Help! recommendations for Greek holiday please

Skiathos. I am here right now for eighth time but very very hot!! And quite busy as the season goes on x

Any hiking in Greece needs to be April, early May or October really

I liked Skiathos a few years ago but it was hot.

Last week the Acropolis was closed as it was 45° at midday.

We were there in June a few years ago and it was 42c.
We were on a guided walk and every time our guide stopped to tell us another story about the history, some people would slope off at the back.
We stuck with it as long as we could but eventually the lure of an ice cream under the shade of a tree was too tempting and we baled out as well 🍦🌳

It's very very hot just now so I would go around September time.

Last week the Acropolis was closed as it was 45° at midday.

Just out of interest, on these Greek islands is there a good side and a less good side to them? I mean like winds or less sunshine?

I second Alonissos and Hydra. Both small islands reached by ferry. Kefalonia was beautiful too.

Yes Stoupa has two sandy beaches and is fairly flat . We went in the 90s and it was lovely and quiet . We went for the day 5 years ago and it had changed so much . So busy and touristy . Being flat it attracts older people, mainly brits .
We were staying on the Messini peninsula near a fishing village called Koroni, it was lovely and very popular with Northern Europeans .

For mainland Greece, the Messinian Mani is a good choice and lots of places not too far from the city of Kalamata. Many wonderful memories of Kardamyli, Iam64 , which is a very special village. We had a home above there in Prosilio where the views of the Taygetos mountain range and down to a distant Crete were stupendous. A lovely pebbly beach in Kardamyli - think it's maybe sand in Stoupa - and lots of places to stay ( now with air conditioning). Swimming, relaxing on a beach and near the sea, early morning strolls and moonlit meals - fabulous. Nobody hikes in summer temperatures, especially the recent ones. Best to copy the locals, i.e. keep out of the sun, under vines and umbrellas between 11 - 5. No longer do 'mad dogs and Englishmen' avoid just the midday sun because it gets much hotter in the afternoons.

Mazgg

Poros is a short ferry ide from Athens and is my favourite island. My favourite village is Stoupa on the Pelepponese. Flights are to Kalamata then a scenic ride over to Stoupa. Many famous heritage sites are within a day's journey. Good tavernas, beaches and still unspoilt.

Kardemini is the next village on from stoops. Beautiful unspoiled working village with a good mixed group of tourist from Northern Europe who treasure Greece

Greece and the islands are having frighteningly high temperatures. Don't go until it has cooled down. Locals don't go outside from 11am - 5 pm. which is no good for a holiday.

Have a wonderful time! So many beautiful places to see.

Poros is a short ferry ide from Athens and is my favourite island. My favourite village is Stoupa on the Pelepponese. Flights are to Kalamata then a scenic ride over to Stoupa. Many famous heritage sites are within a day's journey. Good tavernas, beaches and still unspoilt.

Good point about hilly islands Glorianny. Kos is easier and has good cycling lanes away from main roads

Symi is one of the most beautiful and underdeveloped Greek islands. Yes parts of it are rocky and wild, but that means there are tiny bays you can take a water taxi to and spend the day peacefully. There are a few sandy long beaches with just one hotel or taverna. Symi town is totally unlike any other Greek town with tall turn of the century houses. The monastery is so peaceful. And the people are so friendly. It is however very hilly.

Oops, the last post was in response to Macadia's comment

Crikey, no!

Thanks everyone, lots to investigate x

Alonissos - fly to Skaiothos and ferry often via Skopolos to Alonissos
Tiny island, fantastic for walking and beaches. Ferries to Skiathos or Skopolos but home to peaceful Alonissos. Good tavernas it’s lovely

During the sad hunt for Michael Mosley and having seen pictures of the dry, barren, rocky scenery, Symi is one Greek island I have no desire to visit, when there are so many pretty, interesting islands to choose from.

As you have been to Santorini I would suggest Mykonos (Shirley Valentine) or Rhodes.

or at least not in the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest and brightest and temperatures are well over 20 degrees. Always take a fully charged mobile phone with you and a large bottle of water.

Don't go on a hike alone

Skiathos

I went to Mykonos and Paros last year, both lovely islands but expensive. Paros is apparently the new Mykonos with bougie bars , restaurants and beach clubs . Some of the beech clubs were charging €40-€50 for sunbeds !!!
We stuck our towels on the sand .

Ios, beautiful.