Greece › Island Hopping
Updated: January 11, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
See Also
The wonderful beaches of Mykonos are a highlight of Greek island hopping.
Island Hopping Guides
- Athens Travel Guide
- Crete Travel Guide
- Mykonos Travel Guide
- Naxos Travel Guide
- Paros Travel Guide
- Santorini Travel Guide
- Athens Ferry Port Guide
- Heraklion Ferry Port Guide
- Mykonos Ferry Port Guide
- Santorini Ferry Port Guide
My wife and I in stunning Santorini.
Island Hopping Essentials
- Best Time to Visit the Greek Islands
- Best Beaches in Greece
- Best Greek Islands
- Best Places To Go in Greece
- Greek Islands with Kids
- Flights to Greece
- Greek Ferries
- Paros or Naxos?
- Crete or Santorini?
- Mykonos or Santorini?
- Greece Travel Agencies
Where to Stay
Greek Island Hopping: Tips and Information
Greece is the single best destination on earth for island hopping. However, the geography of the islands and the structure of the ferry network require smart planning. If you try to see everything, you will fail. The key to a successful trip is minimizing travel time to maximize beach time. Focus your itinerary on a single island group for a relaxed and rewarding journey.
My wife and I waiting for a ferry in Naxos.
Here are my eight essential tips for planning a Greek island-hopping adventure.
1. Book Ferries and Hotels Well in Advance
This is critical for travel between June and September. The best Santorini hotels, Mykonos hotels, Crete hotels, Paros hotels, and Athens hotels often sell out 6 to 9 months ahead. While ferry schedules for the summer are often not finalized until spring, popular routes and high-speed vessels sell out weeks in advance. I recommend booking ferries on ferryhopper.com as soon as your dates are firm. This locks in your transport and prevents the stress of last-minute scrambles at the port.2. Pick One Island Group and Stick to It
Do not attempt to visit Mykonos (Cyclades), Crete, and Corfu (Ionian) on the same trip. You will waste days on long overnight ferries or in airport terminals connecting through Athens. The secret to a seamless trip is choosing one island chain and exploring it thoroughly. The Cyclades (Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini) are the most popular and possess the most frequent ferry connections. The Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos, Symi) and Ionian islands are fantastic alternatives but should be done as separate trips.3. Follow the Ferry Routes (Don’t Fight Them)
Greek ferries operate like a subway system on water. They run on established “lines” rather than crisscrossing randomly. Plan your itinerary along these main routes. For the Cyclades, a logical route is Athens to Mykonos, then Naxos or Paros, and finishing in Santorini (or the reverse). This ensures frequent connections and shorter travel times. Trying to jump from a small western island like Milos directly to a remote eastern island like Amorgos is logistically difficult and usually requires a connection in Athens.4. Pack Light: The Carry-On is Your Best Friend
You will be hauling luggage on and off chaotic ferry ramps, dragging it up steep cobblestone streets, and navigating narrow hotel staircases. Heavy luggage is a nightmare in Greece. A rolling carry-on suitcase or a high-quality travel backpack is mandatory for a stress-free trip. You will spend 90% of your time in swimwear and light clothing, so you need less than you think.5. Carry Cash (Euros)
While Greece has modernized significantly and credit cards/ApplePay are widely accepted at hotels and restaurants, cash remains king for small transactions. You will need Euros for public buses, taxi drivers, small kiosks, beach beds on remote islands, and tipping staff. Do not rely exclusively on cards. Withdraw cash at an ATM at the Athens airport immediately upon arrival.6. Less is More: Don’t Rush Your Trip
The most common mistake first-time visitors make is overpacking their itinerary. Every time you change islands, you lose half a day to packing, checking out, port transfers, ferry delays, and checking in. My rule is simple: stay a minimum of three nights on major islands (Naxos, Paros, Santorini) and two nights on smaller ones. A 10-day trip is perfect for three islands. It is a disaster if you try to squeeze in five.7. Be Flexible and Expect Wind
The “Meltemi” is a strong northern wind that blows through the Aegean in July and August. While large ferries (Blue Star) rarely cancel, smaller high-speed catamarans (SeaJets) can be delayed or canceled due to rough seas. If you are prone to seasickness, book the larger, slower ferries. Crucially, do not book a ferry back to Athens on the same day as your flight home. Always schedule a buffer night in Athens at the end of your trip to ensure you make your connection.8. Don’t Do a Greek Island Cruise
Greek cruises suck. Don’t do them. You spend very little time on the islands, usually arriving at peak heat with thousands of other cruisers, and leave before the magical sunset hours. It is much better to island hop independently. Use Booking.com for hotels, Kayak.com for flights, and Ferryhopper.com for ferries.Island Hopping Itineraries
Taking the ferry from Paros to nearby Antiparos makes for a great day trip.
