Santorini help - late May / early June with baby
Sep 18th, 2013, 12:20 PM
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Santorini help - late May / early June with baby
Hi all! It has been my dream to go to Santorini for quite some time. I am finally planning a trip for next year. We will likely bring our daughter who will be a little over 1 at that time. I am not sure if there will be much of a difference in crowds / weather in late May vs early June but wondering what others have experienced at these times. We would like it to be warm but not too hot (over 85). From what I understand everything should be open by May. I am also flying from NY and would like to minimize layovers. Is Delta JFK-Athens the best bet for this trip? I know there are direct flights into Santorini from some cities in Europe but it hard to plan since they are seasonal flights and only fly on certain days and times. Any help is appreciated!
Sep 18th, 2013, 01:21 PM
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I am not an expert on flights from the US but I can say that anything direct to Athens is preferable than a stopover in Europe. That transatlantic flight is long and then having to clear customs and find your connecting flight is a chore without a baby. Fly direct. When you arrive in Athens you will be pumped up and will probably have enough adrenalin to get you through a wait at the airport for a flight to Santorini. No better way to get over jet lag than to wake up to that caldera view. Check out Aegean Airlines and Olympic air. They don't have flights on their web site past March 2014 yet but you can sign up for e mail blasts on seat sales.
Weather should be pretty good late May early June. I would choose early June if I could though just because it is further into the really good weather season but Late May can be very nice as well.
One thought Santorini has tiny pebbles embedded into the alleyways in the major town which makes the stroller very bumpy. I might suggest you consider a child backpack carrier instead.
Weather should be pretty good late May early June. I would choose early June if I could though just because it is further into the really good weather season but Late May can be very nice as well.
One thought Santorini has tiny pebbles embedded into the alleyways in the major town which makes the stroller very bumpy. I might suggest you consider a child backpack carrier instead.
Sep 18th, 2013, 01:47 PM
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Late May - early June is a good time for the Greek Islands. Weather on the islands will most likely be in the 70s to low 80s, a little cooler in the evenings, especially if it is windy. I've found that it usually doesn't get really hot until mid-June.
There are several daily flights from Athens to Santorini with Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air. Once you learn your arrival time in Athens, try to book a flight to Santorini with a 2-3 hour layover. The airport terminal is small and very efficient, with both international and domestic flights operating from the same building.
Be aware that a few caldera-side hotels don't allow children, but you won't have a problem finding somewhere to stay. Look for posts from brotherleelove for hotel suggestions.
There are several daily flights from Athens to Santorini with Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air. Once you learn your arrival time in Athens, try to book a flight to Santorini with a 2-3 hour layover. The airport terminal is small and very efficient, with both international and domestic flights operating from the same building.
Be aware that a few caldera-side hotels don't allow children, but you won't have a problem finding somewhere to stay. Look for posts from brotherleelove for hotel suggestions.
Sep 19th, 2013, 05:52 AM
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Thanks very much! Does anyone know if any other airlines do direct flights to Athens from NY? I think Continental used to...Does anyone have experience travelling to santorini with a baby? Hotels? Any tips other than baby carrier vs stroller?
Sep 19th, 2013, 05:18 PM
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We've flown into Athens on both of our trips when we connected to Santorini. It was very easy and it's a small jet so it's an easy on and off connection. You will have to navigate stairs on the plane to/from Santorini.
End of May/early June has been our travel times and we love it. Not too hot, but certainly not cold. The water is a bit chilly for some but I'll take that if it gives me low crowds. The flowers are in bloom and many store owners are just opening for the season in the latter part of May.
I can't help with the baby aspect of your question but I think you'll be fine. Note that there are many stairs to navigate for lodging in Santorini so be sure to ask questions regarding this when you are booking.
End of May/early June has been our travel times and we love it. Not too hot, but certainly not cold. The water is a bit chilly for some but I'll take that if it gives me low crowds. The flowers are in bloom and many store owners are just opening for the season in the latter part of May.
I can't help with the baby aspect of your question but I think you'll be fine. Note that there are many stairs to navigate for lodging in Santorini so be sure to ask questions regarding this when you are booking.
Sep 19th, 2013, 08:21 PM
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The caldera side of Santorini is on the edge of a cliff. Our hotel did not even have a railing on the edge of a huge verticle drop off. Lots of stairs too. Make sure your hotel is safe for a toddler.
Paros or Naxos would be better with a little one.
Paros or Naxos would be better with a little one.
Sep 19th, 2013, 11:35 PM
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<i>Any tips other than baby carrier vs stroller?</i>
It's been a long time since I've travelled with a baby, but I can make a couple of observations. I've noticed many families using jogging-type strollers, which work better on the rough flagstone paths you sometimes encounter on the Greek Islands. Here's the type I mean: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss...ng%2Caps%2C381.
You probably wouldn't want to use a baby carrier the whole time, but it would certainly work better for climbing stairs, visiting ancient sites, etc. If you have one that will fit easily in a suitcase, bring it even if you also take a stroller.
It's been a long time since I've travelled with a baby, but I can make a couple of observations. I've noticed many families using jogging-type strollers, which work better on the rough flagstone paths you sometimes encounter on the Greek Islands. Here's the type I mean: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss...ng%2Caps%2C381.
You probably wouldn't want to use a baby carrier the whole time, but it would certainly work better for climbing stairs, visiting ancient sites, etc. If you have one that will fit easily in a suitcase, bring it even if you also take a stroller.
