1st time to Greece - looking for advice

rent a Quad/ATV to get around

Why? I wouldn't advise that for an adult let alone someone with a 7 year old! What's wrong with a car?

We visited Greece in April two years ago, but not to the islands you mention. Since it was April, we landed in Athens the day before “our” Easter, and a week later, it was Greek Orthodox Easter - a great experience! Orthodox Easter will be on April 19, 2020 - when will you be there?

Nothing is wrong with a car. The Quad/ATV was recommended by a friend to get around the island. I’m open to whatever is the best mode of transport.

Cyn-

We are looking to go April 1st through 12th.

Christine what are you looking to do , you understand it’s too easy for the beach , and Paris will still be VERY quiet .
Perhaps Naxos might be a better choice , at least there might be a bit more to do there and a bit more open as their is a year round population .

Pat, great point. I’m open to other islands.

In Paros, looking to explore the island, stay near Naoussa near the harbor while enjoying the food, and exploring the streets and the beach. Hoping to relax, get some great views and take lots of photos.

I visited 14 countries in 2019 so just wanting to explore and learn more about Greece and what it has to offer. This would be our first time visiting Greece. Thank you for your insight.

Quads are dangerous. Regardless of which mode of transportation you choose, be sure to go to your local AAA office to pick up an International Driving Permit, no test or membership required. Bring 2 passport photos to save a few dollars. Some rental offices will overlook it if you don't have one but Greek law requires you to have it, and if you get in an accident without it you will be in serious trouble and your insurance will be invalidated because you will have been driving illegally.

It sounds as if you're thinking of renting a car to use in Athens. I don't think that would be a good idea at all--it seldom is, in big cities.

No reason to rent a car in Athens. And good luck finding an AAA office in Madrid! ;-) There must be a Spanish counterpart to AAA, you'll have to do some research to find out.

Since the OP is living in Madrid they might hold a Spanish drivers license. An IDP is not required for people with EU drivers licenses.

Nothing is wrong with a car. The Quad/ATV was recommended by a friend to get around the island. I’m open to whatever is the best mode of transport.

Have you ever driven a quad? They're dangerous and riding one with a 7 year old on the back is madness. Stick to the safety of a car.

Thank you to those who posted with relevant feedback regarding timing and itinerary. That’s very helpful.

So you’ll be there in April, just before we were. Major sights like the Acropolis and the ancient agora in Athens certainly had visitors, but they were cooler in April than I understand they get in the muy caliente summertime. But plan on going to the agora early in the day, and plan on a lot of steps to get up to the Acropolis.

Beware of pickpockets on the Athens Metro - worst we ever encountered!

We were in Naxos for four nights a couple years ago and I would think it would be a great place for you to go. My sons went to see the life size kouros and I would think that would be amazing for a 7 year old as well. People slide down them! They rented a quad which flipped over in some gravel so I can personally attest to why not to rent one! Fortunately they were going very slow at the time and the injuries were scrapes and nothing more serious,

We had a windy chilly day in May and rented a car and went visiting the nearby beaches. We didn’t swim that day but had a great time. You might enjoy something like that as well.

Naxos town is charming to explore. We actually stayed in St. george beach which is adjacent to it and were very happy with that. We rented a car right there.