Going to Santorini
 

Is it possible having a quick visit to Santorini from Athen in one day in Spring?

Only if you fly and only if you are satisfied with such a short visit. Take the earliest morning plane over from Athens and the last one back in the late evening. Rent a car at the airport for convenience so you can explore the island with the most time available.

thank you very much brotherleelove, I have read your other posts also, and found them very helpful.
Aegean airline only has one fly in and out in the midday. Is it a reliable airline?

Aegean has at least 3 flights each day, as does Olympic Airlines. If you don't see anything but one flight it probably means that next year's schedule is not yet fixed. Aegean has the better reputation for reliability.

That is good to know. I can wait till next year to book the ticket. I will take the first fly in (Olympia has one around 5am) and later flight out the next day

Try to hold out for Aegean's flights. When they're first released you'll be able to purchase their 10 euro (plus taxes) promotional fares.

That is incredible. Do you know when they usually release those promotional fares? around which month?

They're not all released at once, but I do recall that the promo tickets for this last season started showing up after the first of the year. It sticks in my mind because I had already purchased mine at a higher fare and was frustrated. I don't remember exactly when, but I don't think it was past the end of February.

Thank you, I will start watching it after Jan.
Brotherleelove, you seem to know Greece a lot,what is a favorite place/s for you, which season is the best season for you?

I know Santorini and I know the basics for Athens. I have some current knowledge of Paros and Naxos. I am not familiar with Mainland Greece beyond some general information available to anyone on the internet.

The best time for me to visit Greece is late-May through June. Santorini is my favorite destination.

Brother: Would August be horribly overcrowded then? Could you elaborate on the appeal of each of those 3 islands?

"Horribly overcrowded" barely describes what it's like in Greece then. Almost every hotel and flight is booked solid and if you don't have reservations you will have to setlle for whatever you can find. It will also be extremely hot then.

Santorini's appeal is mostly because of the fantastic views of the sea from the cliffs overlooking the caldera, but there is great youth-oriented nightlife there as well. The appeal of Naxos and Paros is basically the same. They are more traditional islands with beautiful beaches. But they will also be very crowded then, don't forget that.

Thanks for the warning, makes total sense.

Dear brotherleelove2004, you are exactly the person I am looking for! we are flying to Santorino from Athens (July), and the Aegean airline site show 111 Euro + tax airfare, should I wait abit longer as your posted earlier? you seems have quite abit of experience with Santorini and I have a hotel question: my friend told me there are alot of hotel solicitor at Ferry terminal in Santorini offers great deals, do you think the deals are great with them in July? Your help is appreciated.

A couple of months ago I saw the 10 euro fares on aegean from athens to santorini for june 08. I didn't buy and ended up with 50 euro tickets on Olympic. Maybe they'll come up again but I didn't want to take the chance.

Yes, I do definitely think the cheap fares will come again soon. Be patient....check every day.

There are always touts meeting the ferries in the summertime. How "great" the prices they offer will be depends on demand, and it is stong in July so don't expect a miracle. Also, be sure that the room you are taking is in a location that is acceptable to you. Take along a map of the island and have them point out the location on it to you.

http://www.santorini-web.com/map.pdf

Thanks again brotherleelove! I will wait as you suggested. However, I found on other dates, Aegean Airline has the 23 Euro flight, is that mean they already 'release' the discount fare? or Aegean airline releases the discount on different date at different time? Because I don't have a flexible itineary, I need to travel on specific date.

The discounted fares will be 10 euros plus taxes and surcharges, for a total of about 40 euro. These will come within the next 2 months but you must check every day to be sure you don't miss them. But if you want to change your dates to take advantage of the 23 euro fare and it doesn't interfere with your plans, why not? It's still an excellent price!

Let me add that this information is based on what Aegean did last year. Be advised that this year they might do something different. There's no way of telling until they do.

Hi, Brotherleelove, thanks for your info. I have been watching the fare from time to time. Even though it is 23 Euro, the total is still no more than 50 including tax and fees. And more flights available with different rates now. There may be more promotions coming if there were many seats left, but I don't want to take the chance, because of my limited time. I bought my round trip tickets today.

By the way, do you have a budget hotel to recommend in Oia?