28/29 days island hopping, want to try and get it right!
May 28th, 2023, 06:26 PM
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28/29 days island hopping, want to try and get it right!
Hi there
My husband and I travelled to Greece several years ago. Spent time in Santorini, Mykonos, Kithira and Athens. This time we are meeting a dear friend in Greece and he has never visited the country at all. We are all in our 60s, 61-67 yo
Our starting point is Chania, Crete.
1. Crete 6 nights 24/8 to 29/8 inclusive. We plan on hiring a car for the duration. On the 30th we plan to get a ferry to Santorini and as they are early morning departures am thinking of spending the last night in Heraklion so we can easily get to the port. So my question is should we do 5 nights in Chania and one night in Heraklion or are there benefits with spending a little more time (2 nights) in Heraklion? We will probably hand the car back the day before departure.
2. Santorini 30/8-31/8 inclusive. Is 2 nights enough for a first time visitor (travelling with friends who have been before)
3. Milos 5 nights 1/9-5/9 inclusive. Is 5 nights too long in Milos, was wondering about doing a sidetrip to Kimolos but it is hard to find about the ferry between the two islands. Is it worth visiting Kimolos and if so staying over or just a day trip? Do you need a car in Milos?
4. Paros 5 nights 6/9-10/9 inclusive. Is 5 nights too long in Paros? Do you need a car in Paros?
Fly to Zakynthos
5. Zakynthos 5 nights 11/9-14/9 inclusive. Is that too long?
6. Kefalonia 5 nights 15/9-20/9 inclusive. Is that long enough?
Does this itinerary sound okay in terms of islands we are hopping to or would you recommend alternate islands in the same region to the ones suggested?
PS my husband loves sea kayaking.
Thanks so much!
My husband and I travelled to Greece several years ago. Spent time in Santorini, Mykonos, Kithira and Athens. This time we are meeting a dear friend in Greece and he has never visited the country at all. We are all in our 60s, 61-67 yo
Our starting point is Chania, Crete.
1. Crete 6 nights 24/8 to 29/8 inclusive. We plan on hiring a car for the duration. On the 30th we plan to get a ferry to Santorini and as they are early morning departures am thinking of spending the last night in Heraklion so we can easily get to the port. So my question is should we do 5 nights in Chania and one night in Heraklion or are there benefits with spending a little more time (2 nights) in Heraklion? We will probably hand the car back the day before departure.
2. Santorini 30/8-31/8 inclusive. Is 2 nights enough for a first time visitor (travelling with friends who have been before)
3. Milos 5 nights 1/9-5/9 inclusive. Is 5 nights too long in Milos, was wondering about doing a sidetrip to Kimolos but it is hard to find about the ferry between the two islands. Is it worth visiting Kimolos and if so staying over or just a day trip? Do you need a car in Milos?
4. Paros 5 nights 6/9-10/9 inclusive. Is 5 nights too long in Paros? Do you need a car in Paros?
Fly to Zakynthos
5. Zakynthos 5 nights 11/9-14/9 inclusive. Is that too long?
6. Kefalonia 5 nights 15/9-20/9 inclusive. Is that long enough?
Does this itinerary sound okay in terms of islands we are hopping to or would you recommend alternate islands in the same region to the ones suggested?
PS my husband loves sea kayaking.
Thanks so much!
May 29th, 2023, 07:36 AM
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Your trip sounds wonderful, and quite well-planned .. I've been a number of times to all places but the Ionians, bringing along "newbies" so can address some issues. Since your time will still be in high season, it's well to strategize to avoid crowds at key places. Some thoughts:
HERAKLION -- All depends on your interest in Minoan civ & Knossos. The ruins will mean much more IF You see the Minoan treasures in Museum beforehand - and timing will help you avoid Cruise crowds at Knossos. Consider this tested strategy. Drive EARLY to Heraklion on the big NOrth shore highway (possible short stop at amazing Melidoni Cave The Melidoni Cave on Crete: Visitor Information). Goals for HERAKLION/KNOSSOS -- to check into hotel (or drop bags for later check-in), see Museum, have lunch, and THEN visit Knossos AFTER 3 pm... cruise crowds will have left & it will be cooler. What sequence?? Depends on timing & parking & driving skills (Heraklion is very trafficky, with 1way confusion!). Here's a useful map - https://www.orangesmile.com/common/i...lion-map-3.jpg Two options
(1) DRIVING -- a First stop at a seafront hotel near ferry quay (I recommend Hotel Kronos if available)to drop bags. Then drive to MUSEUM & find parking, see exhibit and have lunch. Then drive at 2:30 to Knossos (about 30 mins).. ther are many PAY parking lots but several FREE ones; look carefully. On return, drop car at rental office (usually on 25 Martiou street) OR right on ferry quay. As day cools near sunset, a nice stroll lis out on the causeway
to the Huuuuge Fortezza. Nearby seaside restaurant well-known is Ippocampus... or else several on the traffice circle at foot of causeway, notable for mezedes.
