🇬🇷 Naxos & Paros: Authentic Greece at Its Best

Naxos: Laid-Back Island Living

From Santorini, we hopped across to Naxos on the ferry – just a quick 1-hour journey across the Aegean, making it one of the easiest island transfers we did.

For 5 nights we stayed at Melidron Luxury Hotel & Suites, a stylish boutique property just a short stroll from Agios Prokopios Beach – one of the island’s best-known stretches of sand. The hotel has a relaxed, village-by-the-sea feel with cafés, tavernas, and little shops all within walking distance. It was the perfect base for us: close enough to enjoy the island’s buzz, but peaceful when we wanted downtime.

That first morning we set off on foot and walked the full length of Agios Prokopios Beach, then doubled back along the coastline towards Agios Anna port. This whole stretch is dotted with beachfront bars, laid-back beach clubs, and traditional tavernas – exactly the kind of place where you can spend the whole day moving between sunbathing, a swim, and a long lazy lunch.

We took a short taxi (about 10 minutes from Agios Prokopios) to Naxos Town (Chora). Here we wandered the charming white lanes, enjoyed a coffee by the harbour, and explored the ruins of the Temple of Apollo. Fun fact: construction of the temple began in the 6th century BC and it was planned to be one of the largest in Greece, inspired by the Acropolis in Athens. But work stopped early, leaving only one side completed – which explains its unfinished look today.

Top Tips for Naxos
• Hire a car for a day or two if you want to explore inland. The mountain villages of Halki and Apiranthos are full of history, local craft shops, and beautiful stone architecture.
• Try the local produce – Naxos is famous for its potatoes, cheeses, and kitron, a citrus liqueur unique to the island.
• Don’t miss the Portara – the giant marble doorway that’s all that remains of the ancient Temple of Apollo. Go at sunset for one of the island’s most iconic views.
• Stay length – 4–5 nights is perfect to mix beach time with exploring.

Naxos instantly felt more authentic than Santorini – slower, friendlier, and more traditional. It’s ideal if you love long sandy beaches and want a taste of real Greek island life.

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Paros: A Quieter Mykonos

One evening we took the ferry over to Paros, which was only around 30 minutes from Naxos and cost about £30 per person for the return journey. The short hop makes it such an easy day or evening trip if you’re staying nearby.

We spent our evening in Parikia, the port town, and spent a few hours wandering the cobbled streets, browsing little shops and boutiques, and strolling along the seafront promenade. We both completely fell in love with Paros – it has the same whitewashed buildings and maze-like alleys that Mykonos is so famous for, but without the hustle and noise. It felt much more laid-back and authentic.

Top Tips for Paros
• Naoussa – If you have more time, don’t miss this gorgeous fishing village. Its harbour is lined with colourful boats, boutique shops, and some of the best restaurants on the island.
• Kolymbithres Beach – Famous for its unusual rock formations and shallow turquoise waters – ideal for a beach day.
• Archaeological Museum of Paros – A small but interesting stop for history lovers.
• Stay length – If you have the time, I’d say 3–4 nights to see both Parikia and Naoussa at a relaxed pace.

Paros was a total highlight for us – beautiful, relaxed, and somewhere we’d definitely go back to. If Mykonos is glamorous and lively, Paros is like its quieter little sister, and in some ways even more charming.

End of Blog 2 (Naxos & Paros):
👉 After Naxos & Paros, we wrapped up our adventure with 4 nights in Mykonos, and my thoughts on why island-hopping is the perfect way to see Greece.