We've got some time after visiting Crete and Santorini available from May 22-25, arriving back in Athens on May 25. We're leaving Santorini on May 22. Any suggestions on what to do with that time? We're really interested in hearing about favorite places. Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Hydra? Whatever. We're game! Thanks.
Hi Greg - From Santorini, where I live part of the year, please go to Mykonos - These are the two most popular Greek Islands of over 230. I've been to over 100 of them but these are my favorites. Think a couple of days on Mykonos will make a believer out of you as well!!
Greg
Thanks, Greg. I liked what I saw online about Mykonos. Do you think our May 22 in and May 25 out to Athens is OK as far as time on the ground in Mykonos? Also, how long is the ferry ride to Mykonos from Santorini?
Thanks!
I checked Hellenic Seaways schedule. Santorini-Mykonos is 2:55 travel time.
Personally, I'd save Santorini for last as any place else will seem tame in beauty by comparison. Santorini for me is the piece de resistance. Mykonos would be fun for 2-3 days, and then go to Santorini and fly back to Athens from there.
Thanks, Janis. That could be a great schedule. But, due to the proximity of travel time (mid to late May), (nice, well-situated) accomodations in Santorini are filling up FAST. So, there isn't a huge choice for stragegicly positioning Santorini. Really appreciate your thoughts, though.
Mykonos is great.... Nightlife nearby Delos is a must for a day trip from Mykonos. I really enjoyed Naxos for an off the beaten track. It still has nightlife great beaches etc. Stay near the port.
Now that's interesting....if you think Naxos is "off the beaten track" I wonder what you'd say about Antiparos, Anafi or Folegandros!!
Lee, I'm doing some research on those 3 now. What about Hydra?? Is there no motorized transportation?? Sounds worth investigating. We like off the beaten track.
The only vehicles allowed on Hydra are service vehicles--emergency, trash pickup, etc. It's not off the beaten path but it would be an interesting place to visit.
Funny. That explains the picture of the gentleman in charge of keeping Hydra clean on a scooter.
Greg,
I am also planning a trip to Athens and the islands...........I am hoping to do Crete, Santorini, and Rhodes..........this will be in early June, I was going to "wing it" and try to find a hotel only a day or two before arriving on each island. Do you or anyone else think I will be ok waiting to find a hotel on the "wing it" method?
thanks Jeanne
It won't be a problem in June. You can either call ahead to your next island or just wait until you get there to take what you can find from one of the accomodation services near the ports. There will also be locals meeting the boats with offers for rooms but be careful or you might end up in the middle of nowhere in a lousy room with a smelly toilet and no water pressure. They'll drive you there but if you don't like it they're under no obligation to give you a ride someplace else.
Lee, We liked what you said about Antiparos, Anafi or Folegandros. We were impressed by Folegrandos, but not at all sure logistically of how to include it after Santorini.
Is there a ferry there from Santorini? Or, are there flights available, which I didn't see, either.
Thanks!
Hi Jeanne,
We're locked in on Crete and Santorini. We're finding availability on those 2 islands we plan to visit even now, just not sure how much of that there is. Santorini seems to be filling up faster. I doubt every single accomodation ever does fill up, but as brotherleelove states, it is possible to keep yourself flexible. Don't know how true that is, since we're not destination experts. Crete seems to have plenty of availability. Big island. We're looking into another location after Santorini, but haven't decided on anything definite yet.
Hope you have a great time!
Greg, yes there is a ferry from Santorini to Folegandros. You'll have to check the ferry schedule websites to see if it's available when you need it. There will also be a ferry from Folegandros back to Athens. There is no airport there. The closest ones are Santorini, Paros and Naxos.
Thanks, Lee. I finally was able to figure that out. It looks like about a 4 hr'ish ferry to Athens. I'm just concerned about ferries getting canceled, since the plan would be to go to Folegandros on May 22nd from Santorini, a Saturday, and there not being another ferry over to Folegandros until the following Thursday which is far past our window. The ferry from Folegandros to Athens doesn't seem to be a problem, since it runs 7 day/wk.
The seas are usually calm in May so the chance of a cancellation due to weather is slim. Hopefully a mechanical breakdown won't be a problem either!
Be advised that if you have a choice of ferries when you need to return to Athens the SeaJets Super Jet should be your last choice. It's a small highspeed catamaran and will bob in the water like a cork. If it's your only choice try to get seats along the midline of the cabin to minimize the side-to-side rocking.
Greg,
Hydra looks like a fantastic spot, and one that I'm really looking forward to seeing. I'll be there about June 3/4 on a RS tour.
You might find some good information on spots to visit by having a look at This Website.
Cheers!
Thanks, Lee. Will check that out.
Ken, I agree. Matt's website is great and he's very responsive and helpful through email, too. Have a great trip.