Greek island itinerary
Replies: 10 - Last Post: Aug 13, 2012 8:58 AM Last Post By: Misanthrope
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Greek island itinerary
I have 2 1/2 weeks beginning in mid-September for a Greek island holiday, flying in from London.Plan to spend about half of that time on Crete (western end), and am looking for suggestions for other islands to also go to.
My interests are beautiful scenery; unspoilt places where possible; good hiking. History is also good.
I've thought about Santorini, Naxos and other Cyclades, but have no idea what a workable itinerary might look like.
Thanks in advance.
1
Daily catamarans from Crete (Iraklio) to SANTORINI - PAROS - MYKONOS.Boats to Karpathos - Rhodos Wednesday and Saturday only)
Daily boats from all mentioned places (except Karpathos) to Piraeus, port of Athens.
Best for hiking: Crete (all regions, but Southern coast, Westernmost and Easternmost areas are the most scenic one's), Karpathos, Rhodos, although Paros has some trails too.
Ferry timetables: http://www.gtp.gr/
There will most probably be boats from Kissamos to Kythira (very nice absollutely untouristy Island) too, but the timetables are not yet published.
2
There will most probably be boats from Kissamos to Kythira (very nice absollutely untouristy Island) too, but the timetables are not yet published.It may not have been published but there has been a ferry running for years every Thursday at 7am from Kissamos to Gythio calling at Kythira en route. Given the OP's interests, going all the way to Gythio wouldn't be a bad idea as the Peloponnese ticks all his boxes except that it's only an island in the sense that the Corinth canal separates it from the rest of the mainland.
4
..... on the other hand, 2 1/2 weeks wouldn't be enough for a decent vsit of the whole Island of Crete.6
....but be aware that easyjet flights from Santorini to Gatwick are up to 200 EUR more expensive than those from Athens. Cheaper Santorini - Heathrow flights with https://en.aegeanair.com (plane change at Athens).Santorini (seen from the caldera) is extremely scenic, but neither "unspoilt" nor particularly good for hiking.
8
Easyjet - mid Sept, if you are reasonably flexible on the date, and they are direct no changing in Athens.Santorini to Gatwick ~£205
Mykonos to Gatwick ~£186
Athens Gatwick ~£160
Aegean Air
Santorini to Heathrow ~£200 with a change in Athens.
Considering the cost of the ferry from Santorini to Piraeus/Athens the Santorini flight or indeed Mykonos is actually a good deal, less wasted time on a ferry.
9
It's all a matter of dates. I checked for Oct 8th:Easyjet Santorini - Gatwick: 336 EUR
Easyjet Athens - Gatwick: 128 EUR
Aegeanair Santorini - Heathrow: 208 EUR
Other fares at other dates.
10
We're doing a similar trip from London around the same time. Flying into Crete from Gatwick, out of Athens at the end. Will probably only spend a few days in Crete, then ferry to Santorini. After that is up in the air. Let me know what you find out. We're hoping to spend a few days in Santorini (unless we get bored or restless) then move on to another island...