(2) PUBLIC TRANSIT - Drop Car on Ferry Quay (there are places for each agency); stow big bags in Bus-station lockers. Walk to Museum & lunch, return to Bus station - take local bus to Knossos & back (by this time its 5 pm) Pick up bags, 10 minute taxi to hotel; check in.
SANTORINI - Yes, 2 nights is enough if you plan strategically. In past 4 visits have found the ideal area to stay is FIROSTEPHANI -- close enough to stroll to Fira along the rimside path, but away from the hubbub. DAY 1 - Your ferry arrives about noon -- may be smart to book a taxi/car service beforehand for the 4 of you .. the dockside scene is chaos. When you're settled in, do that rimside walk downhill, all the way to the Cathedral in Fira. Youo may want to stop into the Arch. museum (right by cathedral) for 45 mins. Then have light lunch. Do NOT go to OIA For sunset - it's a total MOB scene - https://tinyurl.com/4js8e8t8 -- wait til day 2. To enjoy a sane sunset & dinner, book ahead for top terrace at STANI TAVERNA in FIra (if you are staying nearby) or REMVI CAFE at Hotel Remvi in Firostephani -- at both, lovely views and traditional greek menu at affordable prices. DAY 2 - Book taxi to arrive ast OIA By 8:15 or so... then you'll have 2 peaceful hours to stroll the pathways, enjoy views, take pix with minimal crowds. At 10 - 10:30, HUGE Crowds flood in & jampack the lanes... that's when you hop bus back to Fira, to explore elsewhere. Sightseeing options? Depends on weather/heat... You 4 could taxi to ANCIENT THERA ... taxi lets you off near the top, you scramble up a trail for a stunning view of isle & sea (plus some ruins) ... you can visit the buried city of Akrotiri (NOTE: a licensed guide helps make sense of ruins, OR good guidebook). Then how about a little nap? THere are some nice winery visits where you can sip whille watching sunset.
MILOS -- YES, you will need a car .. the local bus schedule is lmited even in high season. The port Town of Adamas has most amenities, shopping, restaurant choices & nightlife, but its beach is frankly No Good .. there are somoe nice places to stay on the frringes to West of port. If you stay at Pollonia & drive in for dinner, I hope that one of y ou is a teetotaller -- the long winding road back is totally unlighted and not fun after a glass o wine or 3. You shoul devote 1 day to a sail around part of ohte island's rim -- amazing volcanic stone remains. I recommend the "Half-round" to Kleftiko & back ... it gives time for swims, beach barb eque. We liked our vessel choice - a catamaran w. 14 psgr capacity -- large & stable, so could be under sail most of time... small boats r buffeted by winds & just use motor, and really big boats for 50 plus are just drinking parties. Adamas town is interesting, do not miss its tiny Mineral Museum for its haunting memorable 30-min documentary. There are 22 beaches in Miilos to investigate.. b ut no good hikes (at it will be too hot to hike). Yes, 4 days may be plenty.
