Greek Island Advice

I prefer your first plan.
FyI, we didn’t see any parting on Mykonos but still prefer Crete and Paros.

I would also tend to vote for option A. (I balance with Naxos addicts who will certainly prefer option B)
That said, in both options it is a shame to only stay 5 nights in Crete.

From a ferry trip point of view, in mid-September you will have daily ferries from Heraklion to Paros but I advise you to avoid taking the Seajets that make this trip (Naxos Jet and Power Jet) in which you will be locked up and shaken.

FYI, below is the timetable for the Heraklion-Paros ferries from September 10 to 16:

http://www.openseas.gr/HER/PAS/2023-09-13/2023-09-13/itineraries

Click on the Union Jack if necessary to switch to the English version.
You can change the date.

While I do prefer Naxos there is no point in adding it on to your Paros plan. The fewer ferry hops the better. Each hop even the short one between Paros and Naxos will eat up half a day.

Frankly with such a short time frame I wold drop Paros as well and spend 10 or 11 days in Crete and do the last 3 nights in Athens at the end of the trip. There is so much to see and do on Crete, cities with 14th century old towns and harbours, fortresses, antiquities, excursions small coastal villages and great beaches.

Thanks you all for the feedback! It sounds like everyone agrees that option A is best. At least, not doubling up Paros and Naxos, if perhaps even extending Crete. I wish there were more time, I do want to add at least one more more island to Crete given it may be years before we’re back. I’ll ponder it a bit more, but thanks again, this was quite helpful in narrowing down the overall scope. Have a great day!