{"id":7801,"date":"2025-02-01T14:48:11","date_gmt":"2025-02-01T19:48:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/finduslost.com\/?p=7801"},"modified":"2026-01-06T16:40:34","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T21:40:34","slug":"greek-island-hopping-milos-paros-naxos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/finduslost.com\/greek-island-hopping-milos-paros-naxos\/","title":{"rendered":"Greek Island Hopping in Milos, Paros and Naxos"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"KleftikoUpdated for 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n

After months of nonstop travel since <\/span>leaving Amsterdam in July<\/span><\/a>, we finally made it to Greece! With a week in Paros already booked for September, we added Milos to our itinerary to celebrate our 1-year wedding anniversary. Here’s everything you need to know about our experience Greek island hopping in the idyllic Cyclades islands.<\/span><\/p>\n

First Things First: How To Plan a Greek Islands Trip<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. \n

    Choose your island-hopping order (I always gut check ferry travel times and routes on Ferryhopper<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Pick number of nights per island and book stays next (availability goes fast!)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Book ferries<\/a> once your bases are all set<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    If you\u2019re still deciding which islands fit you best, start here: How to Choose the Best Greek Islands to Visit.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

    Exploring Milos<\/h2>\n

    Stay details: Asterias Boutique Hotel<\/a> (where we stayed) & other\u00a0properties on the north side<\/a> (near most well-known beaches); Melian Boutique Hotel<\/a> (recommended by a friend, fully booked during our visit). All hotels & homes in Milos<\/a>.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

    Milos had been on my travel bucket list ever since I saw photos of its iconic white, lunar-like beaches like <\/span>Sarakiniko Beach<\/span><\/a>. The island lived up to the hype from the moment we arrived. We stayed at<\/span> Asterias Boutique Hotel,<\/span><\/a> and were greeted by a kitten and the sweetest mother and daughter duo.<\/span><\/p>\n

    After breakfast on our terrace, our first adventure was a boat trip to the breathtaking Kleftiko caves. We hired our own boat to navigate to the best swimming spots in Milos. We were back by lunchtime to enjoying a relaxing meal by the water in the charming port town, soaking in the unique Cycladic architecture and laid-back vibes.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Where To Stay in Milos<\/h2>\n

    Milos is perfect for couples, beach lovers, and anyone seeking a slice of Greek paradise. For the full detailed guide, check out my complete <\/strong><\/span>Milos travel guide.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

    Asterias Boutique Hotel<\/a><\/strong>:<\/strong> Where we stayed, conveniently located close to Sarakiniko Beach, conveniently located near the famous beaches.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Melian Boutique Hotel<\/a><\/strong>:<\/strong> Recommended by a friend (unfortunately fully booked during our visit).<\/span>
    \n<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n

    View all hotels and homes in Milos<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Kleftiko Caves<\/em><\/h6>\n

    \"Boat<\/div>
    \"Kleftiko<\/div>
    \"Kleftiko<\/div>
    <\/div>
    \"Kleftiko<\/div>
    \"Boat<\/div>
    \"Kleftiko<\/div>
    <\/div><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    We had no agenda in Milos, but we knew we wanted to see as many beaches as possible. The thing that I loved most about this island is that it’s the perfect size, especially if you are traveling by ATV (which we were!). Most beaches were less than 15 minutes from us, but if we wanted to go on an outing, the farthest one away was 30 minutes. We spent 6 days here and saw a lot, but definitely could’ve stayed and stumbled upon more towns and coves.\u00a0Our favorite beach was Sarakiniko<\/a>, we went at least three times.<\/p>\n

    \n

    If you\u2019re trying to figure out how to split nights, choose the right bases, and make\u00a0 ferry days feel straightforward, I break down island pairings, timing, and route options inside my Greek Islands Digital Guide<\/a>.<\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n
    Sarakiniko Beach<\/em><\/h6>\n

    \"Sarakiniko<\/div>
    \"One<\/div>
    <\/div><\/p>\n
    Papagragas Beach<\/em><\/h6>\n

    \"Papafragas<\/div>
    \"Papafragas<\/div>
    <\/div><\/p>\n
    Paliochori Beach<\/em><\/h6>\n

    \"Paliochori<\/div>
    \"Paliochori<\/div>
    <\/div><\/p>\n
    Firiplaka Beach<\/em><\/h6>\n

    \"Firaplaka<\/p>\n

    Exploring Paros<\/h2>\n

    Stay details: Villa Veni<\/a> (the house we stayed at with our group of friends); Cleopatra Suites<\/a> (our second spot, we felt like locals here and were a 2-minute walk to the beach & restaurants); Yria Hotel & Spa<\/a> (a member of Small Luxury Hotels & near the main town). All hotels & homes in Paros<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

