I already suggested Naxos to someone else, but I think it is a perfect fit for you. I took the ferry from Piraeus and I stayed in a small B&B in Hora, the main town. The B&B owner picked me up at the ferry, so the arrival was easy The room was clean and comfortable and I had a balcony where I ate a breakfast of yogurt, honey, nuts and cherries every morning and contemplated my own personal ruin, an archaeological site that was under study. The town is worth exploring (and is very photogenic), but the interior of the island was spectacular. I took the public buses all over and still think of the landscapes--spectacular. Once you get away from the tourist beaches, I think this is an incredible experience. You can probably skip Santorini. The archaeological museum is excellent, but I believe Akrotiri is still closed, after some tourist ignored the rules and fell through a ruin at least four or five years ago. The site was supposed to reopen this year, but I think there have been delays. The volcanic crater is beautiful, especially from Oia when viewed relaxing with a glass of wine and fresh pistachios, but the island has been turned over to the worst sort of mass tourism. Oia is a facade of beauty that has lost its soul. Santorini, the town, is a large scale tourist trap. Instead, keep on going south to Crete. Stay in Heraklion long enough to visit the Archaeological Museum. The big museum is most likely still closed, but they have put the most spectacular objects from the museum in a separate building, so you can won't be disappointed Then go to the center of the town, near the big fountain and the covered market. Park yourself in one of the cafes that serve cheese pies and have a big piece. Then to really overload on sweets, have a plate of loukamades. Now you are done with Heraklion. Time to head out of town. Archanes is a good place to begin, where you must eat at Kritamon. You will have to ask directions, because it is not on the main drag. At any rate Archanes would be a good base for seeing Knossos and exploring eastern Crete--head for the mountains to avoid the trash tourism that is spoiling the coasts. If you have some extra money, see if you can hook up with one of the programs listed on this site: http://www.cookingincrete.com/Schedule.html I have participated in two of them and highly recommend the experience. And if you have your own transportation, check this out: http://www.milia.gr/english.html

Posted Apr 01, 2011

I loved Hydra - it's about an hour and a half from Piraeus port. No cars or motorized vehicles, though. Not sure about scooters. But they do have donkeys! I went in late summer and didn't find a lot of tourists. You can walk everywhere and there are tons of different types of beaches.

Posted Apr 03, 2011

Hello Ames! On my trip to Greece I visited about 10 islands. Of the 10, Patmos was wonderful! While there are some tourists, I didn't find it to be overrun with them. There is much to do on Patmos, including renting scooters, many beaches, hikes to mountainside monasteries, and shopping. Coming in at second and third, I recommend Amorgos and Kalymnos (There are two sides to Kalymnos, there is the ferry side, which of course is more touristy,  but make your way to the quiet side - where there are no cars and only sailboats can access this tiny port. It was one of the most beautiful sights I'd ever seen, as if I was discovering it for the first time.)

I will post a picture or two of all three islands. Good luck and happy travels!

Posted Apr 09, 2011

well from Pireaus harbour you can get a flying dolphin these are the water buses of the islands and have routes so by picking one of these routes you can island hop on the same ticket.

Posted Apr 01, 2011

HI,

I haven't been to Greek recently, but I would recommend Rhodos and Crete.

Both have lovely scenery and very interesting archeological ruins.  And they would be fun to explore by scooter.

Best,

Alva

Posted Apr 01, 2011

Oh, you will enjoy it soooooo much!!  First, you can take the subway right from the airport, no need for car, and you can go all the way to port of piraus where you can catch a flying dolphin or other ferry ( but they are slower). I spent a week in Hydra and absolutley loved it.  The tourist season hasen't started yet and it will be less expensive.  I can reccommend an awesome little house you may be able to rent and it has great views.  It is rather high on the side of the town and looks right down into the harbour.  I loved it!!!  There are no cars on this island and you luggage it taken to you rental via mules.  There are more little churches on this island than you can believe and it is wonderful to hike up to the monestary.  Santorini is incredible also but more expensive and touristy.  Please feel free to ask me any questions and I can give you more info., on the rental I used if you wish.  I only wish I were going back soon!!!!  Don't miss going to the Acropolis, it is amazing!!!!!

Posted Apr 02, 2011

I enjoyed Syros. It's the "capital" with shipping, but there was also a magnificent monastery on top of the hill. Iraklia was the best of the islands we sailed to on our trip. Teeny-tiny but very authentic. The mayor was also the main fisherman and he caught and grilled our dinner for the evening!

Posted Apr 03, 2011

Hydra is definitely a loving place not far from Athens. In Cyclades i also recommend Syros with e great neoclassical history and sight seeings in Ermoupolis (the capital). In Syros leaves the biggest catholic community in Greece and the magnificent medieval village of Ano Syra it´s under the protection of the Vatican. There you can find a lot of handcarft shops and galleries of the locals artists. Amorgos is definitely a MUST too. It´s the island where the inicial scenes of film THE BIG BLUE take plae (to get an idea). During your stay in Greece and especially if you go to Hydra try to read THE COLOSSUS OF MAROUSSI by Henry Miller, it´s his memories from his trip in Greece right before the second world war started!

Posted May 02, 2011