Santorini and Mykonos
Aug 14th, 2006, 05:27 PM
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Santorini and Mykonos
Iīll be stopping in Santorini and Mykonos on a Cruise soon. I need recomendations if itīs worth it to take the ship excursions (expensive!!!) or if itīs better to just walk from the port, take a cab or rent a car. Also, the best places to go in those islands. Thank you!!
Aug 20th, 2006, 07:17 AM
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I can't help with Mykonos as I have never been. How much time will you have in Santorini? If your ship is offering an excursion to Oia and you want to save money, I would urge you to follow the signs to the bus stop and hop on the bus to Oia. There will be loads of tourists and backpackers doing the same thing. It costs about 1.5 Euros and takes about 25-30 mins. On the way, you will be able to see the terraced landscape in the valley below, ending abruptly in the sea. Hairpin turns are loads of fun. There is a ruined castle (kastro) in Oia where you can take the most divine photos of the quintessential Greek town with blue domed churches that feature in all the calendars. Try and have lunch there and even watch the sunset, if you have time. That would be my top tip!!
Aug 20th, 2006, 09:06 AM
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We just got back from our trip that included 6 nights santorini and 6 nights Mykonos, both extremely beautiful islands and very different.
you can spend days in Mykonos town and still not know your way around. I suggest you take a cab and go to town and just spend the day in the streets that are like a maze and make sure not to miss the little Venice that is very charming and it really reminds you of Venice. Have fun and enjoy two very beautiful spots of the world.
you can spend days in Mykonos town and still not know your way around. I suggest you take a cab and go to town and just spend the day in the streets that are like a maze and make sure not to miss the little Venice that is very charming and it really reminds you of Venice. Have fun and enjoy two very beautiful spots of the world.
Aug 24th, 2006, 10:08 PM
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While in Mykonos, do spend time in town. As previous poster reported, the streets are a maze - but many wonderful shops and sights along the way. If time permits, there's a great restaurant (if still there): Chez Katherine - lovely outdoor courtyard with amazing food. Not sure about lunch, but dinner will knock your socks off!
In Santorini, I totally vote for a trip to Oia - you'll see quintessential views (hills with cascading colorful homes and beautiful view of the Aegean sea) If you're history buffs, take a trip to Akrotiri - interesting archives of ancient civilization.
Transportation on the islands is inexpensive compared to what you may be quoted for cruise excursions.
Enjoy your triop!
In Santorini, I totally vote for a trip to Oia - you'll see quintessential views (hills with cascading colorful homes and beautiful view of the Aegean sea) If you're history buffs, take a trip to Akrotiri - interesting archives of ancient civilization.
Transportation on the islands is inexpensive compared to what you may be quoted for cruise excursions.
Enjoy your triop!
Aug 25th, 2006, 09:27 PM
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Hi Thanos,
So glad to hear Chez Katherine is still there - one of my most favorite restaurants in all my travels! Such a lovely setting, coupled with great food and service.
I'm happy to recommend it to fellow tavelers!
So glad to hear Chez Katherine is still there - one of my most favorite restaurants in all my travels! Such a lovely setting, coupled with great food and service.
I'm happy to recommend it to fellow tavelers!
Aug 28th, 2006, 08:05 AM
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Mykonos- You can walk from the ships into Myknos Town which is lovely. From there you can also get a boat to the ancient sites on Delos . Katrin was only open for dinner last year.We made our reservation a month in advance by fax as it was a special occasion.I do not remember the cost but it was pricy and worth it.Public buses are very nice and cost 1E each way if you want to leave the town center.
Santorini-Once you arrive in Fira, walk to the bus station. Buses go back and forth from Fira to Oia regularly ,again the cost is 1E each way. Last year our cab driver( from the ferry to our hotel) told us there were only 39 cabs on Santorini and that he would not go near the cruise ship docks..
Santorini-Once you arrive in Fira, walk to the bus station. Buses go back and forth from Fira to Oia regularly ,again the cost is 1E each way. Last year our cab driver( from the ferry to our hotel) told us there were only 39 cabs on Santorini and that he would not go near the cruise ship docks..
Sep 6th, 2006, 07:41 AM
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there are cabs in Mykonos, the cab stand is at the same "top of the town" bus stop. It is a bit of a walk up from the docks, but interesting throught the town. You can either catch a cab to one of the beaches or one of the buses (you purchase tickets right there). Decide ahead if you want a town or beach experience, since you probably won't have time for both. If a lot of people on your cruise have the same info. then you will have trouble catching a cab. Likewise on Santorini you could chose Oia (hopefully you are there for the sunset) or go to a black beach which is also unique. and if you really want to experience these islands, i recommend spending a few days at each, a cruise stop does not give you enough time.
