I've been a solo traveler a number of times, and I'm waay older than you ... you certainly can travel on 70€ a day or less in June -- your main disadvantage will be not having someone to split the cost of a room. But to give best advice, please share more:

(1) Surely you are not undertaking this hugely looong trip just for 10 days in Greece. Will you be in another country either before or after your Greece time? And what is the exact date AND time of day of your arrival in athens airport, AND same for your departure... in such a short stay, every hour makes a difference in the advice. For instance, your arrival time will determine whether you can catch a flight to your first island (hopefully, at one of the "promotional" prices offered by Aegean Air sporadically), or an evening ferry. and your departure time (to what destination? Europe or Australia?)affects your end-day strategy.

(2) Any particular reason why you chose Mykonos AND Santorini, aside from the fact that they are relentlessly promoted by cruise lines and package tour companies??? these are the MOST touricized islands AND the most costly ones ... also, the most inundated with cruise ship crowds. If there are 3 cruise ships moored at Santorini, there can be up to 9,000 people pouring onto the island for the day.
This is not to say that you shouldn't go to Santorini -- the caldera is a "must see" sight for a newbie -- but just be aware that it may not be the totality of a Greece experience. And the main thing about it is the view of the caldera, so what will you do for the other 5 nights? For a single person age 50, nightclubbing may not be the answer, besides being costly; you mention wanting to travel "very cheaply." Perhaps you should consider a shorter time (3 nites?) and then move on.
Also, what attracts you to Mykonos? It's noted for late-night partying and high-end shopping; are you up for either of these? You might look around for another island that offers a greater contrast to Santorini -- check Sifnos, Paros, Naxos, Amorgos. I have visited all these in late may/early june as a solo traveler and enjoyed each of them a lot, in fact, have gone back again. And ALL of these are far more reasonable in €€€ than either of the 2 you chose. Example: rooms as low as €25 or €30... full dinners @under €10-12. All have public transportation networks and fine beaches.

(3) Finally, what about ATHENS?!?!? This gorgeous city has been there for 5,000 years, waiting for you... surely you can give it 2 days. I can recommend a couple of hotels in the heart of the sightseeing area, with basic clean rooms and a roof terrace with view of the Acropolis, for about 60€ for a single.

-- My suggestion: 3 nights Santorini, 4 nights Island #2, and then 3 nights athens. Once you get your priorities decided, and your sequence, we can deal with details of transport (this comes FIRST), and then Lodgings.

Congratulations on being celebratory about this milestone birthday!! I wanted to go to Greece from my teenage years, but didn't get there until my 60s. Then I decided to keep coming back as long as I drew breath ... and the other day, my MD looked at my stats and said, you're likely to live to be 100. So I have some more trips to Greece in store... And so will you -- this is just your first installment!

Thanks Jan for your reply,
1.My travel dates & islands are not fixed, but I know I waht to be somewhere special when I turn 50 on June 11th. (I spent my 40th in Paris)
Plan to fly direct to an island via Athens, spend about 10 days (or longer) on islands, back to Athens for about 4 nts, then head some where else for a week or two ( maybe Asia).

2. I was thinking Mykonos & Santorini only because they appear to be covered in those classic white wash homes & have beautiful veiws. Do some of the other islands have similar looking towns? You have inspired me to the other islands that you reccommended though.

3. I like to stay where I can walk around knowing there are other people walking around, especially at night. I dont feel safe walking around in very quiet, isolated areas. I love to walk through the streets & to jump on public transport to see more of an area.

1. Arrival/departure -- if you can work it (and I know the times will be wacky, coming all that way), it's very time=efficient if you can plan your arrival so that you can connect immediately to your first island. THere are bargain flights around 5 am ... then a 2nd wave of flights about 8 or 9, then sometimes there's a noonish or 1 pm, then the next flights are 5-5:30, last ones abut 8. Check Aegean Air. good thinking to save athens for last.

2. Islands -- that's what I thought!! You chose them because brochures endlessly depict those 2 isles. Listen closely: there are more than TWENTY Cycladic islands -- and they ALL have the classic whitewashed houses! Here's a good map (legends are in french but Greek names are the same). Click on it and it enlarges: http://courses.cit.cornell.edu/his452/Feta%20Wars/Greece%20Map.gif
Now, see all Those islands in the Middle with the word Cyclades? There's a row on the left Starting with Kythnos... a bunch in the middle starting the Kea ... and a row on the right starting with Andros down to Astypalea. All the white buildings, all with many beaches (except for Santorini). The ferry routes follow those rows, with periodic ferry crossovers. If you start with Santorini, you can get ferries to Central (Ios Paros Naxos) daily, and W. Cyc every couple of days (Milos or Sifnos). .... Which ones to choose??? If you don't have a guidebook, get thee to a library, and look at Thos. Cook's GREEK ISLAND HOPPING -- that's the quickest guide to understanding how to get around. And for a Quick, visual, candid overview of islands, I like this pictorial, succinct website by a youngish Greek schoolmaster:
http://www.greek-islands.us/

3. ABOUT SAFETY -- Greece has the lowest petty-crime rate in the EU. Lately there's been a rash of pickpocketing on one Metro Line. the Green line from Piraeus (mainly targeting tourists who persist in keeping their wallets in their pants or jacket pockets)... but otherwise, relax. I've walked to the airport bus at 3:30 am in Athens without a shiver. And the thing about Greece -- late at night, things are still hopping, so there are ALWAYS people in the streets. I've never felt safer than I have felt in Greece, alone in the evening, meandering down a lane in the countryside, in a village -- or in the heart of Athens.

