Greek island tours for the solo female traveler
Apr 7th, 2016, 03:39 AM
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Greek island tours for the solo female traveler
Hi there! I'm planning a trip to Greece this summer and am looking into whether an island hopping tour would be easier than booking individual ferries. I'm a female in my 20s who will be traveling alone, so looking to join a tour with similarly aged people. I am not interested in a tour that focuses on partying all night and then recovering on the boat. Has anyone been on an organized island tour of Greece? Or can recommend any particular travel company? There seem to be a lot out there.
Apr 7th, 2016, 07:42 AM
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I go to the Greek Islands solo all the time. I would not book a tour because you spend only a limited time on each island. Pick 2 islands that interest you and are easy to connect by ferry. There are people on this forum who have gone to Greece numerous times, so give us the islands, the number of days, etc. and they can advise on the best route.
Apr 7th, 2016, 08:46 AM
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I think you are looking for a hard to find product.
>>> a tour with similarly aged people = partying tours
>>> not interested in a tour that focuses on partying all night and then recovering on the boat = tour for retirement age group
Even if you find a tour, you have to give up your desire and go with the schedule.
What makes the trip planning different from land only trip is understanding how boats work. Many people come to Greek islands as if boats are connected like Swiss train network. It is remotely like that.
There aren't that many boats per day to begin with and the schedules can get changed at last minutes due to weather, labor relations, or other operational issues. So you have to plan connecting island with an understanding that most likely you can get to your destination some time during the day or can be a day later. This makes a short stay in any island to be risky - can be reduced to nothing if you get nibbled a day at the beginning and at the end. The means you would probably want minimum 3 nights in any one place to tolerate schedule foul ups.
You can look at https://www.gtp.gr/RoutesForm.asp, to get some idea, but you will not get almost complete schedule until a couple weeks ahead. There will be more routes added in Summer.
You can get most dependable connection if you stick with the main trunk routes served by the Blue Star Ferries. They operate most reliably and in most weather as they use huge car ferries. However, this limits your destinations.
For routes not well served by the Blue Star Ferries, the Hellenic Seaways would be the next choice.
Smaller the boat, more likely it gets impacted by the foul weather. If you go to an island not connected daily, think very hard how you can change the itinerary to tolerate a foul up at the last minutes. You do not want that kind of visit to be right next to your return flight.
Big popular islands such as Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, etc, have frequent jet connections back to Athens but not between islands. You might want to combine boat and flight segments.
>>> a tour with similarly aged people = partying tours
>>> not interested in a tour that focuses on partying all night and then recovering on the boat = tour for retirement age group
Even if you find a tour, you have to give up your desire and go with the schedule.
What makes the trip planning different from land only trip is understanding how boats work. Many people come to Greek islands as if boats are connected like Swiss train network. It is remotely like that.
There aren't that many boats per day to begin with and the schedules can get changed at last minutes due to weather, labor relations, or other operational issues. So you have to plan connecting island with an understanding that most likely you can get to your destination some time during the day or can be a day later. This makes a short stay in any island to be risky - can be reduced to nothing if you get nibbled a day at the beginning and at the end. The means you would probably want minimum 3 nights in any one place to tolerate schedule foul ups.
You can look at https://www.gtp.gr/RoutesForm.asp, to get some idea, but you will not get almost complete schedule until a couple weeks ahead. There will be more routes added in Summer.
You can get most dependable connection if you stick with the main trunk routes served by the Blue Star Ferries. They operate most reliably and in most weather as they use huge car ferries. However, this limits your destinations.
For routes not well served by the Blue Star Ferries, the Hellenic Seaways would be the next choice.
Smaller the boat, more likely it gets impacted by the foul weather. If you go to an island not connected daily, think very hard how you can change the itinerary to tolerate a foul up at the last minutes. You do not want that kind of visit to be right next to your return flight.
Big popular islands such as Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, etc, have frequent jet connections back to Athens but not between islands. You might want to combine boat and flight segments.
Apr 7th, 2016, 09:50 AM
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I agree with greg that you probably won't find what you want in a group tour. There is Contiki and Busabout, but they are known as party tours. The other option, of course, is a Greek Island cruise, but you are likely to be stuck with older travellers on a cruise ship.
