afreedoma

I'm a first-time solo traveler to Europe and in the middle of the planning stages (well actually the beginning - I haven't made a lot of progress and I leave in less than three weeks). I will be in Greece for three weeks and then I fly to Italy. I'm looking for a relaxing trip - by no means do I need to feel like I experienced it all - I'm just as happy to sit with a book and glass of wine the entire day.

I would love help narrowing down the Islands and also a suggestion as to the order.

I know that I want to include Folegandros and Santorini. The debate is between Paros, Sifnos and Naxos - which ones, if any, and should I add one or two? I'm also more than curious about Hydra but feel I should focus on the Cyclades.

I will stay the first and last night in Athens.

Thanks for the help.

a

Annie1128

I would add Naxos. It's nice and quiet and the beaches are a beautiful lace to relax. AND, you can certainly add Hydra if you are planning to stop back in Athens. It's VERY worth it. Great island that gives you a great look at true greek culture.

bg_collier

You've chosen excellent islands in Santorini and Folegandros.

I can't add anything about Sifnos, but I've been to both Naxos and Paros a couple of times. Naxos is very large with a great island interior for exploration. It is quite easy to get away from the crowds and find a secluded beach or that traditional Greek village. Lots of history, too, if you're into that.

Paros is also very nice. Naoussa is a great place to stay as are many other beachside towns. The island is very easy to get to as it is the Cyclades hub of most ferry lines. The main town, Parikia, is large and busy - don't be put off by it.

Have a great trip!

Regards, Bruce
http://www.brucegcollier.com/galleri...level2_all.htm

Hania

I haven't been to Sifnos either but I have been to the others. I would choose Naxos over Paros for its atmosphere, old town and beaches. I also liked Amorgos very much and it is close to Naxos. Ferries go frequently depending on the time of the year.

PurpleNeon

I will confess to being the dissenter!

I, personally, enjoyed my time in Paros much more than Naxos. In fact, Paros was one of my "surprise hits" because I knew very little about it before getting there.

I found Paros to be a beautiful, clean and friendly island. There are lovely beaches on the side of the island and while I was glad we didn't stay in Parikia, I enjoyed spending time there and there are some very nice cafes. Naoussa is also a wonderful place to see. Lefkes was my favorite--I loved that there were no cars and that the whole town was on a hill,full of winding lanes.

In my experience, I found Naxos to be a beautiful island geographically but it seemed to me that the inhabited areas were a little less taken care of than Paros. For me the island just didn't feel as welcoming. Certainly, this is just my personal opinion, which could also be influenced by the fact that the day we toured Naxos was realllly hot and I think I was dehydrated which led me to be a little cranky!

We did not stay in Sifnos, but were awed by the unique beauty of the main city when our ferry made a stop there.

cristine27

I have to agree with PurpleNeon. Personally i like Paros much more than Naxos.
Sifnos is really lovely! Very picturesque... if you have the chance, go there as well!! (But don't stay in the port Kamares, but in the town Apollonia, or Artemonas).
Hydra is wonderful too and different from Cyclades so i think you should go there as well! And you can go, even for one day from Athens. Just go to Piraeus, pop in a boat, and in 1,5 hour you'll be there!
Enjoy yourself

oklatraveler

i highly recommend sifnos! it's a great laid back island with so much to see...