I wanted to throw this out there.

Best area to stay in Naxos and Milos.

It seems like Naxos (area around St.George) Chora area. But any more specific than that? I'm just beginning to touch on these two islands areas. Milos, I'm completely not sure yet.

I also have Santorini but I have a good idea depending on how much I'm willing to pay.

Nuts & Bolts -- for the most helpful advice, please recap key info -- because some forum folks may not have read your orignal posts. The neededd info - (1) How many people AND ages (2) WHEN? not just month -- Exact Dates (3) How many nights for each stop and dates of same? (4) also, considering that you are going in pricey high season ... your budget range per night -- otherwise people may suggest something waay beyond your budget.
PS: Remember that many Fodorites are not from USA so should not have to convert our $$ Into €€ in order to help -- you can convert your $$ instantly on thisi website https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/

Sorry good point.

We are a family of 5 (3 kids fit family). We are planning for this July..

Right now, this is what we have.

Fly into Athens and directly fly to Santorini

• Santorini for 3 full days.
• Travel to Naxos (half day)
• Naxos for 4 full days.
• Travel to Milos (half day)
• Milos for 4 full days.
• Fly back to Athens (half day)
• 2 full days in Athens

We are there for approximately 16 days. Understandably it's high season but cost/budget is not an issue at this point. Also since it's high season, selections are dwindling and costs are just high for what is left.

On the other post, I was trying to finalize the order of things and transportation between the islands. Now that we have that, I'm trying to narrow it down further in terms of accommodations and in what area to stay and I can search from there where we can find a place to stay.

I didn't want to post an island and ask the question multiple times. Yes, I also researched things but wanted to know from Fodorlites opinions on location/areas as well.

For Naxos, I did reserve a few places within the St. George/Chora area. Milos I'm still looking but i'm open to any suggestions for Naxos and Milos. As far as Santorini, it seems pretty straight forward but heck if someone has suggestions, I'm open to listening.

To give usable advice in very busy months like July-August, I sometimes actually look up availability of good places I know about. I use a "filter" of booking dot com, put in some "guesstimate dates" and the number of people... then I use the ikon "show on map" to see what's available in good locations. Sometimes I can spot an ideal accommodation at a good price, and quickly post the info, urging the inquirer to investigate FAST. this method in the past has enabled many late-bookers to snag good lodgings. However -- the downside is if the family's actual dates are booked, they see "not available" and will be frustrated... therefore I don't want to give advice for incorrect dates, to avoid disappointment.

Traverjan, honestly that's how I booked Naxos. I quickly looked up "online" the locations I should try to stay at (for example, Naxos). Went to booking.com and did the exact same thing and found some places accordingly. On the other hand, since a family of 5, it is showing many places not available, however, if you split two rooms the cost is relatively the same and tends to be available.

What I'm trying to get from for this post is the general area I should try to stay at in Milos or Naxos so I can look at these areas. Maybe even suggestions with pro's and con's?

Telll us at least what are your interests: beach life (calm water, big surf, shallow watfer, rocks etc. for snorkelling), hiking, culture, water sports, partying. isolated place/beach, place in the center of everything.....
Some parts of Naxos can get very noisy in high season (booking.com icons "noise"," loud"," calm").
I suppose you had a look at the frry timetable for the direct Naxos - Milos journey.

NAXOS - SInce you are going at the very busy season on Naxos, at that time I'd only recommend Ag. GIorgios beach if your "kids" are ages 2 - 7. That's because this beach is shallow and ideal for pre-schoolers & non-swimmer children... easy & safe to play in sand at water's edge. If they're 8 - 18, I'd suggest an outer beach like Plaka, because it's so much longer, more room to spread out, yet in High Season has plenty of cafes/amenities & frequent busses in to POrt Town. Could provide a number of places on each that would work for different ages. But no age info provided.

MILOS -- Where to stay was always a dilemma on my 3 visits ... Beach or Port? The village of Pollonia has an OK beach and a few tavernas, cafes, etc. but quite limited, no night life .ADamas has the most choices of ac commodations, restaurants, entertainment, nightlife etc .. but it's beach is, well, meh, and that's being kind. The public transit is limited even in high season. So, if you stay in Pollonia and drive in to ADamas for the evening, it's not fun, after a glass o' wine or three, to drive back on a windy road in complete darkness, NO lighting. Luckily our driver was an abstainer, not the case for all visitors. The other option is Plaka, the high town... with even more driving challenge after an evening in Adamas. In hgh season there are a few lodgings on beaches like Paleohori.

Thank you for this, this is the insight I'm looking for. Honestly, I know people want to know the ages of kids, etc but I'm looking for an area that is essentially central. The explanation of driving in the middle of the night after a night in Adamas is something I don't want to do. I rather want to be be able to grab dinner after a day out in Plaka or something like that and be able to walk back to my accommodations without worrying about having to drive anywhere. We don't have babies but 11 year olds and a 16 year old that can come out or stay in for the evening while my wife and I can go out on our own.

Thank you for this.

It's funny how detailed beach life specific you need. I get it. We are not picky, we want a little night life but nothing like a spring break night life where it's constant partying all night.

Regarding the ferry timetable for Naxos to Milos, I haven't look yet exactly other than what people had told me and that there is a ferry that goes there specifically seajet or seajet2. I'm assuming this shouldn't be a problem? Also the fact that it will save 2 hours time if we went from Santorini to Naxos then to Milos versus Naxos, Santorini and then to Milos?

For Naxos, the St. George area is a great place to stay, as it is located near the beach and is within walking distance to Naxos Town (Chora). Naxos Town has a charming old town area with narrow streets, traditional houses, and plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes. If you prefer to be closer to the beach, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Plaka are all popular areas to stay, with a range of accommodation options, restaurants, and bars.

For Milos, there are several areas that are great to stay in, depending on your interests. Adamas is the main port town and has a good selection of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as easy access to several beaches. Pollonia is a charming fishing village on the north coast of the island, with a beautiful beach and several restaurants and cafes. For a more secluded experience, you might consider staying in one of the smaller villages on the island, such as Mandrakia or Klima, which offer traditional fisherman's houses right on the water.

"It's funny how detailed beach life specific you need"
I just wanted toi help you to find the "best place" (faccording to your interests) because you asked for.
I'm sure you wouldn't enjoy the places i like (Kalandos Beach and Provatas Beach)..
As to the transport, there are ugly catamarans every evening indeed (June - Sept).
Boats with open decks are seldom, however.(throughout the year on Fridays only).

I adored Hotel Grotta in Naxos. The location is great. The views of the sun setting over the temple of Apollo are spectacular. The breakfast is to die for. Best of all is the staff. They make you feel like family.