it would be best to save Athens for the end so we would have the peace of mind of knowing we'd be able to make it back to the airport in time for our departure.
I'm getting the impression that 2 nights in Santorini is plenty but will probably want to stay at additional stops for at least 3 nights.

I'm looking for advice on how to narrow this down and hear recommendations for folks who've gone before us. Any links or lodging recommendations are greatly appreciated!

Initially we were going to stay in Athens a couple of nights upon arrival to shake off the jet lag but now my dd thinks it would be best to save Athens for the end so we would have the peace of mind of knowing we'd be able to make it back to the airport in time for our departure.

I think your daughter's idea of putting all of your time in Athens at the end makes sense.

I must admit that I'm not sure what you mean when you refer to the art museum there -- Athens has some awesome archeology museums, but it's art museums are not as well known.

With only 12 days (counting your flights) you will need to be selective -- as you already know! You might find some useful information in my LONG trip report -- With Gratitude for a Glorious Solo Month in Greece

It might be helpful if you say a bit more about your interests.

Let me say that I have loved travelling onene with my kids! May is a wonderful time to visit if you prefer milder weather and wildflowers.

You appear to have 11 full days and Greece is best enjoyed at a more leisurely pace. As your focus seems to be the islands and Santorini is a must visit for you that hints that staying within the Cyclades will be logistically easier. Naxos is the obvious choice for a second island in May because it’s was to reach, lots to enjoy and offers hiking.

I agree that visiting Athens last makes sense so you don’t risk your flight home. We loved the National Gallery in Athens and found it very well curated. There is a lot to see in Athens. I recommend Alternative Athens walking tours.

So I would probably opt for Santorini, Naxos and Athens. Of course there are many other island choices so check openseas.gr for May last year for routes. We always prefer ferries over flights. Check out Matt Barrett’s website on Greece. I don’t know anything about small boat cruises.

Many family run hotels don’t open for bookings until next year but Santorini and Athens might be exceptions to that. Greece isn’t like some other countries where every tiny thing needs to be booked way in advance, which is one of the many reasons why we love it.

Have a wonderful time together.

First, Satorini is not just an island. There s is a huge caldera and Santorini forms part of the rim. Of course, if all you want to do is get a glimpse of a view, then no need to stay longer. But there's plenty to see there to warrant more than 2 nights.

Milos is only a 2 hour ferry ride away. It is known for it's dramatic coves and rock formations on the water. I don't know what water temperatures are like that time of year..... But I think Santorini, Athens, and Milos could make a varied and gorgeous trip.

I agree with dreamon: Naxos would be a great choice!

And FWIW, I realized that the National Gallery in Athens was closed when I was there. No wonder I missed it!

I hate to throw more at you to consider but the monasteries at Meteora are fabulous! And, well worth a couple of days if you can fit it in or add more time to your trip.

https://meteora.com/meteora-monasteries/

We've stayed on Naxos and Milos, separate trips, and much preferred Naxos. Even though Santorini can be horribly busy, the views are sublime. If you can, catch one of the large ferries to the island, so you can be up on deck as you approach. Wonderful views of the white villages perched on top of the dark volcanic rock of the caldera.

I can only comment on the Cyclades, but I’d fly into Santorini, spend two nights there, ferry over to another island (based on your preference) stay 5-6 night there, ferry to Athens, spend a few nights in Athens and fly home.

i would not do more than three places. Ferry schedules are limited and ferries can be somewhat expensive.

Athens is delightful but more chaotic than Santorini. I’d save it for the end when you’re acclimatized.

We’ve managed to find affordable accommodations in Oia, Fira, and Mesaria (wouldn’t recommend that for a first timer) through booking.com

I had the same number of nights as you (12) and did Santorini, Naxos and Athens. It was great! I agree that it's best to leave Athens for the end.

I flew NY-Santorini, ferry to Naxos and flew to Athens, which worked out well. With Santorini as your first stop, I would do three nights there, since with arrival and jet lag, you might not get a lot done the first day.

Travelling on the ferries in Greece is an intrinsic part of visiting and I agree with KayF that arriving at Santorini on an open deck ferry is special. We prefer the ferries with open decks, even though they are often slower than the catamarans.

I must admit that about an hour is all I can manage on a ferry -- but that's just me. Isn't it interesting to know how different people approach their trips?

I learned of this museum from reading a trip report on this forum.. I'm afraid I don't remember who originally posted about it. It's the MUSEUM OF THE B&E GOULANDRIS FOUNDATION. I can't include a link to the website but I'm sure google can find it for you. Their collection looks amazing and I'm very excited to visit.

dreamon, I'm so delighted my daughter immediately accepted my suggestion we take a trip together. Having this much time one on one with her is a wonderful blessing all on its own!

Thank you so much for specifically suggesting another location for consideration. I've seen Naxos mentioned along with a slew of other islands but now you're helping me to focus some attention on learning about ONE specific choice!

It's quite a relief to hear that I don't need to make all the lodging reservations before departure. The few Athens places I was interested in where already booked so I was getting nervous I had already waited too long.

Thank you so much! I will definitely look closer at this!

Catch a large ferry from Athens to Santorini?

Thank you so much for the recommendations and I'm going to start looking at booking . com this weekend.

Hi I’ve traveled with my daughter multiple times - she is a Greek and Roman archeologist. You might get some insights by reading my trip report I think it’s titled my solo Greek Adventure. I wasn’t that keen on Santorini- so crowded, but we loved Milos. Make sure to take a boat trip around the island.

Also, I’ve been to Rhodes- I don’t think it is worth the effort to visit. Crete is a wonderful island full,of archeological and historical sites. We spent a week there. My suggestion would be to try and only visit 1 or 2 islands near to each other, you give up Lot of time traveling from island to island. Good idea to save your Athns visit until the end of your trip. If you can get to my trip report look AT the lovely apartment we rented. I found it on VRBO, IT is in the Kolonaki area of Athens- which is super nice and walking distance to Syntagma square. Be careful renting places in Athens - there are some not so nice areas.

For an Athens hotel, I can highly recommend this onelocation was fantastic. Right in the heart of things with a wonderful view of the Acropolis.

https://www.booking.com/Share-LYWsuf
https://www.electrahotels.gr/hotels/...RoCy48QAvD_BwE
I recommend you visit both the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum, where many of the original pieces are located. Those that aren't in the British Museum that is...

I, for one, would NOT wait until there to make reservations, especially these days, when Greece can be absolutely packed with tourists! Some hotels might not be taking reservations NOW, but I would make reservations as soon as it becomes possible to do so. (Actually, I'd make fully cancellable reservations now, and then explore my options and adjust my plans as reservations open up.)

That is one long ride! 7 or 8 hours, I think. NOT what I would choose if flying into Athens and trying to get to Santorini right away. You can get the iconic view from the caldera as you leave.