What greg wrote about ferry travel is true, but not nearly as difficult as he made it sound. You don't mention what month in the summer you plan to travel, but June and early July are good for winging it on the Greek Islands. During that part of summer you don't need to reserve rooms or book ferries in advance — just buy the ferry tickets the night before (or even the same day) you want to move from one island to another, and find a room when you arrive at the port.
One of the best trips I ever had to the Greek Islands was in the pre-internet days when I did no advance planning at all, other than deciding to island hop in the Cyclades. I wasn't even sure which island I would visit first until I got to Piraeus and looked at the ferry timetables.
What greg wrote about ferry travel is true, but not nearly as difficult as he made it sound. You don't mention what month in the summer you plan to travel, but June and early July are good for winging it on the Greek Islands. During that part of summer you don't need to reserve rooms or book ferries in advance — just buy the ferry tickets the night before (or even the same day) you want to move from one island to another, and find a room when you arrive at the port.
One of the best trips I ever had to the Greek Islands was in the pre-internet days when I did no advance planning at all, other than deciding to island hop in the Cyclades. I wasn't even sure which island I would visit first until I got to Piraeus and looked at the ferry timetables.
Apr 7th, 2016, 01:43 PM
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Late June is an ideal time -- things are lively but not a mob scene yet which happens when jumbo jets and charters and package holidaymakers from N. Europe jam many islands to the max. I also agree with gents above that there's no ready-made way to find people to link up with, just for a dinner or a hike or some drinks. Here are some things I have seen work:
Book yourself on day-long outings that are active, so you get people your age, not the oldies, doing stuff that's fun, and time to get to know one another. Here are some examples:
• MILOS - this isle features day-long sails, either all-round island or half-around. I'd favor the latter because it allows more time for stops, to swim in covers, row rubber boats thru waterside caves, and have onshore BBQs. Costs about €45. The vessels all line up by Adamas port before dinner & people chat wit the skippers & decide. The small sailboats are too small (4-6), there's a neat large catamaran named ChryasovaLandou takes about 14, your fee covers coffee snacks lunch & wine .. most of those on board were 20-35. Also late june on there are much larger boats - 30-40 people. If I were u visiting in Milos, I would stay somewhere in port town Adamas, because that's where the nightlife is, then you use scooters, atvs toget out to other beaches.
• NAXOS - This island has a number of day-excursions, not many islands do, On Naxos there are dedicated vessels for this ... This page http://visit-cyclades.com/day-cruises/naxos-cruises lists several where u go out on a sail vessel for beaches, BBQs on small islands -- not trips that old fogies take. -- I would contact them to make sure when these start.
•CRETE - If u like active stuff at all there's plenty here.. there are ATV and beach-buggie "safaris" out of Rethymnon http://www.discovery-safari.gr/route...gy-safari.html and there is sea kayaking you can do it on a 1-day basis http://enjoy-crete.com/sea-kayak-0
... cost depends on the trip.
• BEST PLACE of ALL to meet & mingle -- the upper open decks of BLUE STAR ferries ... plenty of room, tables, people leaning on the rail enjoying the breeze, a couple of hours w. nothing on the agenda. Can t tell u how many tmes I've met people on ferries that I ended up doing things with, when we got to our destination.
Above all I would say, just be friendly & outgoing... an any island stay in the areas where your age group stays, not on isolated beaches, check out which bars look lively around 6pm, sit down, and if someone offers to buy you a beverage, accept!.
Book yourself on day-long outings that are active, so you get people your age, not the oldies, doing stuff that's fun, and time to get to know one another. Here are some examples:
• MILOS - this isle features day-long sails, either all-round island or half-around. I'd favor the latter because it allows more time for stops, to swim in covers, row rubber boats thru waterside caves, and have onshore BBQs. Costs about €45. The vessels all line up by Adamas port before dinner & people chat wit the skippers & decide. The small sailboats are too small (4-6), there's a neat large catamaran named ChryasovaLandou takes about 14, your fee covers coffee snacks lunch & wine .. most of those on board were 20-35. Also late june on there are much larger boats - 30-40 people. If I were u visiting in Milos, I would stay somewhere in port town Adamas, because that's where the nightlife is, then you use scooters, atvs toget out to other beaches.
