I'm looking to spend two QUIET weeks by the beach. I'm looking for suggestions. I am not a resort-type traveler, and as such would prefer a more rustic/traditional area where I could go into town to stroll, but spend time on a quiet beach enjoying scenery. I don't mind cooler water but would like the "outside" temperature to be warm.

Please help!!!

Without stating the obvious.

Go as far south as possible, the Costa Del Sol, Sicily or Crete or good bets.

I have been in northern Greece (the Ionian) recently, it was cold. It rained some days and really struggled to make 15oC. Other days were OK, around 20oC but May "can" be difficult in the northern mediterranean.

The Ionian are in Western Greece and have the most rainfalls in the whole of Greece.....

The island of Crete will be warm, with the southern part on the libyan sea being even warmer, and it won't be crowded in May.

Clauser

Cyprus is good as well isn't it?

<i>Cyprus is good as well isn't it?</i>

But it's not in Greece. ;-)

The Adriatic coast of Puglia from Ostuni down has some of the most gorgeous,sparcely populated beaches,and breathtaking coastlines.Fish shacks are everywhere .You are choosing the perfect time of year !!

I'd head for Spain's Canary Islands or to the Balearic Islands, where you'll find a lot of non-resort options.

Lefkos, Karpathos

Ostuni looks amazing. I did notice that its not on the water, though. How far are the beaches? Are they hard to reach?

Chania why would OP go to Karpathos?

Crete instead has the longest season of Greece, which starts in April and ends at the end of October.
In May other islands, especially the less known ones, start to wake up from their winter sleep.

For warm beach weather go as late in May as possible. While it is true that the further south you go in the Aegean the warmer, it is a relatively small geographical area, so temperature differences are small.

Don't forget the southern Peloponnese either, particular in the gulfs of Messinia & Lakonia. As rustic & traditional as you want, with only a couple of places that can be even slightly described as a resort! The water gets warm quite early in the gulfs too, swimming (although still a little chilly) from April most years.

Hi,
I would suggest the coast of Asturias, northern Spain, with lovely villages and towns, quiet beaches and a rich culture. The weather is very nice in in the spring time and there are tens of walks on the beaches and cliffs, almost all well signposted. For walks and beaches see http://www.topwalks.net/en/westcoast_asturias.htm. One of my favorite walks starts from San Esteban de Pravia,http://www.topwalks.net/en/asturias_...ya_aguilar.htm

Karpathos has the same weather as Crete. I went in mid May and it was awake but not busy and great weather. I love Crete but Fishek3's description of quiet, rustic, traditional made me think of Karpathos with its great beaches, the traditional village of Olympos and its quiet laidback villages.

<i>Cyprus is good as well isn't it?</i>

Yes it is, and although not part of Greece, it has a Greek side, especially emotionally and has very strong ties with Greece.
Pomos is a remote village by the sea, with some rustic hotels and restaurants. I don't have any accommodation suggestions, the area is stunning and very close to the mountains. The beaches are rocky but somehow very beautiful.

http://www.aphrodite-beachhotel.com/

This hotel is in an undeveloped area and close to Latchi harbour, which has restaurants. You can take a boat trip from Latchi harbour to the Akamas peninsula, an area of natural beauty. You can take a dip in the stunning blue lagoon. There is no development at all allowed in the Akamas, you will be guaranteed quietness esp if you take a road trip, you can be by yourself.

http://www.paradisoshills.com/ This is not on the beach, but is a tranquil traditional, rustic place on the edge of a forest. May is a wonderful time for Cyprus, before the big heat of summer, with wild flowers and green landscape. A car is recommended.

Cyprus is also a more unusual destination for Americans, at least for those with no ancestry there, no idea why, as it's popular with other Europeans.

Mainland Greece will also have lots of options, esp the southern Peloponnese. Pelion may have the seclusion and quietness but I am not sure of the weather in May, although we went in early June and it was already hot.