Ideas for Greek islands

There are almost as many possible ideas as there are islands that can be visited in Greece (around 220)

See the link below

https://www.visitgreece.gr/islands/

Be careful if you return to Athens by ferry the day before your flight. If the ferry is canceled due to strikes, rough seas, technical problems, you could be part of the club of many travelers who miss their flight.

Thank you JoLui.

I believe we will focus on three Islands., Milos , Paros and Santorini . If we are there between Oct 9th and the 22nd, do you know if the Beach and water are still warm to visit and swim in?

Also looking for great boutique Hitels that don’t cost and arm and leg but clean, friendly staff and possible access to a beach.

The weather is not an exact science but unless there is exceptional bad weather you will enjoy the beach and be able to swim in mid-October. There may be a little rain and also more or less strong wind. Evenings and nights can be cool but not cold.

Note that from mid-October ferries are less frequent. There will be daily ferries between Paros and Santorini (in both directions), but ferries to/from Milos (located in the western Cyclades) could be a issue because there will not necessarily be a ferry every day. This could be avoided if you start your trip with Milos and then go to Paros or Santorini before October 15.

Although it is not possible to guarantee that the ferry schedules in 2024 will be exactly the same as in 2023, check the website openseas where you can go back in time and see the schedules for October 2023.

http://www.openseas.gr/

Regarding accommodation, I have been going to the Greek islands for many years but I never stay in hotels.
Apart from Santorini, which is a special case, there are many more studio/villa/apartment type accommodations, managed by locals, which are often much nicer and less expensive. See booking.com, Airbnb, or use Google Maps and zoom in on areas that interest you.

The best is to book directly on the accomodation's website when it exists.

Some may even have breakfast service (if that's why you would prefer a hotel)

Thank you again. You’ve been very helpful.

Happy Holidays.

We stayed in a lovely hotel on Milos, called Tania Milos. We splurged on a gorgeous room on the top floor with two balconies — one for sunrise, and one for sunsets. Private (rocky) beach. Short walk to tavernas & restaurants. One of our favorite hotels ever.

Thanks Charlene

I checked the Hotel but unfortunately they are sold out for our dates but appreciate the recommendations. Looks like truly nice place. Looking at both VRBO and Airbnb

Hi Bill,
If doing Santorini, maybe check out nearby Folegandros. The latter offers a less-crowded alternative, checking pretty much all of your boxes.
Good Luck.
I am done. The end.

Thank you Gregg

I will check it out.

BTW most island hotels on a beach, even the upscale variety you prefer, do not have heated pools ... and in October the Aegean sea (call it that in Greece, it's a special section of the Mediterranean) is absolutely divine temp, having had all the hot summer to warm up for your arrival. Even a bit too warm for some of us!

Thanks Janet. Very helpful.