Greece Itinerary Help with Flight Logistics Question

Do not skip Athens! Among the historic monuments , the Parthenon on the Acropolis is a must see.
Take your family to the top of Lycabettus Hill( tram part way) to view the panorama of the whole city as far out as the sea.

FIrst of all, AThens airport is NOT Athens ... it is 1 hour away by metro or taxi ... so you are not "STAying in Athens' by just landing at the airport. Second, if you have read any of the Greece forums at all -- this one or Trip Advisor or FOdors -- you'll know alreadly that all of us "GReece vets" strongly recommend Athens LAST. Main reasons:
• Timesaving - on your very short trip, you waste precious hours checking in/out of Central AThens hotel
• Recovery from jet-lag easier/more fun on an island
• Island time allows u to figure out "how Greece works," makes u efficient at navigating bustling world capital
• Even a few days exposure to Greek history/culture on isle makes Athens world-famous landmarks & museum treasures more meaningful for both kids/adults -- so no, don't "SKip" Athens -- if that's the outlook, why not just go to Carribean ...

Workable option:
• Avoid long-distance ferries (u lack timei); only ferry - between the 2 isles (except necessity-option below)
•  FIRST PRIORITY - check availability of FLight for 6 TO Santorini on Arr, and from Naxos BACK To ATH in time to allow 2 full days there - if no flight available back, then must take Blue Star Ferry 6pm -11:45 (get 'reserved economy' seating) to Piraeus
• On arrival, allow 2 hrs layover, take 1st available Flight to Santorini (BTW, giving exact date/time arrival produces best advice) I hope u arrive am of FRI or SAT: Fri Noon - Monday AM is when fewest Giant Mega-Cruisers Dock & hordes invade
• SANTORINI - allow 36-48 hours Max (2 nites) - it's all about "famous Caldera View" -- beaches are n.g. -- Try to book lodgings on/near Cliffside view in FIROSTEPHANI ... because no need rent car, you can walk to/from FIra town but stay outside hubbub
• DAY 3 - Ferry to NAXOS 3:15pm (BLUe Star arr 5:30) -- Look for beachside lodgings on Plaka Beach; local bus connects w port town hourly, takes 35 mins runs til midnight; to explore island u either need to rent 2cars or 7 psgr van IN advance OR (good option) local KTEL bus tour 9-5 with swim stop (€23 each) -- lots to discover all over island & in fascinating port town. The ideal family/active discovery island... we can't tell all here, u need to research.
• DAY 9? 10?- either Fly back to ATH in afternoon or BLUE Star in evening - 2 taxis to lodgings in Central Athens
• FINAL 3 nights/2 full Days --ATHENS - https://www.orangesmile.com/destinations/img/athens-map-big.jpg is swell online map (CLick & it gets huuuuge) PLEASE book place walkable to Acropolis & all major landmarks ( Plaka, Makrigiainni, Aerides, Monastiraki, Koukaki, Kolonakii) -- TIP: booking dot com now has large pvt apts to fit all 6 of you, short-stay, at better rates than hotels -- do NOT get lured by fancy fotos into VRBOs waaay far away.

NOTE: Starting late, w large group, for popular destinations at popular dates (HIGH SEason begins july 1) -- you will pay top dollar -- but the above itinerary option has proved the most workable & fun, for all the family "newbies" I've advised for 20 years.

I pretty much agree with everything Janet said. Santorini while crowded and expensive is certainly a bucket list stop for many people.
There are flights all day long from Athens to Santorini. You will needs at least 2 hours to make the connecting flight.
You will not regret seeing Santorini. It is beautiful.

Naxos is an excellent companion island with Santorini. It is that blue and white classic Cyclades look. It is also less than half the price of Santorini for accommodation, and dining.
While Janet likes the slow conventional Blue star ferry, which does provide amazing caldera views on the way from the port, it is an afternoon sailing so you will not be in Naxos until late afternoon and you will find that you are just putting in time waiting for the ferry.
We prefer one of the fast ferries. The earliest one arrives from Crete at about 11 am. It will get you to Naxos around 1pm. Personally we prefer to get to Naxos as early as possible so we are having our first adventure there by 2 O'clock after checking in to your hotel.