The ideal itinerary balances exploration with relaxation. For first-timers, the Cyclades offer the quintessential Greek experience: white-washed villages, blue-domed churches, and great beaches.
I highly recommend booking an “open-jaw” flight ticket. Fly into your first island (e.g., Santorini) and fly out of your last island (e.g., Mykonos) or back from Athens. This saves a full day of travel backtracking to Athens.
The 7-Day Itinerary: Santorini & Naxos
This pairing offers the best contrast in the Cyclades. You get the dramatic, volcanic scenery and luxury of Santorini followed by the authentic, farm-to-table food and sandy beaches of Naxos.
• Day 1: Arrive in Santorini. Fly directly into Santorini (JTR). Pick up your rental car and head to your hotel in a caldera town like Imerovigli or Firostefani. Catch your first sunset over the volcano.
• Day 2: Santorini Hike. Walk the famous caldera hiking trail from Fira to Oia. It takes 3 to 4 hours and offers the best views in Greece. Spend the afternoon exploring Oia before busing back.
• Day 3: Volcano Boat Tour. Book a catamaran cruise. You will sail the caldera, swim in the volcanic hot springs, and enjoy a BBQ dinner on board during sunset.
• Day 4: Ferry to Naxos. Take a mid-day Blue Star ferry (2 hours) to Naxos. Stay at St. George Beach (near town) or Plaka Beach (more secluded).
• Day 5: Naxos Town. Explore the Chora (main town). Walk up to the Venetian Kastro castle and visit the massive Portara marble gate at sunset.
• Day 6: Mountain Villages. Rent a car and drive inland. Visit the marble streets of Halki, see the Kitron distillery, and have lunch in the village of Apeiranthos.
• Day 7: Depart. Fly out of Naxos airport (domestic only) to Athens for your connection home.The 10-Day Itinerary: Mykonos, Paros, & Santorini
This is the “Greatest Hits” tour. It combines the nightlife and energy of Mykonos, the trendy dining and fishing villages of Paros, and the romance of Santorini.
• Day 1: Arrive in Mykonos. Fly into Mykonos (JMK). Stay in Mykonos Town for nightlife or Platis Gialos for beach access.
• Day 2: Mykonos Town. Get lost in the winding white alleys. Shop on Matoyianni Street and grab a drink in Little Venice as the waves crash against the buildings.
• Day 3: Delos or Beach. Take a morning boat trip to the ancient ruins of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend the afternoon at a beach club on Psarou or Super Paradise.
• Day 4: Ferry to Paros. Take the 45-minute ferry to Paros. Stay in Naoussa, a chic fishing village with excellent dining.
• Day 5: Naoussa & Kolymbithres. Walk the harbor of Naoussa. Take a small caïque boat across the bay to the moon-like granite rock formations of Kolymbithres Beach.
• Day 6: Antiparos Day Trip. Take the 7-minute ferry from Pounta to Antiparos. It is small, laid-back, and has a celebrity-favorite pedestrian strip.
• Day 7: Ferry to Santorini. Take the ferry to Santorini (2 hours). Check into a hotel with a caldera view.
• Day 8: Oia Exploration. Explore the marble streets of Oia. It gets crowded, so go early morning or late evening.
• Day 9: Sailing Cruise. A semi-private sailing cruise is the best way to see the Red Beach and White Beach, which are hard to access by land.
• Day 10: Depart. Fly out of Santorini.The 14-Day Itinerary: Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, & Santorini
Two weeks allows you to see the “Big Four” without rushing. This covers the full spectrum of the Cyclades experience.
• Days 1-3: Mykonos (3 Nights). Focus on the Chora, the windmills, and the south coast beaches. If you like parties, hit Paradise Beach. If you prefer quiet, try Agios Sostis.
• Days 4-6: Paros (3 Nights). Base yourself in Naoussa. Enjoy the cosmopolitan nightlife and taking day trips to the mountain village of Lefkes.
