It was much more pleasant for us to fly to Santorini. It’s very fast. You see so many islands on the air and the first time seeing Santorini on the air was breathtaking.
Sebastian, thank you SO much for these information. We are planning to visit Santorini and these informations are helping us immensely to plan for our dream vacation. Hope we will be able to meet you in person and thank you when we visit Santorini. Love & respect from Bangladesh
Hi Sebastian, thanks for your video! I had my trip a few weeks back and your videos certainly make a lot of things easy for me! I flew to Santorini and left by ferry a few weeks ago. Both are pretty good for me. Just to share with the rest of you here, ferry loads/unloads super quick as they want to depart on time. So if you are late for a few minutes then it is a BYE BYE in capital letters...
@@jillsjolin4837 hi, I didn't go back to Athens straight away. The ferry ride was to Naxos. Then I went to Donoussa, Mykonos, Syros and back to Athens, all by ferry. It was a great experience and all the rides are not that long. However, I don't think I will take a ferry between Santorini and Athens. The view was nice but it takes too long...
I did both and the ferry can be a good option but, do not recommend the fast ferry. I saw dozens of sick people in the fast ferry, including my husband, we were so scared of the second ferry, but that one was slow and to be quite honest, they were nice and comfortable and hubby did not get sick. We used both companies mentioned by you. People do get sick, many people
If you are time restricted, go by plane. When you get to the Santorini airport during the day buses are available only to Fira; from there the buses go anywhere on the island a tourist needs to go to. Taxis are also available for maybe $20-$30 Euros. If you have time, the slow ferries from Athens are open-air so you can enjoy the sea views; also it’s nice to see the different islands on the way to Santorini. The only drawback is the slow ferries are uncomfortable (the seating) and it takes like 8 hours. I prefer flying from Athens to Fira but I have been to Greece before.
Open air....not clean air. If you cannot get an inside seat and you aren't a fan of chain smoking, you are screwed. Coming from the US, it is like taking a step back into the 1970s or something. Every outside deck is a smoking deck and Greeks chain smoke for 7 straight hours of the trip. I forgot how happy eliminating this vile habit from most of public life made most people with any sense. That reason alone I would take a plane.
I think more needs to be mentioned about the sea-sickness one could potentially experience on the smaller boats, as it could get REALLY bad. We got back from Amorgos to Athens last weekend by Seajets, and it was their small boat (Super Jet). 8 hour ride, 8 hour rollercoaster. My goodness! It was the most awful experience ever, as everyone was puking into the sick bags given, even those who got on later than us. Really insane! Of course in my case, we had no option to take a plane, but if I were ever to be going to an island with an airport, I'd take the air option any time now!
Sebi …. thanks for your videos . We visited Santorini last month and your videos were very helpful . I met you in Oia if you remember we were doing photoshoot and you are just passing by .
Hi Sebastian, i am travelling from Athens-Santorini - Early August next year. I am very concerned regarding the massive amounts of lost luggage claims for all airlines (sky express mostly). Just wanted to see your thoughts on this. Thanks mate, Adrian
100% airplane. Half an hour flight and you land at the airport which is only 15’ from the center of Fira and nearly all areas in Santorini. Not to mention the ridiculous prices of the ferries that are beyond expensive and last 5-8 h.. And they are extremely uncomfortable for such a long trip. Opinion from a Greek here.
The ridiculous prices you are talking about is for the highspeed ferries. And yes, only a 30-35 min flight but check in desks close 30 min before departure and you also have to get to the airport. Add it all together and from Athens city Center you are already talking about something to nearly 3 hours.
You completely left out the British Air non stop from London to Santorini where you can completely avoid Athens and not even need to switch luggage. My upcoming flight is coming from Chicago then London and a non-stop to Santorini all using British Air and was reasonable....
For slow ferries, you can wait until the last minute, they hardly ever sell out. For the fast ones, I'd book at least 2 weeks ahead coz they're sometimes full.
Hi Sebastian, Thanks for this informative video. We are planning to fly from Croatia to Athens and then to Santorini. We have only 1 and half hr transit to self check in to Santorini flight at the Athens airport. Do you think that 1 and half time period is sufficient.?
