Greek islands search - September 2015

You haven't received responses to this as yet, I note -- perhaps because you're expressing contradictory wishes. You want something "off the beaten path", not crowded, nice mix of beaches/culture --- yet something with a really good public transit system. Question: on this uncrowded, less-visited isle -- who's there to support extensive public transit?? I'm also not a driver, and have visited at least 25 islands, so I understand the need for transit, and sometimes the compromises that are necessary. It would also help if you'd share pertinent info such as fitness levels (i.e. like strolls/hikes or have physical limitations).

I also clicked on your name to get some further insight, and found that you asked the identical question 2 years ago, and got some very thoughtful, sensible answers. You responded that you were thinking of Sifnos (the island I thought of immediately!! one of my very faves: NOT crowded, GOOD bus system) and then Naxos, to use the day-excursion option to Mykonos/Delos. In your current request, above, you do not mention Sifnos -- may I ask why you decided against it?? I was there (again) this year, staying in delightful pension in Appollonia/Ano Petali, and bussing to 2 beaches. To link it to other suitable islands, you'd have to explore gtp.gr for the September ferry schedules. My other thoughts:

• ANTIPAROS & PAROS -- If your husband has not been to either, you should give him that treat. PAROS has excellent transport ... you could stay in Parikia or on its edge, on Livadia beachfront (the beach itself is mediocre), and bus to Naoussa and the eastern beaches ... the best beaches do require transit. And of course, plenty of culture & ancient sites. ANTIPAROS, you can walk everywhere ... stay right near the ferry pier, easily walk to several beaches. A totally relaxing place ... 3 days can feel like a week. And Paros has a ferry connection from Sifnos even off season.

• ARGOLID - NAFPLIO?? -- Have you considered this option??? I go there on every trip, new discoveries each time! An easy 2.5 ride on reserved-seat AC intercity KTEL bus, along coast, over Corinth Canal, then thru foothills and orange Groves. Nafplio, Old City on a peninsula, feels like island, surrounded by water. Culture everywhere! Town beach spiffed up and FUN (i went 2x this year)... other beaches 10-15 mins away... Tolo or my fave, Asine-Kastraki (stony tiny adorable, right by a ruin, with a taverna for sunset dinner). Ancient sites in town or a quick bus ride include Mycenae, Tiryns, Epidaurus. Here's SUPERB website: http://www.visitnafplio.com And you could combine this with a visit to an fab area on WEST coast of Peloponnese (a 4-hour ride from Athens, less from Argolid) ... Bus to Pylos,10€ taxi to Gialova, an idyllic beach and wonderful hotel, ZOE ... nearby are ancient ruins & wildlife habitat.

Thoughts on other options suggested to you 2 years ago, which you didn't react to:
• FOLEGANDROS - good connection from Santorini ... Gorgeous Chora village to explore (as beautiful as Amorgos but far more lively!) but without car, not for a long stay. The public transit will be less frequent in September, and the beaches aren't memorable.

• SIKINOS - KYTHNOS -- haven't been, but gather not plentiful in "sites" available w.o. car or hiking.
• MILOS -- Stunning beaches, lots of history, but port beach is really mediocre, and bus service is so scanty I was really limited w.o. car; went back with friends who drove, and saw a great deal more. On Plus side, it offers super day-sails around the edge of the island, stops for cove swims & BBQs.

NON-CYCLADIC CHOICES -- I love Samos, Chios, Rhodes -- but you'd have to plan well. Samos has fair bus system if you stay in Vathy area & do day trips.

And finally -- have you only been to NAXOS once?? then you really have only sampled its joys. I've been there 13 times and each time, new discoveries. And of course, the best bus system in Cyclades, and best housing option for beach lovers: Off-season stay St. George beach, walk to liveliness of port town in just minutes.

Hi Jan, thanks so much for your insight, I see you come up a lot on these pages with so much helpful advice.

We're not looking for extensive public transit, but perhaps as a possibility islands where cycling/walking are a good option for getting around. We're both in proper physical shape but aren't experienced hikers.

I had forgotten about my two year old question! And actually Sifnos was also one of the islands we visited and adored. I am extremely interested in your recommendation regarding Nafplio and will be doing some research accordingly.

Thanks again very much on your detailed response, I'll be looking into all of this over the weekend.

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