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Thanks folks really helpful as always.
Or Metro or direct bus to pireaus from airport and Bluestar ferry to Naxos. This works on the red eye from LHR to catch 0730 ferry arriving at noon so good to check in to your accommodation.
Now everyone please stop saying how nice Naxos is!!!Or Metro or direct bus to pireaus from airport and Bluestar ferry to Naxos. This works on the red eye from LHR to catch 0730 ferry arriving at noon so good to check in to your accommodation.
Now everyone please stop saying how nice Naxos is!!!Naxos isn’t exactly a big secret – we were sending lots of people there in 1979! Got to keep ahead of the crowds.
Yeah not a secret just like with all holiday destinations the more people talk about them to more likely they are to become “in Vogue”
Naxos will eventually become what Paros is now. Paros nowadays has become what Mykonos used to be 10-20 years ago.
Next up will be Koufonisia and the smaller Cycladic islands.
Btw, if you can get hold of a greek Vodafone SIM card, there is a promo for tickets via Blue Star Ferries. Hellenic seaways run a similar promo with another network, Cosmote.
FYI, the slow ferries are a lot slower than the fast jets, although they allow you to be outside during sailing, apart from the extra time required to transit from the airport to the port either via metro/bus. Rafina or Peireus really depends on your own circumstances.
Enjoy whatever you will choose to book 🙂
@PIL. How dare you let the cat out of the bag about another little gem! Had some lovely holidays on Koufonisia. The smaller Cyclades islands are well worth a visit, especially outside school holidays. They are like Mykonos, Tinos, Paros were years ago.
The big thing is not having an international airport
Nooo now you’ve said Koufonisia!
Nooo now you’ve said Koufonisia!
Keeping quiet about the others!
For us, not having any airport is a big plus. Still love island hopping. Takes me back to my youth!
With all the issues relating to overtourism in mass market destinations, these smaller islands and equivalent destinations around the world that are harder to get to show how tourism can co-exist with local communities and benefit both parties. They tend to attract more sophisticated and considerate tourists who accept places for what they are, want to enjoy a more traditional and peaceful way of life without imposing mass market consumerism, chain hotels and other death knells.
@JDB I completely agree with that observation. Unless you have small children to entertain, I can’t begin to imagine why anyone visiting Greece would prefer to stay in a 5* resort run by distant managers and answerable to a faceless corporation when they could have the warmth of real Greek hospitality in a boutique hotel with the owner on hand to ensure you have an unforgettable trip.
Oh gosh. I think @JDB might have inadvertently named me as a considerate and sophisticated tourist; need to go and have a lie down.
Agreed, unless you have a family to entertain, mixing up with locals is less expensive and also far more authentic as an experience. Going to leave the rest of places unmentioned, thought that Koufonisia was already well known by now! The places that are not served by international airports are definitely better to our experience while living in the UK or Greece (in the past).
Having no international airport is a benefit; having a strong non-tourism economic based is also helpful. Naxos benefits both ways; it’s also a large island that allows plenty of space for people to disperse. Naxos’ agricultural base also means that the local food is fantastically high quality. Fruit, vegetables, cheese, even yoghurt are a world apart from the food you’ll be offered in Athens.
Nooo now you’ve said Koufonisia!
It’s been in the Times recently and it’s on every top 10 off the beaten track list so it’s hardly secret. Scuba seems rubbish though, so not one for me.
So ChatGPT has been hit and miss for me, but I thought I would share:
Greece offers a plethora of destinations that align with your interests in scuba diving, great food, lovely beaches, and friendly people, while avoiding the crowds. Here are three lesser-known yet fantastic places that cater to your preferences:
### 1. **Amorgos**
– **Scuba Diving:** Amorgos is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, underwater caves, and rich marine life. The island offers diverse diving spots, including the famous wreck of the Olympia and the dramatic Blue Dome Cave.
