Greece Spring Trip. Athens, Naxos, and Mykonos

Posted by gabrielj on 04/26/25 05:09 PM

Hello!

I am creating this for any advice, tips, and hidden gems to be found for my wife and I Greece trip in this upcoming May! This is our first international trip. We will arrive in Athens and be there for 3 days. Then we venture to Naxos for 3 days. Then Mykonos for 3 days!

Some activities we plan to do is a tour of Athens of some sort (Greek mythology, history. Etc). Acropolis guide and walking tour. A cooking class. Kayaking in Naxos with snorkeling and a picnic. We plan to hike Mount Zas. We have not quite made plans for Mykonos.

We would enjoy any good food to be had as far as hidden gems or classes. Hidden beaches and activities (exploring and hiking). Great restaurants, entertainment, and night life.

Thank you all!

Posted by leonard

Oregon

04/26/25 07:26 PM

406 posts

It's suggested that you save your Athens time for the end of your trip. Weather and strikes can cancel ferries and planes back to Athens and you want to be in Athens at least a full day before your return flight home.

Posted by TC

Atlanta

04/26/25 08:45 PM

5465 posts

We have not quite made plans for Mykonos.

Take a local ferry out to the island of Delos. Very historic. While in Mykonos, stop in at the Rhapsody Bar / Resturant. Nice cool place to relax overlooking the water. You can google them both and see if they appeal to you.

Posted by JoLui

France Southwest

04/26/25 08:56 PM

2980 posts

Just a few details.

The islands you want to visit in Greece are among the top 10 most touristy, out of more than 150 other Greek islands. So, staying 3 days, or even twice as long, won't give you the opportunity to discover any beaches or other hidden spots.

Mykonos is the most popular place in Europe and one of the most expensive for partying and seeing showbiz stars. It's been over 50 years since there were any hidden gems there. See why we go to Mykonos:

https://youtu.be/dMpaksY4sTE

People who don't know that Mykonos is a party island think that's where they'll see whitewashed houses, windmills, and blue domes, when in fact they're everywhere in all the Cyclades islands.

A Greek island isn't just a small town with a few thousand inhabitants; it can be considered a region in itself. Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades; you'd need more than a week to explore a part of it. If you want to hike Mount Zas, go kayaking, snorkeling, and take cooking classes in three days, you'll have a very busy schedule that won't give you the opportunity to see much of Naxos.

My advice: skip Mykonos and stay longer in Naxos.

Finding lesser-known spots on Naxos is easy: rent a car, get away from Naxos Town and its surroundings, and spend your days exploring the island. Otherwise, you'll be stuck like everyone else between the two beaches of Agios Giorgios and Agios Prokopios and the shops and restaurants of Naxos Town.

Posted by sarah

Illinois, USA

04/28/25 07:08 PM

54 posts

I agree with JoLui. Naxos is my favorite destination anywhere in Europe. Get out of town and explore. So many beaches - follow a random sign that piques your interest and find hidden gems of your own. That is the magic.

Posted by kmkwoo

Massachusetts, USA

04/28/25 11:48 PM

1999 posts

I agree with JoLui and Sarah that you should rent a car while on Naxos and explore the island. Drive around the island and visit mountain towns (such as Chalki and Apeiranthos) and fishing villages (such as Apollonas and Moutsouna) and also visit the Temple of Demeter. There are more towns and also hiking trails. We spent 4 nights on Naxos, and we could have used more.

Sarah is right about following a random sign and finding hidden gems. We followed a random sign, and it did not bring us to where we thought we were going to end up; instead the road brought us to the wonderful fishing village of Moutsouna, where we had a delicious fresh fish and seafood lunch literally sitting a foot from the water! One of our best meals and one of our best days!

When you say you are going to Naxos for 3 days, is that 3 nights or 4 nights? Remember that 3 nights gives you 2 full days and probably 1/2 of another day. It's helpful when planning a trip to plan by nights, especially when asking for advice.

Posted by stanbr

Nanaimo, BC, Canada

04/29/25 01:05 AM

1593 posts

I am a bit late on this thread. I would suggest you do 6 days on Naxos. You will not have enough time to fully explore the island but its enough time for you to start planning your next trip.
I would suggest you get to Naxos as soon as you arrive in Athens airport. It is wise to be in Athens at the end of your trip so you are on the mainland for your return flight.
There is an excursion boat that takes you to Delos an important ancient site then continues on to Mykonos where you can at least explore the main town area.
Here is why people go to Naxos.
Naxos 2022. https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720299940917/

Naxos town 2024 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720318203165/
Trip around Naxos https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157634605629689
Hike around Chalki https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157712247853233
Visit to Aparanthos village. https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720318196100/