Sep 6th, 2006, 08:32 AM
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I'd heartily recommend going your own way in Mykonos and Santorini. If you're just shopping in Mykonos, then you just need to get from the cruise-ship pier into town, which is too far to walk, but there are plenty of cabs. The one ship-sponsored shore excursion I might recommend is Delos (in Mykonos); while you can easily do this on your own, I'm concerned about your being able to get on an early ferry if you are coming in on a ship (it's very hot there with little shade). In Santorini, you can take the cable car up from the port.
You can explore either island by scooter, car, or ATV (I rented an ATV on both islands because I don't like driving a scooter). But you can certainly take a taxi to Oia on Santorini; there's also a bus.
You can explore either island by scooter, car, or ATV (I rented an ATV on both islands because I don't like driving a scooter). But you can certainly take a taxi to Oia on Santorini; there's also a bus.
Sep 9th, 2006, 12:38 PM
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You will always find taxi at what is known as the official place for them on the harbour front beside the statue of Manto Mavrogenenous. You will need to wait as busy times but taxis always return there for more passenegers.
This summer visitors have fun when waiting for taxi as one of the larger pelicans entertain them. I never seen this before but the pelican is at taxi place same time most days and is one of the larger of the few we have here.
thanos
This summer visitors have fun when waiting for taxi as one of the larger pelicans entertain them. I never seen this before but the pelican is at taxi place same time most days and is one of the larger of the few we have here.
thanos
Sep 9th, 2006, 01:44 PM
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We were unable to get a cab during our entire stay ( 4 days) in Myknonos. Other travellers we met reported the same problem. We were in Myknonos during July, so I don't know if it's specific to the summer season crowds or not. We were told by restaurant owners in town ( SATIN SEA) and by the front desk at our hotel ( GRECOTEL BLUE) that there are very few cabs on the entire island. It certainly put a damper on our late evening plans, since our hotel was not located near town. Just thought I'd mention it again in case you're planning on using one during your stay.
Sep 9th, 2006, 03:03 PM
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Weadles, you are correct. There are few taxi and long waits late in evening. Daytime is usually OK.
I think I say it wrong here. I only want to let people know where to find most taxis at official place for them in town.
I apologise if peoples think I mean taxis will always be available at that spot, but if any are without passengers this is where to find them.
thanos
I think I say it wrong here. I only want to let people know where to find most taxis at official place for them in town.
I apologise if peoples think I mean taxis will always be available at that spot, but if any are without passengers this is where to find them.
thanos
Sep 9th, 2006, 04:12 PM
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thanos Gr,
Thanks for your reply! What's interesting to me is that the Fodors editors and books keep insisting that cabs on the island are plentiful. We were told that if we had not prearranged a taxi to pick us up at the airport, we would have had to find a bus or walk to our hotel!
Thanks for your reply! What's interesting to me is that the Fodors editors and books keep insisting that cabs on the island are plentiful. We were told that if we had not prearranged a taxi to pick us up at the airport, we would have had to find a bus or walk to our hotel!
Sep 10th, 2006, 01:42 AM
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good morning Weadles
Local inforamtion here says there are 29 taxis on island. Please remember that so many hotels have their own buses for tourist transport that taxi service for their guests is not needed. If it was not like this I think there would be more taxis. It is a crazy life for them because from mid-October to mid-May many find difficulty with monies as no passengers. So I think the number of taxis is ballanced for all year and not just summer-time. I hope that makes sense.
Daytime, the airport is usually easiest place to find a taxi. All drivers know when flights due and although you have to wait perhaps a little time a taxi will arrive. I say often that is quicker to find taxi at airport than in town!
It is no doubt that the worse time to get a taxi is between 3am to 7am. Drivers are working but so many people leave nightclubs and bars plus some peoples need to also get to airport for first outward flights.
If you come back let me know and I will arrange a taxi for you from airport. The cost to town is only 7 euro. Never arrange a private transfer in advance as I know of one company that charges 60 euro. Is unbelievable for so short distance. I walk sometimes from the airport to town - it is easy but only if i have no baggage.
thanos
Local inforamtion here says there are 29 taxis on island. Please remember that so many hotels have their own buses for tourist transport that taxi service for their guests is not needed. If it was not like this I think there would be more taxis. It is a crazy life for them because from mid-October to mid-May many find difficulty with monies as no passengers. So I think the number of taxis is ballanced for all year and not just summer-time. I hope that makes sense.
Daytime, the airport is usually easiest place to find a taxi. All drivers know when flights due and although you have to wait perhaps a little time a taxi will arrive. I say often that is quicker to find taxi at airport than in town!
It is no doubt that the worse time to get a taxi is between 3am to 7am. Drivers are working but so many people leave nightclubs and bars plus some peoples need to also get to airport for first outward flights.
If you come back let me know and I will arrange a taxi for you from airport. The cost to town is only 7 euro. Never arrange a private transfer in advance as I know of one company that charges 60 euro. Is unbelievable for so short distance. I walk sometimes from the airport to town - it is easy but only if i have no baggage.
thanos