Check out Naxos, Sifnos, Paros ... all have good bus networks if u dont want to rent a car.
Google on "Image" for some of these. Here to get you started, is a slideshow of Naxos done by a Fodorite who goes there every year. I should do this with my own photos, but I'm lazy and just link you to Stanbr's: http://travel.webshots.com/slideshow/552001505EYxVYT

>-- My suggestion: 3 nights Santorini, 4 nights Island #2, and then 3 nights athens. Once you get your priorities decided, and your sequence, we can deal with details of transport (this comes FIRST), and then Lodgings. <

I like Jan's suggestion of the number of days on each island especially ending the trip in Athens.

Santorini and Mykonos are very popular, just as Jan has mentioned, but for good reasons. Mykonos has the prettiest town in the Cyclades and Santorini is spectacular. I feel you do need to visit one of them.

All that said, after visiting whichever you choose, another nice contrast could be Tinos or Andros, both on the ferry route back to Athens. The former is very, very pretty especially out of the main port. Many dovecots, those while cube buildings you are looking for and some of the most terrific isolated but charming small beaches. Andros is mountainous, lush, few tourists and a main town that is traditional and not too much changed over the years. It's a favourite island of many Athenians. Each island has good bus networks and ferry connections to Athens Rafina and Athens Piraeus are good.

Bill

Hi Magsbags,
As usual, travelerjan has excellent advice and details. As far as choosing between Santorini and Mykonos, I would say go to Santorini for the spectacular view. But due to your limited time, go to any of the other recommended islands for the quaint village experience instead of Mykonos. The first time I ever went to Greece I went solo to Paros at age 55. I never felt afraid or nervous, even meandering through town very late at night and up a dark walkway to my small hotel. Greece really is a comfortable place to visit for a solo female traveler. Have a wonderful and happy birthday!

I put off going to Greece for years because it never worked out that I could do it with a traveling companion and I didn't want to go there alone (even though I've traveled to other places in Europe and US alone). I finally went last year with my husband and while it was wonderful being there with him I now realize going to Greece solo would have been fine. It's very safe feeling.

So it looks like you have allocated about two weeks for Greece - you are saying 10 nights Islands plus 4 Athens. Have you considered going somewhere else on the mainland - such as Naplion on the Peloponnese? Or Delphi? We had a total of 15 nights and I felt what we did was a perfect intro to Greece - 2 nights Santorini, 2 hour ferry to Naxos for 2 nights, 1 hour ferry to Paros for 2 nights, 4 hour ferry to Athens for 5 nights, then 1 in Delphi and 2 Naplion and last night near the airport so we could see the Temple of Poseidon at sunset. I would probably cut a day off Athens if I were to do it over. You can take day tours to Delphi, and two or three day tours to the Peloponnese if you don't want to rent a car or do public transportation. That's what I'd do if I were going solo.

Here are the links to my trip report and photos which might give you some ideas. http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/from-santorini-to-the-peloponnese-isabels-photos-and-trip-report.cfm

The feedback to my request for help with my trip has been fantastic! I appreciate everyone taking the time to share their experience. Keep it coming.
Im now sorting out a few dates, maybe arrive Athens June 1400hrs, now searching for connecting flight to Santorini, but allowing enough time incase of delay & for bag collection, thinking 1700-1730 flight. What do you think?
Maybe 4 nts Santorini, 3nts Paros, 3 Naxos, then 4 Athens.
Is this the right oder to get to each island?
Once this is sorted I will start looking at accommodation.

Sounds pretty good to me, mags! And you are correct in getting your transport figured out, before your lodgings. So many people do the opposite, and then find themselves unable to get to the right place at the right time.

The sequence should be slightly altered. The best ferry (Blue Star) from Santorini goes FIRST to Naxos then to Paros. In June there are sailings at 7 am and about 1300 (3 pm), takes about 2 hours, buy plain "Economy" ticket ... this is a "regular" ferry, has outside decks where you can sit and get the full caldera view as you leave... Another good thing about Paros last, if you're taking Blue star back to Athens, from Paros it's 1 hour shorter trip, just 4 instead of 5 hours.

