Itinerary advice for a little over two weeks in Greece

My husband and I took the RS Best Of Greece tour in Spring 2023 followed by 6 days on Naxos island. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Greece.

IMHO I think you are trying to go to too many places in two weeks. I suggest you research your travel time between areas at the Rome to Rio website. This will help you determine the amount of time you'll have in an area. Also read travel books/websites to narrow down what you want to see and experience.

If you go to Naxos you will need a car. The island has many wonderful sites and you'll miss them if you don't rent a car. A car is not recommended in Athens. I don't think there is public transportation to the Peloponnese area, but there are organized day trips available.

Because of your time limit I would skip Hydra. There is a fast ferry from Athens, but it was cancelled while we were there because of high winds. Our group took the longer ferry and then a bus back to Athens. Lesson learned that we can't always rely on ferries.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Last May we spent 16 nights in Greece, and this was our itinerary:
Santorini - 3 nights
Naxos - 4 nights
Nafplio on the Peloponnese Peninsula - 5 nights
Athens - 4 nights

I visited Hydra many, many years ago and I vaguely remember it. For me, it would not be a big draw especially since you will already have been to 2 wonderful islands. And trying to squeeze in Hydra would make your visit too rushed. Although I think you can take a ferry from Hydra to the Argolid Peninsula. But we found our 5 nights in Nafplio to be very relaxing and enjoyable and we saw a lot. We visited Mycenae, Epidauros, and the Byzantine ruins at Mystras, which are my favorite and I would love to re-visit. It’s about a 2 hour drive from Nafplio to Mystras, but well worth it. We spent a day exploring beautiful Nafplio and also spent about 3 hours at the beach at Nafplio.

If you spend 3 nights in Santorini, you can rent a car for a day to visit the Akrotiri archaeological site, the lighthouse, red sand beach, and black sand beach.

While on Naxos, we rented a car for a day to explore the island. We visited beautiful mountain villages, fishing villages, and had a very memorable lunch at a fish taverna sitting about a foot from the Aegean. This was one of our most favorite days on the trip.

We took the Blue Star Ferry from Santorini to Naxos, a 2-hour ride. When we left Naxos, we flew to the Athens Airport where we picked up a rental car and then drove 2 hours to Nafplio. When we left Nafplio, we returned the car to the airport and took a taxi to our Athens hotel. Driving in Greece is very easy. Signage is very good.

All the islands have a different vibe.

You can spend 2 nights in Hydra, no one will stop you, but it is rather popular and recommended for travelers visiting Athens and who do not have time to go to other islands.

Moreover, going to Hydra does not allow you to do "island hopping" with the other Cyclades islands that you want to see because it is only connected with Athens (and the other islands of the Saronic gulf).

You will have to make choices because Santorini + Naxos + Athens + the Peloponese (note that I already eliminated Hydra for you!) it is not reasonable in only 14/16 days. You will not be able to do and see everything you have planned. except to spend 60% of your vacation time in transport, transfers, packing, unpacking, etc.

Also know that there are about 200 islands that can be visited in Greece. You don't have to follow the crowds of tourists who believe that only Santorini, Mykonos and Naxos are possible destinations.

I think you could fit in Athens, Naxos, Santorini, and the Peloponnese, provided you are just doing a brief stopover on Santorini to see it. And while you could spend longer in Athens, many just do a brief visit (I did, rationalizing that I'll be back given the flight logistics). You will have to prioritize carefully with the Peloponnese--I spent ten days and did not see all I would have liked to. So, I suggest fleshing that part out first because there is such a long list of attractions in that part of the country.
The Peloponnese is better with a car, though just going to Nafplio and back is possible. The driving is easy, mostly across a modern new highway, but you can get on some windy mountain roads as much as you want.
What many do is fly immediately to Naxos or Santorini on arrival and on return to ATH, hop in a car to the Peloponnese. We did not have an arduous flight, so we drove to Nafplio on arrival.

Wow! Thanks to all who have replied so far. Okay, I had a feeling we should pass on Hydra. The fact that RS is so fond of it, can be problematic as far as crowds. I was also doubting how much we wanted to go to Santorini. After hearing from all of you, looks like our Time may will be better spent in the other islands, and the Peloponnese/ Nafplio. I would be interested in looking into the smaller, less popular islands. We are hoping for those that are easily accessible via ferry, yet quaint, smallish, charming, with a relaxed vibe and easy to get around. Now I have to figure out where we will go first after arrival into Athens from east coast USA. If we delete Santorini, where to go first? Since there is so much to see, we will allow for 16 nights before we head to Spain for a few days.
I appreciate all the knowledge and suggestions!

