Naxos

As the largest of the Cyclades, Naxos has a lot more shoreline available. From the well-known Plaka to the more sedate Alyko, this area has a ton of beaches worth raving about and offers a wide variety of water sports. Make sure you sign up for a class if you want to windsurf or kitesurf on Naxos because of the strong winds that the west side of the island experiences. A portion of your trip should be set out for touring historic sites including the temples of Apollo, Demeter, and Dionysus.

If you want mild weather, April through October is the best season to visit Naxos. Walking, trekking, and environmental exploration on the island are best done in the spring and fall. Beach enjoyment is also possible, albeit the water is still a little too chilly for swimming. The busiest season is during the summer, especially during the popular months of July and August. June is an excellent month to travel if you want to take advantage of the warm weather without fighting the greatest crowds.

Rankings:

• #6 in Best Greek Islands