Suggestions, which island for family w/ small children (naxos vs others)
Apr 29th, 2011, 06:21 AM
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Suggestions, which island for family w/ small children (naxos vs others)
Hello all,
My wife and I along with our two young children (under 6) are travelling to Greece for 3-4 weeks (last two weeks of June, first two weeks of July) and we will be hosted by friends in Athens. We would like to spend 4-5 days on one island, and recommendations included Naxos, Paros, Milos. There will be the two of us with our two children, and another adult with her two children (ages 7,10) and we are looking for a destination with clean beaches, clear waters, quiet hotel/villas (preferrably somewhat upscale with good service etc), small town feel, yet lively enough to venture out and about to experience local culture, "night life" and restaurant outings, as well as local buzz on the streets. As hinted above, hotel/villa/accommodations are important (especially for my wife) so we are looking for something a bit upscale (not extravagantly expensive of course) and near a (good) beach. Some people recommended Naxos, Paros, or Milos, but we are open to other islands, except Santorini/Mykonos as we have been there before (as a couple without children
.
I would greatly appreciate any suggestions. Thank you in advance
ChrisiL.
My wife and I along with our two young children (under 6) are travelling to Greece for 3-4 weeks (last two weeks of June, first two weeks of July) and we will be hosted by friends in Athens. We would like to spend 4-5 days on one island, and recommendations included Naxos, Paros, Milos. There will be the two of us with our two children, and another adult with her two children (ages 7,10) and we are looking for a destination with clean beaches, clear waters, quiet hotel/villas (preferrably somewhat upscale with good service etc), small town feel, yet lively enough to venture out and about to experience local culture, "night life" and restaurant outings, as well as local buzz on the streets. As hinted above, hotel/villa/accommodations are important (especially for my wife) so we are looking for something a bit upscale (not extravagantly expensive of course) and near a (good) beach. Some people recommended Naxos, Paros, or Milos, but we are open to other islands, except Santorini/Mykonos as we have been there before (as a couple without children
. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions. Thank you in advance
ChrisiL.
Apr 29th, 2011, 10:50 AM
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It would help us know what advice to give if you would tell us which part of that 4 weeks (in June or July??) you want to have the 4-5 island days. The costs could be markedly higher if those days are in July
FRom the personnel listed, it looks as if your housing needs are either:
(1) a villa sleeping 7, or
(2) two 2-room suites in an upscale hotel OR
(3) two adjoining units, each w. a BR + main room with 2 daybeds + kitchenette ell... these could be in a facility that is all self-catering, or one which also offers breakfast if desired.
In Naxos & Paros -- it is harder to find #1, a free-standing villa for 7 that is within easy walking distance of the good beach, cafes, restaurants, shops, local "buzz" -- , because such large villas (often with pools) tend to have been built more recently, after the beach frontage and cafe areas were filled with other accommodations. Of course you could rent a couple of cars, but then you'd be getting in and out, in and out of cars all day, not much fun.
#2 and especially #3 are in greater supply, although the time grow short. Could you possibly give us your EUro budget limit per night for #2 and #3??
FRom the personnel listed, it looks as if your housing needs are either:
(1) a villa sleeping 7, or
(2) two 2-room suites in an upscale hotel OR
(3) two adjoining units, each w. a BR + main room with 2 daybeds + kitchenette ell... these could be in a facility that is all self-catering, or one which also offers breakfast if desired.
In Naxos & Paros -- it is harder to find #1, a free-standing villa for 7 that is within easy walking distance of the good beach, cafes, restaurants, shops, local "buzz" -- , because such large villas (often with pools) tend to have been built more recently, after the beach frontage and cafe areas were filled with other accommodations. Of course you could rent a couple of cars, but then you'd be getting in and out, in and out of cars all day, not much fun.
#2 and especially #3 are in greater supply, although the time grow short. Could you possibly give us your EUro budget limit per night for #2 and #3??
Apr 29th, 2011, 10:52 AM
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Well you have pretty much described Naxos.
St George beach area would seem to be perfect for you. It is lined with small family run hotels, the beach is quite sheltered and the water is shallow and there will be lots of kids around. Better yet it is directly adjacent to Naxos Town where you will find shopping dining, nightlife and some antiquities.
The town waterfront promenade is only a 10 minute stroll from the beach area so that means easy access but just far enough away so it will be quiet at night.
I can suggest several hotel in tthe St George area. In order of quality and price: Hotel Glaros. They are about 10 meters from the beach and have a top floor with only 3 rooms and a large patio where family groups can have a place of their own. Hotel Spiros about 400 meters further down the beach but back about 200 meters. It has a pool, some ocean view and kitchennets which is good because kids always get hungry at different times.
Right next door is Hotel Galaxy about 100 meters from the beach but with good ocean views and a lovely pool. Even closer is Naxos Beach Resort hotel and in my opinion Hotel Nissaki has the best quality right beside Hotel Glaros. Without a budget I really cannot tell which one may be of interest to you. There really are no villas in this area so you will have to go with rooms close to each other.
