Getting ferries to the Greek Islands - how?

[WinterDeWinter]

I'm booking a very cheap last minute trip for me and DD (17) and we really like the look of Naxos. But I'm trying to get my head round how to get there in one day from London - what do people do?

It looks as though you'd have to get a crack of dawn flight to athens in order to get the second to last ferry - and then a very late flight from Athens on the way back to give yourself time to get the ferry from Naxos.

Or do people stay in Athens overnight? Dont' really want to do this as we've only got a week.

Alternative is flying to Santorini or Mykonos but I'm trying to keep costs right down and flights to these places are more expensive.

Any help gratefully received!

Thanks to people who pointed out the wind on Naxos - I know they can all get a bit windy but this, combined with the fact that we wouldn't be driving, was what tipped it in favour of Paros in the end. The hotel is in Piso Livadi which is lovely but there's a bus just outside the hotel which goes to Naoussa and Parikia (genuinely stunning places) all day and night so it's perfect.

Looks lovely!!

Weird about the pricing. Did you somehow clear cookies perhaps and that made the price go back down? Anyway - enjoy! Paros is gorgeous, I too really want to go back to the Cyclades.

Well done op!! Piso livadi & Logaras are great choices especially without a car hire. Paros certainly grabs its place in your memory. You’ll find it a great deal busier but still beautiful.

Look at Skopelos town. It's a ferry from Skiathos and much, much cheaper than Mykonos Santorini so you may get a luxe pool for less money. It's a small harbour town but has some nice bars restaurants with a nice atmosphere but not brits abroad.