Our beautiful island hopping trip through the Cyclades unfortunately came to an end

When we took off from Santorini yesterday, our beautiful island hopping trip through the Cyclades unfortunately came to an end.
In a word, we had a fantastic trip and enjoyed all the beauty that the six islands we chose had to offer. Everything was well organized and it was nice to always have the certainty of a transfer and accommodation. It is hilarious how the different providers in the ports want to draw attention to their hotels and rooms by shouting and it is great that we did not have to worry about it.
The tour operators were always on time at the port and provided us with the next envelope with information about the departure time, a map and possible excursions. Although we never needed them, they always seemed a bit rushed and after delivering us to the hotel, their task was already finished.
Below we would like to share our positive and negative experiences with you, in the hope that they will be useful to future clients.

Athens:
The hotel in Athens is simple but professional and neat. The location near the metro is efficient. We made few requests for this hotel, we only slept there and used our days to visit cultural Athens. The breakfast was certainly not of great quality. When we were picked up early in the morning for the transfer to Piraeus, we were given a breakfast package. Unfortunately, no staff was willing to make us a cup of coffee. We went to get it from the cafe across the street.

Mykonos:
Our first island turned out to be the least of the series. Mykonos is beautiful but very busy and noisy. You must have seen the town with its windmills and Little Venice and it certainly delivered beautiful photos. The hustle and bustle of young people racing around on scooters and quads without looking at anything as you walk along the street and the cruisers flooding the town are very unfortunate. However, our hotel was an oasis of peace. Small, neat rooms and a lovely pool. The two men who run everything there are genuinely involved with their guests and will read all your wishes. We visited two beautiful beaches by bus and rested from a tired final sprint in our teaching job. Our older children could have had the time of their lives in Mykonos. We loved the quieter islands that followed.

Paros:
Paros is a wonderful island. The comfort of Parikia, which was within walking distance of the hotel, the beautiful authenticity of the interior and the town of Naoussa that won our hearts. We rented a car here for two days and explored Paros from west to east and north to south. We were lucky enough to meet a Dutchman in the Kastro of Parikia, who lived in Paros and gave us all sorts of useful information, which even our guide Trotter did not describe. The Trata restaurant deserves a mention, located in a side street of the port next to the ancient cemetery. Traditional Greek cuisine, with a warm mother on the stove and very affordable meals.
We also took the ferry to Antiparos for a day. It is worth it, a wonderfully relaxed island where life seems to slow down. The ferry crossing costs a few euros and the bus will drop you off in front of the hotel. Recommended!
The High Mill Hotel, run by Anastasia and her brother, is a real family hotel and puts the warmth of the Greeks on the map. Grandpa takes care of the garden which is a feast for the eyes and where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast with a view of the sea. Anastasia has unleashed her creativity on the terrace, which looks very cozy and tasteful with the sailcloth and the pots with herbs and flowers. Our room also had a sea view and we saw the boats coming and going every day. Everything was clean and well organized. Every day there was time for a personal chat with the guests. Grandpa gave us cuttings of his beautiful double geraniums. He was very proud to be able to offer them with us. Soon we will have a little piece of Paros in the garden. Amorgos:
A downside was the timing of the crossing to Amorgos. Because the boat was delayed, we only arrived at the port of Amorgos at 01:45. The next day we had little energy to do much more, as we could not fall asleep until about three. We certainly didn't get bored along the way, a jazz band spontaneously started playing music on board. Very nice!

The village of Lakki is an oasis of flowers and fruit trees that grow and bloom between the houses. The rooms are clean, we just had no water pressure in the bathroom.
Nikki the busty owner hugs you and makes you feel at home immediately. The kitchen is delicious, as is the breakfast, where the most delicious dishes were served every morning. The location of the terrace is downright romantic under the trees right on the beach. We rented a car for the day, which was delivered neatly to the door and explored the island. Of course the monastery, where the monks welcomed us with water and a glass of Kitron and the Chora with its beautiful white streets. Steep cliffs, azure water and goats on the road characterize Amorgos. Koufounissia:
A pearl; the most beautiful island we have seen with barely 4 km2. Our arrival was very early, because everything was still asleep at Villa Anna. Maria, the most cordial owner of the hotel, offered us breakfast with a view of the harbor. We were tired and wanted to go to the room, but it was only available at noon. Since we could not unpack our suitcases, we had to spend time at the bar. Finally, in Maria's private apartment, we were able to put on our swimsuits and go for a swim. When we returned, the room was free. Villa Anna is really great. It is spotlessly clean, the room (actually a small apartment with kitchenette) is very tastefully decorated and fully equipped. (hair dryer with pegs on the balcony, candle, umbrella and mats for the beach, etc., etc.) Maria is a wonderful, warm and sweet woman who does everything for her guests and for whom nothing is too much. It was my birthday there and she made me a cake and picked flowers from the garden. Really very sweet!
Her bar and terrace are very cozy and offer a stunning view at any time of the day. We rented bikes and sweated on the beaches as well-seasoned Dutch people. Once there, the azure water made up for it.

Naxos:
The largest and greenest island in the series, with many olive and lemon trees. Here too we rented a car and looked for all the archaeological finds. We went to Naxos by bus, the archaeological museum in the upper town is a must. Nice service, just get on and off the bus in front of the hotel. However, the prices for bus tickets vary greatly between the islands. from €1.10 on Paros to €2.60 on Santorini for half an island. This certainly also applies to the car rental prices, Santorini being the crown with € 50.00 ...
The Plaka is a beautiful long beach with small dunes on which the Plaza Beach hotel is located. Beautiful large rooms, a nice pool and a very rich and delicious breakfast. The personal approach is much less in this hotel. Here we were a room number instead of a guest. Which does not change the fact that the staff always treated us friendly and helped us very well.
The Petrina restaurant, located 10 minutes walk from the hotel on the beach, is ideal for dining. Choose what you want to eat in the kitchen and dine under the vines. After so many beautiful impressions, we were a little hesitant about Santorini; after all, it is not always gold that glitters ...

Santorini:
Unforgettable arrival by boat along the steep walls of this volcanic island. Really beautiful! And the chaos in the harbor with hundreds of people disembarking from the big Blue Star. Our tour operator was in a hurry and on the bus she inundated us with information about excursions and scooter and car rentals.