    We were thrilled about this part of our trip because it had been planned months in advance, a rare occurrence for us! As runners-up in a contest, we won a stay at any property in the world and chose this dreamy villa in Paros for its ideal location on a Greek island, ample space for our group of friends, and perfect amenities. We settled on <\/span>this 8-bedroom house<\/span><\/a> in Paros because it checked all the boxes for us: on a Greek Island, large enough to host a big group, pool, and easy beach access.<\/span> We coordinated the trip well in advance, invited our friends, and everyone flew out to join us for an unforgettable week filled with fun, relaxation, and exploration.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Paros exceeded all expectations, offering picturesque beaches, charming towns, and a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. For more recommendations, <\/span>check out the full list of hotels and homes in Paros.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

    Where to Stay in Paros<\/h2>\n

    For our unforgettable stay in Paros, we chose a mix of unique accommodations. For more recommendations on where to stay and what to do, check out my complete Paros travel guide<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Villa Veni<\/b>:<\/span><\/a> A spacious 8-bedroom house perfect for groups, featuring a pool and easy beach access\u2014our top choice for a week-long getaway with friends.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Cleopatra Suites<\/b>:<\/span><\/a> Located just a 2-minute walk from the beach and local restaurants, this spot made us feel like true locals.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Yria Hotel & Spa<\/b><\/a>: A luxurious option near the main town, part of the Small Luxury Hotels collection.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Our house rental (left) & cliff jumping in Antiparos (location<\/a>)<\/em><\/h6>\n

    \"Our<\/div>
    \"Cliff<\/div>
    <\/div>
    \"Cliff<\/div>
    \"Cliff<\/div>
    <\/div>\"Cliff \"Cliff<\/p>\n

    Our evenings in Paros were spent BBQ’ing, riding our ATV’s at sunset, and playing games like charades. I know it’s a trip we’ll remember forever. Having everyone in one place from all corners of the world was so special — our friends came in from Los Angeles, New York City, Seattle and Amsterdam. The hardest thing about traveling full time is not getting to see friends and family frequently, but the upside is getting to see them all around the world!<\/p>\n

    Kalogeros Beach<\/em><\/h6>\n

    \"Clay<\/div>
    \"Clay<\/div>
    <\/div>
    \"Clay<\/div>
    \"Clay<\/div>
    <\/div><\/p>\n
    Dinner in Downtown Paros<\/em><\/h6>\n

    \"Dinner \"Dinner<\/p>\n

    Sunset from St. Antonios Monastery<\/a><\/em><\/h6>\n

    \"Sunset<\/div>
    \"Sunset<\/div>
    <\/div>
    \"Sunset<\/div>
    \"Moon<\/div>
    <\/div><\/p>\n

    From Paros to Naxos: Adjusting Plans and Embracing Spontaneity<\/h2>\n

    After our time in Paros, we had planned to visit <\/span>Folegandros,<\/span><\/a> a remote island known for its untouched beaches and off-the-beaten-path vibe. However, getting there proved to be a challenge. We discovered that ferries to Folegandros only ran twice a week during the off-season\u2014a detail we overlooked in our planning (are you sensing a pattern?). Rather than stress, we embraced the change and extended our stay on Paros, renting a <\/span>charming seaside apartment<\/span><\/a> on the island’s east side. The extra time allowed us to enjoy more moments with friends who also decided to stay, and we were just a block away from one of the island\u2019s best beaches.<\/span><\/p>\n

    When it finally came time to leave, strong winds caused our ferry to be canceled. In true Greek island-hopping spirit, we pivoted once again and quickly decided to head to Naxos, conveniently located just a short ferry ride from Paros. This unexpected detour turned into another exciting chapter in our Cycladic adventure!<\/span><\/p>\n

    Highlights From Our Stay in Naxos<\/h2>\n

    Stay details: Naxian Collection<\/a> (where we stayed); Naxian on the Beach<\/a> (their beautiful sister hotel, fully booked during our stay); Medusa Beach Resort<\/a> (family run with a private beach); Santana Beach Hotel<\/a> (located on one of the most desirable beaches on the island). All hotels & homes in Naxos.\u00a0<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

    Arriving in Naxos felt like stepping into a postcard. The island\u2019s iconic whitewashed buildings are perched perfectly above the crystal-clear waters, creating a surreal welcome. Despite starting the day without a confirmed place to stay, we were fortunate to find a last-minute booking at the stunning <\/span>Naxian Collection<\/span><\/a>. Our room offered beautiful views of the island\u2019s bluffs, and the food was truly exceptional\u2014we couldn\u2019t resist ordering room service almost every day!<\/span><\/p>\n

    Naxos turned out to be a delightful surprise, offering so much to explore, from charming old villages perched on the mountains to calm, sandy beaches, even though the weather didn\u2019t fully cooperate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Where to Stay in Naxos<\/h2>\n

