What Islands can I not miss in greece?

Blair, could you tell us how many days you have?? IF you only have 8-10 days, then 2 islands, plus a couple of days at the end, in Athns, are all you will have time for. Do not forget that every time you move from one destination to the next, it eats up at least 1/2 day.

Another thing to consider... what do you really know about the 2 islands you mentioned? Have you read guidebooks or some online extended coverage or just a brochure and hearsay? Here's an excellent online guide to Greek Islands by a 20-something GREEK Guy with no ax to grind (no ads) -- it gives the flavor of many islands with pictures mingle w. text

http://www.greek-islands.us/

Santorini has the great view; Mykonos has fine beaches, both have a lot of night life in high season, also high prices. If you want 2 isles that are much the same, fine. If you want variety, you might consider a ferry from Santorini to Paros or Naxos. One advantage of this is that BOTH thes Isles have a "Day excursion ferry" taking you to both Delos (the sacred Isle; famed ancient ruins) from 10-1 and ALSO to mykonos from 1-5 pm, and back by 7 pm. And if you love parties, Paros in Hi season has lots of clubbing, but not as pricey as Mykonos. The website above will help you make good choices -- and it makes a BIG difference what your trip dates are!! Late june is VERY different from Mid august ... the former is lively and sunny, the latter is hot and very crowded.

If you have the time Skopelos would be a good choice, but the ferry system may not cooperate with your timetable. In the past there has been only one ferry each week that connects these islands and there's no way to know if it's available until you're there and can check with a local ticket agent. Between Santorini and Mykonos, along the same highspeed ferry route, are Ios and Paros, and taking a different ferry will take you to Naxos. These are the islands I suggest you consider, not just for convenience sake but for their attractions as well. And from Paros you can also go to Antiparos on the frequent daily local shuttle ferry.

Blair, my favorites are rhodes, with history nonstop, and patmos, same history yet tiny. These are fun, with all usual greece character, but fit my history study needs too.

It was many years ago, but my friend and I did Paros and Mykonos and LOVED them, we wanted to do Santorini too, but at that time the ferrys worked that we would have had to return to Pireaus to go to Santorini from Mykonos, and we didn't want to waste the time as we only had 2 weeks.

If and when I do it again I would do Naxos, and Mykonos ,, plus Santorini and Paros, but that would be at least 3 weeks!

Mykonos and a sidetrip to Delos were highlights for us. ... Unfortunately we couldn't get up to the top of Santorini. The town is on the lip of an extinct volcano. There were five large cruise ships in port when we were there and over a 3 hour wait to get transportation up. Being asthmatic, walking/climbing was out of the question for me. It was very disappointing. Friends who did go up were disappointed.

Mykonos and a sidetrip to Delos were highlights for us. ... Unfortunately we couldn't get up to the top of Santorini. The town is on the lip of an extinct volcano. There were five large cruise ships in port when we were there and over a 3 hour wait to get transportation up. Being asthmatic, walking/climbing was out of the question for me. It was very disappointing. Friends who did go up were disappointed.

You are hitting the two biggest tourist islands in the Cyclades chain. They are the most popular destinations for a reason.... their fricken beautiful. Don't miss the day trip to Delos from Mykonos as suggested earlier it provides you with a heavy dose of history on this stunning island that has no inhabitents other than the ruins themselves. Don't bother with Ios... if you want to party you will find plenty of that on Santorini and Mykonos. I think one of the most overlooked islands is Amorgos. This island is like an undiscovered gem. Even in high season it doesn't feel touristy. Check out the Monestary on the side of the cliffs and the "Deep Blue" water beneath. Another fun island is Naxos which is big enough for you to escape the crowds around the harbor and get lost in it's center villages. Have a great trip!

Noone has mentioned Crete, the biggest, most diverse, and most interesting historically and culturally. It has cities, ruins, remote beaches, great food, more history and culture than any other island and it has the Cretans themselves. I spent a week there and would love to spend a month. They have ruins from the Minoans to WW2 and all the richness of an island that has been the crossroads of Med. civilizations. It is a short flight or a short ferry ride from the mainland and is relatively cheap.

Crete is wonderful and very diverse. I am partial to Rhodes, because I love the architecture and history, but it is crowded. Naxos is rather laid back, which can be charming. Santorini is the jewel, but very crowded.