Excursions, Hotels, etc - advice for Greece with kids

I've rented many cars on several Greek islands. (including 3 times in Paros, 2 times in Naxos). Here's my method:

On Google Maps, I zoom in on the island's capital (Naxos Town in Naxos, Parikia in Paros) and search for "Rent a Car."
Then I make a selection based on reviews, prices, and a lot of gut feeling.

I eliminate majors like Hertz and Avis when they exist, and I mostly choose local rental companies that don't have an online reservation system or credit card prepayment. Websites with just a request form or a simple email are my favorites.
I always pay once I arrive on the island, either by credit card or cash (discounts are possible if it's cash).

I avoid the first category A (1100cc or less), the cheapest. They lack engine power (especially if there are 4 of you).
If you need an automatic, it can limit your options.

As long as you have a car, you won't have to worry about bus travel with excursions. You can plan your own excursions, which will save you time, especially since 3 nights in Naxos is only 2 full days, plus roughly the afternoon of the day of arrival.(I would have preferred to choose a single island where I could have stayed longer to explore it and added 2 nights in Athens)

Just so you know about Naoussa, once a charming fishing village, it has become a kind of Disneyland, making it a very touristy destination, renowned for its "honeymoon packages," high-end boutiques, and expensive restaurants. The beach is small and unremarkable. Parking can be difficul. It's called "The Little Mykonos".
It might be a good choice for you, but for me it's a no-go.
So you've been warned.

Thank you!

We're visiting Naxos for the first time next month.

As we're from Australia and drive on the left, we don't like renting cars in Europe, in fact I don't like driving at all as you can't enjoy the scenery and a drink or two along the way.

We've booked a full day private tour for a very reasonable price and we get to choose where to go. Our choices, so far, are a couple of villages, a traditional taverna lunch, Temple of Demeter and some other ruins, an olive oil press, and a Kitron distillery.

I think it would be an ideal option with young children, and of course you could change the itinerary and include more farms, beaches or similar.

@DebH - Thanks! Would you mind sharing who you booked the tour though?

@JoLui - Thanks! Is there a beach or town you'd recommend if we didn't say in Naoussa?

In Paros with kids aged 8 and 12, check out Aliki. It's in the south of Paros. There are two beaches sheltered from the wind. It's a village with restaurants, a mini market, a few shops, and a pharmacy. It has a rather family-friendly vibe, and there are quite a few accommodations for families (small apartments or houses).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tAh5smWQow&ab

With slightly fewer facilities, check out Piso Livadi, to the east. It's in an area with large beaches, including Golden Beach, the largest in Paros. It's only sand until the small village of Drios. You're facing Naxos, which you can see on the horizon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbGIXGx-8O0&

It's less sheltered from the wind, but it allows for a lot of watersports activities such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, etc. There are some nice clubs, even for beginners, for example:

https://force7paros.gr/

Throughout this area, there are beachfront accommodations, from studios to villas with pools. There are some good restaurants and bars on Piso Livadi and Drios. Anna's restaurant in Drios is one of the best on the island; it serves only home-cooked food, and I'm not just saying that because Anna is a friend :).

https://www.restaurantannaparos.gr/

Otherwise, if you're looking for a more lively atmosphere, even very lively at times, with all the amenities of a small town, you can always check out Parikia, the capital.

These are just suggestions, not recommendations, since I don't know how you spend your vacation.
But still, Naoussa doesn't seem at all suitable for a family with two young children.

I've gathered some information about Paros on this map:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1z9zcPtVkkjzEwrXDj6XUG_5n_jcNaYZb&usp=sharing

I don't know your budget or accommodation preferences, but if you're a beach lover, here's an example of a place to stay in Paros.
Near Piso Livadi, the house is the one in this Street View image. https://maps.app.goo.gl/zS1SvN4wpKCc22hS6

It's the same one with the blue shutters that we see at 0:20 of this video: https://youtu.be/8oDrypOkxcw

It has two bedrooms and costs around €160/day in June.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/10678113