curioustraveller

So I'm traveling to Greece Oct 9th to Oct 21st and would love to do some of the islands that will still be warmer. So far I've shortlisted Santorini, Crete and Mykonos.
I'm planning to take a ferry from piraeus to santorini and then travel to these other islands.
I'm wondering if this is doable? I would like to spend maybe a day or two in Athens since I'm flying out but, it depends on the islands, I'm not sure yet.

One place I really would like is Zante , but I've read on other forums (and it kin of makes sense) to stick to one group of islands to minimze travel time

I see that there are limited flights from Athens to Santorini (I arrive on a Wed night at 9pm).
The best option I've found is ferry that leaves on Oct 10th, 7am.

If anyone has recommendations on these islands, flights or any other, please share your experience.
Thanks much.

brotherleelove2004

Santorini is between Crete and Mykonos, so for a better use of your time start with either Crete or Mykonos and then work your way along the route that connects the three. This way you won't be backtracking.

Heimdall

Whatever you do, don't take the 7am ferry from Piraeus to Santorini! That is SeaJet 2, a very small catamaran that gets a lot of complaints about cramped conditions and seasickness, and it almost always runs late. Much better to take Blue Star, a large conventional ferry. Blue Star may take a little longer, but it is very reliable and will get you there in comfort. If you are in a hurry take a flight.

That said, brotherleelove is correct about the order of the islands. If you start with Santorini, and then go to Mykonos, you will have to double back through Santorini to get to Crete. The same is true vice-versa. Going between those islands would also require SeaJet 2, but at least the trips are a little shorter.

Now, as I understand it, excluding travel days you have 10-20 October in Greece, and you want to spend a day or two in Athens. I agree you should spend a day or two in Athens <i>at the end of the trip</i>, not only because there is much to see, but also to insure you don't get stuck on an island and miss your flight home. That leaves you about a week for the islands themselves, far too little for three islands. Suggest you limit your itinerary to two.

Zante is not a good choice to combine with Santorini. Getting there would require some zig-zagging, including connecting flights via Athens.

curioustraveller

Thank you all for your advice on everything especially limiting the trip to 2 islands ,the order and the SeaJet Ferry coz thats exactly what I was planning on doing.
The problem is that I arrive at 9pm and did not see any flights after that. I'm obviously not familiar with area around the airport and if there is much to do around (or connectivity to Athens) but, the flight in the morning is worth looking at especially because its like 30 mins or so.

So now comes the big question. I def want to do Santorini... the choice between Crete and Mykonos is tough but, I 've heard that Crete will be warmer but I'm not sure which of these islands can (if possible) offer me a different experience.

I think I will end up spending a day or two in Athens at the end since I have to go back on a 15 hr flight wish I knew a cheaper website to come to Greece from the US.

Thanks all once again, this is very helpful.

Heimdall

There are flights to Santorini leaving around 6am, and others leaving a little later in the morning. I've stayed at the airport Sofitel before early morning flights, and although expensive, it's very convenient. There is a budget hotel, Peri's, near the airport, but I've never stayed there so can't vouch for it.

An alternative, if you wish to go to Mykonos first, is stay overnight in Rafina, the main port for Mykonos, and take an early morning (around 7:30 am) ferry the next day. Rafina is only 30 minutes from the airport, and you should have time to catch the last bus. If not, there are taxis for about €20. I've stayed at Hotel Avra, which overlooks the harbour, and can recommend it. There are some nice fish tavernas for an evening meal in Rafina, and Avra serves a good breakfast. Greeks eat very late, so 10 pm won't be too late for dinner in Rafina. The ferry dock is a 5 minute downhill walk from the hotel.

Crete will be slightly warmer, but the geographic area is fairly small, so temperature differences between Mykonos and Crete won't be more than a few degrees F. Mykonos is generally windier, though, and that may make it feel cooler. Crete is a huge island, and the time you have available won't do it justice.