PAROS - You may need/want a car for partt of the titme, because makes it easy to explorre. Bus service is good, but there's a limitation; research it well. Think of Paros as a "Hand" and the port Parikia as the base of the THUMB. Bus routes radiate out toward the "fingers"... so sometimes u would have to return to Parikia to get a different route. There is One route that does go down the Eastern side to several beaches -l- but Sept is when the Memltemi WIND is most fierce, and those beaches then are mainly for wind-surfing. Lots ofo people like to stay in NAOUSSA because "its so pretty." It's like a lovely postcard, but not exactly real. Thtere's a beach SOUTH of Parakia, right near the lilttle 10-min ferry to Antiparos that's not fancy but more real... Alyko. Frankly if here's any rooms left on ANTIPAROS, I'd r ecommond stayling there inistead.,.. but it's late to get the best bookings. On htis litle isle, everythingt is walkabllee... and lyou can quickly go daytripping to Paros -- here's a photo journal of all you can see -- https://agreekoddity.com/monday-24th...trip-to-paros/ and here are my friend Stanbr's wonderful Antiparos pix -
HERAKLION -- All depends on your interest in Minoan civ & Knossos. The ruins will mean much more IF You see the Minoan treasures in Museum beforehand - and timing will help you avoid Cruise crowds at Knossos. Consider this tested strategy. Drive EARLY to Heraklion on the big NOrth shore highway (possible short stop at amazing Melidoni Cave The Melidoni Cave on Crete: Visitor Information). Goals for HERAKLION/KNOSSOS -- to check into hotel (or drop bags for later check-in), see Museum, have lunch, and THEN visit Knossos AFTER 3 pm... cruise crowds will have left & it will be cooler. What sequence?? Depends on timing & parking & driving skills (Heraklion is very trafficky, with 1way confusion!). Here's a useful map - https://www.orangesmile.com/common/i...lion-map-3.jpg Two options
(1) DRIVING -- a First stop at a seafront hotel near ferry quay (I recommend Hotel Kronos if available)to drop bags. Then drive to MUSEUM & find parking, see exhibit and have lunch. Then drive at 2:30 to Knossos (about 30 mins).. ther are many PAY parking lots but several FREE ones; look carefully. On return, drop car at rental office (usually on 25 Martiou street) OR right on ferry quay. As day cools near sunset, a nice stroll lis out on the causeway
to the Huuuuge Fortezza. Nearby seaside restaurant well-known is Ippocampus... or else several on the traffice circle at foot of causeway, notable for mezedes.
(2) PUBLIC TRANSIT - Drop Car on Ferry Quay (there are places for each agency); stow big bags in Bus-station lockers. Walk to Museum & lunch, return to Bus station - take local bus to Knossos & back (by this time its 5 pm) Pick up bags, 10 minute taxi to hotel; check in.
SANTORINI - Yes, 2 nights is enough if you plan strategically. In past 4 visits have found the ideal area to stay is FIROSTEPHANI -- close enough to stroll to Fira along the rimside path, but away from the hubbub. DAY 1 - Your ferry arrives about noon -- may be smart to book a taxi/car service beforehand for the 4 of you .. the dockside scene is chaos. When you're settled in, do that rimside walk downhill, all the way to the Cathedral in Fira. Youo may want to stop into the Arch. museum (right by cathedral) for 45 mins. Then have light lunch. Do NOT go to OIA For sunset - it's a total MOB scene - https://tinyurl.com/4js8e8t8 -- wait til day 2. To enjoy a sane sunset & dinner, book ahead for top terrace at STANI TAVERNA in FIra (if you are staying nearby) or REMVI CAFE at Hotel Remvi in Firostephani -- at both, lovely views and traditional greek menu at affordable prices. DAY 2 - Book taxi to arrive ast OIA By 8:15 or so... then you'll have 2 peaceful hours to stroll the pathways, enjoy views, take pix with minimal crowds. At 10 - 10:30, HUGE Crowds flood in & jampack the lanes... that's when you hop bus back to Fira, to explore elsewhere. Sightseeing options? Depends on weather/heat... You 4 could taxi to ANCIENT THERA ... taxi lets you off near the top, you scramble up a trail for a stunning view of isle & sea (plus some ruins) ... you can visit the buried city of Akrotiri (NOTE: a licensed guide helps make sense of ruins, OR good guidebook). Then how about a little nap? THere are some nice winery visits where you can sip whille watching sunset.
