I assume you have already looked at the ferry site?
Another ferry site.
It can be tricky because even in a chain of the same islands, one place is not necessarily seamlessly connected with another, especially in the off-season. Ios connects easily with Santorini and has lovely beaches and in summer is filled with college age kids from all over the world, but it might be quieter in September. Paros easily connects with the other islands, Naxos is supposed to be beautiful. I have not been to Paros or Naxos. I wonder if Antiparos might be less touristy? We considered it but never did go there.
I have not taken any day trips out of Athens. If I did, any of your choices sound wonderful, but I would probably choose Delphi.

Thanks a lot for all the information, Cil. I would then make a day trip to Delphi. I checked on the ferry service webpages. My current itinerary looks like this:

29th(Sat)-reach Santorini….spend the evening.
30th(Sun)-Santorini
31st(Mon)-Santorini….spend all day…..Santorini-Crete (evening)
1st(Tue)-Crete
2nd(Wed)-Crete
3rd(Thu)-Crete-Mykonos (morning)….spend the day in Mykonos
4th(Fri)-Mykonos-Athens (morning)….spend the afternoon and evening in Athens…..
5th(Sat)-Athens (day trip to Delphi)
6th(Sun)-spend the day in Athens……flight in the evening

I understand that this is perhaps a hectic schedule…..the scheduled time in Mykonos is short…..but I absolutely don’t want to miss the island…have heard tonnes about it…..is an afternoon and evening good enough to at least absorb the architecture in Mykonos?
It would be great if you could please suggest…..

That’s great that you are going to Crete. Are you going to rent a car?
Try to get get Frangocastello. Also, the Museum of George A. Hatzidakis. You can find information about these places if you click on Map at the top of the screen, then look for Greece.
We spent a good 5 days on Crete, but the last day there was by accident—the ferry didn’t run on Sunday.
We flew to Crete from Athens, then worked our way back, but your itin looks fine to me.
Maybe you could lop a day off Santorini, but I hate to tell you to do that. Don’t miss the volcano hike (not strenuous at all, very fun.)
I have never been to Mykonos, but do plan to get there some day. One thing I would never miss there is a trip to Delos. (That’s just my personal opinion, though.)
AFAIK, you can only get there from Mykonos.

Thanks for all the info, Cil. We do plan to rent a car in Crete. I called up a couple of places but they either don’t have automatic cars or don’t rent cars for less than 4 days. Hope to find something.
We would surely visit Frangocastello. We plan to get to Mykonos from Crete by ferry and then fly from Mykonos to Athens. Hope the ferry runs on schedule The volcano hike is high up on the priority list. Looks like Delos is an interesting place. Thanks for your advice. Would try to fit in a trip to Delos if possible.

I am planning to drive down to Balos in the northwest of Crete. I read online that the last 8 kms is rugged. I was wondering if it is doable on a regular rear-wheel drive. Did any of you drive down to Balos? It would be great to have your suggestions!

We missed out on the area you are considering. It looks beautiful.
I don’t think we got further than Rethymno and then Hania in the northwest.
We definitely drove through mountains when we went down to Plakias, but being from Colorado we were unfazed.
And we just had a regular car.

oh ok…..i’m considering visiting Balos…..however, I would go to Falassarna instead if I find the road is too rough…..I am also planning to do the drive to Plakias…..

…just got back from Greece…thanks for all your advice Cil….i loved Frangocastello and Plakias….couldn’t make it to Delos….however, Mykonos and Santorini were great…..also, I thought Athens is a charming city….inspite of all the posts that Athens is pretty boring…..the day trip to Delphi was also great….

however, 9 days was too short….would love to go back to Greece….and visit….Rhodes…and the Peloponnese…

I would definitely visit Delphi. The temple of Apollo and the Theatre are two of the most outstanding ancient ruins in the world (and the views are pretty stunning too). Definitely go to Delphi

i just got back from Greece, finnegan. I did visit Delphi…..it was truly amazing…both the ruins and the stunning views of the mountains…..

I’m so jealous. What was the highlight of your trip?

Crete was amazing……all the beaches: Falasarna, Elafonisi, Frangocastello, Plakias were gorgeous….and the drive through the mountains….the quaint monasteries….loved it…..

I’m so glad you had a good time, sbaner!
Crete is indeed amazing.
I too want to get back to Greece—I still have not been to Mykonos, not to mention Rhodes and the Peloponnese.
Some day….

How was the weather, and did the ferries work out okay?

thanks, Cil….weather was great….it was hot but comfortable….water was warm as well….the ferries worked out well….driving in Crete was an interesting experience though! …..specially…the way the cars were passing on a two lane highway….and driving on the shoulder……