Hotel Recommendations

Um , you do realize November is off season right - and that it won’t be beach weather anymore ?
Places like Santorini , they will close a lot of places in winter as owners tend to go back to mainland for winter .
Athens will of course not be affected -

Crete does have a very good archaeological museum in Heraklion ( year round ) .

Yes, Im not going for the beach for sure and my husband prefer less crowd when traveling so I always comply to have a happy companion. Santorini is a must see because of its picturesque nature and hopefully it will be nice enough for pictures.

... be like a local.

It's a laudable intention, but unfortunately, I think you can forget it, especially in the places you want to go.

The good news comes from Aegean Airlines if you're traveling to Greece this winter on a domestic flight.

It's in the link below.

https://en.aegeanair.com/flight-deals/offers-competitions/winter-flights/

Athens: Hotel Phaedra, at the foot of the Acropolis. Budget to moderate, but great value and unbeatable location. https://hotelphaedra.com/

Santorini (Oia): Hotel Aethrio. How this place is not MUCH better known I don't understand. Gated from the main drag, so quiet. Fantastic pool. Our room had a private balcony with amazing views to the northwest / sunset (not the caldera side). https://www.aethrio.gr/

In Nafplio check out the Aetoma Guesthouse. A wonderful family run place, caring and kind hosts. Breakfast was terrific, extensive and well prepared and beautifully served. Our room was large and comfortable…when we checked in we were warmly greeted and served coffee and cakes on the balcony overlooking a lovely and quiet street. Reviews on Booking.com are almost exclusively 10/10 and I concur. A special place. Safe travels.

Thanks Everyone for the recommendation. Adding it to my list.