Get ready for one epic trip to Greece! Discover where to go, how to travel between the islands, and more with this 10 day Greece itinerary!
Greece is a bucket list trip. Between the scenery, food, culture, beach clubs, history, and charming fishing villages, there are a million and one reasons to prioritize this destination in your travel plans.
Putting together a 10 day itinerary for Greece can be overwhelming. There are, after all, hundreds of islands that make up the Greek Isles. The planning between ferries and the question of how much time to spend where...well...it's a lot.
If it's your first trip to Greece, this itinerary was made for you. It hits all the top spots and ensures you have time to slow down and take in the atmosphere.
My first Greece itinerary and why I recommend it
The first time Jake and I visited Greece we combined Athens, Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini. I was extremely happy with how I mapped out our time and the places we chose to visit…after endless hours of research I might add.
Athens was a must since this was our first trip to Greece. As with most travelers, seeing the Acropolis and other ancient sights was something both Jake and I felt we had to do.
I’m glad we baked Athens into our itinerary, especially since the flights were considerably cheaper to fly into Athens vs. the islands. But let’s just say I won’t be rushing back to Athens anytime soon. More on that below.
Now, the Greek islands. My oh my, few destinations have exceeded my expectations like Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini!
Each island offers a different vibe and something unique. I had such a wonderful experience I sincerely wished I could book a return trip to Greece the following year.
All in all, this 10 day Greece itinerary was perfect for our first trip to this region and I can't recommend it enough for other first-time visitors.
This post details how many days to spend at each destination, what to do, how to get to and from each place, and more.
I will also include my thoughts if you’ve already been to Greece before (i.e. what to change if you want to nix Athens) and how to shorten this 10 day Greece itinerary to 7 days or extend it to 2 weeks.
Mykonos - 10 Day Greece Itinerary
Mykonos - 10 Day Greece Itinerary
10 day Greece itinerary Breakdown
2 nights Athens
3 nights Mykonos
2 nights Paros
3 nights Santorini
Acropolis - 10 Day Greece Itinerary | Athens, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini
2 nights and 1 day in Athens
A first trip to Greece would not be complete without a visit to Athens. If you’re coming from the US, you’ll most likely arrive in Athens in the afternoon or early evening. This means two nights in Athens will give you one full day of sightseeing.
This will be a complete whirlwind of a day, but it will give you the gist of Athens.
You’ll have just enough time to tour the Acropolis, wander around the Plaka neighborhood (or join a walking tour), visit the Ancient Agora, and speed through one museum.
Yes, this may seem a tad aggressive, but if you’re itching to get to the islands, you won’t regret rushing Athens. 10 days doesn't leave room to linger in Athens when you want to experience the Greek Isles.
AwA Tip: one thing I do regret is not joining a tour when we visited the Acropolis. It would have been much more interesting to hear the history and stories vs. just looking at the sites or reading about it in your guidebook. This tour received top reviews and includes both the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum.
A few notes on why I’m OK speeding through Athens
Most of Athens is not at all picturesque. In fact, it’s polluted, grimy, and looks as though it’s seen better days. It’s what you would expect from a country that’s been struggling economically for some time.
The one area that does have some old-world charm is the Plaka neighborhood.
Sitting right below the Acropolis, this area is a maze of narrow streets, little tavernas, and more souvenir shops than you can count.
Since this is the most atmospheric area in Athens, it's become a bit touristy. Appreciate it for what it is and think about all the history steeped in these ancient streets.
Noel in Athens - 10 Day Greece Itinerary
Psyrri, Athens - 10 Day Greece Itinerary
The neighborhoods surrounding Plaka are worth a quick visit, but only if you have time. Psyrri is known for its restaurants, clubs, and bars. The graffiti-covered buildings are a stark contrast to what you’ll experience on the Greek Isles.
Monastiraki and Syntagma are worth a quick walk around too. But again, only if you have time. Nothing mind-blowing here.
After spending four days in Athens (one full day was spent on the island of Hydra), I would have been 100% fine with just seeing the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, walking around the Plaka neighborhood, and then hopping on the first ferry to Mykonos.
If you’re a real history buff and want to explore several museums and possibly revisit a few of the ancient sights, then I would spend three nights in Athens. You really don’t need more than two full days to explore the city.
AwA: if, for whatever reason, you feel you have extra time in Athens, this food tour would be a great way to spend four hours.