    Naxos proved to be a highlight of our Greek island-hopping adventure. For the full breakdown of where to stay, beaches and villages, here’s my complete Naxos travel guide<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Naxian Collection<\/b>:<\/span><\/a> Where we stayed, with beautiful rooms and views of Naxos’ iconic bluffs<\/span><\/p>\n

    Naxian on the Beach<\/b><\/a>:<\/b> Their gorgeous sister hotel, fully booked during our stay.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Medusa Beach Resort<\/b>:<\/b><\/a> A family-run gem with a private beach.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Santana Beach Hotel<\/b>:<\/span><\/a> Perfectly located on one of Naxos\u2019s most sought-after beaches.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Our hotel, Naxian Collection\u00a0<\/a><\/em><\/h6>\n

    \"Naxian<\/div>
    \"Naxian<\/div>
    <\/div>
    \"Naxian<\/div>
    \"Naxian<\/div>
    <\/div><\/p>\n
    Agios Prokopios Beach<\/em><\/h6>\n

    \"Agios<\/p>\n

    A Road Trip Through Naxos<\/h2>\n

    On our favorite day in Naxos we took a road trip from our hotel to discover different parts of the island. When you drive inland, it feels as if it could be mainland Greece. There are mountains, white cobblestone towns, and beautiful views of the ocean. Naxos might be the most diverse island we’ve visited, so it definitely tops my list for a Greek Island to visit!<\/p>\n

    Apiranthos town (left) & Chalkio town (right)<\/em><\/h6>\n

    \"Apiranthos<\/div>
    \"Chalki<\/div>
    <\/div><\/p>\n
    Koronos town<\/em><\/h6>\n

    \"Koronos<\/div>
    \"Koronos<\/div>
    <\/div>
    \"Homemade<\/div>
    \"Mountain<\/div>
    <\/div><\/p>\n
    Dinner at Tortuga<\/a><\/em><\/h6>\n

    \"Tortuga<\/div>
    \"Tortuga<\/div>
    <\/div><\/p>\n
    Protara Arch<\/em><\/h6>\n

    \"Downtown<\/div>
    \"Downtown<\/div>
    \"Protara<\/div>
    <\/div><\/p>\n

    Wrapping Up Our Greek Island Adventure<\/h2>\n

    Towards the end of our stay the weather took a turn for the worse so we decided to leave a day early. We took the late ferry back to Athens. It was a bittersweet ending to the trip. We missed being in a major city since we had been hopping around for almost a month, but we also didn’t want to leave the relaxed lifestyle of the Greek Islands.<\/p>\n

    It’s only a matter of time before we’re back…Folegandros, we’re coming for you. For more Greek Islands inspiration, have a look at our Santorini guide<\/a> or photos from our favorite beach in Milos<\/a>. You may also want to check out our guide to choosing the best Greek Island to visit<\/a>!<\/p>\n

    If you want help planning a route like this with less guesswork, you’ll find my insider tips, itineraries and more inside my Greek Islands Digital Guide<\/a>.<\/h4>\n

    <\/a><\/p>\n\n

    Preset collection used in this blog post: Greek Islands Collection<\/a><\/h5>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Updated for 2026. After months of nonstop travel since leaving Amsterdam in July, we finally made it to Greece! With a week in Paros already booked for September, we added Milos to our itinerary to celebrate our 1-year wedding anniversary. Here’s everything you need to know about our experience Greek island hopping in the idyllic Cyclades islands. First Things First:…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10255,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[48,116,327,431,328,350,352,351,335,27,317,318],"tags":[260,208,203,214,132,222,224,20,216,100,63,160,138,211,60,229,163,164,165,209,23,221,218,228],"class_list":["post-7801","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-destinations","category-europe","category-greece","category-greece-travel-guides","category-greek-islands","category-milos","category-naxos","category-paros","category-santorini","category-travel-guides","category-trendy-destinations","category-unique-destinations","tag-1-month-trip","tag-1-week-trip","tag-2-week-trip","tag-3-week-trip","tag-beaches","tag-bucket-list","tag-budget-friendly","tag-europe","tag-foodie","tag-friends-trip","tag-greece","tag-greek-islands","tag-honeymoon","tag-instagrammable","tag-islands","tag-landscapes","tag-milos","tag-naxos","tag-paros","tag-romance","tag-santorini","tag-summer","tag-trendy-destinations","tag-unique-destinations"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/finduslost.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7801","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/finduslost.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/finduslost.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finduslost.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finduslost.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7801"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/finduslost.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7801\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25040,"href":"https:\/\/finduslost.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7801\/revisions\/25040"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finduslost.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10255"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/finduslost.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7801"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finduslost.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7801"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finduslost.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7801"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}