70th birthday in Greece
 

I'd ike to take my wife to Greece for her 70th birthday
I am wondering what time of year is best (we thought May-June) and if you think we can go to at least 2 islands in order to take in the archeological wonders as well the calm quiet beauty - with about a 10 day timeframe - we're leaving from SFO
Suggestions for places to stay on a budget would be terrific although I understand Greece is very reasonable.
Of course dining s on the itinerary but i think we can have sumptuous meals anywhere - just like in Italy but would be thankful if we got some suggestions on that topic as well
we don't like crowds so out of the way places are preferred
any and all info greatly appreciated

>>>Suggestions for places to stay on a budget<<<

You need to give a budget range to get suggestions. Budget means different things to different people.

Get yourself a copy of T. Cook's "Greek Island Hopping" so you can make an informed decision about which islands to visit based on the sort of Greek Island experience you want to have.

I just celebrated my 65th in Naxos--very fine, reasonably priced, good places to eat and drink, and interesting archaeological sites in the interior (we especially liked visiting the 3 kouri scattered around the marble hillsides). Rental cars are 25 euros a day, or you can take the bus or a tour if you don't want to drive. loved the small cove we ran across at Abram on our way back to Hora, the port town. Abram was perfectly quiet, with a small home-style taverna that served very good food. I recommend Hotel Grotta highly--overlooking Hora and the sea, an easy walk to town, about 75 euros a night. Delightful, helpful owners and staff. For archaeology you should not miss Delos. You can do it as a day trip from Naxos, but it is easier from Mykonos, which I enjoyed in May (would probably not in July and August). You will get warmer weather in June, but for me mid to late May has been perfect.

I second aprillacs. I'm in Naxos too. At 5.30 pm sitting on the terrace of the Hotel Anixis in the heat. Sun is shining on Mykonos Delos Paros and Syros in the distance.
This is our fourth visit in 5 years. This time we have visited Milos, Sifnos, Kimolos before arriving here. Allow for hiccups-seriously busy departure from Manchester airport so we were still in security 30 minutes before departure, someone tried to lift my husband's wallet on the metro in Athens and bad weather yesterday which delayed our arrival here from Sifnos.
We leave tomorrow. We'll.be back. We hadn't intended to be here this year but I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be!
Our accom so far has cost 40 euros in Miilos (Gianni's apartments, ) 65 euros in Sifnos (Hotel Delfina) and 50 euros here where we have an apartment. Evening meal including drinks is costing about 45 euros.
Sorry about typos the sun is so strong I can't see my ipod properly.

I would vote for Sep/early Oct as the weather is more pleasant than May. The crowds are back by June and the cruise ships. In May everything is just warming up and it can be cooler and wetter.

thank you all- i can always count on fodorians to get me the kind of info i need - straight and to the point.
our trip to italy several years ago was based upon recommendations garnered from the forums. there's nothing like first hand info like those from Frances and Aprillilacs.