SeaJets Ferry (Athens to Mykonos) - 10 Day Greece Itinerary
SeaJets Ferry (Athens to Mykonos) - 10 Day Greece Itinerary
Athens to Mykonos Ferry - Departure
The best way to get from Athens to Mykonos is by ferry. It’s comfortable and relatively cheap. The high-speed ferry will get you to Mykonos in about 2.5 hours and cost around €60.
Cheaper ferries are available, but those can take up to 5.5 hours...be sure to check the total travel time when looking at your options!
Book your tickets in advance to snag the best price and the departure time you want. I searched for ferries using Go-Ferry as this would list all the ferry companies and the schedule. You can either book from this website or directly from the ferry company.
The two most popular companies are Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets.
Arrive an hour before departure. Many of these ferries are huge. I’m talking cruise ship size. Arriving early will ensure you get a good seat and aren’t rushed storing your luggage, etc.
Ferries depart from the Piraeus Harbor (about 30 minutes from central Athens). Uber isn't available in Athens, but you can book a taxi through your Uber app.
Athens to Mykonos Ferry – Arrival in Mykonos
The Athens to Mykonos ferry will most likely arrive at Old Port. The best option to get from Old Port to Mykonos town is by Sea Bus, regular bus, prearranged transfer with your hotel, or Welcome Pickups.
Taxis should not be relied upon. There are so few on the island that it’s not guaranteed one will be available.
We took the Sea Bus from Old Port to Mykonos town, which I highly recommend. Departures are every 30 minutes, tickets cost €2, and the ride is about 5 minutes. We then walked to our hotel in Mykonos town (Chora).
Chora, Mykonos - 10 Day Itinerary for Greece
Chora, Mykonos - 10 Day Itinerary for Greece
3 days in Mykonos
Mykonos is one of the most memorable places I've visited. I could have wandered Chora (Mykonos town), for days on end. It’s as Instagrammable as can be with narrow winding streets, white stucco buildings adorned with brightly painted shutters, tiny boutique shops, and fuchsia bougainvillea climbing up doorways.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking Mykonos is "just a party island". It’s so much more than that!
Yes, partygoers will have enough day, beach, and nightclubs to keep them busy for an entire week…if not longer. But travelers looking for something outside the club scene will be just as happy with everything else Mykonos offers.
Jake and I aren’t big partiers. We're those people who love getting up early to wander the town before everyone else wakes up...i.e. we go to bed at a decent hour. We weren’t sure what to expect in Mykonos given its notorious clubbing reputation.
Let’s just say we adored Mykonos. We stayed four nights and could have easily stayed longer. I quickly learned that Mykonos can be anything you want it to be. A never-ending party, a day filled with beaches, boutique shopping with plenty of coffee stops in Mykonos town, lounging by the pool…I really can’t think of a type of traveler that wouldn’t be happy here.
SEE ALSO: 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MYKONOS
View below 180 Sunset Bar - 10 Day Itinerary for Greece | Athens, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini
4 days in Mykonos is ideal for travelers looking to slow down and experience every part of the island (and revisit a few spots), but a 10 day itinerary makes that a bit difficult.
3 nights and 3 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Mykonos for 10 days in Greece. It will give you enough time to wander around Chora (Mykonos town) several times, enjoy seaside sunset cocktails in Little Venice, spend a day at Scorpios (the best beach club in Mykonos), view the picturesque windmills, take in the views from 180 Sunset Bar, lounge by your hotel pool, and fill your camera with a million photos.
History buffs will probably want to add a side trip to the island of Delos.
We used our fourth day to rent a car and drive the entire island.
This was a memorable day, but I wouldn’t say it’s worth taking time away from Paros or Santorini. Hence why I’m 100% confident 3 days in Mykonos will be plenty for the average traveler.
A note about Mykonos during the height of summer
When you visit Mykonos is key. We went mid-May, during shoulder season. July/August is when the party scene starts.
This is also when the island is most crowded with cruise ship passengers. We were able to bypass the above, which played a big part in our overall experience.
If you're visiting in summer and crowds/loud parties make you cringe, be sure to stay outside of Mykonos town (Chora) as it can get quite loud in the evening.
I would also recommend shortening your time in Mykonos to 2 nights and adding a night in Paros. Paros is a laid-back version of Mykonos and will be less hectic in July and August.
