A month on a Greek island. But which one?!
 

Dearest Fodorites,

I'm hoping you can help me home in pn a Greek island to spend a month-long sabbatical in May and June. I'm looking for a place that's a bit hushed, but with enough activity to sustain great restaurants and maybe a smidgen of nightlife. I've been hearing lots of good things about Patmos. Any other suggestions in the Dodecanese?

THanks a million,

steve

I was only in Patmos a couple of days so have little first-hand knowledge .. a dept. chair at my daughter's art college has a house there, has gone there for years, there are some types like that... and it's quietly known that up top, by the monastery, many of the houses in those quiet lanes (privacy protected by high walls) are summer homes of well-known Greeks in the arts & entertainment fields... but they're not seen ... Yes, in Skala there are supposed to be some pretty fair restaurants --- the island gets support from the regular stream of tourists who come for the Monastery, but provide their €€ and leave by late afternoon. I also hear it has a couple of pretty fair beaches. U might check re car or scooter rental, I'm not sure how good bus transport would be.

PS to Stive... except for Mykonos and Santorini, a whole ton of islands will be sufficiently "hushed" from Mid-May to Mid-June to suit your fancy ... I can say that from experience because that's when I've been going, 9 times since 1999. What you need to think about and express more... what SORT of island -- Cycladic, bare & rocky & dramatic, like Milos ... more Green (like Naxos) ... or How about SIFNOS?

SIFNOS -- The acclaimed home of patriots, poets, potters and great chefs? Sifnos has the greatest network of flagstone paths criss-crossing the island, has over 50 Pirgos (watchtowers) that served as beacons in the dark ages ... If you stay up in the hilll coutnry, (Apollonia, Artemonas, Ano Petali) you can wake every morning, look down gren valleys with white-cube clusters of dwellings, to the sea ... And I've never eaten a bad meal in a Sifnos taverna yet. Go to I GO GREECE and read the Sifnos entry... I know the writer, retired teacher of classics, whos been going to Sifnos with her husband (retired prof of drama) for 30 years.

In fact, go to I GO GREECE to research any island... each entry is by someone who knows an island or area from long visits or residence, as opposed to a forum like this, which attracts enthusiasts, but not those long-term aficionados.

One month is a lot of time and if you wish to be just on one island then go for Crete without any hesitations! You will definitely love it! There are museums and several sightseeing places including the archaeological site of Knossos. Given that it is a big island, you can visit a lot cities and small picturesque villages. Do not miss a hiking activity in Samaria gorge where you will enjoy a magnificent natural beauty. There are plenty of beaches to go swimming and of course plenty of nightlife especially in the bug cities like Heraklio, Rethymno, Chania and Aghios Nikolas. The typical Cretan cuisine is the most tasty I have ever tried so do not forget to eat traditional food!
Alternatively, you can visit more than one islands in the Cyclades, the Dodecannese or even the Ionian islands. Check this website where a lot of useful information on the greek islands are given: http://www.greek-islands.us/

Over a good number of years I’ve visited many Greek islands and agree with the recommendations already given.

My daughter lives in Folegandros which will certainly be quiet in May and June. You'll not find much nightlife there that is for sure but those locals sure know how to involve and adopt strangers each evening in their tavernas. A lot of innocent fun, smiles and they have an amazing way of making you feel like part of their family.

If it interests you let me know and I could get some ‘insider’ knowledge for you.

Mykonos in May would also give you what you are looking for. It is without doubt quiet at that time but in the evenings you'll get some nightlife and very good restaurants.

Another island that surprised me in May (our usual travel time) was Evia. We were introduced to the island by our daughter and her (Greek) husband and loved it. It seemed to have the right mix of relaxation, busier evenings in some superb restaurants and bars and hardly a tourist to be found.

I agree with Crete being a great choice. I would also consider Karpathos which is part of the Dodecanese. The main town will be active in latter May and June. There are also other towns on the island that you can be based in such as Lefkos.