On the Caldera in Oia, Santorini and affordable "ahh"
May 10th, 2003, 05:35 PM
#41
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Baemel: I traveled the Greek Islands two years ago and stayed at Loucas in Fira thanks to the suggestions of Fodorites. I would definitely recommend it. The view from your room and their terraces is spectacular. It's without a doubt an 'ahh'. Fira was a great location in terms of beautiful views but there was also some fun nightlife. We went out a couple of nights and danced all night long in a couple of the small 'clubs'. There were many Europeans/Australians traveling at that time (latter part of May) and we met some fun people.
We rented a car and drove to Oia for a sunset and dinner. It was beautiful of course but much quieter. It just depends on what you're interested in. I would definitely recommend renting a car there. It's cheap and the drive to Oia from Fira is beautiful.
We too were unsure of how many nights we wanted to stay and we were only booked for 2 nights at Loucas. They were full at that time and couldn't accomodate us any longer but they helped us make reservation at a hotel just down the street (I'm looking for the name). This hotel was actually even more lovely than Loucas. We stayed there 2 more nights. That was enough time to explore Santorini.
We then moved onto Naxos. IMO, Naxos was a let down after Santorini. To be fair, the weather was cloudy and overcast when we there, but accomodations we're just 'ok' and there really wasn't much to do and we didn't see any 'nightlife' other than shopping.
We moved onto Paros which we thought would be an improvement from Naxos. It was lovely but again, we were bored. We had planned 5-6 days in Paros but we stayed only 3 and decided to go to Mykonos. I am so glad that we did. Mykonos was not part of our original plan but it was so much fun! We splurged a bit and stayed at Cavo Tagoo which was spectacular! The nightlife was great, dining wonderful and beauty unexpected. We had so much fun that we skipped our plan to visit Athens. We flew from Mykonos to Athens airport and straight home.
The great thing about traveling in the islands is that you can easily be flexible and play it by ear!
Have fun!!
We rented a car and drove to Oia for a sunset and dinner. It was beautiful of course but much quieter. It just depends on what you're interested in. I would definitely recommend renting a car there. It's cheap and the drive to Oia from Fira is beautiful.
We too were unsure of how many nights we wanted to stay and we were only booked for 2 nights at Loucas. They were full at that time and couldn't accomodate us any longer but they helped us make reservation at a hotel just down the street (I'm looking for the name). This hotel was actually even more lovely than Loucas. We stayed there 2 more nights. That was enough time to explore Santorini.
We then moved onto Naxos. IMO, Naxos was a let down after Santorini. To be fair, the weather was cloudy and overcast when we there, but accomodations we're just 'ok' and there really wasn't much to do and we didn't see any 'nightlife' other than shopping.
We moved onto Paros which we thought would be an improvement from Naxos. It was lovely but again, we were bored. We had planned 5-6 days in Paros but we stayed only 3 and decided to go to Mykonos. I am so glad that we did. Mykonos was not part of our original plan but it was so much fun! We splurged a bit and stayed at Cavo Tagoo which was spectacular! The nightlife was great, dining wonderful and beauty unexpected. We had so much fun that we skipped our plan to visit Athens. We flew from Mykonos to Athens airport and straight home.
The great thing about traveling in the islands is that you can easily be flexible and play it by ear!
Have fun!!
May 12th, 2003, 08:29 AM
#42
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what about transfers between the ferries and your hotels?? did you take public transportation or arrange a pick up? we prefer saving a few bucks and taking public trans. it an easy thing or not?
May 12th, 2003, 10:18 AM
#43
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Our transfers were arranged by Fantasy Travel and included in our "package" price; it was nice to get off the ferry and have someone standing there with our name on a sign.
If you're doing it independently, I'd just take a cab. It's not that far (or expensive) from the port to the main towns on Myk. and Sant. (unless you're staying in Oia).
If you're doing it independently, I'd just take a cab. It's not that far (or expensive) from the port to the main towns on Myk. and Sant. (unless you're staying in Oia).
May 12th, 2003, 10:25 AM
#44
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They have only one main bus terminal on the Island, and it's in Fira. It's very amazing to watch them get the buses in and out of the terminal. Just don't be in the way of the bus driver - cause they will run you over - lol. We would walk to the bus terminal and then take a bus to the different beaches and the ruins (which are not worth the trip). Knowing which bus to take was easy - they have the schedules listed outside the terminal and the attendants speak English. Then we rented a car to go down to Oia. Have you decided on which hotel to stay in yet? Usually the hotels will arrange to pick you up at the airport or ferry. I wouldn't do a cab, because then you will have to carry your own bags down the stairs to the office.
