My husband and I are taking the Rick Steves Turkey trip and want to do a little Greek island hopping at the end. We want to see Samos and Santorini. Unfortunately, I'm having trouble finding a route. The Steves web page and my Lonely Planet guide book both say we should be able to go via Naxos (or Paros) However, when I look on the ferry web page I can't find these connections. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks!
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3122 posts
By ferry you'll have to go via Mykonos. The Samon>Naxos route has been discontinued. Then from Mykonos you will need to take a ferry to Santorini, either the direct Hellenic Seaways FlyingCat 4, or a different ferry from Mykonos to Paros in time to catch the next ferry passing on the way to Santorini. Depending on the ferry schedules it's possible you may have to spend the night on Mykonos to make the ferry connection. Go to www.openseas.gr/OPENSEAS/indes.en_vm to see what's available on your travel dates. Use Vathi-Samos for Samos.
You also have the option of flying on www.skyexpress.gr directly from Samos to Santorini, just be aware that it's a small 19-passenger twin turbo-prop plane and has a very strict baggage allowance. Read the fine print.
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3122 posts
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
7569 posts
I think that you have run into one of the biggest misconceptions of island travel, that being getting from any given island to another is always a direct route. Ferries run on limited designated routes, and getting from one route to another is often difficult or at least inconvienant. It can sometimes be as easy to go back to Athens then to your destination, even if the island is within sight. As for your route, flying is a good option, even via someone like Aegean Air that may take you to Athens then Santorini.
Posted by
OP
Jersey City, NJ, USA
11 posts
Thanks so much for your help everbody. We really appreciate it!
Posted by
Chicago, Illinois, USA
131 posts
Leslie,
Just wanted to add a comment about flying. We were in Greece in June and traveled via ferry from athens to naxos...the trip took 6 hours and cost the two of us 80 euro. We could have flown directly from Athens for only $130 euro and the flight is only 30 minutes. With time being at a premium, look into flying!
Have a great trip.