Hello! Planning my 50th birthday trip to Greece in October 2026 and would love feedback from anyone who has been to Naxos, Paros, Koufonisia, or Athens!
Current itinerary:
• Oct 3 – Arrive in Naxos around 6 PM
• Oct 4 – Naxos beach day + Chora or Naxos Island Tour
• Oct 5 – Day trip to Koufonisia
• Oct 6 – Day trip to Paros
• Oct 7 – Birthday
• Oct 8 – Fly to Athens
• Oct 9 – Athens sightseeing
• Oct 10 – Athens relaxing day
• Oct 11 – Flight back to US
A few questions:
1)Is October still good weather for swimming in Naxos/Koufonisia?
2)Restaurant recommendations for a special 50th birthday dinner?
3)Any hidden gems or things you would change?
Would appreciate any suggestions or advice!
Posted by
196 posts
I can't comment on Koufonisia but my son and his wife stayed in Paros for 3 days and said one day is not enough. An excellent suggestion for your birthday dinner is the restaurant To Elliniko in the main Naxos town. Depending on what you want to see in Athens , again one day may not be enough. You could take a morning flight to Athens from Naxos on October 8 and have the rest of the day to sightsee.
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
3846 posts
What’s your goal in going to Naxos? Is it to actually explore the island, or just to say you've been there?
If it's to explore Naxos, since you're only staying for 4 days, which is barely enough time to see part of the island and spend a little time at the beach, taking day trips to other islands isn't really worth it. There’s plenty to see and do on Naxos, which is the largest island in the Cyclades. Just check out the island’s website:
Here are a few more examples on the map below:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1d7GZMjFODUlB8lf7EPSXQRwu-YXaKxw&usp=sharing
There are organized day trips to Koufonisia, but most of them stop running by the end of September, and a round-trip between Naxos and Koufonisia on the regular ferry isn't doable, because the ferry schedules aren't set up for that kind of travel.
Paros is an island that requires at least 3 full days just to see a portion of it, so going there for just a single day doesn't make much sense either.
The Aegean Sea is still warm in October, but keep in mind that weather and sea conditions can easily cause boat day trips to be canceled.
In my opinion, stick to Naxos and enjoy where you are, rather than wasting your short vacation time traveling to other islands where you won't see much more than the port. If you don't rent a car, you'll find travel agencies that offer various day trips around the island.
This will also give you time to explore Naxos Town, get to know the locals, and find a nice restaurant you like to celebrate your birthday. I do have a few ideas for places to eat, but they're not in Naxos Town.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Thank you darkmist1 for the feedback. I have heard good things about To Elliniko and its definitely on my list! We will probably select a few highlights to see in Athens for this trip as we are planning to come back to Greece and spend more time in the Greek islands.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
@jolui - Appreciate the insights and the information. I know its like I have FOMO and want to squeeze everything in. This is our first time in Greece and reading on the Greek Islands makes we want to experience it all! Still at the early stages of planning so itinerary is still flexible. I will definitely consider spending more time in Naxos. We will probably rent a car since we are not staying in Chora so we are open to trying restaurants outside. I just want to see one other island since I'm already planning to go back to see more of the islands and get an idea where to stay next. Another question- In your experience, for reservations, tours, car, ferry, restaurant etc- how far out should you reserve? Thanks!