• Days 7-10: Naxos (4 Nights). Naxos is the largest island and deserves the most time. You need a car here. Spend days at Plaka or Agios Prokopios beach. Visit the Temple of Demeter and the mountain village of Filoti. The food in Naxos is the best in the Cyclades.
• Days 11-13: Santorini (3 Nights). End your trip with the spectacular views of Santorini. Do the hike, the boat tour, and a wine tasting at a local winery like Santo Wines.
• Day 14: Depart. Fly home from Santorini.Greek Island Hopping – FAQ
1. What is the best month for island hopping in Greece?
Late June and early September are the absolute best times. The weather is hot, the sea is warmest (especially in September), and everything is open, but you avoid the crushing crowds of August. May and October are good for sightseeing and lower prices, but ferry schedules are reduced, the water is cool, and some beach bars will be closed. Avoid August if you dislike crowds and peak pricing.
2. How many days do I need for a good island hopping trip?
The rule of thumb: 10 days for 3 islands. Do not rush. Every time you switch islands, you lose half a day to packing, transfers, and ferry delays.
- 7 Days: Visit 2 islands max (e.g., Santorini & Naxos).
- 10-14 Days: Visit 3 or 4 islands (e.g., Mykonos, Paros, Santorini).
3. Should I book my ferries in advance or buy tickets at the port?
Book in advance. For travel in July and August, book 2 to 3 months ahead. Popular high-speed routes (like Santorini to Mykonos) and large car-ferry tickets sell out first. Buying at the port is stressful and risky; you often get stuck with the most expensive seats or inconvenient departure times. I use Ferryhopper to book e-tickets in advance.
4. Is it better to fly between islands or take the ferry?
Take the ferry. There are almost no direct flights between islands (e.g., there is no flight from Mykonos to Santorini). To fly, you must connect through Athens, turning a 2-hour ferry trip into a 6-hour travel day. Ferries are the bus system of the Aegean; they are efficient, scenic, and the only direct way to travel between islands.
5. Which island group is best for first-timers?
The Cyclades. This group includes the “big names”: Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, and Milos. It offers the classic Greek aesthetic (white sugar-cube houses, blue domes) and has the most frequent and reliable ferry connections, making it the easiest region for island hopping.
6. Can I visit different islands on day trips from a central base?
Generally, no. Most islands are too far apart (2+ hours each way) to make a day trip enjoyable. You spend all day on a boat and only 2 hours on the island.
The Exceptions:
• Delos: Easy day trip from Mykonos (20 mins).
• Antiparos: Easy day trip from Paros (7 mins).
• Hydra/Aegina: Doable day trips from Athens.7. How much does a typical ferry ticket cost?
Prices vary by vessel speed and distance.
- Blue Star (Conventional): €30–€50. Slower, stable, allows deck access.
- SeaJets (High Speed): €60–€90. Fast, bumpy, no deck access.
- Kids: usually 50% off; Infants are often free.
8. Do I need to rent a car on every island?
No, it depends on the island. However, if you do plan to drive, you must rent a separate car on each island. Never rent a car in Athens and try to ferry it to multiple islands. Ferry tickets for vehicles are expensive (€100+), and most rental insurance policies are void the moment you drive onto a ferry.
- Car Recommended: Naxos, Paros, Milos, Crete, Rhodes (large islands with spread-out beaches).
- Car Not Needed: Santorini and Mykonos (excellent bus systems, impossible parking), Hydra (cars are banned).
9. What happens if my ferry is canceled due to wind?
The Meltemi wind (common in July/August) can cancel small high-speed catamarans. Large ferries like Blue Star rarely cancel. If canceled, you are entitled to a full refund or a seat on the next boat. Pro Tip: Never book your ferry back to Athens on the same day as your flight home. Always have a buffer night in Athens.
10. Is it better to start my trip in Athens or fly directly to an island?
Fly directly to an island if possible. Many European hubs fly direct to Santorini (JTR), Mykonos (JMK), and Crete (HER). By landing on an island, you skip the hassle of the Athens ferry port and save a travel day. A perfect route is “Open Jaw”: Fly into Santorini, ferry north to Naxos and Mykonos, and fly home from Mykonos or Athens.
11. How do I handle luggage on the ferries?
You must carry your own bags. When you board, you leave large suitcases on the lower car deck in designated racks. You take your valuables and hand luggage upstairs to your seat.
