My friend and I will be traveling in Greece for about a week from October 13th to October 19th. We are running into a road block trying to figure out where to go and how to get there! This will be the last leg of our 5 week European vacation and we are looking for a place to relax on the beach and take in the beautiful scenery. We were originally thinking Santorini but are having some trouble figuring out how to get there without spending too much money! We are just out of college and trying travel on a tight budget! Our plan is to leave from Rome (or Brindisi) either by ferry or flight to somewhere in Greece. Any suggestions would be helpful! Thanks! :-)
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3133 posts
There are no direct flights from Italy to any island in October so you will have to fly into Athens first. OR, you can take a ferry from Bari or Brindisi to one of the Greek islands in the Ionian Sea instead of going all the way east to the Aegean Sea. Check out Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Ithaca as possibilities. But if you have a specific Aegean island in mind you will have to spend the extra money getting yourselves there. It doesn't have to be too much, however. For example, Athens/Piraeus to Santorini is about €36/$51 one way for economy class tickets on the Blue Star ferry. The tradeoff is that it takes about 8 hours, leaving around 7:30 in the morning from Piraeus. Of course there are some islands closer to Athens that will cost you less, such as Poros, Hydra, Aegina and Spetses. It really depends on your budget. You can check schedules here: http://www.gtp.gr and make a trial booking for pricing. By the way, if you sign up for the Aegean Airlines email newsletter you will be notified if and when they have a fall "saver fare' sale. Flights from Rome to Athens will cost as little as €69, all taxes included. Easyjet also has flights from Rome to Athens and they sometimes have really cheap flights. If you're ready to commit I'm seeing a €32 Easyjet flight from Rome to Athens or an Aegean flight for €107 from Rome to Chania, Crete on October 13 right now. Even at €107 I believe that's cheaper than the ferry and it take a LOT less time!
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3347 posts
Lee has done you a BIG favor by spotting a real bargain for you, Chania, on Crete Its Old town is gorgeous, and still full of life in October. That is important ... because in October, some islands already will already be "closing up shop". Crete is the Southernmost island and will probably still be warmer and (with luck) no rain yet. Just outside of Chania on the Akrotiri Peninsula, there are some lovely beaches like Stavros ... if you google budget hotels Stavros Crete you may find some. Another good option is 1 hour by bus along the north coast Rethymnon. It has a loooong sandy beach starting right at the center of town, with big (miam- style) hotels at the start, but lots of nice small budget ones as you walk along. Rethymnon also has a large university in session in October, so there will be a lively young night-life scene. After 4 days or so in Western Crete, you could bus 1 hour to Heraklion if you can find a ferry to Santorini on the day you want to go. There are more "fast ferries" (catamarans) they cost more (about €50) than the regular large ferries (about €30) but the latter are fewer. At any rate, beaches are not Santorini's strong point (black & gritty) ... you go to Santorini for the caldera view, and the nightlife. If ferry timing is wrong for Santorini, you can always get an overnite ferry to Athens port, Piraeus. You can book 2 bunks in an all-female cabin for 4 (with bath) ... or to be super-cheap, get Economy tickets and sleep on the floor of the economy corridors. Lots of backpackers do.
Posted by
Chania, Crete, Greece
42 posts
Agree with everything Lee and Janet said, Chania is a great and cheap place to visit in October. Weather should still be nice. I would also suggest Sfakia/Frangokastello and Matala areas on the south coast of Crete, it's a beautiful drive and a little off the beaten path although that late in the year I'm not sure what will be open down there. Anyway PM me if you want more info or recommendations for restaurants, etc.