Are you not planning any time in Athens? That would seem to be a logical destination for a couple of days.

You have had some good advice so far.
If it were me I would fly to Santorini on day of arrival in Athens. Santorini can be done nicely in 3 nights. Naxos is a great choice as a companion to Santorini. It will provide a more authentic Greek experience. In May you probably should consider staying at St George Beach area. It is part of Naxos town just a 10 minute stroll along the headland to Naxos town waterfront promenade. Naxos probably would need a week to really explore all it has to offer. While a car is a good idea it is only needed when you want to explore the interior. There is no need of a car when you are near Naxos town. The island is well serviced by large buses so you can get around without a car.

Fly back to Athens and rent a car at the airport. That way you do not have to drive in Athens.

kmkwoo gave a great suggestion for making Nafplio your base to explore the Peloponnese. Its a lovely city particularly the old town area. On the way there consider a stop at Corinth for the canal plus the amazing fortress at Acrocorinth.

Return the car at the airport and leave Athens to the end of your trip.

Here are some images of what you will see.
Santorini https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157632154800782

Athens https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157632121475515
Nafplio https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157632094108982
Around Naxos town 2022 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720299959098
Back to Naxos 2022 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720299940917

IF you connect to Atlanta or other airport w with nonstop flight o'night on May 11. u arrive Friday AM, & return May 28 u get 2wks +3 weekends...15 1/2 days, enough for Stanbr's & KmkWoo's good suggestions (I have learned if I wait awhile they do the work for me!) A bonus of this timing is, you'd arrive Fri Afternoon on Santorini --and worst cruise crowds are on weekdays, less on Weekends. In addition, I now advise staying in FIROSTEPHANI, many places right on Famous Caldera view.. just on N. fringe of Fira town, easy walk to attractions, but away from hubbub; also u can Bus to OIA (early am!) to sightsee.. no need for car rental unless u want to xplore whole isle. I've found my "newbie" companions are happy with 2 sunset dinners, a taste of OIA and FIRA museums/shops, some do the Akrotiri ruins -- then we scram to Naxos. The 3:15 large open-deck BLUE STAR provides a "mini-cruise" seascape fix.

Your dates are almost identical to ours from last May. We departed Boston on May 12, arrived in Santorini on May 13, and we returned home on May 29 for a total of 16 nights. Sixteen nights was definitely enough nights to visit Santorini, Naxos, Nafplio, and Athens. Obviously you can't visit the entire Peloponnese Peninsula; that would take weeks or months. But 4 or 5 nights gives you enough days to visit the very interesting ruins. As stanbr says, Nafplio is a lovely city to use as a base. It is located right on the water and in May, there were flowers blooming everywhere, especially bougainvillea! And the sunsets are spectacular!

I planned an awesome trip last year with the help of stanbr and janet and folks from another travel forum. I took Janet's advice and we stayed in Firospehani and we did not regret our choice. We stayed at the Blue Dolphin Apartments, recommended by Janet; the price was about $230 per night, and we had a room with a balcony overlooking the caldera. I know Santorini is crowded and "touristy", but that is for a reason. The caldera views are stunning, and I think everyone should visit Santorini at least once in their lifetime. If you decide to include Santorini, I also strongly recommend spending 3 nights and renting a car for a day to see the rest of the island. I think you will appreciate it more.

As JoLui says, there are about 200 islands in Greece. It is impossible to visit them all. I can only comment on the islands we visited. We were very happy with Santorini and Naxos. One important factor is to choose islands that are easy to get to via ferry; otherwise, you will spend a lot of time trying to get to some of these islands.

"I was also doubting how much we wanted to go to Santorini. After
hearing from all of you, looks like our Time may will be better spent
in the other islands, and the Peloponnese/ Nafplio"

It's obvious.
Santorini is certainly very pretty but it is no longer an island for visitors or travellers, it is a place for consumers who like to walk like herds of sheep and are piled up like sardines.

Besides, you will notice that the main concern and the main advices for people who go to Santorini are now "how to avoid the crowds, what time to go to such a place to be quiet"
There are even now dedicated sites to indicate which days the cruise ships arrive in order to avoid the thousands of cruise passengers who land on the island...
These are not normal concerns when you are on vacation, but rather when you are looking for the best time without traffic jams to go to work.

