Recommendations for a beautiful, interesting Greek island for a post-GCSE treat

[DieDreiHexen]

I'm treating DD to five days in Greece post-GCSEs. She'd love to stay on an island and we'll do a bit of relaxing, but she has no interest in partying etc. She's mostly all about beautiful scenery, delicious local food, culture and ancient ruins (she's a classicist.)

We don't want AI or a resort and would like to be able to get about by foot or bus.

Any suggestions for places that might suit a (boring) pair like us?

Paros!

Crete would be lovely (esp spinalonga), as would Kos but not Santorini.
My favourite though would be kephalonia - read Captain Correlli's mandolin, lots of places to potter, quiet but lovely!! Not quite as hot as Crete....

we went to Skiathos last year, it's an interesting island. We took a tour a 4x4 safari around the island and it took us to some really interesting places. There are also island tours around Alonissos island and the mama mia filming locations. It was such an interesting island and we stayed in a hotel high on a hill.

I was in Crete a month ago and stayed in Elounda. We found a small apartment complex called Olive Grove was which pretty central. Fairly simple accommodation but a pool and a bar that serves food and the owners were lovely.

https://olivegrove.com.gr/

We got the road train to Plaka for breakfast then a boat across to Spinalonga.

Knossos is fairly easy to get to and a must plus we had a nice day wandering around Agios Nikolaos.

Or maybe try Skiathos Town. There’s a lot of choice for good and drink without it being a party place. And the ferry trip across to Skopelos is as a wonderful day

I’ve been to Greece 35+ times and I’ve not had a bad holiday yet.

Rhodes is a good bet, great ruins, lovely old town, stay away from the clubbing resort coast

If you go to Hydra, you have to immerse yourself in the world of Leonard Cohen!

Kefalonia is gorgeous but since most of its buildings were destroyed by an earthquake in the 1950s, it’s not your best option for history…

I agree re Kefalonia. I love it I’ve been 8 times but it doesn’t by really have the history and sights that other islands have.