Milos, Paros or Naxos??

MOre facts = better advice. Important fact! WHEN?? Advice may differ strongly depending on whether it's early May, Mid August or late October. What's your age? Fitness level? Interests (hiking vs shopping? exploring ruins vs massagea at deluxe spa?) Also, have you looked at any guide books (vs. eye-candy on internet) about logistics on any of these 3? When you know more about their feasability for you, then we can weigh in ... but no point in our praising hikes, if you have wonky knees, and no point in describing ancient stuff if history bores you.

Janet perfectly outlined what would be useful to know in order to provide the best answers and advice. It would also be interesting to know why the choice is specifically between Milos, Paros, and Naxos, to the exclusion of any of the other 16 Cyclades islands.

And I’d like to take this opportunity to make a quick observation, as I always wonder why some people stress out over the idea of renting a car in Greece, whether on an island or the mainland. Millions of visitors from all over the world rent cars in Greece every year, many for the first time, and everyone does just fine. Driving on an island isn't anything special or dangerous; it's a rural environment where you just cruise along, never going faster than 45 mph.

After reading the trip reports from those who have just returned from their first stay in Greece, it becomes clear that many of the concerns regarding rental cars stem more from overthinking and anticipatory anxiety than from real issues.

HI Janet and JoLui.. yes, you are right.. I meant to put more context into my question, but this is what happens when life gets in the way.. LOL

We are traveling beginning of September for 13 days.
We are two late middle aged couples who love to travel. We are very fit, so no issues w/legs or walking.. we love to see quaint villages with small shops and nice cafes and restaurants. Quintessential Greek towns with relaxed atmosphere. Although Beaches are great, I don't know if we'll be Beach fatigued from Crete stay prior to coming to these islands...
We love nature, but if we can just relax in nice town walking around taking in Greek life and local restaurants that's ok too.. and we love Greek foods..

And JoLui, you are right about renting cars. just don't want to deal with parking, traffic violations, tickets etc... Am I over stressing over this?? LOL..

From a logistical standpoint, the three islands you mentioned are easily accessible by ferry from Santorini.

Most Greek islands have, as you put it, "quaint villages with small shops and nice cafes and restaurants, quintessential Greek towns with a relaxed atmosphere."

That said, you didn't mention why you picked these 3 islands in particular. I’m guessing it’s because they are among the top five most famous, crowded, and overhyped of the 21 Cyclades islands. This might actually contradict what you’re looking for. For instance, the Santorini you’ll be visiting is mostly packed with tourists and cruise ship passengers, so the vibe is far from relaxed.
Santorini receives 3.5 million visitors per year on an island with 30,000 permanent inhabitants.

Milos isn't really a "villages" island. Half of it is completely uninhabited and protected as a Natura 2000 zone. The other half has two main municipal areas: Adamantas (the port) and the capital, Chora, right next to it, plus Pollonia at the northern tip of the island.

So, beyond the social media hype, aside from the famous Sarakiniko beach and the Klima fishing houses—which you’ve probably seen a million times on Instagram and YouTube (and which likely influenced your choice?), Milos isn't the best place to find what you're looking for compared to other islands.

Personally, I would choose Naxos or Paros instead. However, with only a 3-night stay (which gives you just 2 full days), you won't have enough time to truly experience them, even if you rent a car.

Hi JoLui

Good question. Reason why I chose these islands is simple...I am starting my trip from Crete, and are taking Ferry up north to Athens for our final departure to USA (island hopping on way to Athens)

Crete to Santorini (never been to Greece, and can't miss those views).. and then Milos/paros or naxos until our final departure to Athens for our flight home.

Our choice wasn't influenced by any social media hype or anything (we are too old to use social media ... LOL) - just logistics..
Are there any other island we should consider on our way to Athens, if those 3 islands are not ideal?
thanks

I’ve visited all three islands you’re considering, and would agree to eliminate Milos, and I personally favor Naxos over Paros.

However, if you want another option, I’d suggest the island of Amorgos. It’s logistically easy to reach from Santorini, has no airport, and thus no large crowds. There are two ports — Aegali and Katapola— I’ve only stayed at Katapola & loved it, while others favor Aegali. Lots of hiking, a picturesque Chora, the amazing Hosoviotissa monastery carved into a cliffside. It would give you a totally different Greek experience from your other stops and would be a peaceful respite between Santorini & Athens.

After Crete, when leaving from Santorini and heading north toward Athens, you logically have quite a few other island options.

For instance, as Charlene mentioned, Amorgos is very close to Santorini. The Small Cyclades islands (Koufonissia, Iraklia, and Schinoussa) are also closer to Santorini than Naxos, Paros or Milos. The islands of Ios, Sikinos, and Folegandros are closer too. Kimolos and Sifnos are less than 45 minutes travel past Milos.

That makes 8 other islands, which is why your selection of only the 3 that have airports, and happen to be the most famous and touristy, seemed to me to be influenced by factors other than just travel logistics.

