Delphi -- Hotel PAN is on the main street , on the downhill side, thus the rooms a the BACK have stunning balcony views. Ours was on the lobby floor, to the rear, but hawks were circling BELOW our balcony, it was a sheer 150 foot drop to street below, and a clear view down the mountain to a valley of olive groves, leading to the sea and the sunset. In May 2013 a double was €35-40. Landlord made us early breakfast so we could stroll the half-km along the scenic parapet waill to the ruins entrance at 8 am. We had taxiied (€11-12) from Plaka area hotel to the Liassion KTEL station to take the intercity (reserved seat, modern, a/c, €15 fare ) bus to delphi about 1:30 on day #1, arrived about 5, checked into hotel, and walked to museum at 6 -- NOBODY was there! Dinner @outdoor cafe at sunset, lovely. Next AM, we went to ruins at 8, were way up top before bus tours arrived. Got a 1 pm bus back. Check bus schedules beforehand - they vary depending on day of week.
Hydra -- Why are you choosing this island? Mainly because R Steves promotes it, and you are a devoted fan? What do you want to see there? It's mainly a pretty harbor. Rich people have private walled-away houses. What will you do there?
Have you considered Nafplio? Have you read anything about it?? http://www.visitnafplio.com/ --Its wonderful noncommercial Website -- tells about the many many visual and historical delights of Nafplio Old Town, and the surrounds ... here's a photo album of Nafplio in May - http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/sets/72157632094108982/ ... And BEST of ALL, you can get there in 2.5 hours on scenic modern highway on KTEL reserved-seat bus (€13 fare, hourly schedule) from Kifissou station (€12 taxi from Central athens). Arriving, NO car or tour group required -- and stunning views and walks everywhere ... view this http://www.visitnafplio.com/volta.html. If this appeals, I can recommend several nice budget hotels.
On my first visit to Greece, 19 years ago, I wondered aloud what to do with 3 remaining days at end of my trip. An Artist on Mykonos said, go back to Athens, leave your large bag at your hotel, and catch a bus to Nafplio. Why? I asked. There was no internet then. Trust me, she said. You'll fall in love. You'll go back. You'll thank me. And I did, and I did... 5 times so far, and I've thanked her. You'll thank me too.
