Just depends on how much time and $$ you want to spend on the trip. By ferry it is a long ride, but as I've said before, nothing beats the visual thrill of approaching Santorini by boat. And also-have you ever been on a ferry before? They are an experience not to be missed, at least once in a lifetime! Ideally, I think taking a ferry, stopping at another island on the way, and thus breaking the 12 hr. trip up a bit is the best way to go, eg., Athens to Mykonos, then Myk. to Santorini a couple days later. Regardless, I'd fly one way, unless you really love the ferry trip.

Clif, Another suggestion would be to fly from Athens to Santorini to save time, and then book a boat tour once there in order to enjoy the sea views of the island. We did this last year and felt we had the best of both worlds.

Tammy,<BR>I think your friend has a choice of either having her wedding in Santorini with maybe no friends or family present or having it closer to home and then going for a honeymoon. I wouldn't dream of expecting people to go all the way Santorini for my wedding, and if their presence was really important to me I guess I'd have to be prepared to pay their way.

I have to say I think it's difficult if she is actually EXPECTING people to turn up - it's one thing if it's an open invitation to anyone who would like a holiday at that time, but if you are expected, and it's inconvenient (which she must surely know) then I think she's asking a lot. I got married abroad - and a handful of friends came - none of whom I was expecting, but people who wanted to go to the Maldives anyway! Santorini wouldn't be my ideal wedding spot - I have heard it's beautiful, but the tourist/package nature of the place would detract, in my opinion. Good luck - and let us know what you decide to do!

I think your 'friend' sounds very unreasonable - if she wants her wedding midweek at home that's bad enough - but to expect people to fly around the world for her AS WELL is a bit much. I think you should tell her that you can't see a way through it.

I am planning on going to Santorini, but in the off season. Just some research I have done...I have found Olympic Airways and Athena Air (I think - it's the two main greek airlines) provide round trip flights to Santorini for under 100 euros round trip. That is how we are planning to go since it will be winter. As far as your friend having a wedding in an out of the way place...I have many dear friends, but overall tend to be more of a private person. Certainly, I have a great deal of family on my fathers side...and I really would prefer a SMALL wedding. Like a few close friends, immediate family. But, I also really need to invite the extended family and friends. Having a wedding at an out of the way place is a good way to keep a wedding small and still not offend anyone. And if I had a really dear friend or close family member that could not afford to attend I would likely pay their fare if they could not afford to attend. Anyway..if you don't feel like going, I wouldn't worry about it. I am sure she expects there to be low attendance...and perhaps prefers it that way. From what I have read July and August are the most touristy months. If she is getting married in October through early spring it will be off season and should be fairly quiet. Good luck with your decision. Hope this helps.

Hi:<BR>For our wedding, we had flirted with a faraway destination (Bora-Bora, Santorini) but ended up with Boulder, CO to include family - it was beautiful in May.<BR><BR>We honeymooned in Bora-Bora and visited Santorini the following year.<BR><BR>Santorini is breathtakingly beautiful. My advice: Visit in late Oct for less crowds and tourists. Stay in Oia (most opt for Fira). Find a room with a view of the caldera for the sunsets.<BR>We love Santorini and will go back anytime!<BR>

Dear Tammy,<BR>Santorini is one of the most beautiful places in the world- at least from the places I have been to- and yes, it is true that if you visit this island in July and August like everybody else you will feel it crowded. I am greek and I love this island so you can understand that I visit it very often- even during the winter- although my job keeps me in Athens. The best months to visit the island are May, early June and September.Then you can enjoy the island,all the beaches and you can have the best service.<BR>Through all my trips to Santorini I have watched many couples all over the world getting married there. I have a friend that is a hotel owner and every year he has at least 2-3 couples that choose to have their wedding at his hotel and he helps them organize it.<BR>If you go to Athens and then take a hydrofoil to Santorini will take you 4,5h and will cost 39euros per person aprx in the economy class. I use it all the time.<BR>I wish to have my wedding there, too!!<BR>Do not try to change their mind and go for it!!!

My husband and I spent our honeymoon on Santorini (among other beautiful Greek islands) in June of 1999. I can't say enough wonderful things about it!! The most incredible views, crystal clear water, friendly people, great shopping! I would tell your friend she/he made a wonderful choice and make sure you go!!

Irini,<BR><BR>At last a local perspective. I was on Santorini in 1995 and will be there again this november. So looking forward to it. One thing that most people missed was that the approach by ship to the island is considered to be the one of the most breath taking experinces anywhere in the world. So flying is good but not so awesome a sight.

Tammy, when my one of closest friends chose to have her wedding halfway around the world, I grumbled initially about the cost, the leave, and how it was replacing my own holiday for the year. But eventually I decided to plan my own holiday around her wedding day and the venue she chose, and ended up taking one of the best holidays ever, with a lovely wedding to attend in the midst of it. You will feel absolutely treasured that you were part of your friend's intimate wedding, and it will be more fun for being smaller.