Other islands you could consider are Naxos and Paros, both on the main ferry route from Santorini to Piraeus (Athens). If you flew to Santorini you could take the Blue Star ferry back, stopping at one of those two islands. Naxos is only about 2 hours from Santorini, and Paros 3 hours. Of the two, Naxos has the larger permanent population, so will be less quiet in October.

curioustraveller

Thanks for the responses.My sis wants to go to Crete so looks like we are going there.So far, the plan is to:
-Arrive in Athens on the 9th (night)
-On 10/10 Fly to Chania (spend 4 days on Crete)
-Ferry from Heraklion to Santorini (spend 4 days)
-Return to Athens (Ferry/flight)
-Last two days in Athens

One general question about booking tickets for ferries. Is it advisable to buy them in advance or is it something that I can do easily when I get to Greece (considering its not a high season). The main reason is the flexibility and the booking fees. However; I would hate to not find out a way to do it in the given time I have. Appreciate your responses.

Heimdall

You can buy your ferry tickets when you get to Greece. You may want to buy the Heraklion > Santorini tickets from from Amphitrion Holidays when you get to Athens Airport, otherwise wait until you get to Chania. If you decide to fly back to Athens from Santorini you must, of course, book in advance, but you can buy ferry tickets to Athens (Piraeus) when you get to Santorini.

Were it me I would take a day away from Santorini and add it to Crete. Be aware though, that there are no ferries from Crete to Santorini on Wednesday, October 16th.

shekat

Do you have to return to Athens to fly out? I'm flying into Athens on 30 September (from Nederlands) and then flying out of Crete 19 October (to Italy)so I don't have to back track.

If you haven't booked flights already maybe look at that as an option?

Cheers,

Kat

p.s. look up skyscanner for flights.

curioustraveller

Kat, Yes unfortunately the best bargain on the flight tix was a round trip, atleast from the US.

So as I'm approaching my departure date, I'm thinking of what to do on Crete as there is so much. I will have 5 days and 6 nights in which I want to do Chania and leave the last day to visit Knossos before taking a ferry to Santorini.

I really want to do Samaria Gorge but my sister's health won't allow the entire 11 miles. Is there a way for us to do part of it? If yes, what are the options. Is there another place we can do when we do go to Samaria...maybe an island or a beach? Is renting a car a must or we will spend more time in finding our way around (I've read not so good things about roads and maps)

Balos lagoon (combined with gramvousa cruise) and Falasarna look good to me, is it worth a trip from old town? We would like to spend atleast one afternoon on the beach somewhere.

Thanks for your response.

stanbr

You have made a good choice in Chania. The first two days can be spent just exploring the Venetian harbour and the old town. Have you found a hotel yet. I wold recommend the area around Theotokopoulo street. It is a pedestrian only street hand has hotels in all price ranges. it is only a one minute walk to the main harbour but is quiet at night for a good sleep.
Theotokopoulou St area http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7632118491316/
There is a local market on Thursdays and Saturday and the old central market is open 7 days a week. See if you can find the street of knives.
Once you decide to explore rent a car for three days. With any luck you can find a rental agency that will allow you to pick up in Chania and drop off in Herakion.
If health prevents you from doing Samaria then with the short time you have that is a dead issue. If you had a lot more time you could go to Chora Sfakion and catch the ferry to Aggia Roumouli where the gorge hike ends and walk up a few kilometers. This is likely to require an overnight stay on the south coast.

There is a good beach at Falasarna and an ancient dig there as well. The day excursion to Balos and Gramovossa is well worth it. You can drive to Kissamos the departure port. It takes about 45 minute or you can catch an excursion with transportation from Chania. Any travel agent can book that for you when you get to Chania. Another half day trip would require a car but it is well worth while to visit ancient Aptera. It is spread out over a mountian top and has remains of several civilizations including vaulted Roman cisterns that you can walk through.

On the way to Heraklion you can stop in Rethymnon. It is similar to Chania and has a Fortezza to explore.
I think I have given you about a weeks worth of stuff to do.

Western Crete http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7632115757899/

dcinnv

Hello, just wanted to add a note. We just finished a 22 day trip and went to Athens as part of it. We were there about 9 days ago. Except for the Acropolis and items my husband HAD to see, I would not go back.
It was very dirty, I am talking filthy. I am sure it has to do with their economy crash. But until it is straightened out I would spend the minimum time in any large city in Greece. We traveled all over and fell in love with the islands and Turkey, but NOT Athens.