You'll have a choice of 2 Blue Star sailings back to Athens: one leaves 11am arrives 1600 (3 pm). If you don't want to cut up the middle of a day, take the other, which i call "The dinner ferry". Buy "reserved economy" ticket, €4 more, guarantees you a comfy lean-back seat indoors to snooze, when you want to come in from the deck. Leaves Paros about 7 pm, you enjoy sunset on deck, have a bit in the cafe, read & snooze indoors arrive in Piraeus 11:30 most nights. The Metro green line runs until midnight & the station is just across from Blue Star, so you can zip to Syntagma Square in 25-30 minutes for 1€. If not, make friends on the ferry & split a taxi to the Plaka district. Pretend you're together, get out at same place, u are charged just one fare. Insist on taxi using the meter.

Finally, consider doing 3 nights Santorini, 4 nights Naxos.... that would still give you 2.5 days on Santo (if you take the 3pm ferry). The island is pretty much about The View, not beaches... and the main archeology/history thing, the Akrotiri dig, is still closed. But it's your call... If you add the day to Naxos or Paros, you have an extra option -- from both these islands, there are TWO companies that run a day excursion to Delos-Mykonos. Of the 2, we recommend the one using HV Alexandros, a larger vessel, smoother ride. Glad to see you've allotted 4 nites to Athens it's wonderful in June, and SO much to see ... and after you've been in Greece awhile, the famous sites will resonate so much more for you!

Accommodation will still be plentiful in June -- but if looking for good budget hotels in Athens, get on that immediately, they go fast. Near Syntagma, walkable for Metro or airport bus, look at Hotel Myrtos, Metropolis Hotel, Arethusa, Central, Cypria, Plaka, Pan, Achilleas, Amazon. For Santorini, as a solo person, I suggest staying in Fira Town or Firostephani, not out in Oia (u can take a bus up there for foto's & lunch). Post separate query re Santo hotel preferences -- i.e., do you want caldera view from hotel terrace, can you do steps up/down from room etc. State your room budget in €€ & you'll get many ideas.

Congratulations on a celebratory FIRST trip to Greece... you'll want to return I know!

Naxos is closer to Santorini and Paros is closer to Athens, so switch the order of your visit.

International flight arrives in Athens 1245, flight to Santorini leaves 1730, is there enough time between flights to make this domestic flight?

Plenty of time... too much time in fact you'll be through all those lines & have your checked bag in hand within an hour, then give yourself another 30 minutes to hit the ATM machine & walk to the Domestic-flight end of the same building. ... I like to have 3 hours in between, but you've got nearly 5! See if you can check your bag in early for your domestic flight, then go across the street to the Sofitel, to sit in a bar or cafe with more comfy seats ...

Thanks again, I feel as if I have a guiding angel or two on this forum!
I am looking for hotels , my sister is able to join me for the Greek Island part of my trip now. Dates as following;
Fira, June 26, 27, 28th.
Naxos, June 29, 30th, July 1st & 2nd.
Paros, July 3, 4,& 5.
Budget around 50 Euro. Should I be concerned about having air con at this time of year?
We're both fit & walking is not a problem, but do like to be handy to cafes at night.
Do I take the day trip to Mykonos & Delos from Naxos or Paros? Thanks for your help.

Also I have a flight with Aegean Air to Thira, the internet price doesn't mention baggage fees, is this fee separate or usually included in the price?

Just for fun if you find a copy of the old movie "Shirley Valentine" be sure to watch it before you go on your trip to Greece. It was a great movie about a solo traveler named Shirley Valenine and her vacation in Greece.

From the Aegean Airlines website:

Baggage

Each passenger may carry baggages weighing up to 20 kilos on all domestic and international flights, to be handed over at check-in. Infants (0 – 2 years old) have a baggage allowance of up to 10 kilos.

Hand luggage

Each passenger may carry on board the plane 1 item of hand luggage, weighing no more than 8 kilos and measuring no more than 55cm in length x 40cm in height x 20cm in width.

Excess baggage charges

On domestic flights, passengers will be charged €2 for each kilo over the appropriate limit. On international flights the charge for each excess kilo will be equivalent to 1.5% of the official IATA fare. For more information, please contact our reservations department.

There will be times when they enforce these rules strictly and other times when no one seems to care very much if you go over your limit. That's Greece for you!

Hotels at 50 tops? in June-JUly? a challenge ... here are my thoughts (and YES, AC is important at time you are going, maybe not every day, but enough...

SANTORINI - here's where we're staying in may for 40 - so it should be no more than 50 in june http://www.hotelmargarita.gr/ -- It's in Firostefani, the north edge of Fira... back from the rim about 100 yards.. AND it has a pool. PLUS the owner will pick you up/drop you off at the port (I think airport too; check on that). ALSO our deal in May includes continental breakfast, so if he responds to inquiry with availability but doesn't mention breakfast, ASK.. I think that this year, these mid-level non-honeymoon hotels are looking to fill rooms..

NAXOS - bigger supply of rooms 50€ & under, In Ag. Giorgios (st George) beach area. Oddly, quietest area, least traffic is nearest Naxos Town. Here's a Map showing many hotel locales http://www.naxos-greece.net/site/gfx/chora_naxos_hotels_map.jpg
Following hotels have "Studio Units" (ie. hotplate & sink, u can fix breakfast. Making coffee can save u tons!!) Studio Naxos - next to #42 on Map, Hotel Elizabeth #52, Hotel Syrianos #46... also Hotel Sanudos #58 -- all these have online sites or descriptions.

