If I like Naxos, will I like Kefalonia, or if not, where??

[Stealthtoast]

Looking for new Greek island ideas for this summer. Love Crete and Naxos for the beaches, food, countryside and history. DCs are 5 and 10 so sandy beaches and not too long a ferry ride is best. Would you recommend Kefalonia? Amorgos? Minor Cyclades? Skopelos? Somewhere else?

Amorgos as I recall is a long ferry ride from anywhere. (Overnight from Athens). Not a huge amount to see in the way of history (some monasteries?), it has a high mountainous spine so good for walking and views, quite barren countryside, quiet.

Skopelos is nice, easy access from Skiathos, not sure about sandy beaches though, Skiathos is better for those. Busier than Amorgos.

The Little Cyclades (if that’s what you mean by Minor Cyclades?) are very small and sleepy.

I would pick Kefalonia from your list. Direct flight. Lovely beaches, green countryside (Ionians are much greener than Cyclades). Lots of families. Also consider Zakynthos and Lefkas. All these are Ionian so are green but can be a bit waspy in August - July better.

Paros is quite similar to Naxos iirc so worth considering if you like Naxos. Easy ferry from Santorini or Mykonos I think. Milos is an option too, but harder to access. You could also look at Rhodes as a larger island with lots of history and direct flights.