Hello! We are planning an island getaway in Europe for early September and cannot decide between Sardinia or the Cyclades, specifically Naxos and/or Paros. They sound equally amazing. We have been to Italy (Rome, Tuscany, Venice) and love it, but this would be our first time in Greece.
Here are details about us and what we are looking for. Given the time of year and our wish list, which would you recommend?
- Active couple in our late 40s
- We would be flying in and out of ATL using Delta miles. Delta flies direct to Rome but not Athens, so for the latter we would have to connect through Paris or another European city.
- We'd like to spend about 10 days on the ground. If we choose Sardinia we'll spend 4 nights in Rome (one of our favorite cities) and 6 on the island; if we choose Greece we'll only spend a night or two in Athens and the rest of the time in the Cyclades.
- We are comfortable renting a car if necessary.
- We don't need luxury accommodations (we are definitely not the Costa Smeralda crowd) but would prefer smaller boutique or family-owned properties - budget is about $200 to $250 USD per night.
- Would like: Warm and clear turquoise water, beautiful white sand beaches, low crowds, little or no cruise ship traffic, laid-back pace, sailing, hiking, marine life, beautiful views, dramatic scenery, pretty towns, good food and wine (we are fairly adventurous eaters)
- Do not want: nightlife or a party atmosphere, big crowds, overdevelopment, lots of cruise ships, dry/scrubby landscapes
I hope this is enough to go on! Thanks for helping us pick.