Heimdall, your problem is just that you've lived too long!! You were fortunate to be able to experience Greece when most people couldn't afford to... and so sure, most places were "empty" compared with now.

A friend of mine remembers wandering among the Parthenon columns when she was given a trip as a college student in the 1960s -- alas I was unable to come to GReece until 30+ years later. In Naxos, I've got my picture standing in the famous Portara arch -- an now it's fenced off too (tho I approve the govt. saving ancient sites this way).

Tho Naxos may see more tourists than before, its SO easy to find solitude, even on foot. Walk up past GRotta to the monastery on the mountainside in 20 minutes -- and you'll be alone alone along except for a couple of goats and a rooster and the stunning view. Take a quick bus to Filoti, walk out of town 200 yards, and--- you're back in the 19th Century.

However, I don't think Zaraconti is looking for solitude if Mykonos and Santorini are her models. Naxos should come as a lovely surprise, however.

>>>Heimdall, your problem is just that you've lived too long!!<<<

LOL, travelerjan, that's probably true! :-D Unlike you, I'm not a grandparent yet, but probably older (my daughter is a 30-something single). :-)

Actually I started going to the Greek Islands only 11 or 12 years ago, but have noticed many changes even in that time.

A few years ago I read a book while on Antiparos written by an Irish lady who took a break from teaching back in the early 60's, and settled with her family on Paros for a couple years. It made fascinating reading, her stories about dealing without electricity or running water in a remote cottage, and the kindness of the villagers. All I remember was her first name was Fionnoula. I would love to have a copy, but the book must be long out of print.

Heimdall-

Is this it??

http://www.tinyurl.com/2k3fho

I was in Santorini a few years ago, and LOVED IT - I was with friends, though, and I wished at the time I were with a significant other, because it's super romantic. Definitely recommended.

One place I wouldn't recommend is Ios -- definitely has very young, college-age kids (it was PACKED when I was there post-college trip) - at least when I was there - and it didn't feel as charming to me as Santorini or Mykonos....

Good luck! :)

Lee, thank you, thank you! I believe that's the book. It was first published years ago, so that must be a reprint or a revised version.

I will be putting in my order, and if the Royal Mail strike ends soon, may be reading it in a few days.

Heimdall and Brotherlee - I am one who browses through this site a minimum of 5-10 times a day - I am forever now planning some european trip two years ahead - and I have to admit that when I see interaction occur between people on the different threads such as that which occurs here between you two (and others), it helps me to appreciate just what this site is and what it means to us all.

Please keep conversing and adding to the education of all of us!!!!

Hi Don- Glad to be of service! ;-)

Enjoy!

Nevertooold, thank you. It amazes me how often we are on Fodor's at the same time, even though we live eight time zones apart. Brotherleelove showed me around Santorini last May, and made my visit there a memorable one.

Hello everyone !
Thank you so much for your very nice inputs and advices ! They will be of great help !

Cheryllj--sorry to be slow responding! I have been busy and haven't been online so much. So glad you enjoyed the blog and thank you for leaving me a comment!

To answer your question, I didn't feel at all uncomfortable on Naxos as a youngish single woman. Now, I have traveled many times by myself before so I'm used to it. If this is your first solo trip it will take a little adjusting. But you won't have any trouble at all. Everyone was very nice and friendly (but not toooooo friendly, if ya know what I mean) and they didn't treat me like a pariah, seat me near the kitchen, or try to hurry me along when I asked for a table for one.

Part of the reason I chose Naxos is because it's family island, not a honeymoon island like Santorini. I don't mind traveling by myself but I don't want to be surrounded by happy couples and feel like the single loser. It was more couple-y on Naxos than I expected, but not unbearable.

I was with a friend for most of the trip and alone only on Naxos and my last day in Athens, but I doubt I would have had trouble anywhere. Some of the young girls who I stayed with in the hostel reported getting a lot of male attention, but they were wearing very short skirts. Not that there's anything wrong with that! But it did invite attention. I was dressed cute and feminine but skirts were knee length and tops didn't show my (non-existent) cleavage. The girl complaining the most was wearing the most microscopic skirt I've ever seen and a very boobalicious tank top. And even then, they just found the catcalling annoying, not at all threatening.

Thanks for replying, nicegirl. I have convinced a friend to go with me so I'm no longer going solo, but I appreciate the info anyway.

Do you know if the Hotel Galini has twin rooms with two beds? I had been looking for standard doubles when I was planning to go by myself, but now that my friend is going with me, we'd prefer to have two twin beds and I know those rooms are harder to find.