We are family of 5 with 4 of us first timers to Greece (traveling end of May 2024). All adults, ranging from recent college graduates to seniors (mid 60s)--all healthy and active. Coming from the states, we will fly to Santorini first, spend 3 nights. After that we are aiming to visit another island (~4 nights) and then Athens (~4 nights). For our 2nd island, we are looking to find a less crazy island than Santorini. We are interested in exploring any ruins, castles, churches, villages, local vibe, and some beach. We typically stay in an apartment (for the obvious convenience of multiple bedrooms, bathrooms and a kitchen). Naxos has sparked our interest. I have been reading the forum as well as online and travel books, and a few questions come up. We love the idea of staying locally where we could walk, explore, dine, walk to the beach(?) etc. without a car. Then, we would rent a car on days we plan to explore around the island. However, I'm getting the impression that a rental car might make more sense for the entire stay (mainly because finding an apartment for group of 5 might be more challenging to find something walkable in town). Okay...and if I open up one other question--if not Naxos, I know Paros has been recommended a lot, also Andros. Don't want to do Hydra or Aegina, and we would save Crete and/or Rhoads for a different trip. Your thoughts, experiences, recommendations? Thanks!
Posted by
678 posts
Folegandros.
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3148 posts
Both Paros and Naxos would pair well with Santorini. On Paros stay in Parikia, the main village for ease of access to everything. For Naxos you can stay on St. George Beach and be within easy walking distance to everything that Naxos Town has to offer. You should be able to find something large enough for you all using VRBO dot com and the Airbnb website. I found an excellent 3-bedroom house right on the water in Paros using the Airbnb website. I'll be staying there in September with friends.
Posted by
France Southwest
2318 posts
I don't know how it will be in 2024, but when it comes to "less crazy island" if that's really what you're looking for, Naxos and Paros are starting to not be a good choice, even at the end of May.
Moreover, as you may have noticed, these are the destinations most often recommended. (on this forum or on others) This is where you will see the most tourists. A lot of North Americans in Naxos and far too many French in Paros (I was there again in May 2022 and even in lost places I heard more French than Greek!)
Andros cannot be reached directly from Santorini.
(Same for Hydra and Aegina)
So, see also Amorgos or Sifnos.
Amorgos is easily reachable (1h30 by fast ferry from Santorini)
However, a car is essential.
(the bus service is quite limited in May)
Sifnos is in the Western Cyclades, 3 or 4 hours by ferry from Santorini depending on the type of ferry.
If you are looking for the "less crazy island", the castles, churches, villages, local vibe, and some beach you will be in paradise in Sifnos.
Plus Sifnos has an excellent bus service and a reputation for having the best food in the Cyclades islands.
A very complete website (made by locals) to find accommodation in Sifnos
Posted by
NH (USA)
1222 posts
It's been years since I've been to Naxos (Oct, 2013) and then it was lovely. However, I hear it's gotten much more popular and may not be as tranquil as it was back then.
I haven't been to Paros so can't comment on it.
I've been to Andros when I combined it with Tinos. Tinos was far better and Andros was just OK for me.
If you can get a ferry to Tinos then that's the place to go. It's one of my top 3 favorite Greek Islands.
Far different from Santorini with less over the top tourism and hype.
Some of the most beautiful villages I've seen on any island.
Archeological/historic sites, beaches, mountains, spectacular mountain scenery, welcoming locals and great food.
Check out my Tinos photos:
Another favorite I believe you can get to is Amorgos. Another in my top 3 favorite islands.
Same description as for Tinos;
Amorgos photos:
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3397 posts
I am of course a Naxophile (in 13 trips, have stayed in Naxos 14 times) ... but alas, it has been "discovered", so one needs to strategize for the best experience. You've started right, by going May 15-30, before the Rush. In that case, you'll be happy staying at St. George Beach (Ag. Giorgios), directly adjacent to the Port town... eminently walkable to all the attractions, tavernas & shops & museums etc in 15 mins, along the shoreline.. convenient to everything but serene at night.
If you're willing to stay about 100 yards or so off the beach, there are a number of apts w at least 2 BR (plus a livingroom sofa-bed) that would do nicely. Do NOT fall for beauty "eye candy" photos of villas -- in Naxos, these are all well inland, and require a car... and with 5 people, getting agreement on when to go where, is like herding cats! Do your research now... prices/bookings for May 2023 probably not available yet, but you can use "dummy booking dates" of, say, Sept 25 or so, to check possibilities... and then email direct asking about next season.
NAxos is the largest Cycladic island, one of the most fertile, w most interesting features, interior mountains, hiillside villages, many vineyards, farms, ancient ruins -- and ov er 10-miles of golden sandy beach all along its SW side. St. George is shallow at edge, but great & so handy for a dip or sunbathing; In May I love watching the many Scandinavian toddlers lurching along the waterline with sandpails. And for a full "beach day", busses run all along that SW side... the far end of Plaka beach is still more wide-open in May. YOu could rent a car for one day to whirl around the island... OR let the local Bus - http://www.naxosbustransfer.com/ - provide a super daylong highlights tour, complete with lunchtime swim - for just €23. Bargain!
The Top Photog Ace for Naxos on these forums is "stanbr" and (with permission) I post his links rather than my own lame pix.. here are a few:
Trip around Naxos - http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/sets/72157634605629689/
Naxos Sunsets - https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/sets/72157700728046481
Return to Naxos 2022 - https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720299940917
Posted by
OP
Beaverton, OR, United States
248 posts
Thank YOU all -- just what I needed. I appreciate all your perspectives, preferences, experiences and expertise! More to evaluate and decide.