• NAXOS - This island has a number of day-excursions, not many islands do, On Naxos there are dedicated vessels for this ... This page http://visit-cyclades.com/day-cruises/naxos-cruises lists several where u go out on a sail vessel for beaches, BBQs on small islands -- not trips that old fogies take. -- I would contact them to make sure when these start.
•CRETE - If u like active stuff at all there's plenty here.. there are ATV and beach-buggie "safaris" out of Rethymnon http://www.discovery-safari.gr/route...gy-safari.html and there is sea kayaking you can do it on a 1-day basis http://enjoy-crete.com/sea-kayak-0
... cost depends on the trip.
• BEST PLACE of ALL to meet & mingle -- the upper open decks of BLUE STAR ferries ... plenty of room, tables, people leaning on the rail enjoying the breeze, a couple of hours w. nothing on the agenda. Can t tell u how many tmes I've met people on ferries that I ended up doing things with, when we got to our destination.
Above all I would say, just be friendly & outgoing... an any island stay in the areas where your age group stays, not on isolated beaches, check out which bars look lively around 6pm, sit down, and if someone offers to buy you a beverage, accept!.
Apr 7th, 2016, 03:03 PM
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Thank you all for the advice! I'm planning to go mid June, for about 10 days. Is there an island that is cheapest / best to fly to from Athens? Or would you recommend taking a ferry from Athens somewhere? It seems like the best plan is to have transportation from/to Athens figured out, and then just wing it from there.
Apr 7th, 2016, 04:55 PM
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It will enable us to give you the best advice if you can supply as many specifics as possible. For example,
• where are you from? Europe? North America -- west coast or east? We give different advice to someone who only has a 3 hour trip no time change, than someone from Cal. or Vancouver who must spend 24 hours in actual travel plus 10 hours time change!
• Restrictions: Must you leave on a Friday night or Sat. AM, or are you a little flexible with your time off? Is lo-budget a huge factor in what flights u take? If from US, the less costly flights change in Europe, but this means they don't get to ATH until 2, 3, or 5pm, so basically 1st day =gone. When your vacation is as short as yours is, for N. americans I favor booking the flights that are Nonstop from Eastern N. America: Canada Air (Montreal?), Delta (JFK) or American (PHL). All leave Late aft (4:30 - 6) arrive ATH airport 9, 9:30, 10. Thus, one can jump on a domestic flight of say 12:30, and be at your first island in 1 hour.
• Prices for island flights don't vary so much by the island as by the time of day. Cheapest flights are 6 or 7 AM, or 9:30 at night. WHen figuring what is best for you, look at http://en.aegeanair.com .. all domestic flights. NOTE: once you book your roundtrip ticket from home, act ASAP to pick your domestic flight -- these fill up VERY fast, planes arent so big.
• The ferry option on day #1 - the instance when I'd recommend it would be if you arrived in Afternoon and could get a ferry from seaport NEAR the airport (Rafina) to an Island such as NAxos. To check ferry possibilities, the best website is http://www.gtp.gr/RoutesForm.asp ... it takes a few mins. to learn how to use it, but it's a WEALTH of information. TIP: to find out ALL the ferry options in a month, search by MONTH: 6 (june) but leave DAY at "Any". THen you are shown all the sailings. And also check both ports, Rafina and Pireaus (most-used). This map shows the usual ferry routes, http://www.greeceathensaegeaninfo.co...erry-chart.htm --explaining why u can't find a ferry from Rhodes to Mykonos!!
• Do u plan any time in ATH? If so, we usually recommend you go FIRST to your farthest point, then fly/ferry back (there are few flights between islands, mostly to/from ATH). Thus you COULD fly to Milos on Arrival Day (day #1), ferry to a 2nd Island on day 4 or 5, then ferry back to ATH late on day 8 to spend 2 days in Athens. Up to you!
