what part of the islands to stay

Since you're on Paros why not go to Antiparos? It's close and easy to reach by local shuttle ferry from either Parikia or Pounta. Check out Mike's Place for a good room on the water.

http://www.angelfire.com/super2/greece/antiparoshotels.html

Santorini is going to be very crowded this time of year regardless of which part of the island you're visiting, so don't expect anything different. The quietest villages overall will be Pyrgos and Megalochori. Oia of course is the most beautiful villge but is very busy now. Unless you want nightlife avoid Fira like the plague. There is an excellent bus system but they will be crowded. I've heard stories about people pushing and shoving to get a place on the bus before it fills up.

Marlene, how long do you have? 10 days? Or Are you wandering around the Aegean til you runout of money? Then that sequence, Naxos, Santorini, Crete would be fine (then take overnight ferry back to Athens). Naxos is 1 hour away, then Santorini is 2 hours further. You can get a "fast-ferry" from Santorini to Crete.

These 3 islands all have a good stock of lodgings, even in HI season but plan ahead or you'll be stuck. Here's a strategy. Spend time on the internet and make a list of places in each target City... Then use your Mobile to call ahead the day before, ask if they have room &how much.

NAXOS -- Good budget small hotel (8-1 rooms) at one end of St. George beach... not in town but at the "near" end of the beach, in a quiet cul-de-sac. Hotel Syrianos, Hotel Sanoudos, Studios Sigma, Studios DIogenes, Studios Naxos. Google to see pictures, use phone to find which ones have rooms. DIRECTIONS: from dock, walk down harborside to the end... after that, walk al thru public parking area along the water to Town Hall (big low bulding facing water, with huge Griffon statues out front). At far end of Town hall, walk down street...these hotels will be around there within 50-100 meters.

SANTORINI - Thira is a frantic town, but if you go to the "back" of town it gets quiet. No view of Caldera, but get good cheap room & find a nice taverna at sunset for the view. To Bargain hotels: In Fira town square face away from caldera. Walk down cobbled lane lef side of squar to next street. Jog to left 75 meters, downhill again. CHeap digs; Summertime, Petros: **Haroula, 1 street further, has pool, at about 60/single.

CRETE -- Ferry fom Santorini arrives 17:30 ...go immediately to bus staion and for next bus (18:30?) to CHANIA. Google & call ahead re budget places on Old Town WEst Side -- Casa di Pietra, Jason studios, Madonna Studios. A place just outside town with pool, just off beach, Lefka Apartments local bus takes 10 minutes to town.... That's a star

Thanks for the great ideas. I ma making out fine. The only place I have problems with is Folegandros. ANy ideas of where to stay?
Thanks,
M.