Some Questions about trip to Mykonos/Santorini
Jan 28th, 2009, 06:44 AM
#21
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Also ruechapon -- if you are arriving by regular ferry in Santorini, you can take a taxi from the port to Oia (Strogili will book it for you ahead of time so the taxi is waiting for you when you arrive and you don't have to scramble to get one).
The cable car vs. donkey debate is only for the port where the cruise ships dock.
The cable car vs. donkey debate is only for the port where the cruise ships dock.
Jan 28th, 2009, 07:25 AM
#22
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cheryllj, thanks for the good input. We have booked into Strogili in Oia and my impression and hope was that Oia was quite different from Myknonos.
Since Rochari is booked do you have any suggestions for hotels on Mykonos? Thanks!
Since Rochari is booked do you have any suggestions for hotels on Mykonos? Thanks!
Jan 28th, 2009, 07:38 AM
#23
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When I was looking at hotels in Mykonos town, we considered Vencia Hotel and Hotel Tagoo before choosing Rochari. Obviously I didn't stay in the other places but they get rave reviews on Trip Advisor.
If you can afford it, the Belvedere looks fabulous. It's only a couple of doors down from the Rochari and I love that location overlooking the town.
If you are interested in the beach, there is also the option of staying in one of the beach resorts on Mykonos rather than the town. The beaches on Santorini (Kamari and Perissa) aren't nearly as good imho, at least from the brief time I saw them -- they're dark and rocky. Santorini is all about the caldera view from the top of the cliff, not really the beaches, which are on the other side of the island (away from the caldera).
If you can afford it, the Belvedere looks fabulous. It's only a couple of doors down from the Rochari and I love that location overlooking the town.
If you are interested in the beach, there is also the option of staying in one of the beach resorts on Mykonos rather than the town. The beaches on Santorini (Kamari and Perissa) aren't nearly as good imho, at least from the brief time I saw them -- they're dark and rocky. Santorini is all about the caldera view from the top of the cliff, not really the beaches, which are on the other side of the island (away from the caldera).
Jan 28th, 2009, 12:43 PM
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ruechapon
I echo cheryllj's comments about Rochari Hotel. I've lodged there many times over the years and it is a great pity they are fully booked.
I'm always hesitant to comment on other hotels particularly if I have not been a guest, but here goes. The Vencia's location will ensure wonderful views over Mykonos town. However, the busiest (and noisiest) road on the island wraps itself around it. The hotel must pick up some of that disturbance. I've just read their reviews on Trip Advisor and a few have commented on it.
Hotel Tagoo that cheryll mentions has many return visitors and is loved by many. Also, here are a few other town hotels with good views to check out. Their rates in July 09 are close to e200.
www.poseidonhotel-mykonos.com/
http://www.petasos.gr/petasos_town/home.htm
Bill
I echo cheryllj's comments about Rochari Hotel. I've lodged there many times over the years and it is a great pity they are fully booked.
I'm always hesitant to comment on other hotels particularly if I have not been a guest, but here goes. The Vencia's location will ensure wonderful views over Mykonos town. However, the busiest (and noisiest) road on the island wraps itself around it. The hotel must pick up some of that disturbance. I've just read their reviews on Trip Advisor and a few have commented on it.
Hotel Tagoo that cheryll mentions has many return visitors and is loved by many. Also, here are a few other town hotels with good views to check out. Their rates in July 09 are close to e200.
www.poseidonhotel-mykonos.com/
http://www.petasos.gr/petasos_town/home.htm
Bill
Jan 28th, 2009, 02:24 PM
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Brotherleelove, thanks for advice. we really appreciate it. I think we are going to do Mykonos and Santorini. Hopefully they will be different enough for us. And we go always return to find more out of the way locals. But we do appreciate your input -- and we picked Strogili based largely on your suggestions from other threads.
billbarr, thanks for the recommendations. Tagoo seems like a great deal. And they have room for us. So I think that's the winner.
billbarr, thanks for the recommendations. Tagoo seems like a great deal. And they have room for us. So I think that's the winner.
Jan 29th, 2009, 02:40 PM
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Just a quick follow-up to my previous post and a new question. We've actually decided to add a two-day trip to perhaps either Paros or Naxos.
Brotherleelove, we pretty well decided you were right and it's worth it to see a different side of the isles.
Two things are confusing me though. First, I guess I'm having a hard time grasping the ferry routes and the geography of the islands. It is possible to ferry from Mykonos to Santorini, right? And if we were to also go to Paros or Naxos is there a logical ordering of where we go first, second, third? Or are these islands easily connected by frequently running ferries that it doesn't matter?
