Need help with itinerary. Family that has experience traveling abroad but first timers to Greece, chosen by HS senior. Direct flight that arrives in Athens June 7th fly out on June 20th from Toronto, family of 5, kids 18, 15, 11. Arrive at 10 and catch afternoon ferry/plane to Naxos 4 nights, then I'm stuck between 4 nights in Milos with the amazing landscape or Antiparos for the seclusion and easier commute from Naxos. From one of these spots we will travel to Santorini for 2 nights before flying back to Athens for 3 nights. My kids are swimmers and want to swim in the crystal blue waters. I know that Paros is a closer commute but wonder if the it's worth it to take the longer trip to Milos for the differing landscape and waters.

Should you decide on Antiparos/Paros, it would be better to fly there first and then go on to Naxos. The Paros Airport has a longer runway than either Milos or Naxos, allowing larger aircraft to fly in. Also, Naxos is between Paros and Santorini on the Blue Star ferry route, so there would be no backtracking. The daily ferries between Naxos and Milos are the much smaller Superjet and SeaJet 2.

I will admit a bias toward Antiparos, as I have been going there since the late 90s. The island is ideal for families because it is very safe, and everything around town within walking distance. There are some excellent boat trips around the island, taking you to the sea caves and to the uninhabited island of Despotiko for swims and a bbq lunch. You can also visit the archeological site on Despotiko, where excavations will be probably taking place while you are there. There is also a stalactite cave with centuries old graffiti, and a bus to take you there from town.

Antiparos boat trip: https://captainbenantiparos.com

I have been pulled toward Antiparos more then Naxos but the forums all seem to lead towards Naxos also I wonder if just having a week in one location would be best. I have seen the captain's Ben's tour. Would like to do too.

Fly to PAROS, the airfield very close to the small ferry (15 minutes?) to ANTIPAROS, ideal place to get over jet lag... an amazing beach just a easy stroll from the tiny pier https://antiparos.com/explore/psaraliki-beach/ in early june this is the closest you'll get to a peaceful lovely beach on an easily-reached Greek isle. A few days there, following Heimdall's excellent activity tips, will be so revitalizing ... and its mazey center lane of cafes & shops is lit-up & magical at night. After that, you can do active exploring on Naxos --ruins, mountains, many discoveries ... the best time of year for 2 of the best Greek isles for families like yours... both with Blue Flag beaches, and crystal clear water. After those 2, Santorini will be a let-down alas, but then you'll have Athens with its famous landmarks and museum treasures as "dessert".

I am happy to share information about Antiparos with people already thinking of visiting, but don’t often suggest the island otherwise. It is amazing how many Naxophiles want to share their already overcrowded SW sector of the island, encouraging people to go there instead of Paros, Mykonos, and other islands. They say that Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades (which is true) then recommend everyone stay in the Naxos Town - Plaka area.

Don’t get me wrong - Naxos is a beautiful island, especially if you like hiking and visiting traditional mountain villages. Many people take day trips to the mountains, but don’t stay overnight in the villages. Naxos is changing, with Sea Jets routing more ferries to the island than ever before. Plans have been approved to extend the Naxos Airport runway to 1,200 meters, making it possible for larger turboprops to land there. The best time to visit Naxos is now, before it becomes spoiled by overtourism.

In that case, I'm especially glad I spent a few days there when I visited Greece!

Early June is still fairly quiet on Naxos. Once the Scandinavian school holidays begin (late June) the island gets busier. Then in July and August when other European schools break up it gets very busy. The same goes for Antiparos on a smaller scale. Both islands are very popular with families. July is Norwegian month, and August is when many Greeks, Italians and other Europeans visit. June and September are idyllic on both islands.

If you arrive at ATH at 10.00 with Delta or at 10.10 with United, you may check the following connecting flights:
ATH dp 13.30 to Paros (Olympic)
ATH dp 16.00 to Naxos (Olympic)
ATH dp 15.35 to Milos (Olympic)
You might also go by bus to Rafina (less than 1 hr) and board there the catamaran Naxos Jet dp 15.00 to Paros ar 18.50 - Naxos ar 19.30
or by Proastiakos (commuter train) to Piraeus and by catamaran Sifnos Jet dp 15.15 to Milos ar 18.40


If you arrive at ATH at 9.20 with Air Canada, you might catch earlier flights:
ATH dp 12.30 to Naxos (Skyexpress)
ATH dp 12.45 to Paros (Olympic)

Ferries Paros - Naxos - Santorini and catamarans Santorini - Milos are daily

neckervd -- you are always terrific in supplying solid transport info -- thankfully this new OP supplied you with the date & time of arrival, not often the case. Everyone should be grateful for your specific helps.

Thank you Heimdall and neckervd and travelerjan! This is all very helpful information. What are you thoughts with staying a full week in only one of these spots. It seems that travel between Paros and Naxos is a 45 min ferry.

A week would fly by on either Antiparos or Naxos. I've been to Naxos several times, and find four days is about enough: one to explore the mountain villages, a few days on the beach, and wander through Naxos Town each evening. Paros and Antiparos also take some time to see properly. I didn't mention things to see on Paros, but would recommend the beautiful Church of 100 Doors in Parikia, and trips to Naoussa and Lefkes.

Very interesting Heimdall, I have been previously favoring the following plans in this order Paros/Antiparos and MIlos vs. Paros/Antiparos for the entire week vs Naxos for the week.

Well, OMD, you seem to have info on all those destinations... but only YOU can make the decision. But whatever your choice, it's really a win-win, so don't fret.

I believe I have almost finalized our itinerary and can start booking stays. I booked our flights and stretched out our travel dates to flying home on Sunday, one day later. Which gives me an extra day to play with...

Anitparos/paros 4 nights ferry to Santorini 2 nights. Ferry to Milos 4 nights and then back to Athens 4 nights. As experienced Greek travelers, what are your thoughts on 1 night in Naxos and taking off from either Paros or Athens? Or two night in Naxos and taking one night from both Paros and Athens. Or should we plan for a day trip to Naxos from Paros/Antiparos if the timing suits us. I really appreciate the insight, thoughts and concerns. Thanks!!

As Naxos is on the way to Santorini from Paros, it makes more sense to stay there overnight than to do a day trip returning to Paros/Antiparos. One night won’t give you much time to do much of anything on Naxos, through. What do you plan to do on Milos that would take four nights?

I can see my kids wanting to go to the Sarakinko beach more then once to jump off the cliffs and swim. I also think a kayaking tour would be fun.Tsigarado and Papafragas Beach seems very unique, and the old suflar mines, the catacombs, the ancient theater. Milos just seems like one of those places that will make us realize we "aren't in Kansas anymore".