Or, skip Mykonos altogether and opt for Naxos (next to Paros) instead.
Little Venice, Mykonos - 10 Day Greece Itinerary
Chora, Mykonos - 10 Day Greece Itinerary
Mykonos to Paros Ferry - Departure
The ferry from Mykonos to Paros is quick and easy. The high-speed ferry will get you to Paros in under an hour and cost €20 to €40 if booked in advance.
Go-Ferry lists the schedule and the ferries running between the islands. Book your tickets on Go-Ferry or directly from the ferry company. Arrive 45 minutes prior to departure to ensure you get a good seat and have plenty of time to store your luggage/get comfortable.
Mykonos to Paros Ferry – Arrival in Paros
The main ferry port in Paros is Parikia. It’s a 10-minute car ride or 20-minute bus from Parikia port to Naoussa (where most tourists base themselves).
Prearrange a transfer with your hotel, use Welcome Pickups, or take the public bus.
Taxis should not be relied upon. There are so few on the island that it’s not guaranteed one will be available.
Jake and I rented a car while in Paros because we planned to visit beaches all over the island and wanted the freedom of having a car. I will also note, Paros is the easiest island to rent (and drive) a car.
Driving in Mykonos was nerve-wracking to say the least and something I wouldn’t even attempt in Santorini.
Little Venice, Paros - 10 Day Greece Itinerary | Athens, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini
2 days in Paros
Paros is a breath of fresh air once you leave the crowded streets of Mykonos. Locals say Paros is what Mykonos was like before Mykonos exploded in popularity (and price).
Paros feels like a more charming and relaxed Mykonos. The main town, Naoussa, is a less crowded and smaller version of Mykonos town.
Paros has a lot to offer, especially considering most guidebooks don’t even list this island. Compared to Santorini and Mykonos, Paros is considerably more affordable, the beaches are some of the best in Greece, the food is incredible, and the quaint harbor is right out of a storybook.
Many also say Paros is less pretentious and more authentic than both Mykonos and Santorini. I agree.
Paros has grown in popularity after being ranked as the #1 island in Europe by Travel and Leisure in 2018 and 2020. Even so, it remains more authentic and less crowded than neighboring Mykonos and Santorini.
Paros is perfect for slowing down, hitting the beach, sailing around the islands, and savoring lengthy meals.
2 nights and 2 days in Paros is the perfect amount of time to experience the island on a 10-day Greece itinerary. Mykonos has more to do, which is why it gets an extra night, but if you prefer something a bit more laidback, you might consider changing to 2 nights in Mykonos and 3 nights in Paros.
Extra time in Paros would allow for a day trip to neighboring Antiparos (where Tom Hanks has a home) or Naxos.
Naousa, Paros - 10 Day Greece Itinerary
Naousa, Paros - 10 Day Greece Itinerary
Paros to Santorini Ferry - Departure
The ferry port in Paros is small. Arriving 30 minutes prior to departure is plenty (45 if you like to play it extra safe).
The Paros to Santorini ferry is about 2 hours and costs €20 to €60 if booked in advance. Per usual, visit Go-Ferry to find departure times and then book on Go-Ferry or directly from the ferry company.
Paros to Santorini Ferry – Arrival in Santorini
The Paros to Santorini ferry will arrive at the Athinios port. To keep things confusing, it’s also known as New Port and Thira Port.
Public buses are timed with ferry arrivals, which keeps things easy and timely. Once you depart the ferry, go left and you’ll see the buses. The ride to Thira (aka Fira) takes about 20 minutes and tickets are €2.30. Cash only.
We were staying just outside of Thira, so we opted for the bus. Those staying in Oia will have to change buses, in which case it would be more convenient to arrange a transfer with your hotel or use Welcome Pickups.
Ammoudi Bay, Santorini - 10 Day Greece Itinerary | Athens, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini
3 Days in Santorini
Santorini will truly take your breath away. To say the views are spectacular is an understatement.
Santorini is a honeymooner's paradise complete with luxury hotels, private plunge pools overlooking the caldera (the flooded crater), romantic tavernas, and sunset catamaran cruises.
It’s not hard to see why those seeking romance and luxury choose Santorini.
Don’t mistake Santorini as a couples-only destination. Just like I said Mykonos is so much more than a party scene, Santorini has something to offer everyone. In fact, I spent three nights in Santorini solo and absolutely loved it.
