Islands Vs Mainland in November

Hi there. My partner and I are finishing a tour of Turkey around mid-November. We are then planning to take the overnight train from Istanbul to Athens. Originally we thought we would like to "hop" over to Santorini for a few days but have heard that this may not be the ideal time of the year to do so. We are now thinking of travelling to Peloponnese. Does anyone have any recommendations???

Many thanks

Islands give a very different "feeling" during different seasons. I think Santorini would be a bit isolated on November. There are not a lot of people staying there during winter,so would be very quiet. If you really want to visit an isle,try Rodes,or Crete,as there are more pernament residents,and the place will not be deserted.Of course if you decide to go, do not wait to see a picture of Greek islands as we usually have them on our minds from magazine pictures etc etc. These pictures are what islands represent during summer, not winter! Peloponnese has some very beautiful places (talking about scenery), but I think worths a visit if you are mostly interested in archeological sites, museum and this kind of things. Again same rule applies: Visit larger towns,or places with pernament citizens, not touristic sites like some beach resorts on the south!

Many thanks for your advice - I think you have helped confirm that Santorini may be on the lonely side in November! We are not really interested in Greece for the beach resorts as we are heading back to Australia in December where there will be plenty of sun and sand to be had. This trip will be our last European expedition for a while so we are more interested in cultural experiences - so Peloponnese could be more suitable. My only other concern was how much the fires have damaged the region.

The fires have damaged a considerable part of the Peloponese - but don't let that stop you from visiting. Nafplio, Epidauros, Olympia, Monemvassia.... are all fine.

Other suggestions are Pelio (my favorite!), Epirus, Delphi area, Meteora....

Just got back from 10 days in the Peloponese, Navarino Bay area (southwest Peloponese) and Sparta. We saw some areas of devastation caused by fire, but not as bad as we expected. Scenery in that area is incredible and Mystras near Sparta is one of the most incredible sites I have ever visited. Weather might be a little iffy in November but there is just so much to see on the Peloponese it is always worth a visit.

How much time would you have in Greece?

sunnygreece and Jonathan - really appreciate the suggestions. Sounds like there are quite a few options.
Artemis2 - we are looking to spend approx. 1 week in Greece after which we are thinking of catching a ferry from patras to venice so would need to travel through the Peloponese at some stage anyway.

Olympia and the region around Nafplio (with Epidavros etc) have most ancient sites, but the south of the Peloponnese is the most scenic and atmospheric part IMHO with Monemvassia, Mystras, the Mani and (if you have enough time) the Messinian peninsula.

Delphi, Meteora and Pelion - as Sunnygreece suggests- is another option and Pelion peninsula indeed is lovely and very beautiful, but Pelion is a bit difficult to visit without own transportation.

In your position i would visit the Peloponnese.

In my experience November is a very wet month in thsi part of the world- lots of rain and being on an island with not much else to do might not be the best way to spend your time...You can find average weather ocnditions for Istanbul here. I'd assume teh islands would be similar