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-   -   Need help with island choice before Santorini (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/need-help-with-island-choice-before-santorini-931167/)

Heimdall Apr 22nd, 2012 09:15 AM

I stay at Mike's Place, which is directly behind Kouros Village, so walk by it every day I'm on the island. It is considered one of the better hotels in Antiparos Town, with a pool, restaurant, and views over the harbour. The hotel is popular with families, so sometimes a little noisy around the pool area, but that shouldn't be a problem in May. I've never stayed at Kouros Village myself, but it would be a good choice. :-)

Heimdall Apr 22nd, 2012 09:53 AM

In case you haven't seen it, here is the link for Kouros Village: http://www.kouros-village.gr/. Most hotels get a few mixed reviews, but personally I've never heard any bad comments about Kouros Village. Many Antiparian families choose the Kouros Village restaurant for wedding parties, and if you are lucky there may be one while you are there. It's great fun listening to the Greek music and watching the dancing, and you don't have to be a wedding crasher to see it. ;-)

BeachGirl247 Apr 22nd, 2012 11:00 AM

Thank you Heimdall. Before we commit to Kouros my husband asked about Antiparos town versus staying at Dolphin in St. Georgios and what night life we could expect in that area. I know enjoy the evenings around the harbor area in town but do you know what we could expect in St. Georgious?

My only concern with Kouros Village is having a quiet place to sit outside and enjoy a book or glass of wine when we want to get away from the hubbub of the harbor area.

Distance from St. Georgios to Antiparos town is ? Did I read somewhere that it is about 10 minutes by car, is that correct?

We're not interested in sitting poolside but would enjoy a little time at the beach, a little in town and some on a nice terrace alone. Antiparos has a lot to offer for such a small island and it's proving difficult to make a choice! :)

brotherleelove2004 Apr 22nd, 2012 11:03 AM

I can vouch for Mike's Place as a good-and quiet-option for Antiparos (thanks to Heimdall). Sitting outside you will have an unobstructed view of the sea and Paros off in the distance.

Tessa_Steyn Apr 22nd, 2012 11:15 AM

Hi
If you're on a budget look up Captain Nicolas in Naoussa. We had a lovely room there last July spacious, on the waters edge, kind and friendly family and a fraction of the price of the ripoff hotel next door. We loved Naoussa.

Tessa_Steyn Apr 22nd, 2012 11:18 AM

By the way, I am also on of those Paris Paros lovers! We went last year and are going to Greek islands and Provence again this July. Anyone know of a gite in a lavender field to rent for a week???

Heimdall Apr 22nd, 2012 11:44 AM

Agios Georgios (also called San Georgio) is 11 km, or about 7 miles, from Antiparos Town. The road is paved all the way, and will probably take about 15 minutes by car. San Georgio has a nice, sandy beach, sheltered from the north winds which are sometimes a problem in the Cyclades. You can catch a boat from there to the island opposite, Despotiko, which is uninhabited, has more beaches, and an archaeological site now being excavated. There are a couple of tavernas in San Georgio, but for any shopping or nightlife you would have to drive into town.

Most of the rooms at Kouros Village are overlooking the pool, but a few face the sea. You wouldn't have much privacy on the balconies of the pool-facing rooms. If you want to stay in town but are uncertain about Kouros Village, Check out Mike's Place or Kastro Hotel. Mike's Place has only a few rooms and apartments, but is has been renovated to a very high standard, and is run by a very nice lady named Lilian. It is right next door to Kouros Village, and is <i>very</i> quiet. Kastro Hotel is at the other end of town, about five minutes walk to the center, and five minutes to the popular Psaraliki beaches. Guests I have spoken to are very satisfied with Kastro Hotel.

Late May is still fairly quiet on Antiparos, so there isn't much hubbub around the harbour, or anywhere else in town for that matter. There are a few nightclubs on the square that get most of their business after midnight. Before then nightlife consists of dinners in the tavernas, and drinks in the many cafes along the main street. Most people promenade up and down the pedestrian-only main street before settling down for drinks or a meal. You will see children playing in the street, and yiayias (grandmothers) sitting in their chairs watching over them while the parents are at work in the shops and cafes. I'm getting homesick for Antiparos just writing this! ;-)

BeachGirl247 Apr 22nd, 2012 12:59 PM

Thank you all so much for your very helpful information. I'll revisit websites and decide what works for us this trip. I'm sure no matter what we pick we will have a wonderful visit.

Heimdall, If <i>I'm</i> having withdrawals for Greece after only one visit I can only imagine how much you must miss it!

Weadles Apr 22nd, 2012 01:23 PM

I see above that someone mentioned Ambelas. We stayed in a small house there last year and loved it. We were the only Americans in town. There were lots of Germans, Brits, and a few Greeks. There's a small beach in town, and two tavernas which were pretty good. The drive into Naoussa took about fifteen minutes, and it was only a little bit further in the other direction to a well-known windsurfing beach. ( I think it was called Golden Beach, but I can't quite remember.) Nauossa had some wonderful restaurants and shops. The end of May was a great, unhurried time to explore the island. We even found parking in Parikia on the day that we chose to visit the famous church! Anyway, we had a fantastic time. I'd highly recommend a visit!

BeachGirl247 Apr 22nd, 2012 06:03 PM

Thank you, Weadles, I'll check it out.

BeachGirl247 Apr 23rd, 2012 05:19 AM

I received a response from Mike's Place. However, they are not open yet in May and the first part of June either as elections are June 6th.

I will send a note to Kouros Village instead. Let's hope Antiparos is open for business in May. :)

cybor Apr 23rd, 2012 05:28 AM

We combined Santorini with Rhodes. Other than getting our things stolen from the room and our puddle jumper seats being given away, it was an interesting contrast to Santorini.
We stayed within the ancient walls that surround a good share of the island.
From Rhodes we ferried over to Turkey.

clausar Apr 23rd, 2012 05:34 AM

Beachgirl
The elections in Greece will take place on May the 6th :)

Heimdall Apr 23rd, 2012 10:16 AM

I have been to Antiparos many times in the latter half of May, and most things are open by then. There must be some misunderstanding, because Mike's Place has always been open by the last week of May when I have stayed there myself. You will be happy with Kouros Village, though, so go ahead with your plans.

Yes, the Greek general election has been called for May 6th. :-)

BeachGirl247 Apr 23rd, 2012 12:15 PM

Sorry the election date I posted was wrong. I only repeated what Lilian from Mike's Place put in her email to me.

Thanks.

Heimdall Apr 23rd, 2012 12:45 PM

Lilian lives in Glyfada (Athens) in the winter, and moves to Antiparos in the spring to open up Mike's Place. Perhaps she has decided to open later this year. I spoke to her on the phone only a couple of weeks ago, and was under the impression she would be there before the end of May.

BeachGirl247 May 16th, 2012 04:37 AM

Heimdall, We arrived on Antiparos yesterday and ii can see why you love it so. I could easily spend my entire holiday here.

Heimdall May 16th, 2012 09:53 AM

Hi BeachGirl,

Antiparos is a special place, and I'm glad you are enjoying it there. If you have a meal at Yorgis Taverna, say hello to Yorgis and his son Benos from Don (they don't know me as Heimdall). You can walk into the kitchen to see what is on offer that evening, and may even be handed a free ouzo. Have a great time on your trip. :-)

mariha2912 May 16th, 2012 10:40 AM

What on earth are you going on line when you are on the Greek Islands?
Go out, explore,soak in the ambiance and enjoy! :)

clausar May 16th, 2012 11:05 AM

There is no life without Internet mariha !!!!!


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