Hydra or Zakynthos or ...?

Meteora and Delphi are in SKI country so the hotels that are running may be filled with skiers; check ahead Zakynthos in winter is a terrible idea. Hydra would be empty except for a few waterfront shops. No isle will be "charming" at end of December ... how about "rainy" and "windy" and "closed".

I am mystified as to why you've chosen Greece at the worst time of year for sightseeing .... I clicked on your previous threads and see that you traveled in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, but in summer. Why could you not wait and schedule Greece for summer or at least for Spring?? Italy is better in winter than greece, yet you saved it for summer. Why not go skiing, or go to S. America? It's summer there in december & no more $$ airfare than Seattle - Athens. Of course, you may have some business reason for this choice ... but I always despair when people pick the wrong season, and then come back feeling a letdown. Some countries are just made for the sun, and Greece is one.

I would advise you spending a considerable amount of time in Athens, which will be vibrant with cultural activities, and also a number of days in Nafplio, which is never "closed" and has much to explore, both Old Town and surrounding historical areas. http://www.visitnafplio.com

If you insist on an island, and have a nice sunny day, think about a ferry to one that's just about the closest -- Aegina. Check the schedule ahead of time (gtp.gr) to see if there's a "conventional" ferry (open decks) running. The other ferries are hydrofoils (all enclosed, no deck, no views at all). on a good day, sitting on the deck, you could enjoy the seascape and all the vessels for an hour. The port town is interesting, people will be around (this is so close, that people live there year-round & commute to work in athens)... you can rent a car, and go to center island, high hill, most perfectly preserved ancient temple on ANY greek isle ... here's a photo album of a June day-trip https://www.flickr.com/photos/36264706@N03/sets/72157621604646139/detail/ - you won't have the flowers, but you will have a nice ferry trip & interesting sights.... half as far as Hydra.

Thank you for your thoughts. We are limited to the winter season due to work/school schedules, so summer was not an option this year. I realize it might not be optimal, but we are never disappointed in travel, regardless of weather. There's so much more to a country than weather. But it sounds like it might be a good idea to skip those islands and broaden our time in Nafplio. Thanks.

We took a small boat over to Spetses which we enjoyed a lot. It was so green, a contradt to the Cyclades which we had just left.

Spetses is a favorite "getaway" island for Athenians in summer... but I'd guess that by Christmas it will be very closed down. Aegina still has town life because of all those Greeks who live there year-round & commute to Athens daily.