Our Perfect Greek Island Hopping Adventure: Santorini, Paros, Mykonos & Athens

In April 2025, we experienced one of Greece's most magical times - Easter in the islands, when the entire country comes alive with celebration and tradition. Our two-week journey through Santorini, Paros, Mykonos, and Athens was carefully planned to end in the capital, eliminating any worries about ferry connections before our international flight home.

General Comments

Ferry Travel Strategy: Island hopping by ferry proved reliable and enjoyable. The SeaJets Champion Jet 2 vessels were modern and comfortable, with the longest journey being just three hours from Athens to the islands. Booking ferries in advance is essential during Easter season.

Car Rental Approach: We modified our original plan to take one rental car across multiple islands via ferry. Instead, we rented and returned cars at each destination - picking up at Santorini airport, then arranging rentals through our hotels on Paros and Mykonos. This proved more flexible and cost-effective, plus eliminated concerns about ferry car reservations.

Easter Timing: Traveling during Greek Orthodox Easter added incredible cultural richness to our trip. The Good Friday processions and Easter Sunday celebrations in Paros were unforgettable. However, some restaurants and shops close during Holy Week, so advance planning is essential.

Athens at the End: Our decision to end in Athens rather than start there was brilliant. No stress about missing connections, and we could fully relax in the islands knowing our international flight was just a short domestic hop away.

Weather: Mid-April weather was ideal - warm enough for sightseeing and outdoor dining (70-75°F), but not yet the intense summer heat. Some days were perfect for swimming, though ocean temperatures were still cool.

Direct Flights: Flying directly to Santorini from Frankfurt eliminated an Athens connection and got us straight to the islands. Many European cities now offer direct summer flights to Greek islands.

Healthcare: When my wife forgot critical medication, we discovered Greece's excellent healthcare system. A doctor in Oia saw her immediately, and the local pharmacy filled the prescription within hours - a reminder that European healthcare infrastructure is world-class.

Crete Consideration: We initially considered adding Crete to this itinerary, but after extensive research decided against it. Crete is essentially a destination unto itself, requiring at least a full week to properly experience its diverse regions - from the Minoan palaces of Knossos and Phaistos, to the dramatic Samaria Gorge, the Venetian harbor of Chania, and the distinct cultural differences between the island's various provinces. The ferry connections would have also disrupted our smooth island-hopping flow. Instead, we're planning a future trip that combines Crete with either Malta or Cyprus - both islands that similarly deserve dedicated time and pair well thematically with Crete's rich historical layers and Mediterranean character.

Itinerary

Days 1-2: Travel to Santorini

After our overnight at SFO's Grand Hyatt, we flew via Frankfurt to Santorini, arriving in the late afternoon. Picking up our Avis rental at the tiny Santorini airport was efficient, and the 20-minute drive to our hotel gave us our first glimpse of the island's dramatic landscape.

Hotel: Katikies Santorini - One of the most spectacular hotel locations we've ever experienced. Perched on the caldera rim in Oia, every suite has breathtaking sunset views. The infinity pool appears to merge with the Aegean Sea, and the service was impeccable.

Days 3-5: Exploring Santorini

With three full days, we could explore at a relaxed pace without fighting crowds.

Oia: Beyond the famous sunset views, we wandered the marble-paved streets early in the morning when tour groups hadn't yet arrived. The blue-domed churches, art galleries, and boutique shops reward early risers with peaceful exploration.

Fira: The island's capital offers the best museums and shopping. The Archaeological Museum provides context for the ancient Minoan civilization, while the walk along the caldera from Fira to Firostefani reveals constantly changing perspectives of the volcanic cliffs.

Red Beach & Akrotiri: The Red Beach's dramatic rust-colored cliffs create a stunning contrast with the black pebbles. Nearby Akrotiri, the ancient Minoan city preserved in volcanic ash, rivals Pompeii for archaeological significance.

Pyrgos Village: This inland village, with its medieval castle and traditional Cycladic architecture, offered authentic Greek life away from the tourist centers. The panoramic views from the hilltop are spectacular.

Wine Tasting: Santorini's unique volcanic soil produces distinctive Assyrtiko wines. We visited Santo Wines for sunset tastings overlooking the caldera, where the volcanic terroir creates crisp, mineral-rich whites.

Days 6-9: Paros Easter Celebration

Taking the SeaJets ferry with our rental car proved seamless - drive onto the ship, enjoy the cruise, and drive off in Paros.

Hotel: Avant Mar Paros in Parikia - A beautiful boutique hotel near the port, with traditional Cycladic design and modern amenities. The pool area was perfect for afternoon relaxation.

Good Friday: The most moving experience of our trip. In Parikia, the entire town participated in the candlelit procession following the decorated epitaphios (funeral bier). Locals invited us to join, and the solemnity and beauty were profound.

Naoussa: This picturesque fishing village on the north coast is postcard-perfect. The harbor, lined with tavernas and boutiques, becomes magical at sunset. The short drive from Parikia revealed Paros's gentle, rolling landscape.