PAROS -
(1) http://www.alexandrasrooms.gr/Photos.html -- BrotherleeLove found this Gem. When you exit the pier, walk left along water till u reach a beach area. entry beside a retail store "colors" Was 30€ in May, should be nor more than €40 in early July. A/C not mentioned.
(2) http://www.hotel-cyclades.com/details/index.html In Same area -2 bldgs: hotel rooms ( with breakfast included) or studio units. Doesn't mention A/C in hotel rooms.
(3) http://www.hotelirene.gr/ -- Same area, faces right on beach. A/c, hotplate. Site doesn't give prices; I would suggst emailing asking do you have any rooms @ 50€ for these dates? and even if the "rack rate" is 55, they might think a bird in the hand...

Thankyou to all above for your impressive knowledge of the Greek Islands. I could not have organised my trip without you!
June
Fly to Santorini Wed. 23rd, 4 nights.
Ferry to Naxos Sun. 27th, 4 nights.
Ferry to Paros, Thurs. 1st, 4 nights.
Ferry to Athens, Mon. 5th, 3 nights.

Question- Do I need to book ferry tickets or can I buy them on the day? Are Bluestar ferries running everyday at this time of the year?
Should I do day trip to Mykonos-Delos from Naxos or Paros?

Good for you! Glad to see you have this settled ... and I'm assuming you have some kind of lodgings lined up.

ABOUT FERRIES -- YEs BlueStar Ferries run about 2 x a day, regular as clockwork. No you don't need to book online, but don't wait until the morning of sailing, either. That Sunday Naxos ferry is going to be full of people returning to Athens, so buy it on Santorini the day u arrive, or the 24th. About the Ferry back to Athens -- the Day ferry leaves Paros at 11 -- lands at 3 pm. If you want to squeeze another island day into your vaction, you might consider taking what I call the Blue Star "dinner ferry" --leaves Paros 6:45 pm. (Check out of your room at noon, stash your bags with your hotel clerk, enjoy an afternoon at the beach & ask hotel guy for use of a vacant bathroom to wash up & get into travel clothes). This ferry arrives 5 mins after midnight. Alas, Metro has stopped running, and taxi fare doubles after 11 pm. However there's an answer; buddy up to a couple of fellow travelers & split a taxi to the Plaka district. NOTE: get out at same place, or taxi will charge each.

ABOUT DAY TRIP - do it from Paros -- picks up later, returns you earlier. If you are staying in Parikia, you do have to go up to Naoussa to get the boat. THere are 2 companies doing these trips, one runs the Naxos Star, one runs HM Alexander - choose the latter it is a heavier boat, smoother ride if it's a windy day. IN fact, good idea to get a weather forecast the day before, when you book.

PS: if you do get the "dinner ferry" pop for the extra €4 for "reserved economy" since it's a longer ride & in evening. Just plain economy entitles you to a chair on deck, or along the corridors inside. With the "reserved" you may also sit on deck as long as you like, but after dark, when you want to come inside and read or nap, you are guaranteed a numbered, lean-back upholstered seat...

Thanks Janet. I followed your advise & brotherleelove, for lodgings.
Margarita 45euros , Iliovisalema(my guess?)50euros, Alexandra Rooms 30euros, Myrto 72euros.
Average 31 euros a night each, Im very happy with that.
I would hate to think what it would cost if I used a tour company!
You might be interested to know that I am going solo to Paris for 7 nights, 3 mins from Notre Dame Cathedral (accommodation 52euros with breakfast). Then Venice 3 nights ( 75euros, 10 steps from San Marco Square) I'll let you know how they go! Then I will meet up with my sister in Athens.
Everything booked, just doing alot of research now on each
destination. Janet I am looking forward to hearing about your next trip which isn't far away.

Thanks Mags, today I mail off my "trip kits" to my 5 travel pals ... we rendezvous in Athens on May 12, I'm pumped! I never get round to doing Trip Reports for the various forums, but am thinking about starting a Blog ... we shall see.

I've been copying a lot of this in case I decide to go to Greece, thanks for lots of good information.

And Magsbags, what's your hotel in Paris?

SusanP - Hotel in Paris is Hotel Marignan, rue Sommerard.

Hi I too am travelling paris to venice could you please tell me the name of lodging in venice

jillianfk- Hotel Ai Do Mori, easy to find, 20 or so steps from San Marco Square, nice staff, great room, quiet.

Can you confirm that Hotel Ai Do Mori was 75E night single occupancy in June?--that's a very good price I think. (I was in Venice at beginning of June '09 and stayed in a one-bed apt for 70E/night, which I thought was a good deal at the time--but it was in Canareggio, which is farther from the "action" in San Marco (actually it's a great area). I felt cheated with only 3 days in Venice and am thinking of going back for 7 days in Sept. or Oct.