As always, thanks for the help with this.
Brotherleelove, we pretty well decided you were right and it's worth it to see a different side of the isles.
Two things are confusing me though. First, I guess I'm having a hard time grasping the ferry routes and the geography of the islands. It is possible to ferry from Mykonos to Santorini, right? And if we were to also go to Paros or Naxos is there a logical ordering of where we go first, second, third? Or are these islands easily connected by frequently running ferries that it doesn't matter?
As always, thanks for the help with this.
Jan 29th, 2009, 02:50 PM
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ruchapon: I visited Naxos as part of my trip in May 2008.
Here is our 2-week itinerary, and it worked really well for us. Paros could easily be substituted for Naxos, and it probably has even more ferry connections b/c it's sort of the "hub" of transport in the Cyclades.
Day 1: arrive in Athens, overcome jet lag
2: Sightsee in Athens
3: Fly to Mykonos (3 nights)
6: Catamaran to Naxos (3 nights)
9: Blue Star Ferry to Santorini (4 nights)
(the Blue Star is a huge boat and very comfortable, we made a lot of Titanic jokes)
13: Fly to Athens
14: Fly home
From Mykonos to Naxos, I know we took a high speed and I think it was a catamaran, but I'm not sure I will remember the specific one. Flying Cat maybe? On the day we arrived in Mykonos, we just went to one of the ticket agencies at the harbor and asked "how do we get to Naxos on X day?" There were only 1 or 2 choices so it was easy.
We did the same thing on Naxos to get to Santorini, but I knew ahead of time we'd be taking the Blue Star. Ferry schedules are posted a month or two in advance, and I had checked out the possibilities before leaving home.
Most people will tell you to save sightseeing in Athens for the end, and that's probably good advice. But we were so jet lagged when we first arrived, and I'm glad we stayed in Athens that first night at least, before heading off to the islands.
Here is our 2-week itinerary, and it worked really well for us. Paros could easily be substituted for Naxos, and it probably has even more ferry connections b/c it's sort of the "hub" of transport in the Cyclades.
Day 1: arrive in Athens, overcome jet lag
2: Sightsee in Athens
3: Fly to Mykonos (3 nights)
6: Catamaran to Naxos (3 nights)
9: Blue Star Ferry to Santorini (4 nights)
(the Blue Star is a huge boat and very comfortable, we made a lot of Titanic jokes)
13: Fly to Athens
14: Fly home
From Mykonos to Naxos, I know we took a high speed and I think it was a catamaran, but I'm not sure I will remember the specific one. Flying Cat maybe? On the day we arrived in Mykonos, we just went to one of the ticket agencies at the harbor and asked "how do we get to Naxos on X day?" There were only 1 or 2 choices so it was easy.
We did the same thing on Naxos to get to Santorini, but I knew ahead of time we'd be taking the Blue Star. Ferry schedules are posted a month or two in advance, and I had checked out the possibilities before leaving home.
Most people will tell you to save sightseeing in Athens for the end, and that's probably good advice. But we were so jet lagged when we first arrived, and I'm glad we stayed in Athens that first night at least, before heading off to the islands.
Jan 29th, 2009, 02:54 PM
#29
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PS: Regarding the order of visiting the islands -- from north to South, it's Mykonos, then Paros/Naxos (next to each other), then Santorini which is the southern most of all the Cyclades.
If you want to visit 3 islands, it makes sense to either start in Santorini and work north (first Naxos/Paros and then Mykonos), or start in Mykonos and work south.
Most people say to start south and work north, but we wanted to save Santorini for last and we were VERY glad we did. I think we would have liked the other islands much less if we had gone to Santorini first. As it was, we loved every island as we arrived and thought each one improved upon the last.
If you want to visit 3 islands, it makes sense to either start in Santorini and work north (first Naxos/Paros and then Mykonos), or start in Mykonos and work south.
Most people say to start south and work north, but we wanted to save Santorini for last and we were VERY glad we did. I think we would have liked the other islands much less if we had gone to Santorini first. As it was, we loved every island as we arrived and thought each one improved upon the last.
Jan 29th, 2009, 05:03 PM
#30
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I'm glad you changed your mind. I think you will be too.
