We are 2 students doing an internship in Italy which will end Oct, 26. We were thinking of spending that weekend in Pompeii and the Amalfi coast and then spending the following week in Greece. We have a flight out from Athens back to the US on Nov 3. We would like to do one of the islands - Santorini or Mykonos? - and then end in Athens. What would be the best way to travel there? It looks like the closest airport to get discount airlines is Rome. Any thoughts on which island would be best? Any recommendations on travel from Italy to Greece and also between the island and Athens would be greatly appreciated!! We're living in a remote area in Italy and our internet access is sketchy. Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3149 posts
From Rome your options for flying are Blu Express, Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air and Alitalia. Unless Blue Express is still flying direct to Santorini in October (doubtful), more than likely you'll have to change planes in Athens. There's more to see and do on Santorini plus the views are unique to the world from the cliffs over the sea. Mykonos and Santorini will both be very quiet by the end of October, so don't expect a lot of shops, hotels and restaurants to be open then. They start to close for the off-season in mid-October. Island weather by then will be chilly and windy, perhaps cloudy with some rain. You might be better off going to Rhodes where there is a larger permanent population, meaning the island won't be as quiet then. That, or stick to the mainland and split your time between Athens and the beautiful seaside town of Nafplion.
Posted by
OP
Kenmore, WA, United States
24 posts
Thanks so much for the replies! We will probably do train between Pompeii and Rome unless someone has a better suggestion. We will each have 2 bags - one larger to check and one carry-on. Will that work on the budget airlines? Since things will have quieted down a lot by the end of October on Santorini and Mykonos, will travel to Athens be difficult to arrange? Is Rhodes much more accessible?
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3149 posts
You'll need to go to the various airline websites to learn about their baggage allowances. "Since things will have quieted down a lot by the end of October on Santorini and Mykonos, will travel to Athens be difficult to arrange?".......This isn't clear. Travel to Athens from where? From Italy or from an island? Rhodes is accessible from Athens by air and ferry, same as the other islands you've mentioned. Ferry Schedules for October can be found here: http://www.gtp.gr
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Definitely check carry-on limits. You may have to check both bags on the flight to Athens (overhead compartments can be much smaller than on the larger, intercontinental planes), it's cheaper to do pay for checked bags when you buy your ticket rather than at the airport.
Posted by
OP
Kenmore, WA, United States
24 posts
Thanks again for the replies. In answer to the one question about travel to Athens - I was asking about travel back to Athens from an island at that time of year. In response to the other question - we need to take our luggage with us as we will not be returning to Italy from Greece. Thanks for the tips on the ferry schedules and checking baggage allowances.
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3149 posts
Domestic flights within Greece can sometimes be as cheap as a basic economy ferry ticket, so check with Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air for one of the discounted 'saver' fares they offer. If you can only get a flight to Athens from Rome you may be able to save money and valuable time by flying to and from the island you've chosen.