We are going to spend the second half of June in Greece (1st time to Greece and with 2 kids 15 & 12). We were to go to Nafplio (4 days)/Porto Cheli (2 days), then to Santorini (3 days), Mykonos (2 days), and finally, Athens (3 days). However, just checked the weather and Nafplio is extremely hot for us (bt 102 - 105 degrees per accuweather), so we looked into other areas instead of Nafplio/Porto Cheli. We couldn't decide to go to Crete/Chania (still hot but less) or Naxos & Paros for the first 6 days (and leaving next Friday, so running out of time to more research). We will be flying from Athens to either Crete or Naxos. Thanks in advance for any suggestions! Or, should we consider other islands?
Posted by
2784 posts
At this point, I would do what you can get to work logistically. The mainland does tend to be hotter than the islands. We had high 90s in early June twice while the temperatures were more comfortable on the islands.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5507 posts
We have been to both Crete and Naxos with similarly aged children. Our goal was to enjoy the beach and relax. We felt we did not need a car on Naxos as it was simply beach, lunch, beach, dinner, repeat for six days - we saw no sites and loved our vacation. On Crete, we had a car and visited the famous beaches on the western side of the island, staying in Chania and the village of Maza. Both are great destinations but very different depending on how you want to spend your time. For hot weather, I would choose Naxos.
Posted by
OP
USA
6 posts
Thanks, BethFL & Emily! After a little more research, we settled for Naxos & Milos (and save Crete for later trip when we have more time as it seems that 6 days isn't enough to cover the island. Plus, Milos looks very interesting!)
Posted by
France Southwest
2319 posts
Whatever your choice, you should skip Mykonos especially with kids. it is a very expensive and crowded island dedicated to mass tourism and especially for people who want to party and see celebrities.
In Europe "Mykonos" is often the term used to designate a very expensive place to party all night
If you want to see the typical Cyclades postcard landscape, windmills, blue domes, sandy beaches and white washed houses, you will see them on all the Cyclades islands.
Also pay attention to ferry availability if you replace Paros with Milos.
Naxos and Paros are two neighboring islands. From Naxos to Paros there are approximately 8 ferries per day. It's 30 to 60 minutes ferry ride with a cost starting from €5 per passenger.
But Milos is located in the western Cyclades, not on the same ferry routes.
From Naxos to Milos there is only one ferry per day, a very uncomfortable small Seajets catamaran without outdoor space which will sail almost 5 hours in the Cyclades (stopping 2 times in Paros!) before reaching Milos. The tickets for 4 passengers will cost you €380.
So think twice...
As for the heat, sunscreen and hats are essential, especially for the kids.