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Naxos or MIlos for 3 days before Santorini

Dallas, Texas
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Naxos or MIlos for 3 days before Santorini
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Hello,

I know variations of this question is asked often, but still would love some feedback specific to my itinerary if possible. Thank you in advance if you have already answered this many times before though. :-)

I will be traveling late May next year with my family of 4 (2 daughters age 19 and 22 so "adult" children). We are doing Santorini for 3 nights and now trying to choose between Milos or Naxos for 4 nights/3 days. We want to keep it to 2 islands so we do not spend all our time on Ferries and moving around. We will want a day at the beach, a day on a boat (or should we save that for Santorini?) and then maybe a day hiking or even just touring around the island exploring (we will rent a car). We would also enjoy some good food, charming villages and shopping and just enjoying the Greek life. I had planned on Milos, but the more I look, the more I am now thinking Naxos. I know ferries and travel may be easier in and out of Naxos (from Athens and to Santorini). But...thoughts on the islands themselves for this? Is Naxos too large for 3 1/2 days? But is there more to do on Naxos? Which island has better villages and restaurants and beaches? Also thoughts about a day sailing excursion?

Thanks for any insight. Is is just a little overwhelming when taking into consideration ferries, differences in islands, etc. so appreciate your help. Thanks!

Shepperton, United...
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1. Re: Naxos or MIlos for 3 days before Santorini
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In late May, particularly with two young adults, I'd make it Naxos.

You can do all you've expressed, on an island that has a relatively large year round population plus ardent 'low season' visitors from many countries. By comparison, I think you will find Milos barely awake.

Spydeberg, Norway
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2. Re: Naxos or MIlos for 3 days before Santorini
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When island hopping also note that even if distances between islands don't look far every time you get up and move the best part of one day will be lost from your itinerary (you shall pack\unpack, check out and in of hotels, transport to and from ports, some waiting time in ports, time for embarking\disembarking and the actual time used for the journey).

You will also have to adjust to the ferry schedules departure time. Often there is only one or two ferries daily between the destinations – even in main season.

I agree that Naxos is a good choice.

Edited: 5 years ago
Newcastle upon...
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3. Re: Naxos or MIlos for 3 days before Santorini
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I am on Naxos now & it has every thing that you want. If you hire a car then you can visit most of the mountain & coastal villages in a circular tour in one day. Compared to Milos, Naxos is a far better choice in virtually every wat.

Cheshire, United...
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4. Re: Naxos or MIlos for 3 days before Santorini
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We loved Naxos when we stayed there for 12 days last year.

Have been to a lot of Greek islands over the years and it is definitely one of our favourites!

Naxos meets all the requirements you have listed and is a good pairing with Santorini.

We stayed near the beach in Agia Anna which was ideal for us ( walking, beaches and lovely local restaurants). When we wanted a change we just hopped on one of the local and frequent buses to Naxos town .

They run until the early hours so no problems getting back.

We also used the bus service to get around the island and explore.

There are options for various day trips and we did a day cruise to Koufonissi which we will definitely re visit on another trip.

Other day trips include Mykonos & Delos/ and nearby Paros ( & Antiparos) aas well as Santorini.

Transport links between Santorini & Naxos are good ( & both have airports) so Naxos seems to be an obvious choice.

Can't comment on Milos as not been there yet. However, we are shortly off on what has become an annual Greek island trip in June and we will be there for a week. We are pairing it with another island and I am sure we won't be disappointed.

Never had a bad experience in Greece. You do prefer some islands to others but we don't tend to do repeat visits anywhere as there are always more great places to discover.

Happy planning!

Spydeberg, Norway
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5. Re: Naxos or MIlos for 3 days before Santorini
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Naxos

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades islands. It has so much more options through diversity than any of the other Cyclades islands. You can look up more information about Naxos here (use the drop down menu):

http://www.naxos.gr/en/naxos/

It has some of the best beaches in Greece (some are also ranked among the best in the Mediterranean),

Naxos beaches

http://www.naxos.gr/en/naxos/naxos-beaches/beach-finder/

You will find options for most activities - look up this link for hiking options:

http://www.cycladen.be/NaxosEng.htm

You will find a mountainous and scenic interior, and some 30 authentic villages around.

Naxos villages

http://www.naxos.gr/en/naxos/introducing-naxos/the-villages-of-naxos/

The island also has some historical sites.

Archeological sites

http://www.naxos.gr/en/naxos/sights-and-sightseeing/archaeological-sites/

Options for exploring the island:

http://www.naxossun.gr/tours-adventures.html

http://www.naxossun.gr/naxosgastronomy.html

Other tour options:

https://www.greeka.com/cyclades/naxos/island/naxos-tours.htm

My Naxos albums:

http://tinyurl.com/my9fpkm

concord nh
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6. Re: Naxos or MIlos for 3 days before Santorini
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I've stayed on Naxos and Milos with Naxos far better. However, that's not to say Milos has nothing to offer. It does, has spectacular geological formations along the coasts, wonderful beaches and the Tripiti/Klimi area is outstanding.

Still, Naxos is one of Greece's nicest islands . . . something for everyone and lots to see, do and experience.

Naxos is the better of the two.

Dallas, Texas
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7. Re: Naxos or MIlos for 3 days before Santorini
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You guys have all been awesome !Thank you. Naxos it is! So helpful...thanks.

Cheshire, United...
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8. Re: Naxos or MIlos for 3 days before Santorini
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Don't think you will regret your choice.

Incidentally, just noticed where you live. We went to Naxos in June last year and our September holiday was a 3 week road trip in Texas, starting and finishing in Dallas!

It's a complete contrast!

Failsworth, United...
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9. Re: Naxos or MIlos for 3 days before Santorini
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This is an interesting thread.

When in Paros and Ios last summer I made a point of asking the Greeks where they would choose to holiday themselves in The Cyclades if taking a break. The overwhelming response was Milos. In fact, I can't remember Naxos being mentioned

New York City, New...
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10. Re: Naxos or MIlos for 3 days before Santorini
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Tony most Greeks vacation (or holiday as you call it) in August.

The question is for May, which appears to make a difference in liveliness.