Santorini, Naxos, or Paros?

I haven't been to Paros, but this article comparing Naxos and Paros seems potentially useful to you: https://wanderingourworld.com/paros-vs-naxos/

Santorini is very different. The caldera view is famous and the island is very, very popular. As a result, it is a very expensive destination, with a lot of international boutiques. Santorini is quite small--just 19 square miles (50 square kilometers) as compared to Paros at 75 square miles (194 square kilometers). There's an archaeological site at Akrotiri, but I'm not sure what you would do on Santorini for more than a very few days.

We loved Paros! Santorini was a stressful experience, could not wait to leave there!
It was so different culturally from the rest of Greece.

I’ve been fortunate to visit each of the islands you’re considering. Naxos, my favorite of these 3, is a very large island, and there’s a good bit to explore and really lovely beaches. It’s also nice that it’s well serviced by the ferry companies. It’s been a bit since I visited Paros, but it’s a delightful island with a really nice, laid-back feel. Santorini is stunningly beautiful — especially along the caldera — but, good grief, it can be pure insanity and stressful, especially when the huge cruise ships pull into harbor. For that reason, I’ve stayed in Kamari on the other side of the island (much less crowded and less expensive) with the black-rock beaches right out the hotel door.

Happy Travels!

How many days to you plan to stay on the island? That will factor into suggestions.

How long is your trip? Wil you be visiting the mainland as well? Depending on how much time you have for the islands, would your husband be willing to visit two islands? For example, it's very easy to visit both Santorini and Naxos. You could fly to Santorini first, spend 3 nights there, and then take the Blue Star Ferry to Naxos. It's a two-hour trip. Very easy.

We loved both Naxos and Santorini. Haven't been to Paros so can't comment. Santorini and Naxos are very different from each other, but both are worth visiting.

Santorini is very unique because of the caldera. Beautiful white villages are perched atop the volcano rim overlooking the caldera. Yes, Santorini is expensive and crowded, but I personally think it's well worth it to see it at least once. You can rent a car for a day and tour around the island, and visit Akrotiri archaeological site, Akrotiri lighthouse, the red sand beach, and the black sand beach at Perissa.

Naxos is quieter and more laidback. You could stay on Agios Georgios beach and walk into Naxos Town for exploring and shopping. You can rent a car for a day or two and visit beautiful mountain villages and fishing villages.

As much as I loved Naxos, I might give a slight edge to Santorini because it's so unique. You should look at photos of all 3 islands and read the articles the other posters suggested.

Hello from Wisconsin,
If you promise not to tell I will whisper the island's name to you...Sifnos. Too small for cruise ships, large enough to have some infrastructure.

Shhh.

Wayne, wayne, shame on you... can't you keep a secret??

Here is why we always choose Naxos.
Around Naxos town 2022 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720299959098
Back to Naxos 2022 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720299940917
Trip around Naxos https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157634605629689

Naxos ! We’ve been 3 times now and going back in two weeks ! We’ve been to Paris twice and going back also but Naxos still is our fave .

Absolutely best thing you can do is to take a boat tour - we did Captian Yannis boat tour and it’s been a true highlight / visiting deciders caves - stops for swims - boat is comfy .