MILOS -- YES, you will need a car .. the local bus schedule is lmited even in high season. The port Town of Adamas has most amenities, shopping, restaurant choices & nightlife, but its beach is frankly No Good .. there are somoe nice places to stay on the frringes to West of port. If you stay at Pollonia & drive in for dinner, I hope that one of y ou is a teetotaller -- the long winding road back is totally unlighted and not fun after a glass o wine or 3. You shoul devote 1 day to a sail around part of ohte island's rim -- amazing volcanic stone remains. I recommend the "Half-round" to Kleftiko & back ... it gives time for swims, beach barb eque. We liked our vessel choice - a catamaran w. 14 psgr capacity -- large & stable, so could be under sail most of time... small boats r buffeted by winds & just use motor, and really big boats for 50 plus are just drinking parties. Adamas town is interesting, do not miss its tiny Mineral Museum for its haunting memorable 30-min documentary. There are 22 beaches in Miilos to investigate.. b ut no good hikes (at it will be too hot to hike). Yes, 4 days may be plenty.
PAROS - You may need/want a car for partt of the titme, because makes it easy to explorre. Bus service is good, but there's a limitation; research it well. Think of Paros as a "Hand" and the port Parikia as the base of the THUMB. Bus routes radiate out toward the "fingers"... so sometimes u would have to return to Parikia to get a different route. There is One route that does go down the Eastern side to several beaches -l- but Sept is when the Memltemi WIND is most fierce, and those beaches then are mainly for wind-surfing. Lots ofo people like to stay in NAOUSSA because "its so pretty." It's like a lovely postcard, but not exactly real. Thtere's a beach SOUTH of Parakia, right near the lilttle 10-min ferry to Antiparos that's not fancy but more real... Alyko. Frankly if here's any rooms left on ANTIPAROS, I'd r ecommond stayling there inistead.,.. but it's late to get the best bookings. On htis litle isle, everythingt is walkabllee... and lyou can quickly go daytripping to Paros -- here's a photo journal of all you can see -- https://agreekoddity.com/monday-24th...trip-to-paros/ and here are my friend Stanbr's wonderful Antiparos pix -
May 30th, 2023, 01:40 AM
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Tuesday August 29th, Seajets has a catamaran from Rethymnon to Santorini.
Iraklio: bist hotel close to the harbour entry: Aquila Atlantis.
In the case you should be interested in Greek History and culture, you will certainly visit the world famous Palace of Knossos and the archeological museum of Iraklio.
Iraklio: bist hotel close to the harbour entry: Aquila Atlantis.
In the case you should be interested in Greek History and culture, you will certainly visit the world famous Palace of Knossos and the archeological museum of Iraklio.
May 30th, 2023, 02:07 AM
#5
When you say you want to get it right - it depends on the people, their interests etc. What is right for you may not be right for me.
Anyway, one trip we caught the overnight ferry from Chania to Piraeus, then another ferry on to the next island. Cabin with ensuite was fine. That might be something to explore as the port was not far from Chania (short taxi ride) and it would save you moving on to Heraklion.
Two nights in Santorini would not be enough for me. I love it there. Yes it's busy and touristy but there are good reasons for that. It's stunning. Milos I would skip altogether if it was my trip. But it's not. Milos is one of the few Greek islands we visited that I did not think that much of. Rhodes and Folegandros were both great, completely different to each other but maybe worth checking out.
Anyway, one trip we caught the overnight ferry from Chania to Piraeus, then another ferry on to the next island. Cabin with ensuite was fine. That might be something to explore as the port was not far from Chania (short taxi ride) and it would save you moving on to Heraklion.
Two nights in Santorini would not be enough for me. I love it there. Yes it's busy and touristy but there are good reasons for that. It's stunning. Milos I would skip altogether if it was my trip. But it's not. Milos is one of the few Greek islands we visited that I did not think that much of. Rhodes and Folegandros were both great, completely different to each other but maybe worth checking out.
May 30th, 2023, 07:29 AM
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You don't have time to dither, go back & forth among island choices, you are already VERY late in booking accommodations in the most popular islands snice your trip will still be largely in high season. IF you change thinking after each post, people are going to get tired of providing info ... I know a lot about Rhodes, Folegandros, Naxos, Sifnos, Serifos (and at least 10 other islands) but why spend time & effort on destinations that are discarded.