Also, I am very interested in your Greece itinerary and how it worked out. Could you give feedback on how it went? I was considering a cruise from Venice to Greek Islands (never done a cruise), but I hate spending the $, esp. since I prefer solo travel. By the way, I traveled for 7 weeks (6 in Italy, 1 in Paris) by myself last year at age 63. I do speak some Italian and pretty good French, which helps, but it was really easy and fun since I'm pretty extraverted.

I hate to spend the $$ too!

Venice;Yes Hotel Ai Do Mori was 75euros, single a night, with shared bathroom. It has nice decor and is clean. No breakfast available. Checkout their great website, it is very informative. 24 hour reception is on the 2nd floor, then my room was on the 5th (or 3rd from reception), secure, quiet, friendly staff. I booked direct, and paid cash on departure, can leave your bags there on last day if required.
Greek Islands;I flew from Venice to Athens, then flew to Santorini, then ferry to Naxos and then Paros, and then ferry back to Athens. Ferries and flights were all easy to use and not that expensive. Santorini is a picture and you should visit Oii and the beaches there are nice to swim in. The bus service on the islands runs smoothly and is cheap. I feel if you were on a cruise you would not get time to visit all of Santorini, need a 2 or 3 nights max. Naxos has a lovely fishing port and lovely sunsets. The hotel I stayed in was great, very very clean and had a lovely family running it. It was in the perfect position between the port and St George beach.2 or 3 nights max. From Naxos I took a ferry to delos and Mykonos for a day trip. Next time I would stay at Mykonos longer. Paros was not as nice as the other islands2 nights max.
I think there is a ferry from Venice to the Greek Islands, that might be a better option than an expensive cruise. Then just use the ferry service to travel around independantly.
The Islands are very safe to wonder about on your own.

Can you tell me in what way Paros was not as nice? I'm starting to research a trip to Greece for next July and am deciding which islands to go to. Thanks!

Susan --- some people find that the Port town of Paros, Parikia, is not as attractive as the Naxos port, of Naxos Town... but this is an individual judgment. For visuals: to see a slide show of Naxos Town and the Island's beaches & highlights checklink above in my Feb 12 message.... check out Paros here: http://www.greekisland.co.uk/paros/paros.htm

One factor may be that Naxos has a bus system that enables you to reach to all the best beaches/beach towns without car rental, whereas in Paros, you're more likely to need a car or an ATV to get to some places ... I know I've enjoyed Paros more when I was with someone with a car, and in Naxos , didn't matter. If nightlife is tops on your list, Paros is livelier in that regard, might consider staying in Naoussa in July. It isn't clear from your post whether "I" means you are going solo, or whether you are a couple or going with friends.

NAXOS --If going in July, I would suggest staying at Plaka Beach, bus every 30 mins to Naxos Town, and Plaka has tavernas & nightlife in July too. Some of the beach towns & variuous lodgings have a more "dusty" feel & Look, but I really like this family-run budget place, which is at the end of the bus line... a terrif taverna, with 3 building units, right on the beach: http://aronisnaxos.com/index%20en.html ... if you are seeking luxury, beyond the bus line at Plaka beach is Medusa Resort http://www.medusaresort.gr/ -- you will need a car, but if this place is within your means, a car will be also. And NAXOS is a superb island to explore... mountain villages, ancient ruins and statues, stunning views... if you are going solo I'd suggest staying at St. George beach area, directly adjacent to Naxos town, and going to Plaka beach by day. St. G. is so handy for Naxos Town night life & being able to stroll back in 5-10 minutes along the water to ones hotel. Budget Suggestions right on the beach: Hotel Glaros, Hotel Asteria, Hotel St. George, Kalergis Studios, Thomais Studio, Hotel Sanudo ... upscale (with pool, & 50 metres from beach): Naxos BEach Hotel.

What's not nice?

Paros has beautiful beaches, some interesting mountain villages, a lively port villate (Parikia), a charming fishing village (Naoussa), a lovely seaside village (Pisso Livadi), a small archaeological museum worthy of a visit along with the Church of 100 doors, easy access to Antiparos by frequent local shuttle ferry, and access to Delos Island and Mykonos by daytrip excursion boat.

Another vote for Paros. But not the port town of Parikia. Go to Nauossa, which is much more beautiful and picturesque. Also try to visit Golden Beach, home to the windsurfing championships. It's nearly two miles of white sand, with many places where you can rent umbrellas/chairs, or have a leisurely lunch.

The area in Parikia immediately around the ferry docks isn't all that attractive, but then what dockland area is? One gets a better first impression arriving on Naxos with the ancient Portara drawing your eye away from the docks.

Walk a few streets away from the docks in Parikia and there are some beautiful sights, including the Venetian kastro with it's winding passageways. Many people aren't aware that an ancient cemetery lies only a few steps away from the docks. It was discovered during a construction project, excavated revealing crypts and funeral urns, and has a small display to the side. Ekantontapiliani (Church of 100 Doors) is simply stunning, but you don't realize how beautiful until once inside.

