PetrosB3

Are you sure? I will describe you Antiparos in a few words. Its an ultra touristy little town (its just a promenade to be honest) with bad Architecture (fake 60s Cycladic Architecture) with shops for tourists selling plastic donkeys... Its not the little off the beaten path charming little island, absolutely not. Till the arrival of the tourists, Antiparos had like 50 houses, now it has thousands. And the octopus is a meze served in every single island and seaside region in Greece, if thats what attracted you . Here is a photo of Folegandro's octopus ofhttp://www.watchtheworld.net/wp-content/gallery/folegandros-a-hidden-gem-of-the-greek-isles/folegandros-hidden-gem-greek-isles-8.jpgf the

Google these 2 destinations and you will understand.

Here are some photos of Folegandros: http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=Folegandros

As for Koufonisia, its a great idea it has gorgeous beaches.

clausar

Petro are you sure?

Here are great photos of Antiparos :

http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=antiparos

PetrosB3

@clausar Yes, I have been in Antiparos. Why would I lie in the end of the day. There are so many beautiful islands in the Aegean, why would you spend your valuable time in that touristy islet? Folegandros, Sifnos Milos and Astypalaia are some great islands.

Sifnos:
http://www.digital-camera.gr/photos/...igi_sifnos.jpg
http://www.panoramio.com/m/photo/54010713
http://sysedit.free.fr/images/20D/20...s/IMG_4880.jpg


Folegandros:
http://apetcher.files.wordpress.com/...2/p8300320.jpg
http://www.mrroaming.com/wp-content/...2011/10/03.jpg
http://gr.greekreporter.gr/2013/11/1.../#!lightbox/0/

Milos:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...hora_Milos.jpg
http://www.panoramio.com/m/photo/37859859

Astypalaia:
http://elita.philenews.com/el-gr/tax...-sophisticated

travelerjan

I have enjoyed both Folegandros AND Antiparos ... the Chora in Folegandros indeed is lovely, no doubt about it. One factor to consider for parents of a 7-year-old is accessibility of beaches. in Antiparos, many accommodations are right on a beach or very walkable to several beaches. In Folegandros, the nicest place to stay (Chora) is at the top of the island, far from beaches. I think the bus system only really serves one beach, which isn't that great. During my stay, my hosts had a car ... my impression is that otherwise, getting around would be a challenge. Just sayin'.

wanttogo

Oh PetrosB3, I am completely taken with your description and
photos of foleganos. Do you think a Crete-Santorini-Fologanos-
Athenes trip is doable in late May? Or a Santorini-Paros-Fologano-Athens trip at that time? The latter would allow us to see Delos from Paros by boat. I don't want to travel in the
higher heat of summer so May or even September are better for us. We are in our sixties-early seventies and take one big trip a year.

Pat

littlejane

Petros thanks so much for the photos - Folegandros looks lovely, and even has my octopus hanging out to dry Over the years lurking here I have seen many people comment positively on both Folegandros and Antiparos, and both have been on my "to see" list for a while. Unfortunately the way ferries, planes and times work on this trip we will only have time for one of them!

It's hard to decide what we will do, but we are getting much closer to a decision - thanks so much to all for the input. Lots to think about and lots of great info here as always.

mariha2912

Petros, It is obvious that without tourism Antiparos would be a one horse town. But to be honest this applies nearly to all Cycladic villages. Difference is that Antiparos is a tiny islet with the one village while places such as Folegandros are a tad bit larger with more settlements around. I haven't be to Folegandros, maybe they retain more traditional architecture there and tourism is more low key...
But lets not forget that many "traditional" elements of Cyclades are there just for tourists anyway. No one or nearly no one uses windmills to produce flour nowadays or a cave to sleep in . Then tourists pay hundred of euros to sleep on a Santorini cavehouse hotel. And for many, presence of windmills are taken as indication of how authentic a place is. So your beautiful cycladic architecture on Folegandros might not be so different to what you call touristy ugly Antiparos architecture in that aspect.

Antiparos is fine for a relaxed stay, just to have long relaxing beach days and then getting into the rhythm of evening life. I do not see how most places by a decent beach and town wouldn't fit that bill. Antiparos fits nicely with rest of OP's logistics. If OP had other interests and specifics, advice could be different.

Different folks, different strokes, no need to be so strongly opinion-ed!

PetrosB3

@wanttogo Yes, ofcourse its doable, and during may the wild flowers bloom in the islands and that makes a better atmosphere, and if you like nature its ideal. A Crete-Santorini-Folegandros-Athens itinerary looks great.

Here is a photo of Folegandros during Spring: http://m.flickr.com/photos/f2k/142902328/lightbox/

And a photo of Crete during Spring: http://www.west-crete.com/dailypics/.../1994large.jpg

Chania

I love Folegandros but not sure it would be my pick with a 7 yr old because of the location of the beach and the rocky coast. I think Amorgos would be a better option. Sandy family beach in town and lots to see and easy walks around the town and outside of the town. By town I mean Aegiali. A bus trip in to see the Chora is fun for a day trip and a trip to the monastery near Chora. Two easy walk ups to 2 villages from Aegiali are also worthwhile. Lots to see and do in easy proximity to the town.

wanttogo

PetrosB3,

Thanks so much for the photographs. Folegandros looks marvelous.I did not mean to hijack this thread but I am sure that others are interested in my question and your answers.

Pat