Hey Fodorites, I need help picking a new island to visit. I've been to Greece many times, my husband has been twice. We're hoping to go back next summer and want a new island to visit. It needs to be somewhat convenient to the Cyclades because, we'll probably go back to Santorini. We both love Oia, we went there on our honeymoon and it's just a place we go back to each visit.

Here is what we like...

We love the incredible beauty of Santorini and the caldera, love the ruggedness and sparseness of Naxos, as well as the local feel. Love the typical Cycladic beauty of Mykonos, as well as the closeness to Delos. Love the quaintness of Antiparos and lack of tourism.

Other islands I've been to:
Hydra
Crete
Corfu
Poros
Paros

We like to be active, get some hiking in, love the beautiful scenery, nice beach, great locals. We want a new place to discover that's not too touristy, a bargain can still be had staying with the locals, etc.

Any ideas? What do you suggest? I've read about so many, it's hard to decide.

Although it isn't an island, I would highly recommend the Peloponnese area. It offers all that you are looking for. If you fly to and from Santorini, you can pick-up a rental car at the Athens airport. We loved the Peloponnese; especially the Mani area in the South. You may want to look into it; there certainly aren't as many tourists.

"We like to be active, get some hiking in, love the beautiful scenery, nice beach, great locals. We want a new place to discover that's not too touristy, a bargain can still be had staying with the locals, etc."


Your description reminds me of Antiparos. Check it out. You can get there easily from Santorini, first going to Paros then catching one of the frequent local shuttle ferries.

http://www.angelfire.com/super2/greece/antiparos.html

If you like to walk or hike, a good way to look at those possibilites is to log onto a website all about good hikes in the Cyclades. It's run by some Belgian guy who for some reason has spent decades walking each island and mapping, photographing and describing all the best walks! Simply amazing! Here's the Link --
http://www.cycladen.be/IntroductionEng.htm

He believes that Naxos and Sifnos are THE top islands in the Cyclades for the immense variety and beauty of walks -- and having visited 9 Cycladies islands I would have to agree.

Here also is a "slide Show" of Naxos highlights --
http://travel.webshots.com/slideshow/552001505EYxVYT

Since you've aleady been to Naxos, you might consider Sifnos. Look at the IgoGreece Sifnos overview written by a frequent forum contributor ... quite informative --
http://www.igogreece.com/en/Greece.a...eas&id=127

Sifnos and Milos.
G.

I will agree with Gaspard. Sifnos for the charm and Milos for the beaches.
Also i could suggest Folegandros as well. It's one hour from Santorini, a tiny island with a beautiful Chora.
Folegandros is in the middle of Sifnos and Milos to Santorini so maybe if you have extra days you could go there as well. It's one of my favourite islands so far!

cristine,
Folegandros was my secret island. Now everybody knows it, here my secret place on the island: Anemomilos apartments in Chora. Say hello to Cornelia and Dimitris.
G.

Whilst I love the islands, there is more to Greece than just the islands - the mainland also has so much to offer. I'd agree with mish42, the Peloponnese has everything you are looking for and more with the advantage of easy access from Athens by car. Some pictures from a couple of our trips showing just a taste of the many possibilities.

http://www.worldisround.com/articles...index_all.html

http://www.worldisround.com/articles/166201/index.html

I second the Peloponnese including Momavasia and the small itsland of Elfonissos. I thought Amorgos near Naxos was great. Nice beaches, reasonably cheap accomodation, some nice hiking trails and beautiful sandy beaches. I also liked Folegandros.

Awesome ideas everyone. These are just the things I'm looking for.

I have been to the Peloponnese before, but more for a tour of the sites, not to hang along the coast. I may look into that some.

I'll definitely be checking out Milos, Sifnos and Folegandros.

brotherleelove - we did spend a day on Antiparos. Well, actually a day kayaking around it and then an evening on the island itself. It was an incredible day and we left knowing we'd go back and stay a few days.

So many decisions! There are so many options in Greece, both on the islands and the mainland. I guess that's why we keep going back!

Greece for us is about finding a place that is special and then return there time after time.
Clearly you have found those places in Santorini and Naxos. While Naxos is our favourite island we always return to Naphlion in the Peloponnese.
Naphlion feels like a Greek Island but with unbelievable historical sites nearby.
Naphlion has a great old town area and three Venetian era fortresses. Day trips to Epidaurus, Mycene, Corinth, Nemia and Argos are possible.

You can head out and spend a day exploring Mystras the last refuge of the Byzantines and then finish your trip in Monemvasia another Venetian fortress town where you can stay the night within the walled city. This is an experience that even Greeks think is special.
If you have time you might even try the wonderful trip through the outer Mani.
Here are some pictures to help you decide if the Peloponnese is equal to another island.
http://travel.webshots.com/slideshow/551991579dJbWvh