Help me find an alternative to Naxos, Greek island

[Holibobs11]

We want to go on our first Greek family self catering holiday in August.
Naxos and the Cyclades tick all our boxes but no suitable accommodation left so going to save that for another time.

Any suggestions on where instead? We are looking for turquoise blue calm water beaches, an authentic coastal town/villages to mooch around in the evening, boat trips (opportunity to visit a neighbouring island a bonus) and snorkelling also a bonus. (Not Crete as plan to go there to do the historical stuff when it’s cooler)
thanks

How about Hvar in Croatia?

Following this as I'm really keen to go to Greece next summer and would like some island options :)

Loads of other Greek islands would fit these requirements

Paros
Skopelos
Alonissos
Amorgos
Milos
Rhodes
Folegandros
…. and loads of other less well known islands, Astypalea Sifnos Symi etc etc.

The Ionians (Paxos, Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos) have a wasp problem in August so personally I’d say not there.

I’d also aim for a quieter island without an airport in August as the more accessible ones will be very busy.

I love Alonissos if you’re ok with pebble beaches, the water is amazing, it’s a marine park and the capital is charming - though on a hill not coastal. Skopelos is similar (next door islands) but has a coastal main town, could be a good option for you.

Parga is lovely, fly into the Preveza airport. It's not far to go to get the ferry to Corfu either so flying in there is a possibility. The ferry Corfu to Igoumenitsa
takes about 70 minutes and the ferry is about 40 minutes from Parga iirc

Thanks, v helpful. Now I’m put off by the wasps! Have also read they are bad in Skopoles. My daughter is scared of them so would not make for a relaxing holiday. Hmm. Greek islands without an August wasp problem? Unfortunately we’re tied to August (but grateful we can go on holiday this year of course, on a budget)

We love Syros and Tinos. Can also go to Andros from there, but haven’t been there yet myself.

How do you get to these from the uk? Other problem i was having with naxos in august was the cost of accommodation in mykonos or santorini for the nights of arrival and departure before/after getting the ferry

Kos. North coast. Somewhere around Mastichari. Close to two major ferry ports - Kos Town and Mastichari - for islands and even Turkey day trips. Very Greek. Good public transport. Reasonable priced taxis or car hire. Great base for exploring the mountains and national parks. Fantastic sustainably sourced sponges and loofah at prices you simply can't get anywhere else.

And direct flights to Kos

Naxos is fab but I would agree with PP that Syros is also lovely. It’s quite easy to get ferries between the islands in that region, I imagine flying to Mykonos would be best. Avoid Santorini Airport it’s the worst I’ve been to.

We've been to Lefkada in the Ionian Islands several times in August and only ever encountered wasps in one taverna. Gorgeous sea, greenery and an easy flight into Preveza

Or look at Kalymnos - a short easy ferry hop from Kos .( although it can be choppy in July so this rules out the masses all arriving ) The scenery is stunning in places especially with the views out to Telendos . The working port is not so pretty so it will never be like say Mykonos. lovely - beaches are small . Has a different easy charm and English is widely spoken . Lot of American / Ozzie ex Pat Greeks come home / Nordic visitors . It’s in a few package brochures . Famous for climbing - has a youthful undiscovered vibe. No big all inclusives - a lot of air bnb’s - small / simple hotels . Season lasts into October .

I liked Rhodes, stay away from the clubbing bit. I stayed in ixia, reasonably priced 5 star hotels, cheapish flights

Santorini
rodakashotel.com/

Paros
www.whiteblossomparos.com/

Naxos
aegeanpalace.reserve-online.net/?checkin=2023-06-07&adults=2&children=0&room=JSTPGV&lang=en&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgaGgBhC8ARIsAAAyLfEzdQ01XYFk7mEGBV7I0-zLkXX-Iv0gEyy1vHT9OKCyiErj4K_VJ6IaAtpaEALw_wcB&src=359&rooms=1&nights=1&currency=GBP

www.3brothershotel.gr/

@Holibobs11 are you going as a couple? I’ve got a couple of good budget places I’ve stayed on Mykonos for 1 night before catching a ferry.

Thanks all. Family of 4 (older kids) so if you know of any budget places for 4 much appreciated!

Pph almost missed this. Thanks so much :)

I know you said there isn't any suitable accommodation left on Naxos, but it may be worth checking with a Greek travel agency as they may have other options. We have used an excellent one called Aegean Thesaurus. We tend to book our own flights but then use them for their local knowledge and to arrange all our ferry transfers etc. They only take a very small cut so don't cost much more than organising it yourself. They're also really good at recommending suitable islands/places to stay. We've been to Sifnos a few times using them and stayed in Kamares, which is a lovely harbour town. Sandy, shallow beach which is sheltered and great for kids, white washed buildings, couple of blue domed churches you can walk to, lovely tavernas, few bars.

In terms of costs of having to overnight on Santorini or Mykonos, we often fly to Athens (as flights are cheaper) and then get the ferry from there after staying overnight. Alternatively, Naxos has an airport that takes internal flights I believe. My personal experience was that Santorini port was a nightmare for catching ferries to other islands. The road down becomes a bottleneck and it can take ages to get in or out. We almost missed our flight home because of this, so now fly to Athens instead.

Love talking about Greek holidays 🤣

Thank you :)