Paros Villages: We explored Lefkes, a marble-paved mountain village that was the island's former capital, and Prodromos, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. These inland villages show traditional Greek island life unchanged for centuries.

Beaches: Golden Beach on the southeast coast offers excellent windsurfing conditions and crystal-clear water. Kolymbithres Beach, with its unique granite rock formations carved by wind and sea, creates natural swimming pools.

Easter Sunday: The midnight service at Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Church of 100 Doors) was extraordinary. At the stroke of midnight, the entire church erupted in light as thousands of candles were lit, followed by fireworks and celebration throughout the town.

Days 10-12: Mykonos Style

Another smooth ferry transfer brought us to Greece's most cosmopolitan island.

Hotel: Bill&Coo Mykonos - Ultra-modern luxury with stunning sea views. The infinity pool and spa were perfect for unwinding after active days of exploration.

Mykonos Town (Chora): The iconic windmills, Little Venice, and maze-like streets create the quintessential Greek island experience. Early morning walks through the whitewashed alleys, before cruise ship passengers arrive, revealed hidden chapels and architectural details.

Delos Day Trip: The short boat ride to sacred Delos Island was a highlight. This UNESCO World Heritage site, believed to be Apollo's birthplace, contains some of the Mediterranean's most impressive ancient ruins. The Terrace of the Lions and the ancient mosaics transport you back to the height of Greek civilization.

Beaches: Paradise Beach offered the famous Mykonos party scene, while Elia Beach provided a more relaxed atmosphere with excellent tavernas. Psarou Beach attracted a sophisticated crowd and had the clearest water.

Traditional Villages: Ano Mera, inland from the coast, centers around the beautiful Panagia Tourliani Monastery. This glimpse of traditional Mykonos, with its central square and local tavernas, contrasts sharply with the coastal glitz.

Days 13-16: Athens Grand Finale

Our final ferry brought us to Piraeus, and returning the rental car there was straightforward. The hour-long transfer to central Athens completed our island adventure.

Hotel: King George Hotel (Marriott) - Located directly on Syntagma Square, this historic luxury hotel provided the perfect base for exploring ancient and modern Athens.

The Acropolis: We booked an early morning private tour to avoid crowds and heat. Standing before the Parthenon at sunrise, with golden light illuminating the marble columns, was profoundly moving. Our guide's insights into ancient Greek democracy and philosophy brought the ruins to life.

Ancient Agora: Walking where Socrates taught and Athenian democracy was born felt surreal. The well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus and the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos house an excellent museum explaining daily life in ancient Athens.

National Archaeological Museum: This world-class collection includes treasures from Mycenae, including the gold Mask of Agamemnon, and the Antikythera Mechanism, the world's first computer.

Modern Athens Neighborhoods: Plaka's narrow streets below the Acropolis house traditional tavernas and shops. The trendy Psyrri district offered contemporary Greek cuisine and nightlife. The National Gardens provided peaceful respite in the city center.

Food Experiences: Athens exceeded our culinary expectations. As pescatarians/vegetarians, we found excellent options everywhere - from traditional tavernas serving spanakopita and Greek salads to modern restaurants reinterpreting plant-based Greek cuisine. Our favorite was Winners in Athens, which offered creative vegetarian dishes in a stylish setting. Throughout the islands, fresh seafood, local vegetables, and Greece's incredible olive oil and cheeses made every meal memorable. The Varvakios Central Market immersed us in authentic Greek food culture.

What We'd Do Differently

More Time in Paros: This was our favorite island - less touristy than Santorini and Mykonos, but equally beautiful. The Easter celebrations alone justified the visit, but the beaches, villages, and relaxed pace deserve more time.

Santorini Timing is Everything: Don't skip Santorini - it truly is spectacular - but timing matters enormously. April proved perfect, with manageable crowds and mild weather. Summer visits would be far more challenging with cruise ship hordes and intense heat.

Athens Museums: Plan more time for Athens's incredible museums. The Acropolis Museum, National Archaeological Museum, and Benaki Museum each deserve full mornings.

Final Thoughts

This itinerary perfectly balanced iconic sights with cultural immersion. Easter timing added spiritual depth to our journey, while ending in Athens eliminated travel stress. Greece's combination of ancient history, stunning natural beauty, and warm hospitality created memories to last a lifetime.

The ferry connections worked flawlessly, the car rental strategy proved flexible, and the hotels provided perfect bases for exploration. For independent travelers wanting to experience authentic Greece beyond the typical tourist trail, this routing offers the best of the islands plus the classical wonders of Athens.

Total Distance by Ferry: Approximately 400 nautical miles Best Photo Spots: Oia sunset, Paros harbor at Easter, Mykonos windmills, Acropolis at sunrise Most Memorable Moment: The Easter midnight service in Paros, where centuries-old traditions came alive around us.