So save your money and your time for something else, spend more time in the peloponese,

or

I would be interested in looking into the smaller, less popular
islands. We are hoping for those that are easily accessible via ferry,
yet quaint, smallish, charming, with a relaxed vibe and easy to get
around

Regarding the Cyclades islands:

Serifos or Tinos

http://www.serifosisland.com/

https://www.visitgreece.gr/islands/cyclades/tinos/

I can also highly recommend Tinos has it's a gem of a Greek Island.

In fact it's one of my top three favorite Greek Islands with some of the most beautiful villages I've been to, spectacular mountain road on the west of the island, lovely beaches, archeological/historic sites, great food and welcoming locals.

One nice village is Volax, not so much the village itself but the unique geological formation of the surrounding hills filled with huge rounded boulders tumbling down the hillside and covering most of the area.

Check out my Tinos photos:

https://tinyurl.com/y6w5ncb8

Thanks to all for your excellent suggestions and advice. After continued research, I still think we will stay in Santorini for three nights. We will take a flight same day as arriving from USA, since our flight arrives at 10:30 a.m. We had also considered Paros, since there would be flights for that island, but not sure if it would offer as much as Santorini? Yes, I know Santorini will be touristy, and not as economical as other islands. However, it does sound like it should be visited once; the Caldera sounds fascinating, as well as the smaller villages! We will probably rent a car for at least a day, as some suggested, to get to some areas without wasting time waiting for public transportation.
I have looked at accommodations in Santorini, we will choose A place with balcony and a view of the Caldera, since that seems to be a major attraction. Janet, we looked at the one you suggested, but it is already full. There are others I am considering which also have good reviews and similar costs. I would love to have suggestions for accommodations in the other areas we plan to visit. We would like to stay under $200 / night is possible. Again, I very much appreciate all the knowledge represented on this forum!

I am sorry that you have to go to Santorini. That being said, in this misfortune you are still lucky because the dates of your stay (early May) means that you can partially escape the hordes of tourists visiting Santorini.
Here is an example:
https://tinyurl.com/4hst9jj7

About these blue domes and these pretty typical white houses. 90% are now transformed into overpriced accommodation with terrace and jaccuzzi, but at the beginning, the authentic magical landscape was this one: https://tinyurl.com/ssty4jky

Only the Caldera and the villages built on the edge of the cliff like Oia are specific to Santorini (and some excellent wines). White and blue houses (with real inhabitants), fantastic landscapes, you will find them everywhere in the Greek islands.

After denigrating Santorini, I admit to having only been there two or three times, for logistical travel reasons, so I had chosen accommodations that I will not advise you because they would not be suitable (although (they are decent and cheap) to Caldera and sunset admirers.

On the other hand I went (and stayed) many times in Paros and in case you decide to go there I can give you a lot of useful information.

I also know Naxos, but as Naxos is the biggest Cyclades island, I prefer to stay away from too urbanized and organized places such as Naxos town, Agios Georgios or Prokopios beaches, but these are well located places, especially in May when the crowds have not yet arrived.

Other forum members accustomed to Naxos will no doubt have good addresses in these areas.
My favorite spots are further south.

Anyway from Santorini, most of the traditional ferries going to Naxos will be in Paros less than an hour later.

For these two islands Paros and Naxos, although they have a good bus network (a little reduced in May) I strongly advise you to rent a car, otherwise you will be very dependent on bus lines and their schedules.

Re SANTORINI HOTELS -- I'm not sure which FIrostephani place you said was full (BLUe Dolphins?), but others that offer caldera-view balconies or shared terraces include Hotel Mylos, Sunset Hotel (the 2 best-buys), Agnadema Apts, Remvi villa Villa ILias, then more up$cale, HOtel Nomikos, Dana Villas. There are many more of course, but I'm just listing ones somewhere near your budget, and not mentioning some that IMHO Have iffy reviews. I always suggest browsing with https://www.booking.com/city/gr/firostefani.html and when u put in yr dates, click the Upper RH icon "show on map" & then u see the "blue balloons" on google map of everything available for your dates .. if u study it does clarify exact location, how clse to Fira, If a place is actually on wall leading Down from rim ( = many steep steps) etc.

You'll get a lot of opinions on Santorini, some for and some against.

I haven't been so can't comment on it but it's not a island I plan on going to.

However, I hope you enjoy your time on the island.

FYI: In 1956 a huge earthquake destroyed many of the homes on the island so you are not seeing the "old" Santorini but what has been rebuilt since then.