However, you still made a good selection, and it will be easy to get back to Piraeus whether you're coming from Naxos, Paros, or Milos. I know these three islands pretty well. Even though I only spent about 5 days on Milos (and much more time on the others), I’ve explained why, in my opinion and based on what you’ve said, Milos might not be exactly what you’re looking for.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide. In fact, Since 3 nights isn't quite enough time to fully explore any island, whichever one you choose won't make a huge difference anyway, you’ll still get a nice overview.

Joilui I disagree - driving in the islands can be stressful and crazy.

The roads can very narrow , and when we drive around naxos into the mountains we were stressed by the cliff drop offs and little to no guard rails.
Perhaps your idea of fun but not for everyone .

And I’ve been to Greece at least dozens of times since 1985.

Op

I’d choose naxos myself.

Buses are good to get in and out of chora to beach towns of Agia Prokopios and Anna - which is actually where we prefer to stay ( the beach in town ( St George’s) is only ok for us - but good for those with small children. It’s only a 15 or so minute drive , however we only go in May , June and September or early October- I’ve heard the traffic in July and August is crazy !

Pat, yes, Naxos is a mountainous island, so it’s completely normal to find winding roads there. They’re always very well-maintained and not dangerous at all. Just like every other driver, despite a few passing moments of anxiety, you didn't have any trouble and made it back alive from your time behind the wheel. So, like I said above, concerns about driving on the islands come more from overthinking and personal stress than from actual issues. By the way, maybe I missed something, but I didn't read you mention these problems about driving in Naxos in your previous messages.

So, yes, we can warn others that they will encounter winding mountain roads, but my aim is to present the facts without causing unnecessary alarm. There’s no need to overstate the risks as if they’re facing real danger.

Amorgos could be a good choice, 3 days allows you to get a short overview, but you will have to rent a car/scooter there, unless you are flexible on the bus schedules (https://amorgosbuscompany.com/en/timetables/), as they are not too frequent.

Naxos offers more villages to explore in my opinion than Paros, but both are a great choice, although too big to fully cover them in 3 days. Public transport coverage is pretty good.

I would not put Milos of the list, even though it has less towns to explore - within 3 days there are enough options, and if not, you could even hop over to Kimolos via Pollonia and come back the same day. I did not experience public transport there, as it could not bring me to the parts of the islands, that I wanted to see, but it looks like the most important spots have decent coverage already https://milosbuses.com/timetable-sept-07-sept-13/?lang=en

Plus side for Milos (in my opinion): If you take the slow ferry from Santorini, you get to see Ios, Sikinos, Folgeandros on the way and on your way to Athens Sifnos and Serifos. For me this is always a nice inspiration for my next visit ;-)

We just got back from 11 nights on Paros and loved it. Parikia and Naoussa were both very charming and much flatter/easier walking than Naxos. We didn’t make it to Milos, but met a lot of people along the way who raved about it. I didn’t spend as much time on Naxos, but my family didn’t enjoy it as much as Paros or other islands. Still nice but not as compelling for us. I would think you’d want a car for either place.

I've been to a number of Cyclades Islands since I first started going to Greece in 2010.

I go off season usually late Sept/first half of October and at that time many of those islands you mentioned or I went to were not over run with tourists and found them perfect for what I want in a Greek Island.

Alas since the end of COVID many of the Cyclades Islands now seem to have become so popular they've lost my interest unless you travel to islands like Tinos, Amorgos, Kythnos, or Andros.

For me Tinos is a gem with some of the most beautiful villages on one island than many other islands regardless of area. Easy to combine with Syros which even though is the "capital" of the Cyclades still doesn't get the hype of others.

As far as driving on an island or the mainland it's only dangerous if you drive dangerously like anywhere in the world.

Roads are good, safe and the further away from built up areas there is very little traffic other than the high season.

I've driven on islands and the mainland and had no problems with safety.

tommyK, you usually contribute from your viewpoint, as someone who has visited Greece dozens of itmes and at length, who prefers a particular off-season time and lesser-known islands. This suits you well, but does not answer the concerns of others -- particularly newcomers, with shorter stays than yours, and who have yet to visit the islands that you now avoid. We are trying to help them have the best experience on those islands & avoid pitfalls, rather than redesign their trip entirely. That said, you are the perfect person to introduce new islands to people who have tired of the better-known ones!

I think it is often useful to have different perspectives. I think that is what an OP comes looking for. As long as we state, as tommy did, our experience and the reasons for our perspectives and opinions, it can be very helpful to broaden a discussion. This happens frequently on some of the other country forums - people can only ask about what they know about.

Janet:

The OP asked: "Are there any other island we should consider on our way to Athens, if those 3 islands are not ideal?
thanks"

I was responding to that question not whether Milos, Paros or Naxos were good or bad options.

The OP also stated it was their first trip to Greece and I was just pointing out there are many other islands that may offer a better experience other than a tourist experience.

In the end it's up to the OP to decide what's best for them.

Thanks for the corrective, Tommy ... you were answering the complete inquiry.

Janet:

Sometimes what's posted doesn't always come across as what is meant.

No problem and I appreciate all the help you provided me and many others over the years.

Thanks!