progol

How long does it take to get from Naxos city to the airport? and how much time before the flight do we need to be there?

I'm debating between leaving Naxos for the 5:55pm flight to Athens vs. taking the 6:55am flight the next morning (arriving 7:40am).

I've been struggling between traveling to Naxos to Athens on Wednesday evening (9/28) and stopping for the night on the way to Delphi vs. getting the car Thursday morning (9/29) upon arrival and going directly to Delphi from the airport. The more I try to figure out where to stop for the night, the more I think it might be easier just to fly in Thursday morning and go directly to Delphi. And then I get to stay an extra night in Naxos, which is okay with me.

Any thoughts? I know I'm getting a little bit crazy over this, so I apologize if some of you are getting a trifle fed up with my obsessing! It's the curse of the infrequent traveler to try to get it "right", I'm afraid.

Paule

progol

Oops, I meant to say "struggling between traveling FROM Naxos to Athens...."

travelerjan

Paule, I (and others) advise strongly against trying to drive at night toward Delphi -- that is so wrong, so potentially stressful, no no no. You were advised very wisely on another forum that if u wanted to come in the night before, go to Peris Hotel. But -- unless you have a big problem with setting alarm clock, I say, take the Thursday AM flight. I think u need to be there 45 minutes before departure. Why not ask your hotelier how long it takes, and have him arrange for a taxi at the door? Pay the night before, have your clothes by the bedside Fireman-style. Done.

DRIving in the AM will be much more pleasant, book a car for 8 am, you will be on your way 8:15 == arrive Delphi before the bus groups, and have plenty of time on site. I don't remember whether you asked about every little Delphi detail in previous threads but -- if you plan to do the thing in 1 day, and be back in Athens that night, here are several tips:
(1) take a picnic sandwich & snacks in your daybag ... and you can sit up in the theater or the stadium and have lunch with a view... most smart people do. (2) Go first to the museum, if u see tours arriving, because they do the Sacred Way & temple of Apollo first. Go where they Aint! THey all leave by 1 pm because they are dragged off to a taverna. It will be serene again until closing time, probabl 3 pm in sept. THen you can go down the road to the Tholos tomb -- you will have plenty more time even if it closes by 3. (3) the lower part, the "tholos" (round) ruin has a low fence around it but no admission fee; you could do that & the Castalian spring last.

OK Paule, time to stop for a while. Go outside! Garden!

Heimdall

Naxos City (St George) to the airport takes 5-10 minutes, and your hotel will probably drive you there for free — at least mine does. Travelerjan's estimate of arriving 45 minutes before the flight is about right, although you will probably see one or two Greek passengers arriving as late as 15 minutes before departure.

As far as I'm concerned it's a no-brainer. I would much rather spend the night in Naxos than in an Athens suburb where there's nothing to do except look for somewhere to have dinner. And I would much rather start my journey on a strange road in the morning than in the evening when the light is failing and I am feeling tired.

Heimdall

BTW, wait too long and the decision will be made for you. The Olympic Air Dash 8-100 aircraft that fly into Naxos hold only about 30 passengers. When the tickets are gone, they are gone, and you will have to find another way to get back to Athens. ;-)

Judy

Listen to Heimdall, Paule. We are traveling with friends who cannot stay in Greece as long as we can. They planned to fly from Paros to Athens and waited too long to make their decision and now have to ferry at an inconvenient time.

progol

Thanks a lot Traverjan & Heimdall -- my initial plan was to stay in Naxos, anyway, and you've helped me make the decision to leave early Thursday.

Yes, I will buy those tickets shortly -- you've convinced me not to wait much longer, Heimdall!

Travelerjan -- no garden here in NYC! But I agree, I'm ready to chill out (a bit).

Many, many thanks--
Paule

progol

PS - Naxos - Athens tickets are purchased!

Really, thanks for the very helpful reality check. It is much appreciated.

Paule

Heimdall

My pleasure! Glad you have it sorted.

clausar

Distance between Athens and Delphi is 150 km, driving should take little more than 3 hours. As i see you are arriving on a Thursday around 8 am. You should take the Attiki Odos ( that's the highway right infront of the airport), you will follow the signs to Lamia/Thessaloniki and take exit number 8 , to the highway towards North ( direction Lamia/ Thessaloniki) As it will be during the morning rush hour there might a traffic jam between between exits 11 and 8.
Then drive towards north, direction Livadia, do not take the exit to Thiva, as you will have to drive on a small road with many trucks till Livadia.
Better is to drive till the 110 km of the highway Athens- Lamia and take the exit at Kastro. ( you will then pass outside Orchomenos and reach easily Livadia). Not much traffic on this street....
Don't know how long you will stay in Delphi but if you have time try to pay a visit to Galaxidi while you are there, a beautiful old city on the coast, not far away from Delphi ( 30 minutes drive, distance is ca 30 km))

progol

Thanks Clausar - I'll save these directions.

Judy, just saw that you posted, too. And thanks -- I DID listen to Heimdall and tickets are in hand now.

Paule

stanbr

Paule you are making some goods decisions. You are going to have a great trip

progol

Thanks, Stanbr, I'm excited by it and can't wait -- I'm sure it'll be a great trip. Your photos have really been an inspiration in making my choices.

Travelerjan -- I'm staying the night in Delphi -- no way would I drive back to Athens the same day we arrive from Naxos! Good news, though -- it looks like that Delphi keeps "summer" hours till the end of October! So we should have plenty of time to enjoy the site. I love the idea of picnicking there and will keep it in mind when we go.

Paule

travelerjan

Just don't count on "summer hours until end of October" during the current budget crisis ... it requires a second shift of guards, and they may decide to end that shift early.... just as when they have a budget pinch, they postpone "summer hours" to mid-May instead of April. Be sure to check beforehand.

progol

Good to know. Fortunately, we should be there early enough to see the site regardless of the hours.