May 30th, 2023, 12:04 PM
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There are tons of possibilities. There is a bus from Chania to the ferry port of Sougia. But you would waste too much time by passing via Piraeus if your final destination is Santorini or Milos.
There is a direct Heraklio - Milos ferry on Sunday 20th August.
The local Milos - Kimolos ferry runs 4times daily in August; the September timetable is not yet published.
Like Jan I like a lot of Greek Islands (I'v been on more than 60), but like Jan I find that your initial plans are feasible (even the Parikia - ATH - Zakinthos flight doesn't take too much time) and I don't see why you should change them.
There is a direct Heraklio - Milos ferry on Sunday 20th August.
The local Milos - Kimolos ferry runs 4times daily in August; the September timetable is not yet published.
Like Jan I like a lot of Greek Islands (I'v been on more than 60), but like Jan I find that your initial plans are feasible (even the Parikia - ATH - Zakinthos flight doesn't take too much time) and I don't see why you should change them.
May 31st, 2023, 01:56 AM
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Thank you travelerjan I am already working through your tips and the proposed plan is highly unlikely to change, but only slight tweaked depending on ferries of course. I value your insight.
Jun 8th, 2023, 04:46 AM
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Your trip sounds wonderful, and quite well-planned .. I've been a number of times to all places but the Ionians, bringing along "newbies" so can address some issues. Since your time will still be in high season, it's well to strategize to avoid crowds at key places. Some thoughts:
HERAKLION -- All depends on your interest in Minoan civ & Knossos. The ruins will mean much more IF You see the Minoan treasures in Museum beforehand - and timing will help you avoid Cruise crowds at Knossos. Consider this tested strategy. Drive EARLY to Heraklion on the big NOrth shore highway (possible short stop at amazing Melidoni Cave The Melidoni Cave on Crete: Visitor Information). Goals for HERAKLION/KNOSSOS -- to check into hotel (or drop bags for later check-in), see Museum, have lunch, and THEN visit Knossos AFTER 3 pm... cruise crowds will have left & it will be cooler. What sequence?? Depends on timing & parking & driving skills (Heraklion is very trafficky, with 1way confusion!). Here's a useful map -
Two options
(1) DRIVING -- a First stop at a seafront hotel near ferry quay (I recommend Hotel Kronos if available)to drop bags. Then drive to MUSEUM & find parking, see exhibit and have lunch. Then drive at 2:30 to Knossos (about 30 mins).. ther are many PAY parking lots but several FREE ones; look carefully. On return, drop car at rental office (usually on 25 Martiou street) OR right on ferry quay. As day cools near sunset, a nice stroll lis out on the causeway
to the Huuuuge Fortezza. Nearby seaside restaurant well-known is Ippocampus... or else several on the traffice circle at foot of causeway, notable for mezedes.
(2) PUBLIC TRANSIT - Drop Car on Ferry Quay (there are places for each agency); stow big bags in Bus-station lockers. Walk to Museum & lunch, return to Bus station - take local bus to Knossos & back (by this time its 5 pm) Pick up bags, 10 minute taxi to hotel; check in.
SANTORINI - Yes, 2 nights is enough if you plan strategically. In past 4 visits have found the ideal area to stay is FIROSTEPHANI -- close enough to stroll to Fira along the rimside path, but away from the hubbub. DAY 1 - Your ferry arrives about noon -- may be smart to book a taxi/car service beforehand for the 4 of you .. the dockside scene is chaos. When you're settled in, do that rimside walk downhill, all the way to the Cathedral in Fira. Youo may want to stop into the Arch. museum (right by cathedral) for 45 mins. Then have light lunch. Do NOT go to OIA For sunset - it's a total MOB scene - https://tinyurl.com/4js8e8t8 -- wait til day 2. To enjoy a sane sunset & dinner, book ahead for top terrace at STANI TAVERNA in FIra (if you are staying nearby) or REMVI CAFE at Hotel Remvi in Firostephani -- at both, lovely views and traditional greek menu at affordable prices. DAY 2 - Book taxi to arrive ast OIA By 8:15 or so... then you'll have 2 peaceful hours to stroll the pathways, enjoy views, take pix with minimal crowds. At 10 - 10:30, HUGE Crowds flood in & jampack the lanes... that's when you hop bus back to Fira, to explore elsewhere. Sightseeing options? Depends on weather/heat... You 4 could taxi to ANCIENT THERA ... taxi lets you off near the top, you scramble up a trail for a stunning view of isle & sea (plus some ruins) ... you can visit the buried city of Akrotiri (NOTE: a licensed guide helps make sense of ruins, OR good guidebook). Then how about a little nap? THere are some nice winery visits where you can sip whille watching sunset.
