First Trip to Greece

and then make our way to Santorini but I see it takes quite a while to get there from Athens by ferry

If the ferry seems too slow, why not fly?

How many total nights will you sleep in Greece?

If island(s) are priority, it probably work best if you start there and finish your trip in Athens. Trying to fly home from an island is fraught with the danger of missing your flight from Athens if the island flight is for some reason delayed. There are limited options from an island, should your planned flight have some sort of a problem.

I agree with Joe, islands first, Athens last. We really enjoyed Naxos and Hydra. I would love to see Santorini but the crowds keep pushing away the desire to go there.

You will love Greece. But planning can seem overwhelming, because you can find your whole wish list -- local markets, good food, spectacular sea views (turquoise waters), fabulous sunsets, walking old streets and wonderful trails, wine tasting, olive tasting (possibly), and simply relaxing -- on almost any Greek island. And there are more than 100 to choose from.

I would suggest that you and your friends do some research -- the following website is a great place to start. Find some islands that really look appealing to you, and then come back here for help with the specifics.

https://www.greektravel.com/greekislands/

If you're not into partying, avoid Mykonos, Ios and maybe even Paros (which is getting a lot of attention lately).

We'll need to know how much time you have. If you'd like to visit multiple islands, be sure they are in the same island group ... i.e. Cyclades (for Santorini, Naxos, etc.) or Dodecanese (for Rhodes, Symi, etc.) ... to simplify logistics. Many islands have airports that link them to Athens but to get from one island to another, you'll usually use ferries. It's best to visit your island(s) first, then return to Athens at the end. Have fun planning!

We are thinking we will sleep 5 nights in Greece. One of the days we arrive earlier in the day I think but not sure how much we will feel up to do. We could possibly spend one more night but not sure. Thank you for your insight!

TRacy, is it 5 nights in Total ??! Is this at the end of a longer visit to Europe?? We cannot possibly give good advice with thelimited information provided.

If you are flying to Greece arriving Day 1 and flying back to US Day 6, you have time for ONE island, and only if you fly there within 2 hours of arrival at airport ., spend 3 ngiths, and fly back EARLY on day 4 -- to have day 4-5 in Athens. Actually if you are spending something like $1500 for 5 nights in Greece... I would rethink the idea. Unless you've won the trip as some prize, or have deep pockets. I wouldn't recommend a trip to Greece From N America for any less than 7 full days (8 nights) . That wish-list of yours requires at least 5 days on an island like Naxos... PLUS a minimum of 2 full days in Athens. Please please, spell things out.

I would look into going to one of the Saronic islands like Hydra, which are the closest to Athens. Hydra for example is only about a 1.5 hour ferry ride away. They should fulfil what you are looking for and you won't spend so much time travelling.

ok so in looking at comments it looks like 7 nights, 6 full days in Athens is a better idea.

Tracy, congrats on facing realities of time & travel! However, I have an clever idea, whereby you might "have your cake & eat it too"! You want a place w seaviews,good food, picturesque walks, fab sunsets -- but easy to reach. Ta-Da! I suggest you and your friends, the minute you arrive in Athens, zip to a BUS station and take a Modern, comfy A/c reserved-seat Intercity BUS for just 2.5 hours ... much of the ride along the shore -- to a magical Town Next to the SEa -- NAFPLIO.

NAFPLIO, at the tip of a Peninsula, surrounded by the sea, is considered THE Most beautiful Old Town in all Greece -- gorgeous Italian Architecture, protected from change (no ugly high rises), has history, culture, a central square totally paved in Marble (!) tasty taverna food, ancient sites nearby, wonderful walks. Read ALL about it on this fab website - http://www.visitnafplio.com/ You climb up to amazing fortress, shop in chic little stores... even SWIM at Cute "town beach" or an ex swim-club below a cliff. Website shows all. And (having been to 25+ islands) I consider Nafplio's sunsets THE best, consistently. Here are a couple of photo albums by RS's ace photog contributor - https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/48866176952/in/album-72157711323535897/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720319228274/

HOW to GET THERE & BACK -- Outside Gate 5 of Airport, get X93 express bus (€6) to Kifissou Terminal (1 hour) - The KTEL (Intercity) Modern reserved-seat bus (€14?) leaves every 2 hours, takes scenic ride. You'll be there to stroll town & enjoy sunset, then spend 2 days exploring & enjoying. Best-located hotel is Agamemnon, if its fully booked, small place Omorfo Poli is adorable -- and if you're willing to climb stairstep streets, plenty of modest places on high-- check booking dot com. On your 3rd day, bus late afdternon back to ATHENS -- and a taxi (about €15-16) will get you to Central Athens hotels (check out my budget favorite, Hotel Phaedra, or reliable mid-price places like Hotel Attalos or Arethusa. So -- your seaside "cake" and the Acropolis Too!

Since you want to see Santorini, with 6 nights you could follow Janet's suggestion.

Have a quick flight to Santorini upon arrival in Athens.

Stay 3 nights (2 days) in Santorini. This will be enough to satisfy your "Santorini desire" and see the basic tourist attractions.

Then return to Athens by ferry or flight, and finish your stay with 3 nights in Athens.

Note that by the fastest ferries you won't be back in Piraeus port before 3 or 4 p.m with . Taking an early morning flight will take you to downtown Athens before noon.

The price for a fast ferry ticket from Santorini to Piraeus is around €90, roughly the same as an economy flight.

EDIT: I see Janet just made another interesting suggestion. :)