Hello everyone,

We are going to Santorini in June, my question is does anybody know how often they change the ferry schedules? I also heard that if there are high winds the ferries will not run, how often does that happen? Once a week couple times a year?
Also to get around the island can one rent a moped? Can you get one without a moped license?


thank you

Greek ferry schedules change from week to week, but sailings to Santorini are daily, generally with sailings leaving Pireas around 0730-0800, and then more departures in the late afternoon or evening. Try www.bluestarferries.com and www.dolphins.gr. Sailings are disrupted by high winds which cannot be predicted. If you could predict the dates on which winds would blow, you would become fantastically wealthy. In June, you should be fairly safe, but allow a margin at the end of your trip if you have to get a plane home. Like most Greek islands, Santorini is spoilt by the buzzing noise of mopeds. I'm sure you can rent one if that's what turns you on.

Geoff's right, the ferry schedules can change without notice, but it's not usually every week. This website will give you an idea of the current schedule, but you indeed need to check as you go to make sure changes haven't been implemented.

http://www.gtpnet.com

I've stayed twice on Santorini for 6 months, April-September, and during that time the boats were probably stopped by high winds no more than 10 times. It's impossible to predict, as Geoff says.

You usually don't need a license to rent a moped, just your passport. But if you get into an accident with another vehicle and you don't have an international driver's license, you could get into a lot of trouble. Get one. A motorcycle stipulation is not necessary, but if you already have one be sure it's indicated. They're not expensive and will alleviate potential problems or worries. The island is full of crazy drivers, so be VERY careful, especially on the winding narrow roads to the far reaches of the islands. The buses and the locals drive with little or no regard for the moped. Wear the helmet that is offered.

Thanks to both for your repsonses.
Sounds like Ferry cancellations are the exception rather that the rule. That helps with booking dates in hotels!

As for mopeds, our first choice for hotel is in Ia and so were trying to figure out transportation options around the rest of the island.

I had read on www.santorini.gr that moped licenses were neccessary for rental. So that is reason for the previous question.

Thanks again

I believe you not only need a license, but it has to be specified for motorcycles as well, unless someone is willing to bend the rules for you.

I only heard this because a guy I met tried to rent a scooter without any luck, and he checked lots of places in Santorini. They said he needed a motorcycle license (we ran into the same thing on the Amalfi coast and I was surprised. Fortunately, my travel partner had one). So in Santorini, the disappointed lad had to rent a jeep...which ended up being fun since we took the top off and cruised.

Things might have changed as far as a motorcycle license being required, but truthfully I'd be VERY surprised if an international driver's licence and a passport isn't enough. The reality is that the moped rental businesses couldn't survive if they could only rent to tourists with the "proper" paperwork.

Just so you know, the bus system on Santorini is very good in the summer months. You can easily get around the island without a moped.

I agree that the bus system is fine. But it is fun to have your own transport around the island.

I had the scooter renter folks in Paros tell me the same thing. And they guy I met in Santorini was older, not some young kid. I wondered the same as brotherleelove...how they might get such business while requesting something that many people don't have, but I guess either people have them, or they manage...or they were just being sticklers with me and my friend!