My family of six (four teenagers) has a chance to travel from Athens to any Greek island for four days. We would travel on the first and last day of those four days. I am overwhelmed. We prefer a slower pace but want to see as much as we can during that time. Any suggestions for routes and must sees? Should we pick one island and settle in or try to see multiple islands? Also, is it worth it to try to get to Patmos, the island where John received his revelation for the book of Revelation?
Posted by
Citizen of the World
1981 posts
It’s a 7-hour ferry ride from Piraeus, the Port of Athens, to Patmos. www.Ferries.gr/en has boat schedules and fares You could also fly from Athens .www.Skyscanner.com shows flight schedules and fares.
There’s plenty to see and great beaches to occupy four days on Patmos, although the island only has 3,000 residents, making it quiet.
A lot of travelers work in 2 islands going to popular Naxos and its neighbor that’s a 50-minute ferry ride away—Paros. It’s a 3-hour ferry ride from Piraeus to Paros
Posted by
France Southwest
2298 posts
In 4 days you do not have enough time to go to Patmos by ferry (it is rather 8 hours than 7 hours).
The only possible option in such a short time is to take a flight from Athens with Aegean or Sky Express to one of the neighboring islands Kos or Leros (45 minutes flight) and then take a ferry to Patmos (1h30 to 2h30 journey). This implies being lucky and find compatible schedules between flight and ferry.
The same goes for leaving Patmos and returning to Athens.
I do not recommend ferries.gr which is one of the only third party websites that charges a commission if you book with them.
Ferry reservations are always preferably made with the ferry companies, not with third parties.
There are islands that are much easier to access from Athens, mainly in the Cyclades or in the Saronic Gulf.
Posted by
NH (USA)
1221 posts
With just four days including two days of travel you really don't have much time unless you fly which can be pricey.
I would recommend going to the closes islands which are the Saronic Islands and easily accessed by ferry from Piraeus.
Aegina, Poros and Hydra would be top choices.
Pick one and spend your time there.
Research each island and see what fits your needs.