Note: It looks chaotic, but theft is extremely rare. On high-speed ferries, get to the door early before arrival so you aren’t buried in the crush of people disembarking.12. Are high-speed ferries worth the extra cost?
It depends.
- Choose High-Speed (SeaJets) if: You are short on time. It cuts travel time in half (e.g., Athens to Santorini is 5 hours vs. 8 hours).
- Choose Conventional (Blue Star) if: You get seasick (they are much more stable), you want to save money, or you want to sit outside and take photos.
13. Can I island hop with young children?
Yes, but optimize for comfort.
- Ferries: Book Blue Star (large ferries). They have space to walk around and are stable. High-speeds confine kids to seats.
- Islands: Choose Naxos or Paros (sandy beaches, flat towns). Avoid the cliffs of Santorini with a stroller.
14. How early do I need to be at the port?
- Foot Passengers: 30–45 minutes before departure.
- With a Car: 60 minutes before departure.
Ferries are surprisingly punctual. They do not wait. Port gates can be confusing, so give yourself a buffer to find the right dock.
15. Should I buy an island-hopping pass?
No. “Eurail” style ferry passes are rarely a good value. They are complicated to use, often exclude popular high-speed vessels, and still require you to pay supplements or book specific seats in person. Booking point-to-point tickets via Ferryhopper is cheaper, easier, and more flexible.
Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to 
Hi Dave
Looking at approximately 17 nights dedicated to the Cyclades for me, my Mum, and 16-year-old twin daughters. What are your thoughts on:
Paros/Anitparos 3 / 4 nights
Milos 3 / 4 nights
Syros 3 nights
Santorini 3 nights
Crete 4 nights
If we fly out from Crete back to Athens for our departure to Australia all on the same day, is that too risky?
Would love your advice.
Michelle
I think that’s a great itinerary. I would check ferry schedules and likely make Syros my first stop, otherwise looks great. One night in Athens before the flight home would be what I recommend. Lots to see in central Athens too!
Hi Dave, My wife and I are flying in from London & planning 1 month island hopping from mid August. Which is best island to fly into to start? Which islands do you suggest? We would like to visit one of the smaller remoter islands too while we are there. Hoping to do mix of self catering and hotel. Like to do some mild hiking mixed with beach days and lots of historic sightseeing.
Thanks in advance
Joe & Kay
I would fly into Mykonos and out of Crete or vice versa. In between there are popular islands like Santorini, Paros, and Naxos and less popular islands like Milos, Folegandros, Sifnos, and Serifos (most of these in the Western Cyclades). If you wanted a shorter trip you could arrive and depart from Santorini and Mykonos and save Crete for a visit of its own.
Hi Dave!
I am planning my honeymoon and flying from Los Angeles, CA. We have 14 days and we want to do Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, & Milos. Do you think this is enough time for all 4 islands? What’s the best route/order to do for these?
With 14 days I typically recommend visiting 3 or 4 islands. So, you’ll be moving around a bit but it’s completely doable. There are so many different routes for those 4 islands that there is no “best order”. You’ll just have to do the research on ferry schedules and see what works with your dates.
Hi Dave,
Do ferries run from Santorini to Mykonos in November? Couldn’t find one on Ferryhopper.
Thanks!
Ferries between Santorini and Mykonos run until the end of October (for sure) and sometimes into the first week of November. After that you’ll need to travel via Naxos, Paros, or Syros.
Hi!!!! This page is AMAZING!!! I have some questions since I’m building my first trip to Greece.
I think I could do 10-12 days last 2 weeks of August and would love to visit Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Zakynthos, Naxos and/or Corfu or Milos, not sure if this is possible. From there then fly to Croatia.
My question is what would be the best routes/island for this?
Thank you!
I recommend dropping Zakynthos and Corfu as they’re a long ways from Athens and the Cyclades. I think you’re better to focus on Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Milos with only 10 to 12 days. Try flying directly into Santorini from a large airport in western Europe, then ferry to Milos or Naxos (you won’t have time to do both), ferry to Mykonos, and ferry to Athens. From Athens, you’ll be able to fly to Croatia.
Hi Dave, we have 9 nights for island hopping and will be leaving from Athens. Can you suggest a good itinerary ending with our last night in Santorini, as we will fly out from there. I have been to Santorini and Ios before and want to steer clear of Mykonos as we are more into the less touristy islands. Thinking of 2 nights per island. Thanks
I recommend Paros to Naxos to Santorini. Milos if you want to do a boat tour (similar to a Santorini caldera boat tour but with more snorkeling). Or Sifnos if you want something off the beaten track.