You can find many images of the "old" Santorini on the internet and it certainly doesn't look anything like you see now.

Depends on whether you think that's good or bad.

Thank you Tommy, and yes, I do know about the earthquake.I have no doubt the Santorini built in the past 57 years is much different than it was prior to the earthquake. One of the major factors influencing our decision to go to Santorini, was its accessibility from Athens airport. If you know of another island in the Cyclades that Allows us to do this, and you found it of interest, I would gladly look into the idea of going there, instead of Santorini. After our first stop, we are planning to go to Naxos for five nights. it would be helpful to have a three hour or less ferry ride if possible.
Thanks very much for your advice

Barb: There are several islands in the Cyclades that have airports you can fly to from Athens.

Naxos
Paros
Milos
Syros

I believe Naxos, Paros & Milos are on the same ferry run. Possibly Syros also.

Are you locked into only the Cyclades Islands?

There are numerous other islands that offer a wonderful Greek Experience that don't get the crowds that the Cyclades draw. Some will have airports for quick access even the furthest away.

However, May is off season so most islands won't have the tourist crowds yet so you should be OK if the Cyclades are a must.

However here are my three top favorite Greek Islands:

Amorgos
Chios
Tinos

Only Chios has an airport and Tinos is the closest to the mainland with Amorgos a bit further away.

Chios is fabulous and I highly recommend it.

If you can combine Tinos with Naxos you won't regret it. It's a gem of an island with some of the prettiest villages I've been to in Greece, beautiful mountain scenery, beaches, great food and welcoming locals.

I hope I'm not overwhelming you with options but there are so many islands that are overlooked and people are missing out on them (but keep it a secret!)

Maybe this map could help.

https://tinyurl.com/4s2ukb2v

You will see the islands with an airport (domestic or international) as well as the main ferry routes.
I hope tommyk5 will forgive me, I didn't have the space to put Chios which is too far north in the North Aegean islands.

Tommy you luckily have been able to visit Greece numerous times (as have I, tho can't foresee when I'll next be going) .. and thus have visited probably at least a dozen islands, maybe 15, some of them multiple times, same with me. So, when you list as favorites those 3 islands, it's after having visited all the better-known ones. I think that first-timers need to start with better-known ones .. and either get them out of their systems & can move on -- Or pick 1 or 2 of them as possible future favorites. I also am very fond of 2 of yours... but wouldn't suggest them for a first trip of only 2 weeks.... maybe if they had a month. But do keep reminding us about your threesome ... since others (like KmkWoo perhaps) will look into them for her next trip.

We are from the Peloponnese and are so passionate about it's history and landscape, there's so much to see that people don't know about yet!!

Here's a list for you to explore in your own time and help build your itinerary, or you can see our list here: https://localwhispers.co/

Areopoli (Limeni)
Mystras
Kardamili
Monemvasia
Gerolimenas
Elafonissos
Astros
Nafplio

Thanks again to all! Great suggestions/ advice. As far as Accommodations in Naxos, it seems that pools are not common. We thought a pool might be nice with warmer weather, but sounds like most travelers just go to beach to cool off?
Also, thanks HELLO, for suggesting all the places to see in the Peloponnese! We will have a car, so hopefully we can get to some of your recommendations.

Barb- Lots of great advice for your upcoming trip. Both stanbr & Janet were my “go to” when planning the Cyclades. :) In regards to accommodations: Initially we were not that interested in a pool in Naxos. That said, a travel agent friend recommended this wonderful resort: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjgzJP3kf_8AhU_AzQIHVzgBBYQFnoECA0QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.alkyonibeachhotel.gr%2F&usg=AOvVaw2MvkNlKO0TlvIKwx5AmyGi
We appreciated the quiet location, the pool, the cuisine, very comfortable bed, private patio, & 10 min walk to town. The pool was a nice spot at breakfast as well as a place to relax. It was a memorable week. We did not rent a car. Instead we used their amazing KTEL bus service. We especially enjoyed a few hours in Apiranthos. We loved walking the town, engaging with the locals & enjoying a wonderful meal with a stunning view.

We stayed 4 Nights in Santorini. We felt 3 nights would have been fine. We stayed at the lovely Dana Villas. The only caveat: it was 197 steps to our room by the pool & restaurant. We are active seniors but the issue was the integrity of the stairs (slippery/marble). Limited railing. One of the guests fell and fractured her leg. Needless to say we would not stay there again. I agree with Janet- Firostefani is the best location to stay. Great restaurants, less touristy. Fira was a short walk as well. Enjoy your stay!

