irinik

Hello everyone,
We are planning a trip to Cinque Terre and Santorini in May 2014. What is the easiest way to get from Cinque Terre to Santorini? I have tried to look up plane tickets, but it's too far in advance so I was just wondering if anyone else has taken this trip in May before and what your experience was.

I'm thinking the best way will be to train from Cinque Terre to Rome then fly from Rome to Athens then Athens to Santorini (by ferry or plane).

Thank you so much!

HappyTrvlr

Or CT to Milan or Pisa airports.

travelnut265

Hi
I would catch a regional train from Ct via Genoa to Milan as the views are wonderful. I have flown from Milan Milpensa airport to Athens by Aegean Air then onto Santorini.Left Milan around 11 am then Athens for S around 6.
Flights are showing up untin 29th March 2014 but just put in any dates to play with to get some choices and alternatives.I only booked two months in advance last year for exactly the same request with no problems. Researching airfares I have found Milan cheaper than Rome and it is closer to CT for distance regarding train fares.You could catch the ferry from Pireaus (Athens port) but you have to get there from the airport(at least 1 hr by train) and then take a long ferry ride(unless you choose the more expensive ,quick superjet ferries)
My choice I would fly . I am planning a similiar journey next year as well!

irinik

Thank you so much travelnut265 for your advice! Did you buy two flights? One from Milan to Athens then another one from Athens to Santorini, or was it a connecting flight through Athens?

I agree, flying is probably the best option.

Thank you again!

neckervd

"I was just wondering if anyone else has taken this trip in May". I don't think so. Greece is a very popular destinations with Italians (those living at Genoa and La Spezia too), but they usually go there in August, for beach holidays.

It takes about 5 hrs by train from Monterosso (5Terre) to Milano Malpensa airport and about 6 hrs to Roma Fiumicino airport. The fares are similar (MXP is slightly cheaper), so choose the airport that suits you best.

Airlines to check:
Aegeanair
Easyjet
Alitalia

There will be no direct flights in May; you will have to change planes at Athens.
According to the actually available timetables. it will not be possible to do the whole journey in 1 day. You will have to sleep either at Milan Malpensa resp Rome Fiumicino or at Athens Spata.

There are direct buses from Athens airport to Piraeus port, but the daily Santorini ferry leaves from there at 7am already, not very pleasant in May.

neckervd

In order to answer your last question: Aegean offers connecting flights. Easyjet (only up to Athens) is sometimes (but not always) cheaper.
All Greek flights: http://www.airtickets.gr/

irinik

Thank you for your reponse and helpful information neckervd!

travelnut265

Hi Irinik
The air ticket was all inclusive,just put in Milan to Santorini and options will show. The sooner you are able to book the cheaper the tickets offered as per usual. Don't panic plenty of time .I stayed overnight in Milan close to the train station and caught the bus out the next day. If I had to chose between Milan or Rome airport...well I'll just say I'm not a Rome lover. I found Aegean Air very good,on time and cheap for time and distance travelled.

WWK

Aegean Air is fantastic. Definitely fly instead of taking the ferry! My only other suggestion is to do this trip in reverse: Start in Athens- Rome-Pisa. Might save yourself some backtracking. Good luck!

Heimdall

Here is another endorsement for Aegean Airlines! Buy your tickets for both links together if at all possible. That way, if the first flight is delayed, the airline has an obligation to get you on the next available flight to Santorini.

irinik

Thank you all so much for your advice! It definitely helps

tdyls

Don't lock yourself into just FCO and MXP airports. There are at least 3 other airports that are closer to the Cinque Terre than those two: Pisa (PSA), Genoa (GOA), and Florence (FLR). PSA/GOA are each about 90 minutes away, and FLR is about 2.5 hours

I don't know if there are flights from GOA/PSA/FLR to Greece, but at least look into it first.

neckervd

Direct flights from smaller Italian airports to Greek Islands only during the beach season (mid July until end August)