Hi Dave. Such a great website, thanks. We’re coming from London I’m looking for two weeks in Greece with kids 6 and 8. I really want to see the white-washed buildings against bright blue seas and skies. We’re thinking of doing an inclusive resort for 1 week so the kids can make friends and have kids club, then looking for hotels/villas for a little island hopping. We’re not really sure where to start. Any recommendations? Is Crete a good base for the resort week?
There are very few all-inclusive resorts on the Greek islands. Crete might have a few, but Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros have none that I know of. All the Cycladic islands are great for kids and families. Check out Antiparos if you’re looking for something smaller and quieter where you’ll almost know everyone on the island after a week.
For first-timers, would you recommend Naxos, Paros, Crete, or Corfu? We are definitely flying into Athens to explore and then Mykonos and Santorini.
I find Paros to be the most like Mykonos. Crete really deserves a week or more (and I’m assuming you just have a few more days to fill). Corfu is a long way from Mykonos and Santorini (and would require flying via Athens). So I would go with Naxos. Great beaches, local food, and small traditional villages.
Hello,
We are planning an ‘island hopping’ trip next year with our three young (Ranging 2-12) , but well travelled children. We’re after a mix of beaches, nice hotels with pools, and a few days exploring towns. Would you please be able to recommend the islands best suited to this. We’re after a duration of around two weeks, probably staying 3/4 nights most places and would be flying from London.
Many thanks 🙏- this site has been such a source of travel inspiration!
My favorite islands for kids and island hopping: Naxos, Paros, Milos, Sifnos, Serifos. Santorini and Mykonos are also good but busier and more expensive. Both Santorini and Mykonos have direct flights from western Europe which makes them great bookends to your trip. Fly into one. Island hop through a few other islands. Then finish at the other and fly home.
My friend and I would like to do 10 days in Greece on our way to Turkey in May. We will fly into Athens and would like to do Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, and Sifnos if possible. Which route would you recommend?
I recommend ferrying from Athens to Sifnos to Mykonos to Santorini to Crete. Could also fly to Crete to start and then ferry back to Athens in reverse order as above. (Most likely you’ll need to fly from Athens to Turkey.)
HELP!!!
We are a family of four in need of island transfer from Crete, preferably Chania but at this point any port will do, to Paros on May 2nd. I prefer to ferry rather than fly but am having difficulty finding a company that does this route. Is it too early, perhaps they don’t start until June ?? We’d also be up for going to Santorini, spending the day, and ferry to Paros in the evening.
Can you point me in the right direction?
Thanks so much for your help.
There should be a daily Heraklion to Paros ferry (with stops in Santorini and Naxos) in early May. I would check Ferryhopper.com for details. You would need to spend the night in Santorini to have time to see the island (as there is no evening ferry on this route).
I have found your information so helpful! Starting with 4 days in Athens, and then 10 nights in the Cyclades. Travelling with 2 adults and well traveled 9yo. For the “islands” portion of our trip (10 nights), I am wondering if just Naxos/Santorini will be a little too long at 5 days each. Maybe cut down to 4 nights each with two nights somewhere else. Plan is to fly back to Athens from Santorini. Any insight very much appreciated!
I don’t think that’s too long on Naxos and Santorini. But yes, you could easily add a two-day stop in Paros, Mykonos, or Ios. Or if you’re wanting to do a boat tour then Milos and do the full day boat tour around the island.
We are taking a short trip for my big 4-0 birthday. It is on my bucket list to see the Greek islands. Santorini is too on the list. What itinerary would you recommend from Chicago for 7 days in Greece?
I recommend Santorini for 3 days, Naxos (beaches and traditional villages), or Mykonos (beaches and trendy nightlife and restaurants) for 3 days, and 1 day in Athens.
Hi Dave
We have set our hearts on Athens to Hydra for 2 days then Spetses for 2 days then back to Athens for our flight home. But can’t find any ferries, is that because its not doable.
Karen
The Athens/Hydra/Spetses ferries run year round. If you’re looking too far in advance they might not be listed yet. But there will definitely be ferries running that route. I recommend booking tickets a month or two in advance just to be safe but there are many daily ferries and they rarely sell out.