MILOS -- YES, you will need a car .. the local bus schedule is lmited even in high season. The port Town of Adamas has most amenities, shopping, restaurant choices & nightlife, but its beach is frankly No Good .. there are somoe nice places to stay on the frringes to West of port. If you stay at Pollonia & drive in for dinner, I hope that one of y ou is a teetotaller -- the long winding road back is totally unlighted and not fun after a glass o wine or 3. You shoul devote 1 day to a sail around part of ohte island's rim -- amazing volcanic stone remains. I recommend the "Half-round" to Kleftiko & back ... it gives time for swims, beach barb eque. We liked our vessel choice - a catamaran w. 14 psgr capacity -- large & stable, so could be under sail most of time... small boats r buffeted by winds & just use motor, and really big boats for 50 plus are just drinking parties. Adamas town is interesting, do not miss its tiny Mineral Museum for its haunting memorable 30-min documentary. There are 22 beaches in Miilos to investigate.. b ut no good hikes (at it will be too hot to hike). Yes, 4 days may be plenty.
PAROS - You may need/want a car for partt of the titme, because makes it easy to explorre. Bus service is good, but there's a limitation; research it well. Think of Paros as a "Hand" and the port Parikia as the base of the THUMB. Bus routes radiate out toward the "fingers"... so sometimes u would have to return to Parikia to get a different route. There is One route that does go down the Eastern side to several beaches -l- but Sept is when the Memltemi WIND is most fierce, and those beaches then are mainly for wind-surfing. Lots ofo people like to stay in NAOUSSA because "its so pretty." It's like a lovely postcard, but not exactly real. Thtere's a beach SOUTH of Parakia, right near the lilttle 10-min ferry to Antiparos that's not fancy but more real... Alyko. Frankly if here's any rooms left on ANTIPAROS, I'd r ecommond stayling there inistead.,.. but it's late to get the best bookings. On htis litle isle, everythingt is walkabllee... and lyou can quickly go daytripping to Paros -- here's a photo journal of all you can see -- https://agreekoddity.com/monday-24th...trip-to-paros/ and here are my friend Stanbr's wonderful Antiparos pix -
HERAKLION -- All depends on your interest in Minoan civ & Knossos. The ruins will mean much more IF You see the Minoan treasures in Museum beforehand - and timing will help you avoid Cruise crowds at Knossos. Consider this tested strategy. Drive EARLY to Heraklion on the big NOrth shore highway (possible short stop at amazing Melidoni Cave The Melidoni Cave on Crete: Visitor Information). Goals for HERAKLION/KNOSSOS -- to check into hotel (or drop bags for later check-in), see Museum, have lunch, and THEN visit Knossos AFTER 3 pm... cruise crowds will have left & it will be cooler. What sequence?? Depends on timing & parking & driving skills (Heraklion is very trafficky, with 1way confusion!). Here's a useful map -
Two options (1) DRIVING -- a First stop at a seafront hotel near ferry quay (I recommend Hotel Kronos if available)to drop bags. Then drive to MUSEUM & find parking, see exhibit and have lunch. Then drive at 2:30 to Knossos (about 30 mins).. ther are many PAY parking lots but several FREE ones; look carefully. On return, drop car at rental office (usually on 25 Martiou street) OR right on ferry quay. As day cools near sunset, a nice stroll lis out on the causeway
to the Huuuuge Fortezza. Nearby seaside restaurant well-known is Ippocampus... or else several on the traffice circle at foot of causeway, notable for mezedes.
