Hi! My flight in and out is from Istambul where I plan to stay 5 days altogether. From there I was thinking of Flying to Santorini and staying 3 days, then a ferry to Naxos and staying 3-4 days. From there I wanted to go to Milos and stay 3 days but is expensive and it would give me a day or less in Athens (basically enough time to see the Parthenon before I have to return to Istambul to board my flight back the following day. I do not want to take any days out of Istambul as that is the main reason of the flight. So question is should I skip Milos and spend an extra day in Santorini and a couple of days in Athens or is it better to go to Milos and leave Athens for another trip or should I add a closer island to Naxos? I am going with husband and are 48/53 but Mykonos does not excite as neither of us is into clubbing, All suggestions or alternatives appreciated.
Posted by
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
1441 posts
Experienced visitors to Greece quickly realize that they lose a half day every time they ferry hop. Even more than that when you hop from Naxos to Milos because that's an afternoon run so you lose most of the day. Greece Island hopping is better approached doing less islands gives you a richer experience.
If it were me I would fly to Santorini 3 nights is a good amount of time to see the highlights.
Ferry to Naxos. The first ferry of the day should get you to Naxos before noon.
Santorini and Naxos are a good combination.
By dropping Milos and adding those days to Naxos you will have sufficient time to really explore Naxos. It needs a week two is even better.
I am assuming you will fly from Naxos to Athens for your return flight.
Here is why you will love Naxos.
Around Naxos town 2022 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720299959098
Back to Naxos 2022 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720299940917
Trip around Naxos https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157634605629689
Chalki and Vivlos villages https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720299950915
Posted by
OP
6 posts
thanks! I will leave Milos for another trip then. Should I add more days to Naxos or add 2 days in Athens? My return trip is from Istanbul.
Posted by
France Southwest
2318 posts
Should I add more days to Naxos or add 2 days in Athens?
Your trip is coming soon.
So, since both options are possible and we cannot know for you if you prefer to stay an extra day in one place or another, first look at your accommodation possibilities on Naxos and Athens as well how you will go back to Athens from Naxos.(ferry or flight)