• If you have NO notion of any island's look or "feel", This website wil give you a thumbnail portrait: http://www.greektravel.com/greekislands/ - with your short time, stick to the Cyclades islands.
I hope this has been a help, and you can start planning. Remember you only have 2 key decisions: (1) Flight to/from greece and (2) transport on arrival, from airport to first stop. After than u can wing it if you want!
• where are you from? Europe? North America -- west coast or east? We give different advice to someone who only has a 3 hour trip no time change, than someone from Cal. or Vancouver who must spend 24 hours in actual travel plus 10 hours time change!
• Restrictions: Must you leave on a Friday night or Sat. AM, or are you a little flexible with your time off? Is lo-budget a huge factor in what flights u take? If from US, the less costly flights change in Europe, but this means they don't get to ATH until 2, 3, or 5pm, so basically 1st day =gone. When your vacation is as short as yours is, for N. americans I favor booking the flights that are Nonstop from Eastern N. America: Canada Air (Montreal?), Delta (JFK) or American (PHL). All leave Late aft (4:30 - 6) arrive ATH airport 9, 9:30, 10. Thus, one can jump on a domestic flight of say 12:30, and be at your first island in 1 hour.
• Prices for island flights don't vary so much by the island as by the time of day. Cheapest flights are 6 or 7 AM, or 9:30 at night. WHen figuring what is best for you, look at http://en.aegeanair.com .. all domestic flights. NOTE: once you book your roundtrip ticket from home, act ASAP to pick your domestic flight -- these fill up VERY fast, planes arent so big.
• The ferry option on day #1 - the instance when I'd recommend it would be if you arrived in Afternoon and could get a ferry from seaport NEAR the airport (Rafina) to an Island such as NAxos. To check ferry possibilities, the best website is http://www.gtp.gr/RoutesForm.asp ... it takes a few mins. to learn how to use it, but it's a WEALTH of information. TIP: to find out ALL the ferry options in a month, search by MONTH: 6 (june) but leave DAY at "Any". THen you are shown all the sailings. And also check both ports, Rafina and Pireaus (most-used). This map shows the usual ferry routes, http://www.greeceathensaegeaninfo.co...erry-chart.htm --explaining why u can't find a ferry from Rhodes to Mykonos!!
• Do u plan any time in ATH? If so, we usually recommend you go FIRST to your farthest point, then fly/ferry back (there are few flights between islands, mostly to/from ATH). Thus you COULD fly to Milos on Arrival Day (day #1), ferry to a 2nd Island on day 4 or 5, then ferry back to ATH late on day 8 to spend 2 days in Athens. Up to you!
• If you have NO notion of any island's look or "feel", This website wil give you a thumbnail portrait: http://www.greektravel.com/greekislands/ - with your short time, stick to the Cyclades islands.
I hope this has been a help, and you can start planning. Remember you only have 2 key decisions: (1) Flight to/from greece and (2) transport on arrival, from airport to first stop. After than u can wing it if you want!
Apr 7th, 2016, 04:59 PM
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Too short can be confusing!! When I typed that planes arrive 9, 9:30 or 10, I meant AM the next day!! Take off 4:30pm Fri -- arrive 9:15am Sat -- actual flight about 10 hours, plus 7 hrs clock-time change.
Apr 7th, 2016, 05:54 PM
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I will be coming from Israel, so just a short flight direct to Athens and then I'll either take a ferry or fly to the first island. I think I want to stay in the Cyclades, but visit 2-3 islands. I'd like to go to Mykonos or Santorini, then Paros or Naxos, and possibly a third island if there's another close by that will have a different vibe. I'm not too committed to spending any time in Athens. If it works out I'd like to visit the Acropolis, but would be fine skipping the mainland altogether for this trip.
Apr 7th, 2016, 07:37 PM
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See!! It makes a HUUUGE difference where someone is coming from .. an Israeli can count on returning to Greece a number of times, so is not as concerned about taking in cultural sights ... also has no jet-lag problems, and more choice of arrivals. It greatly changes the thinking of advisers.
Lesson for future, all newcomers -- it helps to tell -- even roughly - where you are coming from. Please, share more...