The impression that you need a car on Paros is wrong, although I won't deny it is an advantage to have one. I have been going there and to nearby Antiparos for many years, and when I can't reach somewhere on foot, use the buses. Perhaps the idea that you need a car to reach the beaches is that Paros has so many. Paros has beach resorts all around the island, not only the major ones of Parikia and Naoussa, but Piso Livadi, Chrisi Akti (Golden Beach), Drios, Aliki, Pounta, and many more. Most of them are reachable by bus and a short walk. There are also several beaches served by taxi boat, including Krios from the Parikia docks, and Kolimbithres, Monasteri, and Langeri from Naoussa harbor.

The majority of visitors to Naxos use only four beaches: St George in Naxos Town, and Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Plaka, an area of salt flats just to the south of town. From mid-June to September the buses to/from the beaches are packed during peak hours. There are a few other beaches reachable by bus, but go further afield and you will need a car.

Thanks for all the responses. I've been reading a couple of other threads as well where you all contributed, and it seemed as though Paros or Naxos would be good. I plan to start in Santorini (3 nights) and end in Athens (probably 3 nights). I have 4 more nights, so time for at least one more island in between, and depending on how much I pay for hotel, I might be able to add a couple more nights for another one. I will be alone and will not have a car, so from that viewpoint, it sounds as though Naxos might be a little better, although apparently Paros has a good bus system as well.

I will definitely want a hotel close to restaurants (I prefer not to have to go a long way for dinner) and the bus line. I can't afford luxury, hope to do below E100 per night, and below E75 would be even better. I know elevators aren't common, but hope to find something where I don't have to climb many flights of stairs at the hotel (arthritis in the knees). Don't worry, I know there is a lot of walking and a lot of stairs in Europe (have been to London, Ireland alone, Paris 3X, 1 of those alone and Italy 7X, all alone). I just try not to add many flights of stairs at the hotel!

Unfortunately, step-climbing is a fact of life if you want to stay in a village over the caldera, but there are hotels away from the cliff that are more easily accessed. It just depends on your preference.

Santorini has a wide variety of hotels in every price range. Well-priced hotels in Oia include Delfini Hotel, Thea Studios, Old Oia Houses, Oia's Sunset Hotel, Musses Studios, Anemomilos Hotel, Villa Kallisti and Casa Sofia. Of these Oia's Sunset, Musses Studios and the Anemomilos Hotel have the fewest steps.

If you prefer easy access to the island's bus system focus your hotel search on Fira and Firostefani so you can easily walk back to your room. Check Anemomilos Suites and Villas, Villa Fotini, Hotel Mylos, Blue Dolphins Apartments and Villa Maria Damigou.

If you want to stay at a beach resort check the listings for Kamari Beach and Perissa Beach. There are few if any steps to climb on that side of the island.

http://www.santorini.com/hotels-in-santorini/kamari.htm

Susan, because you're a girl after my own heart, I'm going to give you my Naxos hotel link -- http://www.naxos-saintgeorgebeach.com/studios-naxos/index.html ... A/C, about 40 feet from St. George beach, each unit has a kitchenette niche and a nice balcony ... tell Mrs. Tsagklis Janet from Philadelphia sent you, and that you want Janet's Room, #2, 1 floor up. I can't attach a photo here, but e-mail me (click on my name for profile), and I can send you pix of the room & balcony, shaded by tree, view of the sands. In July, it may cost €30-35 for single occupancy. As a plus, the hotel right across the (narrow) lane outside is entirely occupied by Scandinavians all season long, quiet quiet quiet. What's not to love?

SANTORINI -- In FIrostephani, look at SUNSET HOTEL ... entry right off a main lane thru firostephani, only a few steps up, leading to a very large common terrace with comfy seating for the sunset. http://www.sunsethotel.gr/ Only 8-10 rooms I think, friends stayed there in late May for about 60€/double, maybe because they were "walk-up inquirers" and there were vacancies. Of course July would be more, but I think you could do it for €75 or 80 if you e-mail direct and ask, do you have a room for xxx at xx€ per night?? I think in this economy many hoteliers may think "a bird in the hand"...

We stayed just south of there at Kafieris Apts, had room w. nice view but its common terrace very small & monopolized by others. AND access to hotel entry was up a very steep ramp. In future, I'd use Sunset. We found FIrostephani to be away from the hubbub, yet Fira was easy to access (there is a fairly level walkway-lane that parallels the main road, about 15 minutes max to Fira Square). You can also walk along the rimside lane. Several good restaurants right in FiroStephani, including Aktaion, right off the rimside lane/walkway mentioned.

brotherleelove, yes, I realize there will be a lot of steps just getting around! And I can deal with some at the hotel if necessary, just hope it won't be many flights. Thanks for all those Santorini suggestions.

Jan, That Naxos place looks great. I will email you for the photos. That price would be fantastic as well! Thanks.

Jan, you were posting at the same time. Thanks for the additional one for Santorini. Are there decent bus schedules on Santorini as well, and if so, would Sunset be fairly close to that?

The bus between Fira and Oia passes right by Firostefani and the hotels there are not far from the road.

