Travelling to Greece

Santorini is the most uniquely beautiful island, one of the most popular. It won't yet be too crowded in May, which for me is the best time to go. Prices will be low and with some careful planning you can also visit neighboring islands between Santorini and Athens such as Naxos, Paros and Antiparos. 8 days will go very fast, so I recommend you visit only 2 islands since after Athens you only have 6 days minus travel time between them and back to Athens.

Santorini has an airport so you can fly there from Athens when you first arrive, then take the ferry to one of the other islands mentioned before taking your last 2 days in Athens. I strongly recommend you save Athens until the end so you don't have to stress about getting back to the mainland at the last minute for your trip home. Naxos and Paros also have airports if you want to fly back to Athens. Aegean and Olympic Airlines both fly to Santorini, but only Olympic flies to Naxos and Paros. If you choose Paros as your second island you can take the frequent little local shuttle ferry across to Antiparos for a daytrip to a very nice little island with very little tourism.

I also recommend seeing two islands in six days. We spent six days on three islands, and I think it was a little too much. I, too, would highly recommend Santorini. It was one of the most beautiful places I've been and there is lots to see and explore. I'd also recommend Paros. It was a wonderful place that wasn't crowded and it was a nice place to relax.

I can concur that two Islands would be the max. Many talk of island hopping, but figure that moving from one island to another will take the prime chunk out of a day and Greece seems to move at it's own pace. I usually figure at the minimum, two, preferably three nights per island. Also focus on Islands that are on a common ferry route and consider air for the long legs. So, for example, If you really want to go to Santorini, then looking at the ferry routes: Tinos, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios are all along the most popular route. There is also a westerly route that would hit Folegandros, Sifnos and Siros. What you may find is that to get from Sifnos to Mykonos, for example, is almost impossible without multiple changes and maybe even going back to Athens first. For a trip like this, I suggest either flying to the furthest island (Santorini in this case) and ferry back, or ferry out and fly back. These are the most popular islands, another option is the Saronic Gulf islands, very handy to Athens, which would include Poros, Hydra, and Spetses.

Agree with Lee that you should save your Athens sightseeing for the end so that you have no airport connection worries for your island visits.

Santorini is unique, but I would have to know more about your interest (beaches, beauty, archaeology) to suggest my choice for your second island.

Late May sounds great; enjoy!

Pam

Thank you everyone for your wonderful suggestions! This is going to save us a lot of time and me a lot of research! LOL

As for your question Pam, we are interested in all of them...beauty, beach and archelogy. As long as we get a bit of everything on our trip we're happy. Athens we'll get to see lots of lovely sights. So the islands, we're hoping to get some sun, culture of course and learning about the history.

Any additional tips would be great!!

Cathy

Well, then to add to my comments, maybe look at Mykonos as a second Island. Nice town, bit touristy but still wonderful. Great Archeological site in Delos nearby, and lots of fun for the young and young at heart. Beaches are fantastic and no place better for people watching.

Agree with Paul that Mykonos can provide all three, although I only got within 100 yards of Delos in September before the heavy seas forced our ship to divert from our Delos/Mykonos day to Milos.
You probably already know that most of the Greek islands are not known for their beaches; they are nowhere near as lovely as Caribbean beaches, let alone Florida or even the Jersey shore. That's why Mykonos is a good suggestion if beaches are an interest because it has many good ones, and it's a short hop by ferry to Delos, the magic central island of the Cyclades. We spent our substitute Milos day at the beach, and it was fine, but I sure regret missing both Delos and Mykonos. (Guess I'll need another trip!:))

I also understand that both Corfu (west side of Greece) and Rhodes (close to Turkey) have nice beaches. Both are heavily visited by the Brits, and both have very historical old towns. We had limited time, so I cannot personally report on those beaches, although I read that both at nice ones.

Have a great trip!
Pam

I truly believe that going to Mykonos AND Santorini is redundant. Choose one and then go to another island that's not as developed for tourism, one that cruise ships don't visit. Paros and Naxos have lots to see and do, and you can get to Delos from either of them on a daytrip.

Hi Cathy,

Late May is a great time for travel in Greece.

Make Athens last on your trip.

Upon arrival in Greece, fly directly on to Santorini. This is an easy choice because Santorini is unique and very beautiful. Be sure your camera is fully charged up.

A second island such as Naxos will provide a more typical Greek experience and some great beaches. I haven't been to Paros but I'm sure it is also a good choice.

You are planning a great trip. Enjoy.

Hello Cathy. I agree with Lee and George. If you want to go to Santorini, fly from Athens to Santorini (Olympic airlines). When you leave Santorini, ride in a boat to Naxos. I liked the Hotel Apollo at Naxos Town ("Hora"). Hotel Apollo is located within walking distance of the Ferry boat docks at Naxos Town. Naxos is very different from Santorini. Santorini is mostly rock, with many small white buildings. Naxos is more lush, it has olive tree groves and fruit tree orchards. And goats, and donkeys. And Naxos has very good beaches : peaceful beaches. Fly from Naxos to Athens. For two days in Athens, I recommend : go to the Athens Acropolis and Acropolis museum, and the National Archaeological Musuem, and the Benaki Museum. Try to be in the Benaki Museum at a time when not many people are there : perhaps at the time that it opens in the morning, because its rooms are small. The Benaki museum does not have white marble sculptures of people, but its big ancient pottery is in very fine condition, and beautiful. And it has other exquisite ancient items. And its cafe has an outside balcony, with a view of mountains. And, I recommend eating at the Eden vegetarian restaurant, located in the Plaka, within walking distance of the Monastiraki METRO station. The Eden restaurant is located at the north side of the Acropolis hill, within walking distance of the Acropolis visitors' entrance.

Hi Cathy

I've been to Greece 5 times since 2000 so I've got to see first hand how bad the Euro has increased prices and the increase of tourism. Definitely definitely only 2 islands in 6 days. If I had to pick one over the other between Santorini and Mykonos (they are both fantastic), I'd go with Santorini. Its just so different from many islands. Fly in if you can cause the boat ride from Athens is quite long.

I like the other poster's thought of not doing Mykonos after because they are both tourist meccas. Find out how the Greeks live and go to another island that isn't so touristy. I have been to Naxos, Paros and some others. They were nice but I really liked these Andros and Syros for true Greek experiences. When the Greeks vacation, this is where they go. Read up on both and let the ferry connections decide your fate. Take a fast ferry if possible.

In any guide book, they will have greek phrases in the back OR you can buy a Greek phrase book. Greeks are amazed when you try to speak their language. Learn a few words and use them all the time. Its the beginning of tourist season so they won't be worn out from annoying long season of travelers who have lost their manners. Hope this helps. I miss the islands so much.

Thanks so much everyone for all your input! You've all made this organizing much easier!

Take care,
Cathy

Great input. We too, are planning a trip to Greece, before or after our trip to Italy. Originally I was planning 11 days in each country, but am now seriously considering 13-14 in Italy and 7-9 in Greece. It seemms like good advice in my opinion about flying straight to Santorini, leaving Athens last, and visiting a less travelled island instead of Mykonos.I guess now I'll have to go to the Italy Helpline to figure out that itinerary! Thx you guys.