greece in 10 days

The 10 days is approximate and i will be flying or boating from italy. Lets say nine days of being there and free to do what I like. I like beaches, food, cute cultural towns, nice views, hikes. Not as interested in history, but don't mind doing a bit. By budget i mean that neither of us wishes to spend more that 30 euro a night on lodging unless we have to. And preferrably wherever i go will have food options that aren't too expensive.

also, i dont mind somewhere popular but if theres anything not as well known (more quiet) but well worth visiting and accesible, i would love it.

If you want give advice, give more data: (1) WHEN? Advice for June much different from busy, overcrowded August (2) DOES 10 DAYS INCLUDE Arrival day (usually people don't arrive until afternoon) and Departure Day? (people from N. America typically must leave for Airport by 9 am or earlier) ... so if you are, you really have onl 8 days. (3) WHAT does "budget" mean?? for some people that means 70€ each per day for everything, for others, €100. And quote in Euros please, not loonies. Here's a currency conversion link if u need it: http://www.xe.com/ucc/ (4) WHAT do you like DOING? Mainly beaches & nightlife? Hiking? Ancient sites? Landscapes? ... we would waste our time telling you about ruins, if what you really are after are bars & shopping.

Don't mean to sound scoldy, it's just we need better info enables us to help. And you need to do some digging yourself, not just wait for us to spell everything out. Here is a terrif website about all the islands, a young approach, by a guy who loves scenery,parties, food, beaches: http://www.greek-islands.us/ See what looks good, then look at this Ferry Map/Chart to see which Islands are linked & which are not: http://www.greeceathensaegeaninfo.com/ferry-info-greece/greek-islands-ferry-chart.htm

BTW: since that map was made a new ferry service goes o'nite from Santorini to Rhodes, a great time-saver... sails while you sleep! If u separate & he goes in an all-M cabin, u go in all-F cabin, your ticket will be only about 50€ and will pay for your night's lodging as well as travel.

Consider going to Antiparos and Paros. There are enough things to do to keep you interested when you want to explore but you can also just relax and enjoy your surroundings without a lot of hassle. You can fly or ferry to Paros from Athens and from the main town of Parikia there is a small local shuttle boat to take you across to Antiparos.

"By budget i mean that neither of us wishes to spend more that 30 euro a night on lodging unless we have to. "

Um, is Greece a lot cheaper than I expect it to be? I haven't been there yet (thinking about October 2010), but are there really decent places that cheap? Is that "budget" realistic?

Basic rooms start at around €20 and go up from there. Which island you're on, where you choose to stay and which amenities you require will determine the cost of your accomodations.