Hi Dave,
We’re planning a honeymoon in Greece through Athens (1-2 Nights), Santorini (3 Nights), Mykonos (3 Nights), and Kreta or Rhodos (3-4 Nights), but we’re not sure which island is better and which island has more beautiful beaches: Kreta or Rhodos? How would you divide and plan the route from Germany ?
Thanks
Both Rhodes and Crete have great beaches and interesting towns. The biggest difference (for your itinerary) is that Crete is a short daily ferry ride from Santorini and Rhodes is a long 2/weekly ferry ride from Santorini. So I would definitely do Crete (ferry to Heraklion and then spend most of your time in Chania). Then fly home from either Heraklion or Chania airports – hopefully without having to fly via Athens.
Hi Dave, We are a family of 6 going to Greece for the first time. I am flying into Athens. I want to see Santorini and Mykonos. What do you recommend as far as which Island to go first and what means of transportation to use, Ferry or fly. We have 8-9 days to spend in Athens, Santorini and Mykonos. We will be flying back to U.S. after vacation. We have kids as young as 6.
Thank you.
I would ferry from Athens to Mykonos, ferry from Mykonos to Santorini, then either fly Santorini to Athens or (even better) fly Santorini to Western Europe (Paris, London, Amsterdam, or Rome) and fly directly home from there.
Hello. We will be visiting Greece in January. We would like to do some Island Hopping from Athens. What Islands do you recommend at this time of year. We would like to see Santorini, do you think we should? If so, what islands should we stop at along the way? We want to visit islands for about 7 days. We have to finish in Athens because we are flying to Morocco next. Thank you very much for your help.
I’d recommend Santorini and Naxos or Paros in January, mainly because of the ferry connections.
Hi Dave,
We’ve narrowed down our islands to Naxos, Santorini and Milos. We’re able to stay 3-nights on 2 of those islands and 4-nights on 1 off them. Which island would you recommend to spend the 4-nights on? I’m thinking Naxos or Milos. Of those 2, what has more to do where an extra day would be beneficial? Thanks so much.
Of Naxos and Milos, I think Naxos has more to see and do. Though Milos has more interesting boat tours.
Hi Dave.
Quick question on how would you divide and route flying to Greece from San Francisco? 14 nights in Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos and would it be sufficient time to see most highlights of Greece. Thanks a bunch. Any info is greatly appreciated.
It of course depends on what flights are available which varies greatly depending on the time of year. But most likely you’ll need to fly via London, Paris, or Amsterdam. From these western European hubs I would recommend flying to Athens but returning from Mykonos or Santorini – or even Heraklion in Crete. For example, fly SFO to London, fly London to Athens, ferry to Mykonos, ferry to Santorini, fly Santorini to London, fly London to SFO. This does require a fair bit of flight searching to see what’s available on each route – but it’s worth the effort so that you don’t have to retrace your steps to Athens and waste time and money. 14 days is enough time to see some of the highlights of Greece – but all of them? Not even close. I recommend focusing on 3 or 4 destinations so you don’t feel rushed.
Hello, I am traveling from New York to Greece for the 2nd time. I traveled to Greece about 5 years ago and split my trip between Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini. This year I’m in between Paros, Ios, and Crete and confused if I should all three or which to do and the order. Was hoping you can provide expert travel advice and let me know what would be ideal for us to do. We are looking to relax on the beach, nightlife, party, and restaurants. Have about 10 days. Thank u
I’m thinking you love Greece and will likely make another visit in the coming years. If that’s accurate then visit Paros and Ios on one trip (best for the high season summer months of late May to early September) and Crete on the other trip (great in summer but also fine in the shoulder season of April, early May, late September, October, and early November). Both are good destinations for 10 days but visiting all 3 in ten days would be rushed.
We are planning a honeymoon through the Cyclades. Our plan is to stop in Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, and Ios. Is there a “best-route” for these 5 islands. We have not booked any flights or ferries yet so are open to any itinerary. We’ll be flying from NYC and visiting London and Paris on the same trip.
My recommended route would be
• Paris fly to Athens
• Athens ferry to Mykonos
• Mykonos ferry to Paros
• Paros ferry to Naxos
• Naxos ferry to Ios
• Ios ferry to Santorini
• Santorini fly to London
The reverse order is fine too. This has the quickest, most direct ferry routes and the largest choice of flights.