This will be our first trip to Greece and we're planning to go in the fall of 2025. After spending a few days in Athens my husband and I would like to explore the islands and would like some advice on which islands and how to maximize our experience with travel/logistics and having time to explore, relax and enjoy the uniqueness of each island we visit. We love natural beauty/scenery, great cuisine, beaches, walking and seeing some historical sites. So how many islands would you suggest we see and which ones??
Posted by
City of Seattle
1932 posts
Some people are going to tell you that Santorini is a victim of its own success. But the place is not overrated. There's nowhere else like it in the world and it is stunningly beautiful. In total I've spent 4 and 1/2 months on Santorini. It's a bigger Island than most people give it credit for, and most people who think that it is too overwhelmingly busy are just staying in the tightest parts of the tourist center. There's all kinds of cool stuff off the caldera rim as well. If I'd never been it would for sure be on my must list.
I also really like little Folegandros. It's less on th tourist radar, and as far as I can tell from a distance (It's been awhile) still has significant authentic culture. It has some sweet little white villages, pretty landscape and beaches. It's a really good one if you want to get away from it all and go back in time.
Although I have spent a good amount of time there, I never need to go back to Ios again. Paros and Naxos are similar and better/more interesting IMO.
And though it has its charms, I could also take a pass on Mykonos. I'm a bit older now, and over the upscale "Eurotrash" party town vibe. There are clip joint restaurants/bars on Mykonos, part of the downside of the type of tourism it draws. It is quite a pretty place, both the town and the island though. So if you are up for it not a bad time per se, just not my speed anymore.
If you aren't restricting yourself to just the Cyclades then also think about Crete, particularly the west of the island. Quick flight from Athens.
Don't stress too much over choices - there aren't really bad choices, only shades of great :)
Posted by
Oregon
249 posts
I suggest you return to Athens at least a day before your flight home. Both ferries and airlines can be delayed due to weather. This May, our flight from Rhodes to Athens was cancelled due to wind. We then flew the next day. In October, ferry schedules start to transition to winter schedules.
Look at this old ferry map to determine an orderly route to travel between islands: https://www.greeceathensaegeaninfo.com/ferry-info-greece/greek-islands-ferry-chart.htm Islands without airports will be less touristy. Mykonos, Paros, and Naxos have tour boats that can take you to the archeologically significant island of Delos. I love taking the ferry. We buy tickets at local travel agencies, so we can decide when and where to go next and get advice on the weather. In 2018, we ferried from Rafina to Tinos, then to Santorini, then to Heraklion and flew out from there. Unfortunately, because we visited Tinos first, it spoiled subsequent islands.
Posted by
NH (USA)
1206 posts
There are a number of Cyclades islands to consider depending on what you are looking for but many other island groups that offer just as much as what the Cyclades offer.
Some are over-the-top touristy while others offer a more "Greek" experience.
I would recommend checking out this website for islands and see if any meet your needs and then post back on any you may be interested in.
https://www.greektravel.com/greekislands/
You may want to consider if Santorini is really an island that is right for you as there are many who love it and many who avoid it.
https://greekreporter.com/2024/04/15/cruise-ship-cancels-santorini-visit-overcrowding/
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you everyone for your input, it's been extremely helpful! I'm narrowing it down based on your information and looking forward to an amazing trip. I especially liked the comment to not stress, there's no wrong answers! ;)