A few more Greece Questions...
Nov 17th, 2005, 02:16 PM
#1
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A few more Greece Questions...
1.) We are planning our trip in early May (Athens, Cyclades) and I have read mostly favorable things about that time of year on here. In addtion Mykonons was rated by Travel Channel as one of the top 10 beaches for Spring travel. However, my travel agent is urging me to go in later June, claiming the weather is *much* better (i.e. warmer). Also, a friend said it is terribly windy that time of year and will never go in June again. Of course I know weather is not entirely predictable and is somewhat subjective. We would like to be able to comfortably lay out by the pool and beach (not necessarily swim a lot) and enjoy the scenery and sites.
2.) About the ferries, how many are there? I was under the impression there were only 2 kinds, the regular ferry and they hydrofoil. I asked the agent about the difference between the 2 and he said there is little difference between the ferry and the high-speed, both price and speed and sent me a sample schedule and fares. However, another friend said the slower ferry is horribly rough and slow and take about 10 hours and that the price difference is huge. So, maybe there are 3 ferries? I am getting confused now!
Any help would be appreciated!
Chandra
2.) About the ferries, how many are there? I was under the impression there were only 2 kinds, the regular ferry and they hydrofoil. I asked the agent about the difference between the 2 and he said there is little difference between the ferry and the high-speed, both price and speed and sent me a sample schedule and fares. However, another friend said the slower ferry is horribly rough and slow and take about 10 hours and that the price difference is huge. So, maybe there are 3 ferries? I am getting confused now!
Any help would be appreciated!
Chandra
Nov 17th, 2005, 02:50 PM
#2
Chandra,
we were on Mykonos in late May a few years ago. It was very windy every day which I found quite annoying and it was pretty hot. As far as I know there are ferries and hydrofoils. The ferries are twice as slow and twice as cheap. The hydrofoils are fully enclosed, you can't go outside to get fresh air, see the views etc. I get seasick so opted for the hydrofoils which are quicker. You can also fly from Athens to Mykonos, about 25 min flight.
I found a really good website when I was doing my research - www.greektravel.com
Have a look, it might help with your planning.
By the way, I thought Mykonos was the most picturesque island I could imagine, around evey corner there was a scene worthy of a photo. Santorini is also absolutely gorgeous, but different type of views.
Kay
we were on Mykonos in late May a few years ago. It was very windy every day which I found quite annoying and it was pretty hot. As far as I know there are ferries and hydrofoils. The ferries are twice as slow and twice as cheap. The hydrofoils are fully enclosed, you can't go outside to get fresh air, see the views etc. I get seasick so opted for the hydrofoils which are quicker. You can also fly from Athens to Mykonos, about 25 min flight.
I found a really good website when I was doing my research - www.greektravel.com
Have a look, it might help with your planning.
By the way, I thought Mykonos was the most picturesque island I could imagine, around evey corner there was a scene worthy of a photo. Santorini is also absolutely gorgeous, but different type of views.
Kay
Nov 17th, 2005, 03:40 PM
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Kay, great website, thanks! It has some great information, but on one point it has added to my confusion. He seems to really prefer the ferries over the hydros. He compares the hydros to a really scary turbulent plane ride. He says the ferries are comfortable and you can watch the scenery. Anyone else have any input?
Nov 17th, 2005, 04:28 PM
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Although you're correct when you say the weather is unpredictable, the chances are better in June for warm and calm weather than in May.
There are two types of ferries, the passenger/car ferries and the express passenger only catamarans. The hydrofoils are a thing of the past. From Athens/Piraeus you can catch either to Mykonos depending on the day. From Rafina, another ferry port near to Athens, you can catch the Blue Star Express Seajet passenger only ferry. It takes about 2 hours to get to Mykonos. The car ferry from Athens/Piraeus takes about 6 hours, and the express cat takes about half that time. Of course if the sea is rough from high winds the trip might be somewhat rough, but these are large vessels capable of travelling in rough seas up to a point. If the sea is too rough they won't leave port.
Just so you know you can get cheap airfare to Mykonos online from Aegean Airlines. That way if the sea is rough you can still reach your destination.
