Greek Island Hopping by Air
 

We are planning a 2 week trip to Greece in 2003. I have been before, and used the hydrofoils, ferries and flying dolphins etc. This time I am wondering if once can purchase an "island hopping" plane ticket in advance, that would allow us to maximize our vacation time.<BR><BR>Thanks<BR><BR>Rebecca

Rebecca, after having just come back from Greek islands, can tell you I was surprised at how close the islands are. The ferries are more like cruise ships, have everything you want, nice deck with plenty of chairs and tables -- so relaxing! Depending on where you're planning to go, you actually might save more time travelling by ferry and DEFINTELY CHEAPER! For example, we went Santorini- Paros (3 hrs.), Paros-Naxos (1 hr), Naxo-Samos (3 hr Hi-Speed ferry). Was very pleasant travelling by ferry, no weather problems.

Rebecca, I used Olympic air to get around and found it much more convenient than the one time I took a hydrofoil. Santorini to Rhodes was around $55 and Athens to Santorini was about $80 or $90. The hydrofoil to Marmaris, was not running due to a greek strike so I took a turkish hydrofoil and that left an hour late with alot of confusion. Some routes dont have ferries or hydrofoils and some dont have flights so I would just evaluate as you go.

My sister and I took flights to 4 different Greek Isles about 2 years ago. We used Olympic Airlines too and went from Athens to Crete to Rhodes to Santorini to Mykonos and back to Athens. For a couple of these there was only one flight per day, but the times were fine for us. Except for the chaos at these little island airports (everybody boards the plane in a hoard!) we had a fine time and would recommend flying between the islands, particularly if yhou have a limited amount of time like we did. Each plane ticket was seperate - I do not know of a "island hopping" plane ticket.

Hi,<BR><BR>At times it is faster to fly and other times it makes more sense to take the ferry. Sometimes you need to fly from one island to Athens in order to get a flight to another island. It depends where you want to go. As for an airplane pass, I have not heard of one. Try the web site Dilos.com this is a Greek travel agency that I used twice and they will know the answer to your questions. Have a great time.