My wife and I will be in Rhodes on business the first week of October.
Have never been in Greece before and would appreciate suggestions on where to go for the following week. From reading other posts here, I see Crete is pretty popular but maybe too popular?
Budget is liberal.
Thanks,
Moe

October is the best timing for Rhodos.

For a day trip- from Rhodos - do not miss a incredibly beautifull small island Simi!

Crete is a good idea if you wish to relax in one these fabulous resorts in Elounda otherwise ,I suggest you board one ferry/plane from Rhodos bound to Patmos (very upscale and best preserved ) or one of the cycladic islands.(www.bluestarferries.gr or the GA ferries)

The islands get very quiet in October so Crete won't be crowded then. The ferry schedules switch to winter mode, restaurants, boutiques and many small hotels will close for the season, but the main city of Heraklion will still be busy with local activity. From Heraklion you can take a bus or car to other parts of the island. Crete is very large, a rental car works best for maximum mobility.

Other Greek islands are also accessible, either by ferry or plane. Santorini is my favorite and has the most spectacular views of the sea from the cliffs over the caldera.

Have you considered Southern Turkey as an alternative? It's a wonderful country and the difference in culture is very interesting. From Rhodes you can easily get to Marmaris or Bodrum by boat.

I second Simi, also try Karpathos.

I'd work with a Rhodes travel agent to get all the details right -- they'll hook you up with great accommodation (villas, townhouses), deal with all the irregular ferry times/arrange your tix, etc. etc. October will be slow, everyone will be happy The Season is over, and I bet you have some very special experiences.

HTH

I agree that Symi and Karpathos would be good travel extensions to Rhodes. As well as Nissiros, however, Oct. would be very quiet on those islands and quite a few Greeks close up their hotels the end of Sept. I would fly to Crete and stay in Hania and travel around the island from there.

Here is a great web sie for Symi
www.symivisitor.com
It is a delightful island. It is good for a day trip or better for a few days. Enjoy

Thanks for your replies. It seems as though Simi gets the most votes.
Is it the kind of place you would spend more than a day in? If so, any accomodation suggestions?

Yes, an overnight or 2 is needed! It really gets lovely & quiet once those daytrippers return to Rhodos , )

Of course, you will need to rent a house. With a beautiful view of the harbor. Prepare to drool:

http://www.symivisitor.com/Accommodation.htm

Always walk down to the harbor, but if you've had too much retsina then take a taxi back up the hill. You'll have a blast.

HTH