Hello everyone.. first post ever. We are booked to leave Athens to Rome April 9, 2009 @ 6:25pm. Prior to leaving Greece, we will be in Santorini for a few days. I am desperately trying to figure out the ferry schedules to see if I can magically work out a ferry from Santorini to Athens on that same day and make my plane ride out. Any suggestions? I know that Greek Ferry system is notorious for not publishing schedules way ahead but is it possible to take a high speed from Santorini to Athens, how long is the ride typically and approximate cost? Also, not clear on which airlines fly between Santorini and Athens? Many thanks!
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Terry - The Greek ferry system is also notorious for not being on schedule. Winds can play havoc with sailing times. I would not rely on ferries to make a plane flight.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23303 posts
The best way is to fly. Aegean airlines fly to Athens and that would put you in the airport. If you take a boat, it will put you on the dock at some distance to the airport. I haven't looked at a schedule for a few years but I do not think there is a direct connection to Athens. As I remember everything seems to run clockwise so you would make several stops on the way back.
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3122 posts
Your only ferry option is the 12:40 AM departure on the Blue Star ferry, arriving in Athens/Piraeus 5 hours later. The chance you take by waiting until the same day as your flight to Rome suggests you might not be aware of the unstable weather in the Aegean in April. Your ferry could be cancelled. Is that a risk you're willing to take? Seasoned travellers in Greece will usually advise you to save your exploration of Athens for the last 2 or three days of your vacation. If you return to the mainland with days to spare before your flight out you have those same extra days to make the flight in case of bad weather. If you do decide to wait until the last day, flying is less of a risk.