Thank you so much for replying, Greek-Traveller!

I take it that you have been to Skiathos and/or Skopelos? If so, can you tell me if it's as picturesque and peaceful as it looks? I've heard that it's much more relaxing and peaceful than Santorini and Mykonos.

Also, how many days in your opinion would you recommend for Athens? I've heard that the sites there can be seen fairly quickly and that the city itself is not as great to be in compared to the islands. Is that true?

Thank you again and appreciate your response!

Thank you so much for replying, Greek-Traveller!

I take it that you have been to Skiathos and/or Skopelos? If so, can you tell me if it's as picturesque and peaceful as it looks? I've heard that it's much more relaxing and peaceful than Santorini and Mykonos.

Also, how many days in your opinion would you recommend for Athens? I've heard that the sites there can be seen fairly quickly and that the city itself is not as great to be in compared to the islands. Is that true?

Thank you again and appreciate your response!

Thank you so much for replying, Greek-Traveller!

I take it that you have been to Skiathos and/or Skopelos? If so, can you tell me if it's as picturesque and peaceful as it looks? I've heard that it's much more relaxing and peaceful than Santorini and Mykonos.

Also, how many days in your opinion would you recommend for Athens? I've heard that the sites there can be seen fairly quickly and that the city itself is not as great to be in compared to the islands. Is that true?

Thank you again and appreciate your response!

yes,mykonos and santorini are the most famous,so they get the most tourists.so skopelos or skiathos are more laid-back..

and yes,athens can't compare to the islands for beauty..it is a vast town,so a couple of days are enough to see the main sites..leave athens last to be close to your departure spot..enjoy

Hey and welcome ladancingirl:-) Did you change your name, lol?;-) There was practically an identical post here a while ago... with same itinerary.. asking similar questions;-) Nonetheless, with what looks like 12 nights.. 4 isles plus Athens really fills your plate to excess;-) I realize many coming the distance try to get in as much as possible.. usually sacrificing quality for quantity.. but bottom line, it's your pref/priorities.. as well as travel style that rules;-)

Skiathos and Skopelos are indeed gorgeous.. peaceful isle.. most especially Skopelos since most arriving in Skiathos (which has an airport) base there and rarely venture off the isle except for maybe a day trip cruise/excursion! FWIW, some villages in Santorini can also be peaceful/quiet.. Oia, Imerovigli for example can be pure bliss.. when the day cruises aren't there of course;-)

What I'd first be looking for here.. coming the huge distance and dealing with all that lag.. time zone changes, etc.. would be to just fly straight out to an isle upon arrival in Athens! Chances are that first day you're planning in Athens will be a loss/wasted day.. being immersed into a major, vibrant metropolis.. trying to get into zone! An isle is a great place to do that.. see if you can fly out to either Mykonos, Santorini.. or even Skiathos (albeit there is only 1 flight daily there for the most part).. I'd break it down into 3 nights at each place.. and if flying in/out of Skiathos, would consider heading over to Skopelos as a day trip unfortunately.. you don't really have the time to explore much further unless you drop an isle which it doesn't appear you're looking to do;-)

Take a look at both www.aegeanair.com/ www.olympicair.com/ If you fly into Santorini or Mykonos first, you can ferry between the 2.. check www.gtpr.gr/ www.openseas.gr/ for ferry schedules.. and as you already know, only way to head up to the gorgeous Sporades without wasting additional time is a flight! Save Athens for you finale.. keeping the itinerary running consecutively is a huge timesaver! You can check out www.skopelosweb.gr/ .. and see what you're missing;-)) EnJOY!

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