– **Beaches:** Amorgos boasts serene and picturesque beaches such as Agia Anna, Mouros, and Kalotaritissa.
– **Food and Hospitality:** The local cuisine is delicious, featuring fresh seafood, traditional Greek dishes, and local specialties like “patatato” (goat with potatoes). The islanders are known for their warm hospitality.
– **Crowds:** Being a bit off the main tourist radar, Amorgos offers a peaceful atmosphere, especially outside the peak season.### 2. **Kastellorizo (Megisti)**
– **Scuba Diving:** Kastellorizo offers pristine diving conditions with clear waters, caves, and diverse marine life. The Blue Cave is a highlight for divers, providing a mesmerizing experience.
– **Beaches:** The island has beautiful, unspoiled beaches such as Mandraki and Plakes, perfect for relaxation.
– **Food and Hospitality:** Enjoy traditional Greek and Mediterranean cuisine at local tavernas, known for their fresh seafood and local dishes. The friendly locals contribute to the island’s welcoming vibe.
– **Crowds:** Kastellorizo is quite remote and attracts fewer tourists, making it an ideal spot for a tranquil getaway.### 3. **Ikaria**
– **Scuba Diving:** Ikaria offers excellent diving opportunities with sites like the underwater cave of Drakospilia and various shipwrecks. The island’s waters are rich in marine biodiversity.
– **Beaches:** Ikaria has several beautiful and less crowded beaches, including Seychelles Beach, Nas Beach, and Livadi Beach.
– **Food and Hospitality:** The island is famous for its healthy and delicious Ikarian cuisine, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The hospitality of the Ikarian people is legendary, contributing to the island’s laid-back and friendly atmosphere.
– **Crowds:** Ikaria is known for its slow-paced lifestyle and remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, providing a peaceful environment.Each of these destinations offers unique diving experiences, stunning natural beauty, and a chance to enjoy Greek culture and cuisine without the hustle and bustle of the more popular tourist spots.
Of course it could easily have made those things up. And I was lazy leaving in the markdown.
Of course it could easily have made those things up. And I was lazy leaving in the markdown.
I’m not a diver and can’t speak for the other two islands, but beaches, friendly locals, fresh fish and other Greek specialities are all excellent on Amorgos.
SeaJets seem to have put up their fares a bit compared to last year.
SeaJets seem to have put up their fares a bit compared to last year.
The owner of the company now owns the third biggest football team in Athens, so he needs to fund this venture somehow! Just a joke (?) between greek football fans
And speaking of quiet versus over-touristed islands, I was reading that the backlash against mass tourism is coming to the Greek islands too.
“Campaigners are determined that Paros and smaller islands like Milos, Serifos, Folegandros and Sifnos must be saved before they go the way of Mykonos and Santorini”
@masaccio, the locals are right to be concerned.
It doesn’t make any sense to go to one of these islands to build an all-inclusive resort with three pools, an Asian-Portugese fusion restaurant, a watersports centre and 200 sunbeds. For those who like that kind of thing, it could be anywhere in the world. Visitors to that kind of resort do nothing to help the local economy – they don’t use local bars, restaurants, boutiques or flip-flop vendors, and most of the food and drink they sell is imported from huge multinational catering firms.
In addition to looking for an island with no international airport, I suggest looking for accommodation through Marriott, Hilton, IHG and Hyatt. If you find anything, even a villa listing, you’re too late: the place has been trashed.
Resurrecting the Athens bit of this as we’re off there in a couple of weeks, staying at the Pallas Athena hotel next to the town hall.
We have more than enough things to see and do but would welcome some restaurant suggestions as our last visit was 14 years ago with a 5-year-old!
OH is not keen on – fish/seafood, cheese, mushrooms.
Suggestions within a short walk of the hotel especially welcome!
There’s a McDonalds in Syntagma Square, should keep him 😃
I think we may have been to that one last time 😂
I was thinking more like kleftiko, stifado, upmarket kebabs maybe!
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