I am at a conference in Thessaloniki in March for 5 days and then I have 7-10 days to hang out at a nearby island. Am not looking for tours, am looking for clean, bright, ocean view accomodation where I can write, sit outside, drink coffee and CHILL! MAny thanks for suggestions.

I believe that the closest accessible island from Thessaloniki is Limnos, but if you take the bus to Volos you can easily get to Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos.

You can also fly from Thessaloniki to one of several islands but it will mean passing through the Athens Airport to make the connection: http://en.aegeanair.com/Default.aspx

March is still winter! Bring warm clothes! If your 7-10 days runs into April, you can enjoy the Easter celebrations. Apart from then, the islands will be very quiet, with most hotels and restaurants closed. Think about spending your time on the mainland instead.

Many years ago we spent a couple of weeks in Thasos, which was perfect, lovely beaches, little hotels, relaxed, inexpensive, a quick boat ride from Kavalla in the north. There are beaches with a backdrop of ruined temples. There is also a beautiful acropolis and theatre. It had a lot of pine forests, unusual for a Greek island, but then there were some terrible forest fires a few years later. You could see what more recent visitors say.

If you can stay on the mainland, Pelion is a beautiful area although in March might be cold, skiing is possible in some areas during winter. There are many pretty villages that are occupied throughout the year. Alternatively Halkidiki is nearer with it's many resorts and hotels.

Darn, I did not count on cold weather. Especially if things are closed it could be tooooo isolated . . . sigh. Mew.

March would be great for skiing! Here is a webcam from Mt Parnassos, quite a bit south from Thessalonki:
http://www.snowreport.gr/snowcam/parnassos/kelaria.html

In July, 2007, Keith, Muffy, and I flew DIRECTLY from Thessaloniki to Rodos. We did not have to connect in Athens. (We stayed at the Makedonia Palace in Thessaloniki.)

What about flying from Thessaloniki to Tel Aviv for 7-10 days?

PS
There is a really great museum in Thessaloniki. And there is also a Starbucks.

Thin