Vacation in Greece

There was a thread a few weeks ago that had some good information on the various Greek islands.

Here you go:

Greece Island Hopping

Thanks you! That thread will help.

Are you wanting to sit on the beach or more interested in sightseeing/tourist areas?

Santorini is the most famous island, but there is very little beach there and it sucks. But the buildings and views are amazing.

Naxos and Paros are quieter islands where you can lounge all day on the sand. Plenty of good restaurants and a few beautiful towns inland to check out if you want to get away from the beach for a few days.

Mykonos is another popular spot, but it may be the most crowded and "touristy"

I'm not familiar with the Ionian islands, or Crete so I can't offer much there.

Last year we spent 3 nights each in Santorini, Naxos, and Athens.
If I had that much time again I would only do one night it Athens and Santorini and do the rest in Naxos.
We loved laying on the beach with nothing to do.
Santorini is like checking a box, and it is beautiful. Get your pics of the white buildings/blue domes, see a sunset, but after a day or so there isn't much else to do.

We flew from MSY-EWR-FRA-JTR
It was a long 24 hours but we were glad to hit the ground in Santorini as our first stop. We took a ferry to Naxos and then a puddle jumper to Athens before heading home.

Most people do at least 2 islands, but do whatever you want.

Crete is set up as a place you can just do one, because its freaking HUGE.

I went last summer. Flew Houston to Athens. Stayed in Athens on first and last days . That was plenty of Athens for me . Great city but I think more time in the islands is the way. For me at least. Took the SeaJet ferry to Santorini first for 4 days. We stayed at a place called Absolute Bliss in the village of Imerovigli. The place was very reasonable price wise, Had a gorgeous caldera view, and the hospitality was second to none. I loved Santorini and I think everyone should experience it at least once. The village of Oia was insanely crowded but we didn’t spend a ton of time over there. After Santorini we took the SeaJets ferry over to Naxos for 4 days. Stayed at a place called Avgoustos Suites. Another very great stay for a reasonable price. My wife says I knocked the lodging out of the park on this trip so TFWIW. Naxos was so much different than Santorini with really nice sand beaches and a much more laid back vibe. Those are the only Greek islands I’ve been to so no basis for comparison but I was extremely happy with my choices and felt like the time in each was divided up nicely. Just like you I came to this board for advice and it served as a great guide to get me started. Like another poster said Santorini Dave videos on YouTube are also a good guide. I watched countless videos of diff islands before finally deciding. Also to note , the seajets ferries are massive and like mini cruise ships so don’t balk at an island if it’s over 3-4+ hours ferry ride. The time flies with bars /food on board and plenty of views along the way.

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I went last summer. Flew Houston to Athens. Stayed in Athens on first and last days . That was plenty of Athens for me . Great city but I think more time in the islands is the way

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In the summer for sure. Athens is stupid hot in the summer. I'd love to spend some time in Athens in March or October, though.

I agree with one day in Athens is enough. Visit the museum, see the Parthenon, walk through the ruins, have a nice meal, and GTFO.

Other than Athens, we visited Mykanos & Santorini. On both islands we rented an ATV to get around easier. We spent most of the trip sightseeing, and visiting vineyards & olive farms.

If I were to go back, I'd only stop in Athens to transfer and I would skip Mykanos.

Everyone I've spoken to that has been to Mykonos has said they wouldn't go back.

Santorini, I'd go back for a day just to eat a nice seafood meal along the coast, but I would spend the majority of my time in Naxos.

We rented an AirBnB in Stelida, which is about 10 mins from the main town, and 10 mins from some nice beaches.
We would get up, drive to Plaka beach, have breakfast at one of the cafe's across the street from the beach, then sit under an umbrella most of the day. The lounge chairs had wait service which was great. Then we'd head home mid afternoon, take a shower, then ride into Naxos Town. Tons of restaurants along the promenade, such a cool scene.
We went out to the Portara Gate one evening at sunset which was a great experience.

ETA w/pics
View from our AirBnB in Stelida:


Breakfast on the beach:


Plaka Beach:


Naxos Town:

We did Santorini as part of our honeymoon. We loved it but if we go back to the Greek Isles we'd likely try and see some other places.

Sounds like you want luxury, beachfront resorts so Santorini probably isn't the place for you.

Our Trip to Santorini

I also hated Athens. Found a few cool little neighborhoods but the whole city is pretty underwhelming and can be seen in a day.