Oia, Santorini - 10 Day Greece Itinerary
Oia, Santorini - 10 Day Greece Itinerary
Those looking for history and activities will have plenty to choose from. Escape the crowds and visit the medieval town of Pyrgos, join a winery tour, have a seaside lunch at Ammoudi Bay, discover the history of Santorini at the Akrotiri archeological site, or hike from Fira to Oia.
Santorini has a lot to offer and will please every type of traveler.
3 nights in Santorini allows enough time to wander the main towns of Oia and Fira, take a sunset catamaran cruise, enjoy your hotel pool, and choose another activity like a few hours in Pyrgos or a winery tour.
Oia, Santorini - 10 Day Greece Itinerary | Athens, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini
10 day itinerary for Greece without Athens
I recommend the below 10-day Greece itinerary for those nixing Athens. Naxos is an easy add-on as it's a 1-hour ferry from Paros to Naxos and then an hour and a half from Naxos to Santorini.
4 nights in Mykonos
3 nights in Paros with a day trip to Antiparos
2 nights in Naxos
4 nights in Santorini
7 Day Greece Itinerary
For a 7-day Greece itinerary, I recommend skipping Athens altogether and trying your best to fly right into Santorini or Mykonos, even if it's more expensive. With such a short amount of time, you’re going to want to focus your time on Santorini, Mykonos, and Paros.
3 nights in Mykonos
1 night in Paros
3 nights in Santorini
Take the earliest ferry possible from Mykonos to Paros to ensure you have two full days in Paros.
If you're visiting in July or August, take a night from Mykonos and add it to Paros (2 nights Mykonos and 2 nights Paros). Mykonos can get very crowded during high season, which becomes frustrating on a quick itinerary.
Paros will be less crowded and more enjoyable when you're short on time.
Santorini - 10 Day Greece Itinerary
Mykonos - 10 Day Greece Itinerary
2 Weeks in Greece Itinerary
If you have longer and are planning a 2 week Greece itinerary, I would suggest the below:
3 nights in Athens with a day trip to Hydra
4 nights in Mykonos
3 nights in Paros with a day trip to Naxos and/or Antiparos
4 nights in Santorini
In Summary
I hope this helps map out your 10-day itinerary for Greece. This is a great plan for a first trip to Greece as it hits the “musts” without rushing too much.
I was very happy with the places we chose and the order we did it in. I would repeat this 10 day Greece itinerary in a heartbeat and know you will love it too!
Athens Hotel Recommendations
Luxury hotels in Athens
Mid-range hotels in Athens
Paros Hotel Recommendations
*Some of these hotels are adults only*
Luxury hotels in Paros
Mid-range hotels in Paros
Mykonos Hotel Recommendations
*Some of these hotels are adults only*
Luxury hotels in Mykonos
Midrange hotels in Mykonos
- Portobello Boutique Hotel
- Andronikos Hotel
- Aeolos Resort Mykonos
- Mykonos Bay Resort & Villas
- Vencia Boutique Hotel
Budget-Friendly hotels in Mykonos
Santorini Hotel Recommendations
*Some of these hotels are adults only*
LUXURY HOTELS IN Santorini
Mid-range HOTELS IN SANTORINI
LUXURY HOTELS IN SANTORINI (under $300 and not in Oia)
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Greece 10 Day Itinerary | Athens, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini
How did you get from Santorini back to Athens?
Jake flew home to the US from Santorini and I flew from Santorini to Italy. If I needed to get back to Athens, I still would have flown as the ferry would have been 5+ hours.
Do you know of a reputable travel agent to help facilitate a Greek trip? I am good at planning within the US but traveling abroad is a little more intimidating.
I can help as I’m a certified travel agent. I’ll be in touch separately!
I would be interested as well.
I love this blog !! Thank you for such details. I’m getting married in June 2022 and looking into Greece 7-10 days. I also noticed your comment about being a travel agent . I’d love to connect and put this blog into an itinerary.
So glad you’ve enjoyed reading! I’ll shoot you an email…congrats on the engagement/upcoming wedding!
I did a similar itinerary this past July 2021. Lucky travel volume was still down in Europe and no cruises were seen during our 5 days in Santorini. Lovely!