(2) PUBLIC TRANSIT - Drop Car on Ferry Quay (there are places for each agency); stow big bags in Bus-station lockers. Walk to Museum & lunch, return to Bus station - take local bus to Knossos & back (by this time its 5 pm) Pick up bags, 10 minute taxi to hotel; check in.
SANTORINI - Yes, 2 nights is enough if you plan strategically. In past 4 visits have found the ideal area to stay is FIROSTEPHANI -- close enough to stroll to Fira along the rimside path, but away from the hubbub. DAY 1 - Your ferry arrives about noon -- may be smart to book a taxi/car service beforehand for the 4 of you .. the dockside scene is chaos. When you're settled in, do that rimside walk downhill, all the way to the Cathedral in Fira. Youo may want to stop into the Arch. museum (right by cathedral) for 45 mins. Then have light lunch. Do NOT go to OIA For sunset - it's a total MOB scene - https://tinyurl.com/4js8e8t8 -- wait til day 2. To enjoy a sane sunset & dinner, book ahead for top terrace at STANI TAVERNA in FIra (if you are staying nearby) or REMVI CAFE at Hotel Remvi in Firostephani -- at both, lovely views and traditional greek menu at affordable prices. DAY 2 - Book taxi to arrive ast OIA By 8:15 or so... then you'll have 2 peaceful hours to stroll the pathways, enjoy views, take pix with minimal crowds. At 10 - 10:30, HUGE Crowds flood in & jampack the lanes... that's when you hop bus back to Fira, to explore elsewhere. Sightseeing options? Depends on weather/heat... You 4 could taxi to ANCIENT THERA ... taxi lets you off near the top, you scramble up a trail for a stunning view of isle & sea (plus some ruins) ... you can visit the buried city of Akrotiri (NOTE: a licensed guide helps make sense of ruins, OR good guidebook). Then how about a little nap? THere are some nice winery visits where you can sip whille watching sunset.
MILOS -- YES, you will need a car .. the local bus schedule is lmited even in high season. The port Town of Adamas has most amenities, shopping, restaurant choices & nightlife, but its beach is frankly No Good .. there are somoe nice places to stay on the frringes to West of port. If you stay at Pollonia & drive in for dinner, I hope that one of y ou is a teetotaller -- the long winding road back is totally unlighted and not fun after a glass o wine or 3. You shoul devote 1 day to a sail around part of ohte island's rim -- amazing volcanic stone remains. I recommend the "Half-round" to Kleftiko & back ... it gives time for swims, beach barb eque. We liked our vessel choice - a catamaran w. 14 psgr capacity -- large & stable, so could be under sail most of time... small boats r buffeted by winds & just use motor, and really big boats for 50 plus are just drinking parties. Adamas town is interesting, do not miss its tiny Mineral Museum for its haunting memorable 30-min documentary. There are 22 beaches in Miilos to investigate.. b ut no good hikes (at it will be too hot to hike). Yes, 4 days may be plenty.
PAROS - You may need/want a car for partt of the titme, because makes it easy to explorre. Bus service is good, but there's a limitation; research it well. Think of Paros as a "Hand" and the port Parikia as the base of the THUMB. Bus routes radiate out toward the "fingers"... so sometimes u would have to return to Parikia to get a different route. There is One route that does go down the Eastern side to several beaches -l- but Sept is when the Memltemi WIND is most fierce, and those beaches then are mainly for wind-surfing. Lots ofo people like to stay in NAOUSSA because "its so pretty." It's like a lovely postcard, but not exactly real. Thtere's a beach SOUTH of Parakia, right near the lilttle 10-min ferry to Antiparos that's not fancy but more real... Alyko. Frankly if here's any rooms left on ANTIPAROS, I'd r ecommond stayling there inistead.,.. but it's late to get the best bookings. On htis litle isle, everythingt is walkabllee... and lyou can quickly go daytripping to Paros -- here's a photo journal of all you can see -- https://agreekoddity.com/monday-24th...trip-to-paros/ and here are my friend Stanbr's wonderful Antiparos pix -
I have made enquiries about kayaking tours on Paros and Antiparos and the tour company advises no kayaking in antiparos. So it will need to be Paros however the tours depart from Naoussa so a bit torn as to where we should base ourselves given they advise transport will be needed to get to the beach they set off from.
