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Athens, Paros, Naxos and Santorini in 7 Days: Island-Hopping Itinerary with Ferries
By the iLoveGreece editorial team · Last reviewed 2026-10 · 2 sources listed below
Quick answer
Spend 1 night in Athens, 2 in Paros, 2 in Naxos and 2 in Santorini. Every leg is a direct ferry that runs all year: Piraeus–Paros about 3 hours (from €35), Paros–Naxos under an hour (from €15), Naxos–Santorini about 1.5 hours (from €31.50), then Santorini–Piraeus by ferry (from €46.50) or a 45-minute flight. Fares are the lowest seen in October 2026.
The plan, day by day
| Day | Where | Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Athens | Acropolis at opening time, Acropolis Museum, Plaka and dinner below the Acropolis |
| 2 | Ferry to Paros | Early ferry from Piraeus; afternoon in Parikia, sunset in Naousa |
| 3 | Paros | Beaches (Kolymbithres, Golden Beach) or a boat to Antiparos |
| 4 | Ferry to Naxos | Short crossing; Portara at sunset, old town lanes |
| 5 | Naxos | Mountain villages (Halki, Apeiranthos) or the long sandy beaches |
| 6 | Ferry to Santorini | Morning ferry; Fira to Oia walk or a caldera boat trip |
| 7 | Santorini | Oia, a winery, then the ferry or flight back to Athens |
The ferries
| Leg | Crossing | Conventional from | Fast from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piraeus → Paros | About 3 h | €35 | €58 |
| Paros → Naxos | 35–45 min | €15 | €33 |
| Naxos → Santorini | About 1.5 h | €31.50 | — |
| Santorini → Piraeus | 5–8 h | €46.50 | €89 |
Tips to make it work
- Book the Piraeus ferry and your last night's return first; the middle legs are short and frequent.
- Cyclades ferries leave Piraeus from gates E7–E8, a short walk from the metro.
- In July and August pick conventional ferries if you get seasick: the meltemi wind is strongest then.
- Short on time? Fly back from Santorini to Athens instead of the long ferry.
- More time? Add Milos after Paros, or a third night in Santorini.
When to go
- Best: late May–June and September–early October: warm sea, open everything, fewer crowds.
- July–August: busiest and windiest; book ferries and rooms early.
- Winter: all these ferries still run, but many island hotels and restaurants close.
FAQ
Is 7 days enough for Athens and three islands?
Yes, with direct ferries and two nights per island. It's a full but relaxed pace; add a day if you want more beach time.
In what order should I visit Paros, Naxos and Santorini?
Athens → Paros → Naxos → Santorini works best: every leg is a short direct ferry, and you finish with Santorini's sunsets.
How much do the ferries cost for this route?
About €128 per person on the cheapest conventional ferries for all four legs (lowest fares seen in October 2026); fast boats cost more and summer prices are often higher.
Can I do this in winter?
The ferries run all year, but many island hotels and restaurants close from November to March. Late spring and early autumn are best.
Sources
Related guides
- Two Weeks in Greece: A First-Timer's Itinerary with Ferries (Athens, Islands, Crete)
- 10 Days in Greece: Itinerary With Athens, Islands and Ferries
- Paros to Naxos Ferry: Times, Prices and Which Boat to Take (2026)
- Santorini to Mykonos Ferry: Direct Boats, Time, Price and Winter Options
- 5 Days in Greece: Two Simple Itineraries That Work
- Athens to Santorini by Ferry: Fast vs Conventional, Ports and Tips
Updated 2026-10. General planning guidance. Check with operators and local authorities.