End June is high season so Naxos town will be busy. I often suggest people look for a hotel at St george beach which is part of Naxos town. Its a good brown sand beach just 10 minute stroll into Naxos town waterfront promenade.

If you really want the beach then consider one of the south coast beaches. & km from naxos town. Agios Prokopious has a huge beach and a village. Agia Anna is a smaller village with a decent beach and Plaka beach is a huge beach about 3km in length. No village but all kinds of tavenas shops and hotels across the road from the beach.

this area is going to be busy as well but not overcrowded.

Here are some images of our trip last summer.
Around Naxos town 2022 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720299959098
Back to Naxos 2022 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720299940917

stanbr thanx for putting up your pix, I always post them because so great but do note that I credit u ...

As for the ferries, the reason I suggested the afternoon ferry was because if they flew at 1 pm Day 1, that would give them the 48 hours I promised -- on such a short GReece trip I just allot 2 nights to Santorini as follows: Day 1, at Firostephani lodgings by 2 or 3 pm... walk down cliffside paths for view... sunset dinner (my pick is now Remvi Cafe with stunner view, no crowd sane prices); DAy 2 @ 8AM - taxi to OIA for 2+ hours of enjoyable strolls, photo-taking, until crulse mobs invade & jam-pack lanes. Then this sextet can bus to Fira for several options -- visit Ancient Thira atop huge bluffs, or Akrotiri ?? maybe Akrotiri beach for sunset; Day 3, a lazy morning , shopping, Museum? Yes, they CAN get that AM ferry -- IF they can wrangle 4 kids up & packed & check-out by 8:30 or so... I did it with 2 kids (but I'm a Tough Mom).

A PS on Naxos that I think stanbr will agree with ... do not fall for some VRBO or Airbnb because of fotos of furnishings... for your short stay & active beach family, it's all about location location location. If u see a big HOUSE promoted it's probably miles from the beach -- try to be within 300 yards of the sands. And as Stanbr notes, advantage of St. George area is... easy walk to fascinating port town -- and there's a good bus system to go to outer beaches.

Thank you so much! Your responses have been great.

Janet and stanbr, if I could clarify a few things then also ask a couple follow ups I would be appreciative.

1. I should have said, this is for 2024. So, one of you said I’m getting a little late in the game, but I’ve actually done tons and tons of reading and videos, etc. Not so much on Athena, but a lot on all the islands.

2. I would definitely rent a car on Naxos. I was planning to rent a VRBO or Airbnb in the Plaka or Mikla Vigri area on Naxos. But, you have me second guessing. I would definitely “pay up” for something that I could see was within 100 yards or so of the beach.

But, you gave me questioning whether this is the best plan. The problem with all the hotels is they very very rarely have big enough rooms for a family of 6. Even if they say they sleep 6, they are SMALL compared to what we are used to.

We almost always have better experiences with an Airbnb//VRBO with more space and a private pool.

Are you confident in saying “avoid rentals at all cost” or just saying I need to really do my homework and make sure it’s close to the beach, clearly lots of very good reviews, etc.

Again, thanks for all the help!

The far end of Plaka beach has had a lot of new buildings over the past few years. Being more modern increases your chances of getting a Villa type accommodation, that is suitable for 6. VRBO is also fine. Just be sure to take careful note of actual location particularly how close it is to the beach. Having a car will be quite helpful getting around and for grocery shopping. The large supermarkets are in Naxos town.

Stanbr has the latest info on NAxos lodgings ... but we both agree, be VERY sure location is near beach & walkable. U dont come all the way to Greece to keep driving your kids around every minute. Also -- if u want just 1 car... it can't be a standard sedan, 6 psgrs not allowed, would need a 7 psgr van. Hope u can drive shift because islands are v limited in automatic. In any case book way ahead.. Stanbr sez he's always had good service with FunCars in Naxos. BTW, if you find good rental near beach, pool is superfluous. The sea in June is divine.

Car/van In Santorini: absolute #1 advisor "Brotherleelove" recommends renting from Spiridakos ... or in FIrostefani, from Tony's.