Jeremy Gura

Hey There.<BR>I am planning our Honeymoon for late May. We are probably going to do 2-3 days in Athens then shoot over to Santorini for 5 Days and then Rhodes or Mykonos for 4 days (which would you choose?)<BR><BR>Anyway, my Fiance does not like small planes, but I think the best and fastest way to get to and around the islands is probably by plane. What are the ferries likes? How long do they take and how nice are they? What about Hydrofoils? <BR>I appreciate your suggestions. Neither one of us wants to spend the whole time in transit, but.....

Paul

Jeremy<BR>For a honeymoon it has to be Santorini. It is a long trip on the conventional ferry - about 10h I think. If the weather is good it is not all that bad a trip though. I went from Athens to Naxos which is an 8h trip - it was a hot sunny day and that made it quite a pleasant journey. I didn't travel on a hydrofoil but I think they cut the journey roughly in half.

bobbie

We flew from Athens to Santorini and although the plane was small, I've been on smaller ones. There probably 50-60 people on the plane and it only took about an hour. Definitely the way to go. I've also read that the winds can really determine if and when the ferries are operating but I'll let another reader help you with that one. Perhaps a plane to Santorini and a ferry to Mykonos would be a good compromise.

Rita

Jeremy,<BR><BR>I would suggest flying between islands rather than taking the ferry. As other posters have said the islands can experience a fair amount of wind at that time of the year -- if this happens the hydrofoils do not run and you will either be stuck on an island or forced to take a "milk run" ferry.<BR><BR>We tried to go from Santorini to Mykonos two years ago on the hydrofoil. It was suppossed to be about a 3hr trip. Unfortunately it was too windy and we ended up on the dreaded "Spiros Express". The decks were all open to the elements and the only place you could stay inside was at a small bar area. However, the bar area quickly became crowded with locals drinking coffee and smoking. To spend any amount of time in the smoky environment was difficult. The Spiros "Express" left Santorini at 4pm and called at Ios, Naxos, Paros and then arrived at Mykonos at 2:30am. Once the sun went down we were freezing in our summer gear. We now laugh about the "experience" but I have learnt that you need to be prepared for an unexpected change in plans.<BR><BR>As this is your honeymoon I would suggest flying and spending as much time on the islands rather than on a ferry. The previous poster is right -- the planes Olympic Airways flys on those routes carry about 50 people so they are not such small puddle jumpers. If you do decide to fly book your flights well in advance as OA tends to book up quickly (especially on inter island routes).<BR><BR>If you would like any more information feel free to email me at the address above. Enjoy your honeymoon.

greg

Rita,<BR>I have been studying the ways to connect islands, especially Santorini-Mykonos. I have been to the Olympic airlines web site and the schedule says there is no flight available between these two islands. Do you have to do Santorini - Athens - Mykonos instead?

Rita

Greg,<BR><BR>when we travelled there was an inter island flight -- just not on the day we wanted to travel. Olympic Airways is infamous for changing flights and for not publishing flights. What you may be looking at on their site is a "winter" schedule that has yet to be updated to the summer schedule. OR they may have cancelled that flight. I find this scenario hard to believe because anytime I have tried to book that Santorini/Mykonos flight it has been sold-out (or close to being sold out).<BR><BR>I definately would go through a travel agent to book this ticket. One that specializes in Greece is a good idea. I would also double check the flight prior to you leaving for your honeymoon (or have the travel agent do it for you). I have travelled to Greece every summer for the past seven years and now use an agent in Athens to book anything "tricky". If you need an agent I would be glad to email you her email address.

Erica

I'll cast another vote for flying inter-island rather than ferries, for both the time saved and reliability. I've used both Olympic and Aegean Airways for connections. <BR><BR>Greg, Olympic definitely operates flights between Myknonos & Santorini - I flew them just this past May. Perhaps schedules are not published yet? You may want to check with a travel agent in Greece. Dolphin Hellas helped us with inter-island tickets and hotels in Athens. They were very helpful and delivered tickets directly to our hotel upon arrival.

Rob McCoist

Jeremy<BR><BR>If it's any help Axon operated a jet service between Athens and Mykonos and Athens and Santorini this year. As yet they don't operate between those islands though. I used them for the first time this summer and was impressed. It was a nice change from Olympic's turbo's.<BR><BR>Axon's website is presently offline but I have a copy of this years timetables here. If you need Axon's telephone numbers and addresses (no email available yet!) I'm happy to send. <BR><BR>Rob

Dottie

Rita<BR>I would love to have your Grecian Agents email address. Thanks!<BR>Dottie

Jeremy

Rob,<BR><BR>Thanks so much for the information on Axon. A Jet would be perfect.<BR><BR>Please e-mail me or post whatever information you have as it would be greatly appreciated!!!<BR><BR>

Sue

I have both flown and ferried among the islands, and whereas flying is easier, less hassle, etc., there is no sight quite like approaching Santorini in the early evening by ferry--spectacular!! I would recommend flying to Mykonos, ferrying to Santorini, then flying back to Athens.

John

Geeezzz...I flew a Boeing 737 on Olympia from Athens to Santorini...seemed it was about a 45 minute flight; also a 737 from Athens to Mykonos. Ferry??? I'd rather eat lint.<BR><BR>Honeymoon??? Definitely Santorini. Thira at night is spectacular. I actually enjoyed both Mykonos and Santorini. Haven't been to Rhodes. As far as islands go...Corfu was the prettiest...by far.<BR><BR>John

April

The ferries are worn and rustic, but I personally found the trip fascinating because of all the stops to neighbouring islands. It was worth it to get a cabin. <BR><BR>For me, five days in Santorini would be too long. After awhile one Cycladic island looks like another - dry, rocky and mostly barren. If I were to do it again, I'd try for some different scenery, preferably with greenery. Maybe somewhere like Corfu mentioned above would fit the bill.