I hear what you say about Athens but I will always tell people not to skip it. We rented the most amazing Airbnb in the neighborhood of Thiseio. Picking the right hotels or Airbnb can make a trip feel completely different.
We also did 1 one day trip to Delphi and Arachova and it was amazing. The history, the countryside, the vistas – huge contrast from being in the city.
I would extend Paros time and do a private boat tour – taking you around Antiparos (go to Antiparos at night, it’s so pretty!). Beautiful mountain villages like Lefkes are a nice change from the coast. Paros is a gem!
I agree with everything you just said. Paros really was special and I would go back in a heartbeat and spend more time there.
This is such a great itinerary – we are headed to Greece for a friend’s wedding this summer. What airlines would you recommend using in Greece? We’ll be flying from Athens to Santorini and likely from Mykonos to Athens.
We loved this itinerary for our first trip to Greece…I’m sure you will too! We stuck with ferries…if you’re going to fly I would recommend sticking with Aegean Airlines. I’ve heard that’s the best brand to fly between the islands and have friends who have flown it and said it was fine.
Greece! One of my bucket list places to visit. This year, I’d like to gift myself a trip there April. Can you send me some details to plan?
If you have 10 days, I recommend sticking to this exact itinerary…we thought it was perfect for a first trip to Greece.
We are going to Greece end of May this year. I’m copying your exact itinerary. Thank you!😊.. also read your blog regarding packing light.. we are planning to bring a carry-on suitcase and a semi large backpack…question about the ferry rides… did you have to check in your carry-on during the ferry rides? If not, how was the experience? Thanks so much!!
So excited for you! You will have the BEST time. Typically, there is a hold area on the entry-level for big luggage (that way you don’t have to drag it up the stairs or squeeze in the elevator). If all you have are smaller bags/backpacks…you can keep those with you or leave them in the hold area…whichever you prefer. It was super easy, just make sure to put something eye-catching on your bag so you can find it quickly when you are deboarding.
I kept my small bags with me just b/c all my valuables like money, computer, camera, etc. were in those.
Great post with so many helpful recommendations! I have a similar itinerary planned for this summer and it was reassuring to read this and note a few transportation related tips I didn’t know about. Thanks for sharing all the great info!
-from a fellow Texan 😊
I’m so glad you enjoyed Kim! Have the best time….you’ll LOVE Greece.
I like your posts and common sense.
Thank you Monica!
Hi! I am so glad I stumbled on your page! We are planning a trip in October and your 10 day plan is perfect! Do you recommend any hotels in all of these spots? Thank you!
Yes, I’ll send those over in the next few days!
Hi Julie, I updated the post to include my hotel recommendations. There are tons of Airbnbs as well. Athens will be pretty affordable as well as Paros. Mykonos and Santorini (especially if you want to stay in Oia) will be the budget breakers.
Also, some hotels on the islands are closed in October, so just double-check that.
Thank YOU!!!!
Hello. Did you take euros and US money over?
I always bring some cash ($) just in case. Otherwise, I use my debit card and get Euros once I arrive. Call your bank and ask which ATMs are associated with your bank so you don’t have to pay extra fees.
Hi Ash,
Thank you for your detailed itinerary. Myself and my boyfriend are planning on going to Greece this September. Just wondering what accommodations do you recommend?
Thanks,
Clare
Hi Claire, I updated the post to include my hotel recommendations. There are tons of Airbnbs as well. Athens will be pretty affordable as well as Paros. Mykonos and Santorini (especially if you want to stay in Oia) will be the budget breakers.
I am interested in doing something very similar in 2023. 1 night athens, 2 nights Mykonos, 2 nights Paros and 3 nights Santorini. Can you contact me? I am trying to find a travel agent to start planning!
Hi Bridget, at this time I’m not taking on any clients. I did just update my Greece posts and included recommended hotels for each place…which should help!
Hi Ashley! Love your recommendations … we are planning something very similar but substituting Náxos for Mykonos. I booked accommodations for Sept 29 through the first week of October but I’m a little concerned about weather that time of year. Am I overthinking this? Planning Santorini to Naxos to Paris to Athens. Wondering if it’s worth it to pay a little more and go earlier like mid September. Thanks for your help! Your photos are breathtaking!
