Will be doing RS Best of Turkey tour in May. Considering extending trip to included 7 days in Greece. Splitting time between Santorini and Athens, my departure city back to USA. Is this recommended? Not sure of the best way to get from Kusadasi the last stop of the tour to Santorini. Would appreciate any advice.
Posted by
11677 posts
Santorini is very overtouristed. We couldn’t wait to leave it!
Go to other more culturally Greek islands such as Paros or Naxos.
Posted by
Oregon
288 posts
Flying is probably the only way to get from Izmir to Santorini, with a layover in Athens. Ferries would take 10 to 24 hours and may not be available daily.
EDITED to add: I'd use skyscanner.com to check for flights within Europe.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8973 posts
I have to confess that I would join the chorus to really consider whether Santorini is the spot to spend significant time. I found Nafplio, a few hours from Athens far more enjoyable. Not a Greek Island, but plenty of shore and access to many interesting sites.
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
282 posts
You could bus from Kusadasi to Izmir (usually the RS tour bus will take you gratis) but you would have to stay the night in Izmir (airport = ADB) to catch an early morn flight on Aegean/Olympic to Athens (ATH). Most Greece flights go through Athens, so rush to clear customs & passport control to catch afternoon flight to Santorini (JTR). After our RS tour, we took the Meander Ferry from Kusadasi to Samos town, cleared customs there (no rush). Cab to Pythagoria for 2 nights and an early short cab ride to the airport (SMI). Pythagoria was a delightful and restful stay after the tour with good food as a bonus. We went to Santorini before our tour and enjoyed it but once a lifetime was enough for us. If you don't have a burning desire to see Santorini, we recommend flying to Naxos (JNX) instead -- been there 2 times for a week each. The airport on Naxos is close to Naxos town so easy to get taxis to/from hotel there. Enjoy the lovely Greek islands.