Thank you very much, Janis! This accommodation does indeed look very nice! After checking the average weather in Naxos for Mid May, I’m not sure how much we would use the pool. Do you know if it is heated? . (Being from Florida, so we’re kind of spoiled- LOL! Unless the water is about 76-78 plus degrees, we are not getting in.!) The property in Santorini also looks excellent- we are both active , but I’d hate to risk a fall. Granted, 197 steps is excellent exercise, but I don’t have time for a fracture now, or anytime in the future!
Glad you told us about the bus system being very good, because we were considering a car. However, if the buses can get to most places, we will probably skip the car rental unless someone else on the forum can give us reason to rent.
I very much appreciate all the knowledge travelers like yourself are able to give to those first timers like us!

Electricity is very expensive in Greece so very few hotels have a heated pool. Why bother when the sun wili do the job for free. In May its too early for the sun to do its job.

Makes perfect sense! Thank you Stanbr.

Good point about the pool! We were there in the month of September so it wasn’t an issue. ;)

So…. at this point, I’ll probably move the pool to a lower place on our priority list of wants for an accommodation. It’s always a bonus to come back after a day of exploring in the warmer weather, but sounds like mid May won’t be very uncomfortable. The good news? We now have more places to choose from; pools seem to be a bit scarce in Naxos. Any other suggestions are always welcomed!

We stayed at the Blue Dolphin Apartments in Firastefani and were very happy with our choice. We had a room with a balcony overlooking the caldera. There are about 40 steps from the road to the reception desk, and then 2 flights of stairs to our room, Room #7. For an extra 25 euros for 2 people, you can have a delicious and very filling breakfast on your balcony!

In Naxos we stayed at the Hotel Palatia located on the edge of Ag. Georgios Beach, so a quick walk to the center of Naxos Town. We had a very pretty room with a private balcony that overlooks the beach. $75 per night! Manos, the owner, is very nice and very helpful. He offers breakfast at an extra 10 euros per person which you can enjoy on your balcony!

Our time at Lithies Traditional Homes in Firostefani was magical. We stayed in the "Eros Home" and it met our needs perfectly. Maria will ensure that your stay is beyond memorable. In Naxos, we chose Hotel Grotta, which is a lovely, small, family owned property. Not on the beach, but an easy walk to town. We did not rent a car on Naxos; instead opting for a private tour one day. I can recommend the Aetoma Traditional Hotel in Nafplio. Again, a small, family owned property with stellar Greek hospitality. We used it as a base for our time on the Peloponnese and it worked out very well. Previous advice as to renting a car at the Athens airport is solid; no need to drive in Athens itself.

Somewhere in this thread you posted that you might drop Santorini. It’s crowded and not authentic, but it might be a tolerable in early May. Check the cruise port calendar to figure out the best day, I don’t think you should drop it.

We loved Santorini and Naufplio, but 3 nights in Naufplio would be enough for me.

NOTE re Hydra - R Steves promotes it, I think, because his in-person tours are all on the mainland, and if his tour-folk express a desire for an island, Hydra is one that's doable as a day-trip... and often they've heard of it because celebrities used to stay there. In my humble opinion there are better day-trip alternatives like Aegina, for several reasons:
• On Hydra u are limited to wandering the harbor, unless you are a hiker or like riding donkeys, because no cars; Aegina has low traffic, but does offer bus, taxi, e-bikes to see inland sights

• Almost no beaches walkable from Hydra harbour, Aegina has several nice ones

• Importantly, the Aegina ferry ride - on open-deck ship where u can sit out, offers a great panoramic "seascape" watching huge ships, 3-mast schooners, tiny sailboats, shoreline -- whereas the longer ride on a Hydra ferry (hydrofoi) has passengers confined to reserved seats in a closed cabin with salt-rimed windows no view.

Add all the stairs/steps without railings to the list of what we didn’t like in Santorini. We loved Paros and stayed in pretty Naoussa.

Thanks very much for your Aegina suggestion, and leave Hydra out of our itinerary, Janet. I think we may try to go there from Athens, since it looks like the ferry is only about an hour. It looks like a very nice island, and I like the fact that we don’t have to restrict ourselves to walking with donkeys or hiking. I’d love to at least se a nice beach too, if possible. I’m just hoping it isn’t as crowded as you mentioned the ferry from Santorini to Naxos was! That sounded like a nightmare. I always appreciate everyone’s help as we continue to plan!!

