My family -- two adults and two kids (11 and 13) have about two weeks to spend in Greece. Planning on a few days in Athens and then want time on a beautiful and not crowded island(s). Interested in history, pretty beaches, opportunities for activities (snorkeling, etc) and relaxation. So far we've looked at Naxos, Folegandros, Kimilos, Koufonisia. What are your recommendations? Thanks so much!

When are you planning to go?

Look at Antiparos.

Planning to go late June to early July. Any/all ideas welcome!

Naxos is for you... IDEAL for families w. kids the age of yours. They can wander around, safely, find others. I recommend you stay at Ag. Giorgios beach, the one directly adjacent to Naxos Town (the port)... sandy shallow beach, safe for beginning swimmers, lots of kids, also water sports. AND it's a 10-15 minute walk to all the highlights of Naxos Town ... winding tiny "alley" lanes in a maze up to the Top, a Venetian Castle!, an arch ruin out on a causeway... lots to explore. AND if u stay there, you need not rent a car for whole time ... walk to town, bus to all the wonderful outer beaches; some like Plaka beach will be v. uncrowded even in late June. Just rent a car when you want to explore around the island (mountains! marble quarries! ancient temple ruins & statues! tiny villages. SO much to do! I've visited naxos 12 times and discover new things every single time.

Folegandros by contrast, less to do/see. The hilltop town, Chora, is totally beautiful, like a postcard, but is just for wandring around, sitting in cafes, that's it. Kids would be restless after a day. Busses to the beaches are infrequent, & beaches not outstanding, few amenities. I spent a lovely relaxed 3 days there with friends who had a car, but that was enough.

Forgot to mention that Naxos & neighbor Paros have a special bonus... 2 companies run day-trips with dedicated excursion vessels. So you could go to Santorini... or to Delos/Mykonos, or to a"swim trip" to 3csmall Cyclades isles nearby. Also a day-trip to Paros OR Antiparos. Many choices.

One company runs Naxos Star, other runs MV Alexandros; the latter is much bigger vessel, smoother ride; important if it's windy w. rougher seas.

Too late to compose a response.
Here is what Naxos is like. it suits your needs perfectly.
Naxos Town http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7632094558042/

A week in Naxos https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr...7645113682278/

Trip around Naxos http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7634605629689/

Hi there!
Naxos and Folegandros is the ideal destination for you. Both islands offered for relaxation and entertainment.

I agree Naxos is an ideal destination for families, but not so sure about Folegandros. Most visitors to Folegandros stay in chora, which has beautiful views, but a long walk to any of the beaches. When I was there (late May) most other visitors were older couples who came for the hiking. Perhaps in June there are more children.

Brotherleelove's suggestion of Antiparos is a good one! It is crowded in August, but very pleasant in June and early July when many Scandinavian families with children the same age as yours visit the island. The main street in the village is pedestrian-only, with many fine shops, tavernas, and restaurants. In the evenings people promenade up and down the main street before settling down for drinks and dinner at the sidewalk cafes.

Stay in the main village and everything is within walking distance, including at least five different beaches. The beaches are ideal for snorkelling, because they are small sandy coves with rocky edges that attract fish.

There are other attractions on Antiparos apart from the beaches. It has a famous stalactite cave, boat rentals, a scuba/snorkelling company, and round island boat trips.

A few links for you to look at:
http://www.blueisland-divers.gr
http://captainbenantiparos.com
http://www.showcaves.com/english/gr/...Antiparos.html

Another attraction of Antiparos is the little-known archaeological site on Despotiko, an uninhabited island:
http://greece.greekreporter.com/2014...n-open-museum/

Despotiko can be reached by boat from Agios Georgios, a settlement at the south of Antiparos. More about Despotiko and how to get there can be found on Hans Huisman's excellent website:
http://www.angelfire.com/super2/greece/despotico.html

I agree with Heimdall about desirability of Antiparos as well! Since you have 2 weeks, why not try for a week on both Naxos & Antiparos. One challenge is, you may need an apartment? and favorites for both Heimdall and me may be booked for your times .. Mikes Place and Sunday Hotel, next to each other on the harbor & by a beach. Inquire now! Naxos has more accoms. on Ag. Giorgios beach if willing to be back from the beach a few 100 metres

Sunday Hotel was a bit rundown when it operated as Dimitris Hotel, and the new owners moved their taverna there. If you want an apartment near the harbour, check with Maria's Place: http://www.mariasplace.gr

Another good choice, on the other side of town, is Kastro Hotel:
http://www.antiparosgreece.com/index.html

Heimdall THANX for the update, Stanbr & spouse stayed at Maria's when we met on Antiparos & they loved it ... I hope to get back there, not this year, maybe next if I'm still at it. The 3-4 days I had there about 4 years ago were simply magical ... after a hectic 15 days with 4 over-energetic travel pals, Antiparos was the perfect cure! I especially remember slowly walking the Agora lane all the way out to Sunset beach, and all the residents were out that evening, refreshing the white paint around the flagstones in front of their homes and pensions, and I stopped to watch & talk with them. I reached the beach for an absolute stunner of a sunset, only 3-4 people sitting around, and NO houses. At the time I wondered, but was then told that when the annual winds begin, you can't even stand upright a lot of the time!

Yes, Sifneiko (Sunset Beach) can get windy, which is why few people swim there. The beaches on the other side of the village are more sheltered. Some of my friends start every evening watching the sunset, then move back into town for dinner. Funnily enough, the first time I bothered to see the sunset was when I took brotherleelove there (Remember that, Lee?)

Thanks to everyone. Very helpful!
Anyone been to Kimilos? Friends stayed and really liked it.

Koufonisia is an ideal destination. Swallow, sandy beaches, emerald waters, friendly people. Only the one of the two islands has a population but you can also visit the second island for its beautiful beaches. You can easily spent 1-2 days in Koufonisia, it is perfectly safe and appropriate for kids.