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Mykinos to Santorini island hopping

After spending 8 days driving around Peloponnese March 24 thru April 2 we plan to catch a ferry to Mykinos then Santorini. Just wife and I, 2-3 days exploring each island. I like the idea of visiting Dilos and Naxos. Thinking about visiting Naxos on way to Santorini, is this a good idea or should we plan on spending night there. Interested in others experience and lodging recommendations.

Posted by
1151 posts

Since Santorini & Mykonos are two of the most popular, heavily-touristed and expensive of the Greek Islands I would drop Mykonos and spend the time on Naxos, one of Greece's nicest islands with something for everyone.

You can do the Delos/Mykonos day trip from Naxos and experience Delos, one of the most important of Ancient Greece with outstanding archeological remains that rival Pompey in Italy. While it's a bit further to travel to than Mykonos you'll still get to experience Delos & Mykonos without the high cost of staying on Mykonos. The other part of the trip includes Mykonos which will give you a an idea of that island, while visually stunning is a bit over-the-top for crowds, cruise ships lurking off-shore and high prices.

Spend the extra time on Naxos and see a wonderful Greek Island that has just about everything one goes to a Greek island for!

Posted by
106 posts

Your idea is great. The Peloponnese is one of my favorite regions <3
I've been spending my last summers there, in Mani Region, I've become addicted.
The Cyclades are nice too... I'd say it would be better to spend

1 day - Mykonos
2 days - Santorini
rest... - Naxos + Koufonisia + Paros (if you like)

Beaches that I liked in Naxos:
Plaka, Mikri Vigla - check Parthena Beach, Orkos, ALiko, Maragas, Pyrgaki, Kastraki, Sahara

Beaches that I liked in Paros:
Faragas, Krios, Martsello, Golden Beach

Beaches that I liked in Mykonos:
Psarou, Elia, Platys Gialos, Ornos, Agios Ioannis

Beaches that I liked in Santorini:
Red Beach, Vlychada

You might also have time to get to Paros, right opposite Naxos. I've done Greek Island Hopping and visited Paros, Naxos, Ios and Santorini. It is doable, the distance is not that far. You'll love it! Naxos needs more days cause it is a bigger island and has plenty of sight seeing. A variety of beautiful beaches there as well. Santorini and Mykonos have the best nightlife for sure, however the small Naousa Port in Paros is superb as well. I liked Paros more than the other islands... Less expensive too. Oh, from Naxos you can get to Delos and Koufonisia, great day trips. Stunning beaches in Koufonisia (google to see some photos from Pori Beach, Italida Beach,
Gala Beach). Might wanna check out Hostelbay and Hellenic Seaways ferries, they offer a pass that includes your island destinations.

Posted by
4724 posts

Dilos is just a short boat trip from Mikonos and highly recommend it. Yes, Mikonos might be a little crowded, but Dilos is very much worth it.