May 16th, 2003, 11:37 PM
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Regarding VVV, did you call them directly? My travel agent heard from her Greek contact that they were full for that same time frame, and she called directly and was able to get us a room. However, I'm talking about VVV in Fira, not Oia.
May 18th, 2003, 08:12 PM
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I'm looking at going to Greece in mid August too.. haven't booked accomodation as yet.. am I running a bit late? Planning to spend a few days in Athens then 2 days each in Myconos and Santorini. Will that be enough for the islands?? I don't have a clue as to how I can get to the islands from Athens. Shall I board a plane or travel in a ferry? Around how long will it take?
May 19th, 2003, 12:28 PM
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Chelsea, if you don't have hotel reservations for the islands, do try to get them immediately. August is by far the busiest month, everything will be booked up soon. Athens in August is not a place you'll want to spend several days in, especially since the city's under major renovations for the Olympics next year. It's dirty, noisy, congested and hot as hell. The national archaeological museum is closed and other than the Plaka and Parthenon, you might find yourself without a lot of choices for sightseeing.
You can get to the islands by ferry from Piraeus, or plane, but if you choose the plane, make certain you have confirmed reservations NOW, because you won't get them at any price in August. The ferrys are much faster now than a few years ago. If you can find room on one of the express boats (passengers only), you'll cut the travel time down to about half. The car ferrys all have lots of room but take a lot longer, and if you're on a time budget you might not want to waste most of a day in transit.
You can get to the islands by ferry from Piraeus, or plane, but if you choose the plane, make certain you have confirmed reservations NOW, because you won't get them at any price in August. The ferrys are much faster now than a few years ago. If you can find room on one of the express boats (passengers only), you'll cut the travel time down to about half. The car ferrys all have lots of room but take a lot longer, and if you're on a time budget you might not want to waste most of a day in transit.
May 19th, 2003, 01:01 PM
#48
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We went 2 years ago to Athens and Santorini in August. We loved Athens, and it wasn't that hot, nor was it dirty. Guess people enjoy different things. I would much rather stay in the city and tour around, then spend time on a Island with nothing to do except lay in the sun.
May 19th, 2003, 05:03 PM
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May 21st, 2003, 02:47 PM
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baemel, your trip is mirroring ours, we're going in early July to Athens, Mykonos, Naxos and Santorini. Booked through Fantasy Travel.
Let me know where you end up, and do email me when you get back!
[email protected]
Let me know where you end up, and do email me when you get back!
[email protected]
May 21st, 2003, 04:45 PM
#53
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Chelsea: here's a link to a very good ferry website: http://www.gtpnet.com/
Athens 2 years ago is a far cry from Athens under renovation today. There are a lot of streets torn up, dust everywhere from the construction and traffic congestion caused by all of the work.
Santorini has 2 very interesting archaeological sites and lots of shopping and nightlife, so it's a far cry from a boring destination.
Athens 2 years ago is a far cry from Athens under renovation today. There are a lot of streets torn up, dust everywhere from the construction and traffic congestion caused by all of the work.
Santorini has 2 very interesting archaeological sites and lots of shopping and nightlife, so it's a far cry from a boring destination.
May 21st, 2003, 04:49 PM
#54
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Chelsea: here's a link to a very good ferry website: http://www.gtpnet.com/
Athens 2 years ago is a far cry from Athens under renovation today. There are a lot of streets torn up, dust everywhere from the construction and traffic congestion caused by all of the work.
Santorini has 2 very interesting archaeological sites, at least one museum and lots of shopping and nightlife, so it's a far cry from a boring destination.
Athens 2 years ago is a far cry from Athens under renovation today. There are a lot of streets torn up, dust everywhere from the construction and traffic congestion caused by all of the work.
Santorini has 2 very interesting archaeological sites, at least one museum and lots of shopping and nightlife, so it's a far cry from a boring destination.
May 22nd, 2003, 01:08 AM
#55
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Hi! About the VIP SUITES, i have been there once and it was ok! But just ok..i wouldn't really recomend it. If you have seen their website...well, the rooms in reality are NOT like that!!
About ferry schedules the best site that shows ALL the companies and all the times, is www.gtp.gr . But also, you have to check the fact that some ferries do 12 hours to reach Santorini, while others just take 4-5 hours. (with a higher price of course)!
About ferry schedules the best site that shows ALL the companies and all the times, is www.gtp.gr . But also, you have to check the fact that some ferries do 12 hours to reach Santorini, while others just take 4-5 hours. (with a higher price of course)!
