LorenJuneG

I am trying to decide betw. Ios and Naxos, we are in our 50's, we will go mid Sept., we like the beach, a lot, with the lounge chairs and umbrella deal, we also like to have a town to walk around in at evening time, some tavernas on the beach would be great, and a laid back feel. Reason for those 2 islands is we will be on ferry to Santorini (of course) at some point and I don't want to be on the ferry for more than 31/2 hours. Hope I was descriptive enough folks, thanks for any advice.

ParisJo

We've never been to Ios, but it sounds like Naxos is taylor made for you! We were in Naxos from September 23 to 27 this year, the weather was great, crowds were gone but there was still enough people that it didn't feel deserted. We stayed at the Hotel Spiros in St George, about 3 minutes to the beach and a 10 minute walk to town, plenty of bars, restaurants and shopping everywhere. We also took the bus to Plaka each day and it was one of the most beautiful beaches we have ever been to. We found Naxos to be very laid back and the locals were very friendly and welcoming. Plus the price of lodging and food was very reasonable, compared to the other 2 islands we visited (Paros and Santorini).

Here's the link to my blog for more details and pictures:
http://thisoldbroadsblog.blogspot.co...-is-plaka.html

We hope to return to Naxos for at least a week next year.

Jo

worldinabag

"We spent the afternoon lazing on the beach, having a mohito and just enjoying the spectacular scenery, the warm sun and the cool water". Stop it you're killing me! It's your post and others on this forum that make Naxos my next Greek island destination.

Great blog Jo. Interesting conversation with the teacher. I remember talking to an Athens restaurant owner in 2002. He stated that life got tougher when the euro was introduced. That was 9 years ago and it seems the rot started to set in then (throw in the GFC for good measure).

jamikins

I agree! We were in Naxos this past Sept and it was exactly as you describe. Great beaches, tavernas on the beach, the main town is great to walk around at night.

Enjoy!

LorenJuneG

Thank you, so glad to get confirmation. Found the blog helpful, thanks for sharing.

brotherleelove2004

Consider Paros as well. It's on the same ferry route and has everything that Naxos has, plus you can get to Antiparos for a daytrip in under an hour. You can also take the daytrip excursion to Delos if you're interested, and the trip is shorter from Paros than from Naxos.

parosblue

You can't go wrong relaxing on either Paros or Naxos.
They both offer what you are seeking.

LorenJuneG

Thank you, now regarding Paros, is there a section of the island you would recommend?

brotherleelove2004

Parikia has the best variety of hotels, shops, galleries and restaurants. The far end of the bay away from the ferry port would be nice and quiet and the water is very calm, like a lake.

parosblue

Parakia is the main port town. You can access beaches around the cove within walking distance or a short boat ride or drive. There are many choices for nightlife, eating, and wandering through the old town to shop. There is a smaller quieter town on the north end of Paros called Naoussa, a picturesque fishing village. We always go there to wander the town, to a wonderful beach called Kolombithres, to eat in the fish tavernas, to hike nature trails.
Our favorite beach is near Parakia - called Parasporos. We enjoy the lounge chairs and hanging out at Makis bar. There are other wonderful beaches all around the island plus many beautiful quiet villages. Many of the beaches have lounge chairs, but we also enjoy discovering the trails down to beaches that are natural. Taking the ferry to Antiparos is also fun - this small neighboring island has great beaches too and a quaint village.
We like to make Parakia our base as there is always something to do and we like to watch the ferries come and go. If you stay somewhere around the cove and have a view of the harbor, it is delightful at night.