There are two types of ferries, the passenger/car ferries and the express passenger only catamarans. The hydrofoils are a thing of the past. From Athens/Piraeus you can catch either to Mykonos depending on the day. From Rafina, another ferry port near to Athens, you can catch the Blue Star Express Seajet passenger only ferry. It takes about 2 hours to get to Mykonos. The car ferry from Athens/Piraeus takes about 6 hours, and the express cat takes about half that time. Of course if the sea is rough from high winds the trip might be somewhat rough, but these are large vessels capable of travelling in rough seas up to a point. If the sea is too rough they won't leave port.
Just so you know you can get cheap airfare to Mykonos online from Aegean Airlines. That way if the sea is rough you can still reach your destination.
Nov 17th, 2005, 04:59 PM
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There are no hydrofoils in the Cyclades islands.
The two choices of ferry are conventional car ferries and hi-speed catamarans the large ones carry cars the small ones don't, these are twice the speed twice the price. It takes around 5 hours from Piraeus/Rafina to Mykonos.
The weather is warmer in June but the northerly meltemi wind can and does spring up from time to time in May and June lasts for several days then dies down, this wind actually peaks in August.
The two choices of ferry are conventional car ferries and hi-speed catamarans the large ones carry cars the small ones don't, these are twice the speed twice the price. It takes around 5 hours from Piraeus/Rafina to Mykonos.
The weather is warmer in June but the northerly meltemi wind can and does spring up from time to time in May and June lasts for several days then dies down, this wind actually peaks in August.
Nov 17th, 2005, 05:59 PM
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Go to the website below and you'll see that the Blue Star Seajet II takes about 2 hours from Rafina.
http://www.bluestarferries.com/ENGLISH/defaultmain.htm
Under "Domestic Lines" choose "Cyclades Itineraries," then "Rafina-Tinos-Mykonos-Paros."
Piraeus to Mykonos takes about 5 hours on the Blue Star car ferry.
http://www.bluestarferries.com/ENGLISH/defaultmain.htm
http://www.bluestarferries.com/ENGLISH/defaultmain.htm
Under "Domestic Lines" choose "Cyclades Itineraries," then "Rafina-Tinos-Mykonos-Paros."
Piraeus to Mykonos takes about 5 hours on the Blue Star car ferry.
http://www.bluestarferries.com/ENGLISH/defaultmain.htm
Nov 20th, 2005, 12:44 AM
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We were in Mykonos and Santorini this past July. Not at all windy and the ferry ride-Santorini to Piraeus, though very long (8 hrs) was quite smooth as was Piraeus to Mykonos. Catamaran between the two islands was fast and very comfortable. Great trip-too short!
Nov 20th, 2005, 01:53 AM
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Well you were lucky with the weather, but I can remember one occasion a small ferry the 'Mykonos Express' ('Ios Express') taking 2 hours to winch itself to the dock in Mykonos harbour due to the meltemi wind. This ferry has thankfully dissappeared, but the wind system is of course the same.
Nov 20th, 2005, 02:35 AM
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The IOS EXPRESS was a small passenger ship of 292 tons which ran between the islands in summer. The car ferries from Pireas to Mikonos are very much bigger: the BLUE STAR ITHAKI, for example, which is scheduled to go to Mikonos tomorrow morning is 10,193 tons. The bigger ships are likely to be more comfortable than smaller ones. Fast craft are lighter so are more lively if the sea is rough.
In summer, there are several sailings a day to Mikonos from Pireas or Rafina. You can book when you get to the port, or the day before.
In summer, there are several sailings a day to Mikonos from Pireas or Rafina. You can book when you get to the port, or the day before.
Nov 20th, 2005, 03:47 AM
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The very worst part of the Summer re windy consitions seems to be in August when the "Meltemi" wind rises most predictably.
I've been in both late May and very early June as well as in August. It was plenty warm when we visited in the May-June timeframe and very HOT in August.
I've been in both late May and very early June as well as in August. It was plenty warm when we visited in the May-June timeframe and very HOT in August.
Nov 20th, 2005, 06:17 AM
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Laustic, I lived on Mykonos and I think you would have better beach weather in June. It is not only the wind but the water is pretty cold. Speaking of wind, it's like asking what month is best for rain in Ireland. It is true about the Meltimi, that is what keeps Mykonos cooler during the really hot days. If you go in May you will be able to sunbath.
