I'm planning a trip to Greece and had an idea of flying from Athens to Turkey and spending just the day there and flying into Santorini. Anyone know if this is possible?
Thanks!
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
417 posts
But where in Turkey? Santorini is a night ferry from Kusadasi area, and more than that from Istanbul. It is not possible to fly direct from Istanbul to Santorini, you would have to change in Athens.
The food is really very similar to Greece, though obviously the culture is different.
Flights from Athens to Istanbul are about 1 hour 15 minutes, but are about $300 round trip. So I suppose you could take an early flight, spend three hours or so, and then head back to Athens and on to Santorini, but I do not think that would be a good use of a day. You would only be able to see one sight, probably just the Blue Mosque and maybe Hagia Sophia.
Turkey is a great destination, and well worth your time to visit, but if you only have a day, I would seriously consider cutting it out. On the other hand, if you can devote two or three days, then DEFINATELY go. As I have said before on this forum, Istanbul is an amazing city, a perfect syntheses of east and west.
Posted by
OP
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
3 posts
That's very helpful information. Thank you!
We were planning to fly into Instanbul, spend about 4 hours and then fly to Santorini. Knowing we can't do that is very helpful. I think we'll have to save this for our next trip. I'm going to look up your posts concerning Turkey because it sounds like you've really enjoyed yourself there. Thank you for your feedback!
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
417 posts
I mean, strictly, it is possible, but not advisable. Where in Turkey do you intend to visit? Istanbul requires at least a full day, preferably several. Kusadasi/ Ephesus can be a day trip, but not all the way from Athens. If you are limited in time, then cut out Turkey or another destination.
Posted by
OP
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
3 posts
We're going in mid May. We really just wanted to "go there"; sort of see it and eat some food. We weren't really planning to spend a great amount of time there this trip. I was thinking this would let me know if we wanted to make it a part of our next vacation to Greece. With that said, would it be better to fly and have more time there during the day or to ferry, which could cut out some of the time.