Which Cyclades island to visit?

Question

My fiance and I will be in Athens on 5/29 and leaving on 6/2.
On our 2nd day (5/30), we will be visiting Santorini and staying one night.
The next day we want to visit another Island (Maybe Naxos or Paros). We want to spend a relaxing day on a nice beach and perhaps tour some sites/villages. I read that Paros and Naxos both have great beaches, but wanted to hear your suggestions.
Another question is if we should fly to Santorini to save time, then take the ferry back. Thanks!

Answer 1

Definitely a good idea to fly to Santorini to save time.
Paros and Naxos have indeed the best beaches in the Cyclades.
Paros is a typical calm cycladic island, the town is picturesque, you can have a walk there and visit the early-Christian church of Katapoliani (in the town). I recommend that if you have limited time to spend.
Naxos on the other hand is a big mountainous island. It has some amazing monuments, like the giant unfinished sculptures left on the quarries at Apollon and Melanes, medieval towers like Fotodotis and Timios Stavros or Panaghia Ypsilotera at Eggares, the temple of Dimitra at Sagri, the big door of the ancient temple right next to the port (remember to see that even from the ferry, as you pass by on your way to Paros), etc., and beautiful beaches(Pyrgaki, Agiassos and others), but be warned: you need a car and time to visit all these, and drive a lot on winding roads. If you want a relaxing short trip, go to Paros.

Answer 2

Great idea; Take the plane to Santorini, see the island and especially the sunset at Oia. Then boat to Paros. You dont have to book any accomodation, as there is plenty of possibilities upon your arrival (place and price). Have a nice holiday.