Traveling to Greece from nov 29 to dec 7 with my girlfriend. Looking at doing Athens and an island or two. What can we expect in December? Will the islands be easily accessible? Other ideas? We are flexible. Thanks
Islands are always accessible, it just depends on how much time you have to get to them. Some have airport and ferry service and some are served only by ferry. Air and Ferry traffic in the wintertime are less-frequent than during tourist season. Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air serve the islands. There are no island-to-island flights, all originate in Athens. Ferry schedules here: http://www.gtp.gr
I hope you realize that most island businesses will be closed in December since tourism is almost at a standstill then. I suggest you focus on the islands with the largest permanent local populations so you at least have a chance to enjoy them.
Thanks for the reply. I'm having a hard time finding a ferry from athens to hydra. Checked multiple sites given from RS. Any other islands close to Athens?
Ferries to Hydra are daily and frequent. I'm not sure why you're having trouble. Ferries depart from Piraeus, not Athens. Check http://www.gtp.gr Spetses and Aegina are in the same group as Hydra.
The islands will be pretty much shut down to tourists at that time. People live on them so some services will of course be open, but you will have to search long and hard for places to stay (same is true for some other destinations). Athens is a good base, with a daytrip to Hydra and to Delphi as options. Athens that time of year is actually quite pleasant, depending on weather. Crowds at sites will be considerably less, which is nice.
Thanks for the advice. We are thinking of doing athens
- hydra - ermioni - nafplio - athens home.