Greece Honeymoon May '14
Jan 3rd, 2014, 09:46 PM
#21
With a limited amount of time, finding an island within easy reach of Santorini is important. We've been to the islands a few times and found that it's not always easy to get from one island to another. They are sort of in groupings, so if you can check which islands are grouped with Santorini that would narrow down your choices. Google Maps can help.
I found this website user friendly:
http://www.go-ferry.com/
I love the Greek islands but have to say I've never seen a beach there I would rave over. If you want fabulous beaches, come to Australia!
Kay
I found this website user friendly:
http://www.go-ferry.com/
I love the Greek islands but have to say I've never seen a beach there I would rave over. If you want fabulous beaches, come to Australia!
Kay
Jan 3rd, 2014, 11:05 PM
#22
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I would agree with clausar, but you need to work out how much time you plan to spend on Santorini, and how much time you have left for a second island. Near as I can work out, you will reach Athens on May 12th, and that will be a travel day to Santorini. You plan to return to the US on May 20th, meaning you must return to Athens no later than the 19th, another travel day. It would be a shame to go through Athens with no time to see anything, so it would be better to return there no later than the 18th.
That leaves you only 5 <b>full</b> days on the islands, or 6 (13th - 18th) if you return to Athens the day before your flight home. One of those 5 or 6 days will be partly taken up by travel from Santorini to whichever second island you choose. Of course you will have time to do some things on those travel days, but much will be taken up with transfers, checking in & out of hotels, and orienting yourself on the islands.
I don't feel that's enough time for Santorini and Crete. With such little time, I agree with mariha that Naxos would be the best choice for a second island. It's only about 2 hours by Blue Star ferry from Santorini, and has a beautiful mountainous interior, with villages that aren't much affected by tourism. Naxos Town, where the ferry arrives, is dominated by a Venetian castle, with narrow winding passageways between it and the harbour. Some of the shops will still be closed, but the passageways are a joy to explore. If you can rent a car for one day you will be able to explore the mountain villages. There is also a good bus system on Naxos (and Santorini), but they won't yet be operating on a full summer schedule.
It's easy to get back to Athens from Naxos, either by ferry, a little over 5 hours, or flight on the small Dash 8-100 turboprops. There will be two Blue Star ferries, one in the morning and another in afternoon. I don't recommend the sea jet, which is a little quicker but less reliable.
That leaves you only 5 <b>full</b> days on the islands, or 6 (13th - 18th) if you return to Athens the day before your flight home. One of those 5 or 6 days will be partly taken up by travel from Santorini to whichever second island you choose. Of course you will have time to do some things on those travel days, but much will be taken up with transfers, checking in & out of hotels, and orienting yourself on the islands.
I don't feel that's enough time for Santorini and Crete. With such little time, I agree with mariha that Naxos would be the best choice for a second island. It's only about 2 hours by Blue Star ferry from Santorini, and has a beautiful mountainous interior, with villages that aren't much affected by tourism. Naxos Town, where the ferry arrives, is dominated by a Venetian castle, with narrow winding passageways between it and the harbour. Some of the shops will still be closed, but the passageways are a joy to explore. If you can rent a car for one day you will be able to explore the mountain villages. There is also a good bus system on Naxos (and Santorini), but they won't yet be operating on a full summer schedule.
It's easy to get back to Athens from Naxos, either by ferry, a little over 5 hours, or flight on the small Dash 8-100 turboprops. There will be two Blue Star ferries, one in the morning and another in afternoon. I don't recommend the sea jet, which is a little quicker but less reliable.
Jan 4th, 2014, 02:17 AM
#23
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Totally agree with Heimdall
Seing both Crete and Santorini would not be the best combination..
Visiting Crete means you would have to give up Santorini.
If Santorini is a must see, then Naxos would be the best choice.
Renting a car on Naxos would give you the flexibility of seeing more of the island.
May is a nice time to see another face of the Cyclades, when they islands are still green... Naxos is the biggest and greenest of all the Cyclades
Seing both Crete and Santorini would not be the best combination..
Visiting Crete means you would have to give up Santorini.
If Santorini is a must see, then Naxos would be the best choice.
Renting a car on Naxos would give you the flexibility of seeing more of the island.
May is a nice time to see another face of the Cyclades, when they islands are still green... Naxos is the biggest and greenest of all the Cyclades
Jan 10th, 2014, 02:18 PM
#24
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Thanks for all of the responses! I don't use travel agents so you experience really helps! Next question, Santorini hotel? We want a balcony with view and heated outdoor Jacuzzi. We liked absolute bliss & Asteras Villas, but both booked up! 
Jan 10th, 2014, 02:38 PM
#25
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Can't help with hotels, but wanted to say that you should not consider the ferry from Athens to Santorini. It takes forever and you will lose the best part if a day, make sure you fly. Enjoy your honeymoon!
Jan 20th, 2014, 08:56 PM
#27
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With less days, it gets crucial just how you are counting days.
You are leaving on May 11th, and now its returning back to US on May 18th? Then you have partial May 12th in Greece, May 13th-May 17th as full days, and leave very early May 18th?
What to suggest? It is up to you. The choice is:
5 full days in Santorini or
2 full days in Santorini plus one 2 full days in island with good air connection such as Mykonos. One day to travel from on to another.
Book IAH-JTR-IAH or IAH-JTR + JMK-IAH as open-jaw (if Mykonos).
Boat trip between islands is either a memorable moment or a curse if the sea is rough. Last year, all my trips were on mirror flat ocean on gorgeous days and enjoyed watching the boat making brief stops at islands on the way. However, it looks like this on a really windy day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqgXjHGsTPU
You are leaving on May 11th, and now its returning back to US on May 18th? Then you have partial May 12th in Greece, May 13th-May 17th as full days, and leave very early May 18th?
What to suggest? It is up to you. The choice is:
5 full days in Santorini or
2 full days in Santorini plus one 2 full days in island with good air connection such as Mykonos. One day to travel from on to another.
Book IAH-JTR-IAH or IAH-JTR + JMK-IAH as open-jaw (if Mykonos).
Boat trip between islands is either a memorable moment or a curse if the sea is rough. Last year, all my trips were on mirror flat ocean on gorgeous days and enjoyed watching the boat making brief stops at islands on the way. However, it looks like this on a really windy day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqgXjHGsTPU
Jan 20th, 2014, 09:27 PM
#28
With such a short time I'd stay on one island, relax and really enjoy it. You'll have to factor in jetlag and the time it takes to get from the airport to your hotel. Checking in and out and moving to another island will lose you quite a lot of time.
The islands generally are not close enough to each other for a day trip. The exception that immediately springs to mind is visiting Delos from Mykonos but no one lives on Delos, it's an archaeological site.
Kay
The islands generally are not close enough to each other for a day trip. The exception that immediately springs to mind is visiting Delos from Mykonos but no one lives on Delos, it's an archaeological site.
Kay