Hi Leanne,
Weather will be similar in October to May (lows in the high 50s highs in the low 70s) BUT there will be a higher chance of rain as fall is rainy season (peaking October through December). When we visited in May I was usually wearing a light jacket in the morning and evening. It was warm enough to lay on the beach, but not quite warm enough for swimming IMO. It depends on what type of trip you’re looking for. If beach time, swimming, etc., is a priority, then I would go in mid-September. If it’s more about sightseeing and exploring and you don’t mind the chance of a few rainy days, stick with October. Overall, there won’t be a huge difference between mid-September and early October. If it was me, I would stick with early October because I really cherish low crowds and am more about exploring vs. laying on the beach. chance of ideal weather. Hope that helps!
Thank you for this! I just got back yesterday and followed your 10 day itinerary. First time in Europe. It was perfect!
This just made my day! I’m so happy you had a wonderful first trip to Europe 🙂
Do you think it’s to much to visit 3 islands in a 10 day trip to Greece for a honeymoon, I’m torn as my fiancé wants to just relax and not always be on the go and I want to see as much as I can and explore
If you stick to the same area it’s definitely doable. The ferries are easy and quick. 4 nights Mykonos, 3 nights Paros, 3 nights Santorini…I think that’s plenty of time at each island (or whichever islands you choose).
Hi Ashley,
We are planning a trip to the Greek Islands next June (2024). We were considering, Instead of staying in hotels, of renting a house/apt. for the entire stay and just traveling daily to each of the 3-or 4 islands. Can you give me any suggestions on which island and where to stay. It seems like Paros might be the best place. Thank you!
Yes, Paros is the best option if that’s the route you’re going to take since it’s between Mykonos and Santorini. Paros also has a more laidback/authentic vibe compared to Mykonos and Santorini, which is nice for an extended stay. It’s also the only island we felt 100% comfortable with our rental car…which gives more freedom as well. I would definitely recommend looking at staying at all 3 islands though. If I had done Mykonos and Santorini as a day trip, I wouldn’t have enjoyed it nearly as much. The mornings and evenings were the BEST. Before the crowds arrived. And it will be crowded in June. Also, being able to spend an evening at Scorpios Mykonos for the sunset ritual, do a catamaran cruise around Santorini, etc., were some of our favorite experiences. Those are things you would miss on a day trip. Lastly, be sure to look up cruise ship schedules. That way you can choose days to visit certain islands with the fewest cruise ships docked.
Ashley, thank you so much for this information. Im so glad I found your website.
Thank you so much!
Hello Ashley.
Could you do this itinerary without renting a car? Did you just rent the Car in Paros?
We rented a car for our entire stay in Paros and were happy we did so. I recommend it. It was easy to get around and the island was relatively flat (not like Mykonos or Santorini). Technically you could get by with buses (don’t go everywhere) and taxis (expensive). If you were only staying for a night or two in Naoussa (Old Town), you are certainly walking distance to all the cute shops, restaurants, etc. and you could focus your time there. But my advice is to get a car. This island is known for their beaches and having a car to get to those beaches is 1/2 the fun.
We rented a car for 1 day in Mykonos to explore the island. Probably the most stressful day of driving. A big part of that was b/c the only cars left were manual. Jake can drive manual, but it’s not second nature to him. Plus the car was tiny and didn’t have much power. Pair that with hairpin turns and steeps hills…it was tough. I would have much preferred hiring a driver for that day.
HI Ash
Just been reading your blog that I happened to come across. My hubby and I are planning a Greece trip for Aug/Sept 24. We are thinking about Athens for a day either end of islands plus incorporating islands such as – Santorini, Naxos, Paros and Milos. We are not sure which ones are the best to go to as they say they are all great. We have prob nearly 2 wks to stay in Greece as we are incorporating Croatia too for the 3rd wk. Would love to hear back what you think.
They are all great islands and you’ll have an amazing experience no matter where you go. Obviously Santorini and Mykonos are a must…BUT…it will be very crowded in Aug/Sept, so I would try to keep those short (2 or 3 nights) and then spend more time in Paros, Naxos, and Milos. If it was me I would do 4 nights Paros and 2 to 3 in Naxos. I haven’t done Milos, so can’t give much advice there…but if you’re already doing all the other islands…you might be “islanded out” by that point. I LOVE Dubrovnik and Hvar. Again, will be super crowded. Also really enjoyed Zagreb and what a stark contrast it is to Dubrovnik and Hvar (more authentic/local).