Lesson for future, all newcomers -- it helps to tell -- even roughly - where you are coming from. Please, share more...
Apr 7th, 2016, 11:23 PM
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Okay, mid-June is a great time to go. Of the four islands you mention, Mykonos is the quickest/easiest to reach from Athens Airport. Ferries leave throughout the day from Rafina, less frequently from Piraeus:
http://www.gtp.gr/RoutesResults.asp?...MYKMYK,12183,8
There are KTEL Attica buses hourly from the airport to Rafina docks, leaving across the street from the terminal, in front of the Sofitel hotel. Don't confuse them with the buses that line up in front of the terminal — they go to Piraeus and central Athens.
All the large ferries to Mykonos arrive at the new port, and there are always room renters waiting at the dock with brochures and photos of their rooms. Look for somewhere in Mykonos Town, which has buses to all the beaches if that's what you want to do. Mykonos is noted for its nightlife, which doesn't get into full swing until July and August, but June is good too. Don't miss a trip to the Delos archaeological site while on Mykonos.
For your second island I would recommend Paros. Naxos is good too, but Paros is better for 20-somethings, with windsurfing and kite surfing centres, good nightlife in Parikia and Naoussa, and the Punda Beach Club near Golden Beach, a long sandy beach popular with windsurfers.
While on Paros take one of the Antiparos island boat trips, which are very popular with young people. One such is Captain Ben, another Alexandros. The trips include wine and ouzo, BBQ lunches, and swims at the sea caves:
http://captainbenantiparos.com
I don't like to write long posts with information that may be irrelevant, so come back with more questions.
http://www.gtp.gr/RoutesResults.asp?...MYKMYK,12183,8
There are KTEL Attica buses hourly from the airport to Rafina docks, leaving across the street from the terminal, in front of the Sofitel hotel. Don't confuse them with the buses that line up in front of the terminal — they go to Piraeus and central Athens.
All the large ferries to Mykonos arrive at the new port, and there are always room renters waiting at the dock with brochures and photos of their rooms. Look for somewhere in Mykonos Town, which has buses to all the beaches if that's what you want to do. Mykonos is noted for its nightlife, which doesn't get into full swing until July and August, but June is good too. Don't miss a trip to the Delos archaeological site while on Mykonos.
For your second island I would recommend Paros. Naxos is good too, but Paros is better for 20-somethings, with windsurfing and kite surfing centres, good nightlife in Parikia and Naoussa, and the Punda Beach Club near Golden Beach, a long sandy beach popular with windsurfers.
While on Paros take one of the Antiparos island boat trips, which are very popular with young people. One such is Captain Ben, another Alexandros. The trips include wine and ouzo, BBQ lunches, and swims at the sea caves:
http://captainbenantiparos.com
I don't like to write long posts with information that may be irrelevant, so come back with more questions.
Apr 8th, 2016, 12:15 AM
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Have visited endless times most of the Cyclades in the summer, solo as a student, i can only confirm that it is fun !!
You get to know people of your age in no time wherever you go, at the beach, on the bus, at a bar.....
Have gained many friends from allover the world, and i still have contact with some of them.
You get to know people of your age in no time wherever you go, at the beach, on the bus, at a bar.....
Have gained many friends from allover the world, and i still have contact with some of them.
Apr 8th, 2016, 02:25 PM
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Thank you all for the advice! I am from the US, but will be in Israel for about two weeks and then making the short trip over to Greece, so luckily jet leg won't be an issue, but I don't know when/if I'll get back to Greece again. I think I'm settled on Paros, Santorini, and Mykonos - can anyone suggest the best order to visit these? I also don't have a set trip length yet, so how many days at each would you recommend? And would it be a similar price to fly one way and then work my way back on ferries - or does it make more sense to fly in and out of one island and travel between the three, or take ferries everywhere? Is it easy to find a sailing trip like the one Heimdall mentioned (Captain Ben Antiparos) this definitely seems like a fun day activity, and something that maybe you just walk around the port and can book one on the spot. Lastly, is it worthwhile to book hostels in advance, or can I find a better deal by waiting and seeing what people who meet the ferries at ports have to offer?
