newport

We are traveling to Mykonos, Naxos Santorini &?
From April 7-the 15th and all the hotels we are emailing seem to be closed until the 12th.
Help ! We need some good suggestions for hotels that will be open. Are we going to find the restaurants closed and the towns shut down when we arrive. We need some insight...Newport

elina

I wish I could help, but as far as I know Mykonos, Naxos and Santorini have very small amount of permanent inhabitants, the amount of people multiplies in summer. Most hotels open when package tours from northern Europe start . Earlier they used to start in April, but this year it seems that they donīt start before May. So it is no wonder if hotels donīt open before April 12th.

So you will find very peaceful islands, and not very many open restaurants. And if you donīt find an open hotel there are always "Rooms for Rent" places. And you will also have very good service in the places that are open.

I have been on Greek islands both the first April week and the last October week of package tours, and the difference was amazing. In April everybody was very nice, in October everybody was very, very tired.

Heimdall

No need to worry. Those islands have year-round residents who still need to eat and sleep, so there are always hotels and restaurants open. Their children go to school, shops are open, and life continues at a more leisurely pace than the busy summer season.

Some of the owners close up at the end of the season and go back to the mainland where they live in the winter. That's why you are getting those email responses. Others stay on the island, and some will keep their facilities open. Don't worry about advance reservations - just turn up on the island and you will find something.

newport

After our few days in Mykonos we are planning to make our way to Satorini by ferry stopping in Naxos or Paros or both and then ending in Santorini for a couple of days. We will be in Greece April 7th -14th, do you think the smaller islands will be operating ? Also what is the best way to get to Santorini by boat from Mykonos with the stops mentioned ? Thanks gang !!!

Retsina

The islands you mention Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Santorini, are the larger islands with a fair sized population so they will always have a few restaurants and hotels open year round.

You could try the ferry/travel agents on arrival, they should know the ones that are open.

There will be ferries roughly 1/day ferry from Mykonos-Paros and 2/day between Paros-Naxos-Santorini.

http://www.bluestarferries.com/ENGLISH/defaultmain.htm

stanbr

Naxos economy relys upon agriculture and for that reason has a large permanent population. As a result many hotels and tavernas are open in April.
For sure Hotel Glaros on St George beach is open in April.