Bus Schedules: http://www.ktel-santorini.gr

Map of Santorini: http://www.ktel-santorini.gr

Thanks, brotherleelove, that's very helpful, except both those links are the same, for the bus.

oops!

http://www.santorini-web.com/map.pdf

Thanks!

OK, looked at my budget again, and with these great hotel prices, I can do 13 nights in Greece. So now I have to decide how to split the nights. I was thinking 3 nights Santorini, 4 nights Naxos, 3 nights another island and 3 nights Athens. On the other hand, I generally don't like to move around so much, so I might do 3 Santorini, 6 Naxos and 4 Athens. Any suggestions either way? (I'm looking at some other islands to see if one really pulls me so that I'd do the first itinerary.)

And thanks for the pictures, Jan. I did email you back.

bookmarking

Great info- thanks!

Susan, if you wanted to move on from Naxos, you could just hop on one of the many handy daily ferries (1 hour) to Paros... and from the harbor get the 10-15 minute ferry to Antiparos ... low-key, low-cost, lots of charm. Our expert Heimdall has been spending lots of time there for 30 years. You can go kayaking there! And it's small, so you could get a fair taste in 2 days. Also, 2011 may be the last time it IS low-key... Tom Hanks & wife bought a place, then Madonna snapped up 28 acres to assure privacy for her luxury villa abuilding -- I have to get there too next June before it all changes.

Sigh. Back when I was a young chick we used to go to Martha's Vineyard on the cheap, rode bicycles everywhere. Then Jackie Onassis came, and all her NY Times friends and BOOM!

Re the Hotel distance to Naxos Town about 8 minutes to the start of the waterfront ... This SkyMap makes it totally clear: http://www.skymap.gr/?ElementId=59724&Category=0

HOtel on Beach is directly behind Yialos & Kavouri tavernas on the beach. BTW, at start of harborside, cafes Day & Night & Cream are ideal spots to enjoy (and photo) the sunsets.

Antiparos indeed is a wonderful island, but gets quite busy from mid July to August, and with high season prices won't be particularly low-key or low-cost.

The celebs tend to stay in villas on the south end of the island, keeping a low profile - they can do that on Antiparos, and when they are seen, people tend to leave them alone. Tom Hanks has been staying on Antiparos for many years - his wife, Rita Wilson, has family connections with Greece. Last summer there was a story in Paros Life that Madonna had bought some land on Antiparos, but I didn't hear any more about it when I was there in June. Since we are name dropping, Brad Pitt has visited, and Prince Albert of Monaco has been there more than once. I don't think there is any danger of Antiparos changing much in the near future, though.

That said, Antiparos would be a great place to stay for a couple of days, or to just day trip from Paros. Many people come to see the stalactite cave, or to take a round-island boat trip. Several beaches are within walking distance from the port, and the island has bus service to Soros and San Georgio at the southern end, where the beautiful villas and best beaches lie. There are no high end hotels on the island, mostly rooms, studios, and apartments.

Travelerjan, so what is your Athens suggestion for E60 in the heart of the sightseeing area? Sounds pretty good!
Thanks.

Susan I'm a real budgeteer, so don't expect fancy lobby or hallways, but Hotel Phaedra has nice clean rooms and balconies that either overlook a church or on the other side on 3rd or 4th floor... a view of acropolis. It's right in the Heart of Plaka ... has a rooftop terrace with no bar, just tables, so you can bring your own snackies up for breakfast or evening relaxing ... in May-June it's 60€ ... ask about July. Also, Hotel Metropolis ... same deal with rooftop terrace .. on Metropolis St, right down from Syntagma about 3 blocks... you can see it a long wy off because its front is covered with the world's largest Bougainvillea vine... from the front door up to the 7th floor terrace. Ask for a front room 3rd floor or above, with balconies ovelooking the Cathedral (i.e. the Metropolis). I stayed there this year. On this map http://www.cretetravel.com/Athens/Athens_mini_guide/Athens_map.htm Phaedra is between #35 and #63, Lyssikrates St.... and Metropolis is right across Street frm #17. Don't buy their breakfast ... go across the street to Starbucks,get their lattes & croissant & take it up to your balcony!
--- Google them, take a look, read the TA reviews, decide. These are good clean plain budget hotels with ideal locations, for people on a budget. I travel on under €75 per day for everything.

Jan, Do either or both of these have elevators? That's a lot of flights without one.

Also, one other thing, not sure if it was on this thread or not, but for Santorini you recommended Hotel Margarita, then came back with the Sunset Hotel. Looks as though Margarita may be a bit cheaper, but more importantly, I like the pool and the pickup from port. Any reason why Sunset is much better?

Margarita is waaay downhill from the Caldera ... Sunset is ON the Caldera. You have to go to the Website of Margarita and look at the map, and then Sunset, and look at the view ... IF you want a caldera view AND a pool, you can Go to Villia Ilias, Or pay a lot more. Since you haven't stated any Euro range of what you want to pay, cannot advise. It's your call.