The Hellenic Seaways highspeed FlyingCat 4 travels between Crete and Mykonos with stops at Santorini, Ios and Paros before continuing on to Mykonos. Take note of the no-sail Wednesdays.
http://www.ferries.gr/hfd/
Although Mykonos is one of the Cyclades islands, it's actually part of a different ferry route other than the FC4. That may be why you were having trouble understanding the locations.
http://www.greeka.com/cyclades/cyclades-maps.htm
If you choose Paros you can conveniently take the local shuttle boat over to Antiparos for a daytrip. It's a very nice little island, and there are ferries that connect Paros with Naxos and Mykonos as well. From both Paros and Naxos you can catch a ferry back to Athens/Piraeus.
The Hellenic Seaways highspeed FlyingCat 4 travels between Crete and Mykonos with stops at Santorini, Ios and Paros before continuing on to Mykonos. Take note of the no-sail Wednesdays.
http://www.ferries.gr/hfd/
Although Mykonos is one of the Cyclades islands, it's actually part of a different ferry route other than the FC4. That may be why you were having trouble understanding the locations.
http://www.greeka.com/cyclades/cyclades-maps.htm
If you choose Paros you can conveniently take the local shuttle boat over to Antiparos for a daytrip. It's a very nice little island, and there are ferries that connect Paros with Naxos and Mykonos as well. From both Paros and Naxos you can catch a ferry back to Athens/Piraeus.
Jan 31st, 2009, 12:32 PM
#31
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cheryllj and brotherleelove, thanks for the info. You two are helping us out so much and we appreciate it. So, here's how our itinerary looks:
Athens - 2 days
Mykonos - 4 days
Either Naxos or Paros - 2 days
Santorini - 4 days
One last question (I promise!) cheryl, you just bought ferry tickets on the same day you wanted to travel. Do you think this is advisable in July? Or is advanced purchase the way to go.
Cheers again!
Athens - 2 days
Mykonos - 4 days
Either Naxos or Paros - 2 days
Santorini - 4 days
One last question (I promise!) cheryl, you just bought ferry tickets on the same day you wanted to travel. Do you think this is advisable in July? Or is advanced purchase the way to go.
Cheers again!
Jan 31st, 2009, 12:34 PM
#32
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forgot to finish the itinerary: after Santorini either fly or boat back to Athens. Stay the night somewhere close by ATH and then catch flight home next day. So, our 10 day vacation has turned in 13 days. No complaints.
Jan 31st, 2009, 12:56 PM
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It's advisable to purchase your ferry tickets ahead of time in July if you want to take one of the faster highspeed catamaran ferries, but the car ferries are huge and there's always room on them. If you do opt for the regular car ferry, spend the few extra euro for an indoor lounge airline-style reserved seat so you can be comfortable. You can still get up and wander around, no problem.
Here's a link for a small hotel near the airport that provide free airport shuttle between 7 AM and Midnight.
http://www.perishotelapt.gr/#
The St. Thomas B&B offers some transfer services as well.
http://www.stay-in-athens.com/services.htm
Here's a link for a small hotel near the airport that provide free airport shuttle between 7 AM and Midnight.
http://www.perishotelapt.gr/#
The St. Thomas B&B offers some transfer services as well.
http://www.stay-in-athens.com/services.htm
Jan 31st, 2009, 04:37 PM
#34
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to answer your questions about transportation - we stayed in aspa villas in santorini which I don't think is too far from strogili. we thought the bus service from oia to fira (where the main bus tour is to the other beaches) was quite good and easy.
we really enjoyed taverna mou near aspa in santorini, i think it was a brotherleelove recommendation. i still dream of the fried tomatoes in santorini!
we really enjoyed taverna mou near aspa in santorini, i think it was a brotherleelove recommendation. i still dream of the fried tomatoes in santorini!
Feb 1st, 2009, 05:43 AM
#35
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Kak, thanks for the ideas. We appreciate it and look forward to the tomatoes.
Brotherleelove, thanks for the great recommendations and for being so free your expertise. You're a champ. Let me know if I can ever repay the favor. I know France pretty well.
Brotherleelove, thanks for the great recommendations and for being so free your expertise. You're a champ. Let me know if I can ever repay the favor. I know France pretty well.
Feb 3rd, 2009, 09:37 AM
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I didn't book my ferry tickets the day of travel -- I booked 2-3 days ahead of time, usually the day I arrived on the island I was planning to leave in a few days.
As BLL says, I would definitely book a few days ahead in July when the ferries can be more crowded.
As BLL says, I would definitely book a few days ahead in July when the ferries can be more crowded.
