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Best Island(s) for end of September

Husband and I are just starting to plan a two week trip to Greece at the end of September 2015. Most likely will need to book the trip for arriving into Greece September 26. There's a slight chance we could leave the weekend before that, but it will be difficult due to my husband's work schedule. Planning to keep the islands for the first leg of the trip and cover Meteora, Delphi and Athens afterwards.

From what I've read, some islands are more active than others during the time of year we will be visiting. We would ideally like to spend a few nights on two different islands to get a little variety and our activities would include relaxing, swimming, lounging and maybe snorkeling. Good shopping would also be a plus. And, of course, looking for some of that picturesque scenery, would love to see some of the postcard white sand beaches and caves. We are very interested in Santorini and it sounds like it would still be going strong. Milos looks wonderful but it's one that I've read about that sounds like it really slows down during the time we'll be there. Looking for anyone's experience with different islands for the time of year we will be there and the pros/cons of your experience. Thanks!

Posted by
3148 posts

Things do start to slow down towards the end of September but most of the islands will be busy unti mid-October. Snorkeling and white sand are not really something you'll find there, especially in the Aegean around Santorini. There are no colorful living coral reefs to bleach out into white sand or to sustain lots of fish. Mostly what you'll see is algae-covered rocks and sea grasses. Santorini will indeed still be very lively. A good second island nearby is Naxos or Paros, both easily reached by ferry in a couple of hours. They both have large permanent populations so there will be lots going on.

Posted by
1549 posts

A few years ago we were in Greece for a month beginning in the middle of September. We started in Santorini and then visited Naxos. The scenery in Santorini can't be beat. Naxos also has great scenery and interesting towns to visit. The water was still warm enough to swim. We flew into Athens and then flew directly to Santorini. From Santorini we took a ferry to Naxos and then a ferry to Athens. You might also check into flying to Athens as the ferry ride took a good part of the day. On both islands there seemed to be a lot going on.

Posted by
3148 posts

There are only a couple of flights each day between Naxos and Athens, and I think only one per day from Paros. Olympic Air is already booking for early October and depending on the date some of the flights are only €39 per person, all taxes included. If you decide to book a flight keep tabs on the Olympic Air website for schedule changes so you can contact them right away to make any changes based on the new schedule. It happens and you need to stay flexible.

Posted by
16895 posts

Similar to Lee's first point, I've visited some less-busy islands (e.g, in the Dodecanese chain) in early October with no significant transportation or lodging issues. Ferries that run daily in summer might run 3-4x/week in this season, and some island bus service will also be reduced or ending.

Posted by
1717 posts

Hello coberle83. I recommend : fly from Athens airport to Santorini. Two nights there, and ride in a ferry boat to Naxos. Those two islands are not the same. Santorini has very many traditional small white buildings, and some blue domes. Naxos is a good island for relaxing. It has the best beaches in Greece, and groves of olive trees and fruit trees, and mountains, and an atmospheric village.