Here is a useful list of some more-upscale Firostephani hotels, most of which offer pools. There are not exact rates for all the hotels, but a fair sampling. You will see that the pool + view is a costly option (tho not as much so as Oia). It brings a perspective:
http://mykonos-accommodation.com/santorini-firostefani.htm

A lot of us have champagne tastes on a house-wine pocketbook ... but I've learned to like house wine pretty well!

About port pickup ---

If you look at websites, most of the Firostephani hotels will pick you up at the port... some will deliver you back. This is done via a mini-bus shuttle that serves several hotels. It will save you something, since a taxi from the ferry port to Fira can be about 12-15€. However there is another solution too... a Santorini Shuttle service @6€ per person to/from FIra or FIrostephani tp or from seaport or airport http://www.santorinitransfer.com/santorini-taxi-rates.html

There's a phone AND e-mail contact, if you want to book before arriving. For a departure ride, if your hotel doesn't provide, you can just call during your stay.

Jan, OK, that explains the differences for Margarita and Sunset. I love to swim, so the pool is really tempting. Can I hop on a bus from the Sunset to get up to the Caldera view?

In Athens, I looked at the reviews for both Phaedra and Metropolis. They seem similar. Is the location significantly better for one over the other?

I really appreciate all this feedback!

Thank you everyone for these contributions! So helpful as we begin to plan our 2011 trip (thinking somewhere in Italy, then to Greece). We must go in March or April. Can anyone tell me what the weather will be like in Greece at this time of year? Since it isn't tourist season, will we have difficulties? Or will it be to our advantage?

Hi elnap29,

March is still winter, so weather will be cool, including a chance of snow even in Greece. April is the same as in all temperate climates - unpredictable. Bring warm clothes, and it will be a good time to visit archaeological sites. Don't think about a beach holiday - it will be far too cold.

Susan Susan -- the Sunset IS on the Caldera view; the Margarita is not ... and no you have to walk from Margarita, up to a path to see the caldera. Look at the map on the Margarita website -- it shows 2 RED rectangles. The one on the Caldera is Kafieri Apts ... the one lower down & to the right is Margarita. Sunset is not shown but it is to the right (north) of Kafieri along the grey path (footpath).

As for the 2 Athens hotel... salt 'n peppah. Metropolis closer to Syntagma. Phaedra a farther walk from Syntagma but closer to Acropolis. 6 of 1 half dozen of other. Phaedra is quieter because it's on a no-cars street. Metropolis is on a busy street, but has the advantage that -- if you are taking the green line to the ferry port -- it's closer, you just walk to your right about 4 blocks to Monastiraki square & station. I couldn't stay at Phaedra in May 2010 because Mrs. M. rented out 18 of the 21 rooms to a college study group durign the time I was to be there.

Oops...sorry to be confusing! Of course, I meant Margarita when I asked about getting a bus from there up to the Caldera view. I had looked at the map, but now that I know what the red squares are, it makes more sense. Guess I have too many hotels swimming around in my head!

Looks like the pool and view combination is too expensive. I definitely need to be under E100 and prefer to be closer to E75 (and it doesn't look like it will be a problem to be considerably lower than that on the other islands, which is why I can do more nights). I just need to decide whether I want the view or the pool. Santorini is all about the view, so I have to consider that.

I was leaning towards the Phaedra for Athens, plus have a few others to look at that Brotherleelove recommended.
Thank you for the added input!

Brotherleelove, I was also looking at the hotels you listed for Santorini. I see on TripAdvisor that you reviewed Villa Fotini. Can you tell me more about it? Is it really 20m to the Caldera view and 5m to the bus stop? And 30m to the pool that guests can use?

The website shows a price of E25 for a single! I'm sure there are stairs involved - but how many?
Thanks!

Villa Fotini is right on the main road out of Fira leading towards Oia so the bus passes right by. There is traffic noise. I think it's a little further to the caldera view but not by much. Same for the pool. Some rooms will have a 'so-so' sea view although it's not into the caldera but towards the sea on the east side of the island. It's the cheapest hotel I know of. Just don't expect anything but the basics.

PS: Susan, since you continue to have new questions, perhaps you might start a new thread of y your own ---then, in the initial post you could recap what you want and the itinerary you've tentatively decided upon, and your ballpark budget for hotels, etc ... and give it a header like Single budgeteer planning July 2011 Greece Isle Trip. This way you may bring in some fresh thoughts from others who might not scroll down this loooooong thread; just a thought! :•D

Thanks, Lee. I figured it was a basic hotel at that price, but the location sounds good.

Jan, I thought of starting a new thread but couldn't decide, since it was a continuation of the same theme that was started (female solo traveller). I'm close to deciding on hotels but will probably start a new thread about restaurants.

Thanks to both of you for your help (and Heimdall, who has also given good info).

I stayed at Hotel Margarita, it was clean, quiet, nice pool area. @ 45euros a double with breakfast. To get to the caldera view, just go out the back gate of hotel, cross the road and you are there. Free transfer from and to airport and port. Main shopping area 10 minutes walk max.