LICgirl411

Hello everyone! I have been reading everyone's posts and have gotten some great advice! I will be in Santorini for 4 nights mid May and then want to travel by ferry to a second island for 4 additional nights before flying back to Athens. I will be with my boyfriend, we are mid to late 30s and New Yorkers. We want to go somewhere that is a nice contrast to Santorini and would like to stay on the beach but walking distance to a small village. We aren't big into nightlife but love a nice taverna, wine bar, etc. And a beautiful sandy beach would be nice!

Many people suggested Milos (including Greek relatives) but then I heard in May it's pretty slow and the public transport in less than satisfactory. Naxos seems to have some big fans but the photos don't seem to give it much justice. Paros looks quite lovely to me and people say you can take a quick ferry over to Antiparos for a day trip. I'm certain we will have a lovely time wherever we end up but would love some feedback from people who have been to all three.

Or should I forget those islands and head to Old Town Chania in Crete? HA! Suggestions welcome! Thanks in advance.

Tommmo

Been to them all and , you guessed it, they are all wonderful! And will offer what you want. You won't find walking distance to a small village in Chania - but it could be the best city in Greece.

WWK

We've been to three out of the four-- Paros, Naxos, and Chania. Loved them all! But I think my favorite place was Naoussa in Paros. There are a couple of boutique hotels that would put you within walking distance of the town/port. And if you have a car, you will be able to explore places like Golden Sunshine Beach ( although it will probably be too chilly for swimming in mid-May), Lefkes, a medieval village, and Parikia, where the ferries arrive/depart, plus do a day trip to Antiparos. More than enough stuff to do for four days.

Northtraveller

I have recently been to Chania, Paros and Antiparos. All of them are great destinations and so extremely different to each other. It is very difficult to pick just one of them as I fell in love with all of them for different reasons. Paros is a walk in postcard of what I class as typical Greek with a great quiet nightlife and lots of tavernas. Especially Naousa feels like walking into a another postcard, with quaint shops and high end tavernas with the fishing boats just a few meters away. Pure magic! Antiparos on the other hand is great for the day, and even easy to get to if you hire a car. Driving is VERY easy in Paros and you are never more than 45 minutes away from everything, and you will never get lost. Last, but not least, Chania. Well I don’t really know where to start. My favourite city of all. Probably the most characterful Greek city, with so many options and a great base to explore the western side of Crete. The guys at www.alargo.no helped us a lot with all the travel arrangements, car rentals, accommodation as they specialize in Paros and Crete where they have local reps with great knowledge of the islands, and we wanted something cool and quiet without the mass tourism excursions etc. I hope I have helped. All the best for your travel! We will be back in Greece in September if I get the time

HappyTrvlr

You can't go wrong and all of them will be a contrast to Santorini, more real, with a more Greek experience. I especiallty love Naoussa, Paros and Chania, Crete.