SO glad to hear you may give Aegina a try! It's easy as pie! You can buy a ticket the day before, if you want, at any ticket agency near y our hotel... they'll give you the timetables for the "conventional" ferry that you want, so you'll know exactly when to be in Piraeus, and at what gate. TIP - since Aegina is such a favorite weekend getawy for Athenians, your wise choice is a weekday... I've been there on MAy week-days and ferry's half-empty & island just pleasantly populated.

In AM, just take your daypack with swimsuit, and head for the Monastiraki station of the "Green Line" Metro. The Metro takes just 30 minutes from there to Piraeus, very efficient (DO be prudent & keep your hand on your daybag zip and do NOT allow husband to keep wallet in pants or jacket-pocket -- pickpockets target overconfident male "public transit Virgins"). It's quite a thrill on reaching Piraeus, you go up an escalator outside the Metro terminal to high platform & glimpse full panorama of portside docked vessels! Here's a photo-sequence I love of a June daytrip to Aegina -- shows every detail, including the metro! https://www.flickr.com/photos/36264706@N03/sets/72157621604646139/detail/

On arrival, first check departure time for last open-deck ferry; it's usually about 6:15, & buy ticket ahead if u like. Right by port is small ancient ruin with ONE column (TIP: take photo with column on 1 side + seascape & you may get a frameable shot, like the one on my wall). The tiny museum has HUUUGE Ali-Baba size Amphorae, man-size! Save browsing town lanes for late-day; instead head out. You can rent a car, or e-bikes, or do bus one-way (there's a timetable at bus stop) & taxi back. Several beaches -- ONe is Ag Marina... it's walkable downhill from Temple of Aphaia (on a "short-cut" dirt trail)... nice, plenty of cafes, narrow sandy beach, you can use cafe restrooms for changing; i you opt for a car, I'd recommend Marathona beach. Here's a nice photo-illustrated link for a day in Aegina - https://athensbylocals.com/one-day-trip-from-athens-to-aegina-island/

At end of day, fun to walk the narrow back lanes, NOT touristy (I always like to check out local hardware & home-decor shops in another country) ... then have a drink at portside cafe... you'll probably find everyone around you is Greek. Enjoy!

Since October 2022, the metro line 3 (blue) also goes to the port of Piraeus. With this metro line you can take the metro to Piraeus at Syntagma station if it suits you rather than going to Monastiraki.

The two Piraeus metro stations (lines green and blue) are next to each other. The new one is underground, take the exit: Kalimasiotis Coast.

Ferries to Aegina or Hydra depart from gate E8 which is less than a 10 minute walk from the metro exit

The traditional "open deck" ferry janet is talking about is probably the Agios Nektarios from Anes Ferries

https://www.shipspotting.com/photos/3008550

The first departure is at 8:20 am.

Ticket sales agents are at Gate E8.

First metro service is about 6 AM ... If you board a Metro at about 7, you will alight in Piraeus about 7:30 but then you have to make your way to the street ... And since you're new to Piraeus, it may take you longer than 10 Minutes to find your way to Gate 8 & the ticket line ... if I were you, I'd want to be at the ferry ready to board by about 8 for an 820 departure. The next "open-deck ferry" does not depart until 12:15... so the 8:20 is the one to catch.

Thanks so very much Janet and JoLui!! I think we will definitely get on the 8:20 a.m. ferry to Aegina.
i appreciate the step by step details concerning what we will need to do to be there to board on time. It does sound much nicer than taking the same amount of time to go to Hydra. Now I am beginning to wonder if it is worthwhile to spend a night in Aegina, or do you feel one can have a relaxing time and see a fair amount in one day?

You can even stay 4 nights in Aegina and have things to do and see every day.
Beaches, archaeological site, village, boat trip, hiking.
Personally I never stay less than 5 nights on an island... so I am not competent for quick visits.

https://weloveaegina.com/en/discover-real-aegina/

See also with AeginaTours or AeginaGreece what kind of guided tours they can offer you

https://aeginatours.com/en/tour/

https://www.aeginagreece.com/aegina-island/greece/private-guided-island-tour-aegina-guide/

In one short day you will have just enough time to buy a few kilos of pistachios at Kipseli :))

I did spend a night in Aegina ... it was because I was awaiting a ferry to a far island than only went 2x a wekk, so why not? In Mid-may you'll have your choice of places ... and why not stay at Marathona beach? its on the west side of island, for sunsets?