Here are some pictures of Naxos
http://travel.webshots.com/album/577942756YgKLfl
St George beach area would seem to be perfect for you. It is lined with small family run hotels, the beach is quite sheltered and the water is shallow and there will be lots of kids around. Better yet it is directly adjacent to Naxos Town where you will find shopping dining, nightlife and some antiquities.
The town waterfront promenade is only a 10 minute stroll from the beach area so that means easy access but just far enough away so it will be quiet at night.
I can suggest several hotel in tthe St George area. In order of quality and price: Hotel Glaros. They are about 10 meters from the beach and have a top floor with only 3 rooms and a large patio where family groups can have a place of their own. Hotel Spiros about 400 meters further down the beach but back about 200 meters. It has a pool, some ocean view and kitchennets which is good because kids always get hungry at different times.
Right next door is Hotel Galaxy about 100 meters from the beach but with good ocean views and a lovely pool. Even closer is Naxos Beach Resort hotel and in my opinion Hotel Nissaki has the best quality right beside Hotel Glaros. Without a budget I really cannot tell which one may be of interest to you. There really are no villas in this area so you will have to go with rooms close to each other.
Here are some pictures of Naxos
http://travel.webshots.com/album/577942756YgKLfl
May 2nd, 2011, 04:16 AM
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Hello all again,
Thank you stanbr and traveljan.
We more than likely be on this 4-5 day adventure the first week of July (but if the cost is significantly lower, last week of June). Our budget is about 100-160 euros per /night. We will be doing lots of eating out too, but for the hotel accommodations we expect to spend the above amount. I am not sure how 'upscale' this would get us, but we (my wife actually) prefers the clean/comfort/amenities type of 4 star US hotels...if that is any help. Someone mentioned to me Milos as a more picturesque option, any opinions on that?
Naxos, as I have heard/seen is beautiful and definitely a (1st) option. And as we understand that there may not be villas to accommodate the number of people, we are are open to the option of adjacent bigger rooms with multiple beds.
Thank you again,
chrisiL
Thank you stanbr and traveljan.
We more than likely be on this 4-5 day adventure the first week of July (but if the cost is significantly lower, last week of June). Our budget is about 100-160 euros per /night. We will be doing lots of eating out too, but for the hotel accommodations we expect to spend the above amount. I am not sure how 'upscale' this would get us, but we (my wife actually) prefers the clean/comfort/amenities type of 4 star US hotels...if that is any help. Someone mentioned to me Milos as a more picturesque option, any opinions on that?
Naxos, as I have heard/seen is beautiful and definitely a (1st) option. And as we understand that there may not be villas to accommodate the number of people, we are are open to the option of adjacent bigger rooms with multiple beds.
Thank you again,
chrisiL
May 2nd, 2011, 06:36 AM
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Are you saying €100 per night for 7 people? First week of July? 4-star? I'm out of ideas.
Right now, on Booking.com HOtel Spiro (40 rooms) shows ONE triple left @ €300 for 4 nights JUne 26-30. children under 6 are free ... cot may be added free. Booking.com also "There is only 1 room left at these prices. There may be more rooms available at higher prices. Act fast while rooms last!"
My Advice. Pick up phone and CALL Greece to get this room, and see whether your friends can get a double (w option to add a roll-in for 2nd child).
Spiro is certainly clean! Comfortable. Pool. Amenities equivalent to 4-star US hotels? Whoa. On €100-160 for 7 people, in high season, are we talking Alternative universe here.
In Milos, you could look at Apts/Studio units in village of Pollonia, closest to what you want. http://www.milos-island.gr/rooms-apa.../pollonia.html But be aware this is probably filling up FAST with Europeans & Greeks who love Milos, none of the accommodations have a pool, and you will probably hve to rent 2 cars because bus system is very sparse.
Right now, on Booking.com HOtel Spiro (40 rooms) shows ONE triple left @ €300 for 4 nights JUne 26-30. children under 6 are free ... cot may be added free. Booking.com also "There is only 1 room left at these prices. There may be more rooms available at higher prices. Act fast while rooms last!"
My Advice. Pick up phone and CALL Greece to get this room, and see whether your friends can get a double (w option to add a roll-in for 2nd child).
Spiro is certainly clean! Comfortable. Pool. Amenities equivalent to 4-star US hotels? Whoa. On €100-160 for 7 people, in high season, are we talking Alternative universe here.
In Milos, you could look at Apts/Studio units in village of Pollonia, closest to what you want. http://www.milos-island.gr/rooms-apa.../pollonia.html But be aware this is probably filling up FAST with Europeans & Greeks who love Milos, none of the accommodations have a pool, and you will probably hve to rent 2 cars because bus system is very sparse.
