Crete!

Anonymous wrote:I know I know. But my daughter wants to do the Mama Mia tour. Anyone done it in one day from Athens. Seems doable but a long day. Some recommend staying over in skiathos but wanted people’s experience. Thanks

I loved Skiathos, it’s green and has nice beaches. I was there a long time ago and hear it became very busy.

Santorini is beautiful also, we did a couple of days, it’s volcanic so very different from Skiathos.

Crete and Corfu are larger islands with mix of archaeology, hiking and beach. Very special. But I’d stay longer in each of them.

It’s nice to do island hopping but it’s also nice to spend a bit more time, to really get a feel and see the less popular beaches and sites which are also pretty.

All these islands are all over, Skiathos closer to Athens and easy ferry ride. Crete is airplane distance from Athens. So check how to get to them, and best thing is to stay within closer geographic distance and direct ferry or plane ride between islands so you minimize returning to Athens and then going to a different island.

OP how many days to you have total? If you really want to include Santorini then I would choose Paros or Naxos for the second island due to ferry connections.

I know I know. But my daughter wants to do the Mama Mia tour. Anyone done it in one day from Athens. Seems doable but a long day. Some recommend staying over in skiathos but wanted people’s experience. Thanks

We did Naxos, Santorini, Athens and loved it.

I like Patmos and Paros-and Rhodes too.

Anonymous wrote:Another vote for Crete.

Crete is beautiful and large with lots of things to do and options. It's far but the size and options will justify the time getting there.

Anonymous wrote:Naxos or Paros. Santorini has become too crowded to really be enjoyable.

I'm going to Paros (NP) in June. Any recs?

Anonymous wrote:Naxos or Paros. Santorini has become too crowded to really be enjoyable.

Agreed, we really enjoyed Naxos. OP, why 2 islands? Obviously different places have different vibes/experiences, but unless they are close together, or you have a lot of time, I might just stay on one island for 4-5 days instead of taking a lot of time in transit?

Another vote for Crete.

Naxos or Paros. Santorini has become too crowded to really be enjoyable.

Love Crete here. It is huge, with lots of different microclimates. Tons of cool history, Venetian fortresses, great hotels, large airport, etc.

It will also be priced much more reasonably than Santorini.

Crete

Going in June btw

Taking my 18 yo daughter in June. Plan is to hit 2 islands. Santorini probably one? Recommendations? Looking for beach nature walks good vibe. Not nightlife.

Thanks.