Greek Islands - Which to use as our base?
Oct 20th, 2017 | 05:38 AM
#21
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,259
Likes: 0
Joy I just re-read my message and realized that I sounded very Scoldy, and I didn't mean to be that way ... I guess it's just that Greece is such a wonderful and enjoyable experience, I didn't want you to have to complicate it with all kinds of back-and-forth and schedule-juggling, just in order to get back to a "base" for bedtime. You can do just ONE move, and save MUCH wasted time. Have a fabulous trip!
Oct 20th, 2017 | 07:48 AM
#22
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,343
Likes: 0
I really liked Naxos, but Paros has my heart. It's much smaller than Naxos, and has equally gorgeous beaches and villages. We used to stay in Nauossa, a postcard-perfect Greek village, but just this year, tried a different hotel near Parosporos, one of our favorite beaches.
We stayed at MINOIS VILLAGE, a very small boutique hotel that also rents a couple of houses on the property, so you might be able to find a 2-bed if you inquire far enough in advance.
The property is on a bluff overlooking ParosPoros beach, and has stunning 360 views of the Aegean. A ten minute walk takes you downhill to Parosporos, which even in July, was never all that crowded.
Parikia with all its restaurants, shopping, nightlife is only about a 15 minute drive; Nauossa is a bit more because of traffic.
Minois is also very close to the port of Pounta, which offers a quick 7-minute ferry ride to AntiParos, well worth the visit!
Of course it all depends what you're looking for. Not many historical sites on Paros, but the beaches are some of the prettiest we've seen in Greece, and the smallness of the island allows for some wonderful encounters with locals that doesn't happen as much on the more touristy islands.
We stayed at MINOIS VILLAGE, a very small boutique hotel that also rents a couple of houses on the property, so you might be able to find a 2-bed if you inquire far enough in advance.
The property is on a bluff overlooking ParosPoros beach, and has stunning 360 views of the Aegean. A ten minute walk takes you downhill to Parosporos, which even in July, was never all that crowded.
Parikia with all its restaurants, shopping, nightlife is only about a 15 minute drive; Nauossa is a bit more because of traffic.
Minois is also very close to the port of Pounta, which offers a quick 7-minute ferry ride to AntiParos, well worth the visit!
Of course it all depends what you're looking for. Not many historical sites on Paros, but the beaches are some of the prettiest we've seen in Greece, and the smallness of the island allows for some wonderful encounters with locals that doesn't happen as much on the more touristy islands.
Oct 20th, 2017 | 08:37 AM
#23
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
Lots of options. I'm surprised no one mentioned Sifnos, one of the best of any of the Greek Islands. Obviously when you go can make a difference as far as crowds, weather, costs, etc.
Another good choice would be Amorgos. Tinos is often overlooked and Chios would be something worth looking into, something for everyone.
Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands and would be very easy to base yourself in one area and explore/enjoy the island. I would suggest the western part of the island.
Naxos is one of the best of the Greek Islands, another island with something for everyone.
Lots of options. Do your research, websites, guide books, websites, ask questions on travel forums.
In the end it's up to you to make a decision on what you want and am looking for. Everyone has their own reason for what they want in a Greek Experience.
Most of the islands I've mentioned take at least 4 hours or more to get to by ferry. An alternative would be a flight if their is an airport on the island.
If you want something closer then Aegina would be a very good choice, maybe 1+ hour to get to. A very popular island for Greeks with a lovely waterfront town, archeological site nearby, one of the best preserved temples in Greece a short distance away, an abandoned Byzantine Village in the hills, ancient olive groves, interior villages, walking, hiking, some nice seaside villages, great food and lots more.
Check out Aegina if you want a nearby island that's close, lovely and often overlooked by tourists regardless of time of year you are going.
Another good choice would be Amorgos. Tinos is often overlooked and Chios would be something worth looking into, something for everyone.
Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands and would be very easy to base yourself in one area and explore/enjoy the island. I would suggest the western part of the island.
Naxos is one of the best of the Greek Islands, another island with something for everyone.
Lots of options. Do your research, websites, guide books, websites, ask questions on travel forums.
In the end it's up to you to make a decision on what you want and am looking for. Everyone has their own reason for what they want in a Greek Experience.
Most of the islands I've mentioned take at least 4 hours or more to get to by ferry. An alternative would be a flight if their is an airport on the island.
If you want something closer then Aegina would be a very good choice, maybe 1+ hour to get to. A very popular island for Greeks with a lovely waterfront town, archeological site nearby, one of the best preserved temples in Greece a short distance away, an abandoned Byzantine Village in the hills, ancient olive groves, interior villages, walking, hiking, some nice seaside villages, great food and lots more.
Check out Aegina if you want a nearby island that's close, lovely and often overlooked by tourists regardless of time of year you are going.
