Hi

I'm a 47 year old artist. I've just separated from my husband and am wanting to do a Shirley Valentine and live on a Greek island/s for 2-3 months. I'm wanting to have some privacy to paint but at the same time I'll need safe access (no car rental) to some good (not necessarily expensive) local restaurants and possibly some nightlife (not clubs) or two when friends visit. I'm thinking that I'd probably like to be settled for a reasonable length of time so I could do 3 different islands for a month at a time. What would you do if you had 3 months??

Thanks for your advice.

This is a fantasy of mine.

One place you could start is by choosing a couple of islands (I would choose Crete or Corfu because they're both large with good connections; you might want somewhere more isolated). Then see what kind of places are available on vrbo.com or air b and b.

You can search by closeness to town or beach, views, etc. Rents go way down out of season.

There's a tv series set on Corfu ("The Durrells on Corfu") that might amuse you.

Good luck!

If I wanted to stay on a Greek Island for that length of time, I would go off-season (but not winter) and pick somewhere with a sizeable expat community. Go in the summer and you will pay full rate for rental properties, but off-season you could get a very good deal on something that would otherwise go empty until the summer.

Houses that are used only in summer may be cold and damp in winter, so you have to choose carefully. I suggested a sizeable expat community, because somewhere that may be fun to visit for a few days could get very lonely after a few weeks if you aren't a Greek speaker, and it's helpful to have support when something goes wrong with the plumbing or electricity.

There are dozens of Greek Islands from which to choose, but don't forget the mainland, either. Two islands I am familiar with, which have large year-round populations with expat communities are Paros and Naxos. Stay in Parikia on Paros or Naxos Town and you won't need a car. If you are on Facebook check out the Paros Life and Naxos Life group.

My daughter and her family stayed on the island of Hydra for three months from Sept. thru Dec. There are no cars allowed which is a plus. Everything is walkable.

It is an hour ferry ride from the Port of Athens so you aren't too isolated and can then transfer to other islands or areas via that port hub.

Agree w Heimdall. Both towns are still fully-functioning Greek towns in off-season, due to sizable permanent population. For me, Naxos town somewhat more interesting than Parikia.

WHEN do you plan to do this?? Now?? Sept-Oct-early Nov. would be best times weather-wise. Here are Naxos photos by an ace-photog on these boards, "stanbr" in Naxos - Trip around Naxos, + Naxos Town http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7634605629689/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7632094558042/

When weather chills off, for month #3 u might consider mainland gem, Nafplio -- on a peninsula, surrounded by water, gorgeous Venetian architecture, great walks & hikes around but also super bus system, AND interesting stuff going on all the time (this is a fave weekend getaway for Athenians). http://www.visitnafplio.com/ -- brilliant noncommercial website by expat Norwegian. also check out Stanbr's views - http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7632094108982/

If u were staying for a month, I'm sure u could get a bargain lodging.

There is a big English speaking ex-pat community, including quite a few artists, living year-round in the Chania & Apokoronas area of Crete (the latter is a very scenic area 20km East of Chania). Being a large island, you get the benefit of year-round facilities; doctors, hospitals, supermarkets etc. But this area also still has pretty, small, traditional villages, beautiful beaches & mountains, all with easy access. Lovely walking. Amazing & inexpensive tavernas, plenty of good value local fresh fruit & veg, plenty of café-bars.
For longer term rent, I would suggest you find places you like on the private villa rental co websites (like HomeAway, Owners Direct etc) then contact the owners & ask about long, out of season rentals, plenty will be pleased to do so.

I would suggest you base yourself in 1 place for all 3 months. It will allow you to properly immerse yourself & start to understand the region, the light etc. & to make some friends. You can easily travel for a few days at a time from your base.

If you go to one of the islands, I would go to Rhodes, Crete or Corfu because of connections and large year round populations. Also research the Peloponnese on the mainland because there are some beautiful areas and nice beaches.

[


hi I saw your post from 3 years ago but I am doing the same thing this year. Did you have any luck finding a great spot? I’d love your advice


UOTE=Leeollie;16469364]Hi

I'm a 47 year old artist. I've just separated from my husband and am wanting to do a Shirley Valentine and live on a Greek island/s for 2-3 months. I'm wanting to have some privacy to paint but at the same time I'll need safe access (no car rental) to some good (not necessarily expensive) local restaurants and possibly some nightlife (not clubs) or two when friends visit. I'm thinking that I'd probably like to be settled for a reasonable length of time so I could do 3 different islands for a month at a time. What would you do if you had 3 months??

Thanks for your advice.[/QUOTE]

Welcome to Fodors jkjcpm.

"hi I saw your post from 3 years ago . . ."

it was her one and only ever post on Fodors, and she never returned. Its likely she wasn't serious. If you want info / advice, it would much better to start a thread of your own asking your own specific questions.