Makeithappen

Hello to All,

We will be arriving in Athens late afternoon October 3 but there is no ferry to Santorini until 7:00 am the next morning. I'm wondering should we stay overnight in the center of Athens or should we stay in Piraeus. Although I would love to stroll around the Plaka area the evening of our arrival, I'm not sure if it's a hassle to get to Piraeus so early the next morning. Also, how early should we arrive for the ferry and what is the most efficient way to get there (public transport or taxi)? We are a group of 6 so I think we would need two taxis which I'd rather not do.

Any suggestions for budget hotels in Piraeus with a nightly rate of no more than 85Euros? I guess if we do stay in Piraeus we can spend the first evening browsing around that area...please correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks in advance!

Frances

This is easy! I've done both.
The first underground leaves central Athens for Piraeus at 5.30 and gets you into Piraeus in good time for the early boats-which start about 7am.
You can also stay in Piraeus which means you don't have to get up quite so early and no last minute worries about the train not running or missing it- you walk to the boat. We stayed in the Argo and Anita which I think was under £50 for a double roon.
You can combine the best bits by going straight from the airport to Piraeus (either by bus from the airport or by underground into Athens and out again) and check in to your hotel. Then get the underground back to Athens for your night in the Plaka. Piraeus at night doesn't have the appeal of Athens but is so easy to get to.

Heimdall

Give yourself an extra half hour in bed and take the 7:25 Blue Star to Santorini. The 7:00 ferry is SeaJet 2, which would not be my choice for a Piraeus - Santorini trip. It usually runs late, and many passengers get seasick when seas are rough. Blue Star takes a little longer to reach Santorini, but is much more comfortable, and cheaper too.

If you want to stroll around Plaka, find a hotel near Monastiraki in central Athens. It will take only about 20 minutes to get to Piraeus by metro from there. Blue Star ferries dock right across the footbridge from the Piraeus metro station - couldn't be simpler.

Makeithappen

Thanks Frances and Heimdall...just the information I needed.

I did see that the SeaJet was a lot quicker but I think I read somewhere that on the Blue Star, the passengers are allowed on deck which is what I really prefer....can't imagine being stuck inside for any amount of hours while surrounded by beautiful water and scenery. Is that true...are we allowed up on the deck on the Blue Star enroute to Santorini?

Makeithappen

Question....is it difficult to get to Piraeus from the Vouliagmeni Area? I am currently booked at the Westin for that night, but am tossing whether to move to Plaka or just stick with what I have.

Thanks again!

Heimdall

Yes, with Blue Star you can wander around the ship, out on the open deck, to the restaurants, etc. For about €5 more than a standard economy ticket you can have a reserved aircraft type seat, which is nice for when you tire of standing on deck.

The Blue Star you will sail on is 124 meters (407 ft) in length, while SeaJet 2 is only 42 meters (138 ft), a huge difference in how smooth she sails in rough seas. SeaJet 2 has a small cramped cabin, and no outside deck. I'm happy to use a sea jet on short inter-island hops, but would never consider it for longer voyages when a larger ship is available.

Today SeaJet 2 arrived on Santorini 1hr 15min late, which is more or less typical on trips from Piraeus to Santorini.

Makeithappen

Oh WOW...that is definitely good to know the difference. Nothing worse than being unpredictable and late. I will look into the reserved aircraft type seat.

Are you familiar with commuting from Vouliagmeni to Piraeus?

Thanks again!

Heimdall

I can't help you with Vouliagmeni, but I'm sure clausar or someone else can. Were I staying there I would probably go by taxi to the docks in Piraeus.

clausar

The best option would be a taxi, if you don't want to drag your luggage and change two buses.

brotherleelove2004

Stay in the Plaka near the Monastiraki Metro Station so you can easily walk to the station to catch the Green Line to Piraeus. When you arrive you'll be very close to the Blue Star Dock for Santorini.

Check the Plaka Hotel, Metropolis Hotel, Attalos Hotel, Pella Inn and A for Athens Hotel.

neckervd

Vouliagmeni makes only sense if you want to stay at one of their sandy beaches. Public transport from there to Piraeus harbour is long and complicated. Even a taxi ride takes a certain time. A hotel close to Athens Monastiraki metro station or close to Piraeus metro station is by far a better choice.

BTW: Aegean has a Friday evening flight ATH dp 19.10 - Santorini ar 19.55, Fares for Oct 3rd start at 80 EUR.
http://reservations.airtickets.com/a...=1400086048869