Apr 8th, 2016, 03:17 PM
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Santorini-Paros-Myknonos would make the most sense logistically, but it depends which ferries fit your schedule best on arrival in Athens.
With a ten day time period, I would probably go with 3-4-3. (Can you tell Paros is my favorite island?)
And yes, I would book everything in advance. I think June from the middle on is very busy in the islands, and I wouldn't want to take a chance spending too much time looking for accommodations.
BTW, I have never seen people at the ports offering accommodations in the three islands you mention. Doesn't mean it doesn't happen, but I can't say I've seen any of it.
Good luck, and have a great time!
With a ten day time period, I would probably go with 3-4-3. (Can you tell Paros is my favorite island?)
And yes, I would book everything in advance. I think June from the middle on is very busy in the islands, and I wouldn't want to take a chance spending too much time looking for accommodations.
BTW, I have never seen people at the ports offering accommodations in the three islands you mention. Doesn't mean it doesn't happen, but I can't say I've seen any of it.
Good luck, and have a great time!
Apr 8th, 2016, 11:00 PM
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Santorini, Paros, and Mykonos are a popular choice of islands, and I would do them in that order or vice-versa. Since you are asking about hostels and camping, you must be on a tight budget, and if so, be aware that Santorini and Mykonos are the two most expensive islands in Greece.
Regarding whether to book everything in advance, of course that would be the safe thing to do, but apart from Santorini it isn't really necessary. There are mobs of room renters at both Paros and the new port at Mykonos, so I can't imagine why WWK didn't notice them. Room capacity on the islands is geared for the very busy August, so there are empty rooms in late June.
If you can find hostels on any of those islands, then definitely book <b>them</b> in advance, because they will go quickly. The only one I am aware of is on Mykonos at Paradise Beach, which also has camping. There are campsites on Paros as well, and if you can find their websites it would be a good idea to book them too. Wild camping is illegal in Greece, and the few people who do that find places well away from town to pitch their tents.
If you are on a budget, be aware that it isn't "mandatory" to visit Santorini and Mykonos. Santorini has beautiful views, and the most expensive accommodation is on the caldera side. You can save money by staying on the beach side of the island (Kamari or Perissa) and taking the bus to Fira and Oia for the views. You could also save money by going to Naxos and Paros instead of Mykonos, and take a day trip to Delos/Mykonos from either. Excursion boats leave 2 or 3 times per week from Naxos Town and Naoussa on Paros.
Regarding whether to book everything in advance, of course that would be the safe thing to do, but apart from Santorini it isn't really necessary. There are mobs of room renters at both Paros and the new port at Mykonos, so I can't imagine why WWK didn't notice them. Room capacity on the islands is geared for the very busy August, so there are empty rooms in late June.
If you can find hostels on any of those islands, then definitely book <b>them</b> in advance, because they will go quickly. The only one I am aware of is on Mykonos at Paradise Beach, which also has camping. There are campsites on Paros as well, and if you can find their websites it would be a good idea to book them too. Wild camping is illegal in Greece, and the few people who do that find places well away from town to pitch their tents.
If you are on a budget, be aware that it isn't "mandatory" to visit Santorini and Mykonos. Santorini has beautiful views, and the most expensive accommodation is on the caldera side. You can save money by staying on the beach side of the island (Kamari or Perissa) and taking the bus to Fira and Oia for the views. You could also save money by going to Naxos and Paros instead of Mykonos, and take a day trip to Delos/Mykonos from either. Excursion boats leave 2 or 3 times per week from Naxos Town and Naoussa on Paros.
Apr 14th, 2016, 06:19 PM
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Hi again everyone,
As I start to look into flight and hostel costs I am reconsidering my plan of spending 3 days in Santorini, then 4 in Paros, 3 in Mykonos, and 2 in Athens. I am still committed to visiting Santorini and Paros, but am looking for suggestions for a third island. Mykonos seems really expensive (especially since I will already be visiting Santorini), and I am not drawn to the all night partying. Naxos seems to be an affordable option - but will it be too similar to Paros? I also need to consider what island will be easy to travel to from Paros, and then continue on to Athens. Some things I am interested in are beaches, culture, ruins, hikes, day trip options, and food
Thank you!
