Debbielynn

We are going to visit Naxos and Santorini, end of August. We want to spend the night before the ferry to Naxos in Pireaus so we are close to the boats in the morning. Can anyone recommend a hotel near the port and how is that area in terms of safety?
Next question, any suggestions on which airline to take from Santorini to Athens? Thanks for your help.

neckervd

I suppose you know that there is a afternoon Blue Star ferry from Piraeus to Naxos too (and another morning ferry from Rafina, a nicer place than Piraeus IMO, with 2 hotels close to the ferry port)
http://www.bluestarferries.gr/en/tra...ntent-category
http://www.bluestarferries.gr/en/tra...ntent-category

WWK

I would go to Rafina or Vouliagmeni instead. I hope other posters will chime in here, but I am hearing and reading accounts about refugee camps being set up in and around Piraeus. A heartbreaking situation for the refugees, and not so great for the Greeks, either.

Heimdall

I agree with neckervd. If you arrive at Athens in time for the 1730 (5:30pm) Blue Star, you may as well take it rather than stay overnight at Piraeus. It takes about 90 minutes to reach Piraeus from the airport and get on the ferry.

Should you decide to stay overnight, then the morning Blue Star from Rafina would be a good choice. It's a high season-only ferry, but will be running at the end of August when you are there.

Rafina is only 30 minutes from the airport. I like Hotel Avra, which is on a small hill overlooking the port. There are some good tavernas in Rafina, and its perfectly safe to walk around at night. In the morning you can walk to the ferry docks in about five minutes from the Avra.

There is also a morning Blue Star from Piraeus, which I use when travelling outside high season. If you don't book in advance, you can buy the ferry tickets at Amphitrion Holidays on the Arrivals level in the airport terminal. You will pay a small surcharge, but I think it's worth it to get the latest ferry information before you leave the airport.

brotherleelove2004

Airlines from Santorini back to Athens: Aegean, Olympic, Ryanair

In August there's a Wednesday midnight departure from Piraeus to Naxos, so theoretically you could book a sleeping cabin and wake up refreshed in Naxos.

There's also a 4:45pm departure from Rafina that gets to Naxos at 9:15pm, Mon-Sat. If you're arriving by plane there's a bus from the airport directly to Rafina.

Debbielynn

Thank you for all of your information, but my husband and I want to take the fastest ferry to Naxos. The blue star looks like it takes 5-6 hours.

Heimdall

Debbie, if you want to get to Naxos quickly take a flight, which is only 45 minutes and not much more expensive than a highspeed ferry: http://aegeanair.com

There was a reason why we all recommended Blue Star. ;-)

Debbielynn

And your reason is? money? better transportation?

brotherleelove2004

The faster ferries are completely enclosed with no outside deck areas for fresh air. The view through salt-encrusted windows isn't the best. The larger fast ferries make that run from Piraeus to Naxos but in July and August the winds can make the trip a bit rough. Lots of people get seasick and the sour air reeks.

With a Blue Star ferry you get much more stability, modern lounges, and you can roam around outside and enjoy the arrival at the ports along the way. The fare is about half what the highspeeds cost.

Debbielynn

Thanks for that information. I don't like being seasick. After checking with my husband's nephew, in Greece, he agrees.

Heimdall

Some of the highspeeds, particularly Sea Jets, run late, so you don't get there as quickly as advertised. The small highspeeds are the first to be cancelled in high winds, and the worst to ride on in rough seas.

Blue Star ferries are very large, almost like being on a cruise ship. For less than the price of an economy ticket on a highspeed you can buy a business class ticket and get table service by stewards in white jackets.

Highspeeds have seating like large airliners, and I am tired of sitting in cramped spaces by the time I arrive at Athens Airport. Standing on the open deck of a conventional ferry is a wonderful experience, with sunshine, and wind blowing in your hair as you watch the world go by.

If I am in a hurry I always take the flight.

Debbielynn

Thanks, Heimdall. Sounds good. The blue star it is. Thanks everyone.

Debbielynn

PS. It's always nice to ask questions and get answers from people that have the knowledge and experience.��

Debbielynn

The 2 question marks were supposed to be a smiley face!

WWK

Debbielynn,

Great advice above. We took the high speed ferry once from Piraeus to Naxos, and never again. Several passengers were sick on board, and we were very nauseous throughout. Take the Blue Star or the plane.

neckervd

In the case you will travel Monday or Friday:
https://hellenicseaways.gr/en/routes/view/51/315
I prefer FB Nissos Rhodos to the Bluestar Ferries

mes2525

I would fly unless you have lots of time to spend on ferries. I usually go to Greece for 2 weeks but I find spending more than 2 hours on a ferry a waste of valuable time. Check on flights to Naxos and see if you can get a reservation and then ferry to Santorini or next island.