Unsung Greek Islands: Naxos, Ios, and Paros

The Greek Islands have long attracted travelers for their beautiful beaches, exquisite cuisine, photogenic hilltop villages, and historical sites. Whereas vacationers typically flock to the famous Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, a clutch of islands has avoided the limelight. Islands such as Naxos, Ios, and Paros offer a more authentic experience of Greek culture, while not sacrificing the comfort required for a luxurious sojourn in the Mediterranean. Let’s take a look at this trio of Cycladic islands. 

Naxos

The largest of the Cyclades, Naxos combines rich mythology with fertile landscapes and a lively coastal culture. Legend tells that Theseus abandoned Ariadne on Naxos and there are traces of the island’s mythical past scattered around the perimeter, including the monumental Portara by the port and temple ruins. It's also easy to visit the island of Delos by ferry as a day trip to see where the god Apollo was born.

Naxos Town (Chora/Hora) enchants with its Venetian-style castle (Naxos Kastro), winding alleys, and artisanal shops selling kitron – a citrus liqueur. Beyond the town, mountain villages like Apiranthos and Halki preserve traditional stone architecture while tavernas serve must-try dishes like rosto (slow-cooked pork with wine) and arseniko cheese. 

As for beaches, Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna are prized for their golden sands and calm waters, Plaka is noted for its endless dunes, and Alyko offers a wilder, less developed setting. Gentle hiking trails crisscross the interior of Naxos, bringing explorers up close with olive groves and Byzantine chapels.

Ios

Ios is the smallest of this trio of islands. As with Naxos, the main town goes by Chora/Hora and presents a labyrinth of whitewashed houses and bougainvillea-covered balconies. The cobalt-domed Panagia Gremiotissa Church is a delight at sunset where panoramic views stretch across the Aegean Sea and nearby isles. 

The Skarkos Archaeological Site stands on the outskirts of town, presenting a fascinating look at one of the most underrated prehistoric urban settlements in the Cyclades. Dating back to 2,800–2,500 BC, this site was only discovered in the 1980s and preserves evidence of social organization, farming, and trade.

Foodies should seek the local specialties of tsimetia (stuffed courgette flowers) and goat stews served in family-owned tavernas. As interest in Ios grows, boutique guesthouses and farm-to-table restaurants are becoming more prevalent. The island offers some of the Aegean’s most unspoiled beaches, such as Mylopotas, Psathi, and Manganari.

Paros

Paros strikes a balance between traditional Cycladic practices and a cosmopolitan edge. Its capital, Parikia, has an atmospheric old quarter with lively waterfront cafes and the Panagia Ekatontapiliani Church, one of Greece’s oldest places of worship. On the northern coast, Naoussa offers a postcard-perfect harbor lined with fishing boats, cocktail bars, and refined seafood restaurants specializing in gouna (sun-dried mackerel) and the freshest octopus.  For the quietest experience, stay in the heart of the island at the village of Lefkes. These whitewashed alleys are awash with jasmine-scented courtyards and traditional bakeries. 

There are beaches on Paros to match all desires. Kolymbithres has remarkably sculpted granite rocks rising from its crystal-clear waters, Golden Beach is where to go for windsurfing, and Santa Maria is a social spot with plenty of watersports to choose from. Paros is also becoming a hub for contemporary art and design, with galleries and boutiques popping up in all towns and villages. 

Ferries connect all three islands, with crossings taking as little as 30 minutes between Naxos and Paros, around 90 minutes between Naxos and Ios, and up to 2.5 hours between Paros and Ios. Contact Darby at Darby’s Destinations to design a bespoke itinerary for the Greek islands of Naxos, Ios, and Paros.