My daughter & I are planning to fly to Athens on September 13, arriving on the 14th. She has a conference in Athens Sept 15-17 when I will do my own sightseeing. We have 8 days, Sept 18-25 to go island hopping, flying back to the US on the 26th. We would like to go to Santorini, Mykonos, & Rhodes. We don't want to spend more time than necessary on ferries, we can fly when it is an available option. Would it make sense to fly back to Athens at the end of the island hopping so we're near the airport for our flight back to the US?
Any suggestions about island hopping appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6502 posts
Yes, you should get back to Athens the night before your flight so you're sure not to miss it. If you want to stay near the airport there's a Sofitel (expensive but very convenient) right there, and several others nearby.
Posted by
2498 posts
Well you can fly to Santorini and then ferry to Mykonos. Then fly to Rhodes via Athens.
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3122 posts
Unless Rhodes is an absolute "must-see", you'd save money and use your time better by choosing a 3rd island in the same Cyclades Islands group as Santorini and Mykonos, such as Paros, Naxos or Ios. Travelling between them is fast and easy by ferry and all islands except Ios have airports for flights back to Athens. Just don't wait until the same day as your flight home to return to Athens. It's too risky. Hotels near the airport include the Sofitel (across the street from the airport), Peri's Hotel, St. Thomas B&B, Pantheon Hotel.
Posted by
WA State
3961 posts
Agree with previous suggestions. Fly back to Athens the night before departure. We highly recommend the Sofitel Hotel. We had a comfortable room, convenient, great buffet breakfast, and 2 minute walk to the terminal.
I would also concur to island hop in the Cyclades. Suggestions: 2 islands. Naxos (our favorite) Santorini or Paros. We flew back from Santorini to Athens.