As I start to look into flight and hostel costs I am reconsidering my plan of spending 3 days in Santorini, then 4 in Paros, 3 in Mykonos, and 2 in Athens. I am still committed to visiting Santorini and Paros, but am looking for suggestions for a third island. Mykonos seems really expensive (especially since I will already be visiting Santorini), and I am not drawn to the all night partying. Naxos seems to be an affordable option - but will it be too similar to Paros? I also need to consider what island will be easy to travel to from Paros, and then continue on to Athens. Some things I am interested in are beaches, culture, ruins, hikes, day trip options, and food
Thank you!
Apr 14th, 2016, 06:24 PM
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That's easy. Antiparos. There are frequent local shuttle ferries from Paros ports (Parikia and Pounta) that will take you there in a very short time. From Pounta it's only 15 minutes. It's a lovely little island and if you rent a motor scooter you will be able to explore it at your leisure. The scooters are automatic, only one speed, so no shifting. Just twist the handle grip and go. You can take one over with you from Paros or rent one when you get there. Once back on Paros you can catch the ferry or take a flight to Athens.
Apr 14th, 2016, 11:12 PM
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You've given some additional information in your post as Abbey C on TripAdvisor.
The only problem with visiting a third island is that it will add to your transportation costs, especially if you need to use expensive highspeed ferries, as would have been the case had you gone to Mykonos.
Brotherleelove has a given a good answer with Antiparos. You could remain in your hostel in Parikia and take a day trip to Antiparos, cheapest route being the bus to Pounta and the ferry to Antiparos from there. Last September the bus to Pounta was €1.80, and the ferry to Antiparos €1.20, so the two fares combined would be only about US$5.
I'm not keen on scooters myself, but brotherleelove got to see places on Antiparos that I've never been in the many years I've been going to the island. Everything is within walking distance in Antiparos Town, and there are several different beaches less than 15 minutes walk from the ferry landing.
A scooter is handy if you want to visit remote beaches to the south of the island. There is a bus to the Antiparos stalactite cave, and another to the Agios Georgios settlement. A new open air museum is under development at Despotiko, an uninhabited island across from Agios Georgios.
If you want a completely different island, then Naxos and Ios are both between Santorini and Paros. Naxos is similar to Paros in many ways, but the two have enough differences to be worthwhile seeing both. Naxos is more of a family island, but has beautiful beaches and scenic mountain villages.
The only problem with visiting a third island is that it will add to your transportation costs, especially if you need to use expensive highspeed ferries, as would have been the case had you gone to Mykonos.
Brotherleelove has a given a good answer with Antiparos. You could remain in your hostel in Parikia and take a day trip to Antiparos, cheapest route being the bus to Pounta and the ferry to Antiparos from there. Last September the bus to Pounta was €1.80, and the ferry to Antiparos €1.20, so the two fares combined would be only about US$5.
I'm not keen on scooters myself, but brotherleelove got to see places on Antiparos that I've never been in the many years I've been going to the island. Everything is within walking distance in Antiparos Town, and there are several different beaches less than 15 minutes walk from the ferry landing.
A scooter is handy if you want to visit remote beaches to the south of the island. There is a bus to the Antiparos stalactite cave, and another to the Agios Georgios settlement. A new open air museum is under development at Despotiko, an uninhabited island across from Agios Georgios.
If you want a completely different island, then Naxos and Ios are both between Santorini and Paros. Naxos is similar to Paros in many ways, but the two have enough differences to be worthwhile seeing both. Naxos is more of a family island, but has beautiful beaches and scenic mountain villages.
Apr 15th, 2016, 06:07 PM
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Can anyone recommend a place to stay in Mykonos? It seems like the two hostel options are Paradise Beach Camping and Paraga Beach Hostel, and both have terrible reviews online. My ideal budget is 15-25 US dollars a night, but I would be able to spend more to avoid sleeping in an 8 person room located basically in a beach club. I am nervous about waiting to find a room when I arrive on the island, but I also can't convince myself to book a place with such awful reviews.
