1

With only 7-10 days you only have time for 2 islands maximum. One good combination would be Paros and Antiparos. Both have some very nice beaches. They're fairly close to Athens and you can go see Delos on a daytrip from Paros.

I don't know what your accomodation budget is but on Paros check out Alexandra's Rooms and on Antiparos check out Mike's Place. Both have websites.

2

I would say that Paros and Naxos are two of the most touristic islands in the Cyclades, with plenty of group tours. They are both nice islands, but you have to find a small village to stay away from the crowds and be "surrounded by locals".
I would chose a less well known island. The Cyclades, (Naxos and Paros is part of this group of islands) are the islands where you find the "white wash building and blue shutters", and I think Tinos, Amorgos, Sifnos or Kea would suit you better. Not many historical sites, but the Cyclades in general don't have a lot of them anyway, most historical sites are on the mainland.

3

You are already avoiding the party scene and crowds by travelling in mid-September when the season is nearly over. Your " white wash building and blue shutters" suggests the Cyclades, so narrow your search to that island group. Paros and Naxos will be quiet by mid-September, with some hotels and restaurants already beginning to close. You should be able to find a clean but simple room with private bath for €30/night or even less on those two islands. Paros, Naxos, and Santorini are all on the same ferry route, with daily connections, perfect for a first-time visitor. You could combine two of those without feeling rushed, or even all three if you have a full 10 days.

4

All very good suggestions above. Narrow it down to the Cyclades and pick 2 or 3 islands there.
Now, since this will be your first time in Greece, it would be a shame to give Thira/Santorini a miss.
Maybe you can combine 2 quiet islands (I see Serifos, Folegandros and Amorgos haven' t been mentioned yet...) with a night (or two) in Santorini ? There will be cheap lodging available; just avoid the caldera view hotels and obvious tourist traps.
Have fun !

5

Hi,
The obvious choice is the Western Cyclades islands. Kythnos > Serifos > Sifnos > Milos > Kimolos > Folegandros > Sikinos > Anafi. Any 1/2 of those would do you and they are very roughly the same ferry line.

The Eastern Cyclades maybe Astypalaea > Amorgos > small Cyclades(4 of them) > Syros.

The Central Cyclades axis group of Mykonos/ Paros/ Antiparos/ Naxos/ Ios/ Santorini are the most touristy and the main resorts busy certainly into September. You can find smaller quieter resorts on those islands, so that's a possible.

Prices are well within your budget, rooms are around 30€ a night in most islands.
As a first timer there is far too much choice, in 7 to 10 days you just pick 1 or 2 and hope. If you like them you'll be back to do some more.

6

I would also have suggestedt the islands that ouzo above is mentioning IF you were going in June/July but since you will arrive in mid september - Naxos and Paros will still be the best alternatives! Easier to get to , there will be ferries every day after mid september which might not be the case for the smaller,less touristic islands!

Ingela

7

Thank you all for these great ideas! I'm going to research the frequencies of boats during the first half of September (when I'm there) between the smaller/less popular Cyclades (Eastern or Western).

And yes, probably 2 islands will be enough as I do want to relax and take it easy.

Ouzo and Thrym - that's great to hear that I can get accommodation for 30 euros/night. I've been reading the latest Lonely Planet Greek Island guide and non shared accommodation all sounds like it cost minimum 50 Euros.

I'm probably going to be there from the 5th to the 15th. Is it too risky to just turn up and find accommodation? What if I just book my first night and then look around for other accommodation options?

And one last question, I was going to be traveling with a suitcase (due to pre-Greek travel). Is this a very bad idea? Would you strongly encourage me to take a backpack?

Thanks again! I really appreciate all this help from fellow travelers in the know.

8

Hi, I am also planning to travel to Greece in september or August. Would you mind if we planned together?