Hi I am beginning to plan a trip to Greece. We are interested in flying into Athens and taking ferry to Hydra,then Mykonos,then
Santorini, and then back to Athens for flight home.
We will have about 8 days for travel. Thinking September 2025.
Does this sound realistic? Any suggestions if this plan does not seem realistic?
Thanks for your help. Doreen
I would lose at least one of those stops.
It helps others advise you if you explain why you chose each stop and what you want out of them.
We are looking to experience beautiful views,relaxation,good Greek food and wine, some nightlife,some water sports like a kayak or jet ski.
So perhaps Athens is not a priority for you. I'd still lose one island. You could do two three-night stays and then two nights to finish in Athens if you want to see the Acropolis. Much depends on how many nights you end up with, and if you can arrive in time to get to an island on arrival day.
How many nights will you be in GR?
After you arrive in Athens take a nonstop flight to either Mykonos or Santorini. To get from one island to another check: https://www.directferries.com/global/index.html.
Save Athens for the end of your stay since you are flying home from there. Remove Hydra from your itinerary since you’re visiting two islands that are way better than Hydra. If you don't want to spend time in Athens consider taking a bus to Nafplio instead.
You've already read what Rick has to say in the guidebook, right?
Athens deserves at least 2 days with three better.
Still with just 8 days I would drop one island and save Athens for the end of your trip.
It will be very difficult and time consuming to combine Hydra with either Santorini or Mykonos as there is no direct ferry from Hydra to either island. You'll have to go back to Piraeus and then take a ferry to one of the other islands and hope there is a ferry available without wasting a lot of time waiting for that ferry.
There are numerous other Greek Islands that offer what you are looking for with less tourists, lower prices and maybe a bit more "Greek" than Santorini/Mykonos.
More research on your part is needed to see what other Greek Islands have that may work for you.