My friend is taking something called a hydrofoil from Santorini to Athens in June 2023. And from Mykonos to Santorini. Sebastian, where can I purchase tickets for the hydrofoil ferry? Which ferry company offers the hydrofoil ferry?
Hi Ronnell. There are no hydrofoils for the Santorini Athens route. The only hydrofoils in Greece are called "Flying Dolphins" and they are not coming to Santorini, they only do short distances near Athens. (More info here : www.ferries.gr/en/ferry-companies/aegean-flying-dolphins) I'm guessing that your friend is taking a "CATAMARAN ferry", similar to hydrofoils except that the hull is not entirely out of the water. A few examples : "Thunder" (by Fast Ferries), "Superexpress" (by Golden Star Ferries) or one of the Seajets. Hope this helps !
Great info! After a full day+ of travel (from Seattle), landing in Athens at 6pm and destination is Santorini for 3 nights. Do we stay in Athens that 6pm arrival day or just jump on another plane and get to Santorini that night?? Thoughts?
I'm on ferryhopper now and see these five choices for Blue Star tickets: Two under "Economy:" deck-lounge (special offer), and deck-lounge; and three under "Numbered seats:" standard seat (lounge AK5), standard seat (lounge AK4), and standard seat (lounge AK3). Do you have a recommendation or explanation of the differences? Thank you.
Economy means you'll be sitting on random chairs / benches on the ferry. Numbered seats (also called airplane seats) is a specific room on the ferry that looks like an plane cabin, with comfortable cushioned seats. I personally dont think its worth putting the extra money on numbered seats because 1. the regular chairs & benches are comfortable enough 2. it's fun to walk around the ferry, go to the upper deck etc, so you wont be spending much time on your reserved seat anyway
Once you click on the trip you want to book, you can choose the fare of each passenger separately, and there you can select "Infant" or "Child", which will give you specific discounts based on the ferry company. Hope this helps ! In case you wanna support my channel, here's a link to make a one time donation : www.buymeacoffee.com/greeceexplained
Hi Sebastian, this was super useful. My family and I are going to be finishing a princess cruise in Piraeus port and want to see Santorini for a day before we explore Athens. Is it easy to get from a Ferry terminal of the cruise to the Blue star ferries departure point? Thank you!
Yes very easy, all the terminals are basically in the same port, so everything is within walking distance. And if you dont feel like walking, there s also a free shuttle bus going from terminal to terminal all day long.
Hey mate quick question do you recommend the day trips from Athens to santorini/mykonos or just fly and spend time in one of the island? Cheers love the videos
@@GreeceExplained thank you for all the info you put out! Question: Santorini is clearly gorgeous but with the huge crowds I’d go to a different SIMILAR place if there is such a thing. Any suggestions? Or is Santorini absolutely unique? Thanks 🙏
When are the ferry tickets available to buy? I've already got my ticket for next April to fly into Mykonos, I'm island hopping, and my return flight from Santorini in May, just need to book the ferry's
Would you know how much time is needed at the Airport in Athens when flying to Santorini? We are staying in Athens for a day and wanted to know if there is a certain timeframe we need to be at the airport before we catch the Santorini flight?
I want to travel from Athens to Mykonos. I see the departure from Pireus it’s 7 am in blue star ferry. Is there another company to go to Mykonos by Ferry? Thanks in advance
I've now watched all your UA-cam videos! Yay! I saw on some other UA-cam videos that passengers leave their luggage in a common space on the boat. Do you feel this is safe and secure or would you recommend keeping my luggage with me?
Once the ferry leaves no one is admitted to the deck where the luggage racks are. But it's advised to take valuables with you in your handluggage. I have been travelling around Greece for more than 30 years and never had any problem.
Again everyone, one thing completely left out here is that if you cannot get an inside seat, which I could not on my recent trip, you will be subjected to non stop chain smoking in the outside decks. And the breeze does little to help when multiple people around you are smoking with no regard to you or your childrens comfort or health. As an American this type of behavior in a public space was thankfully squashed out a few decades ago and I find it bizarre it is still tolerated, but then again I barely saw a Greek teen or adult without a vape or cigarette so these people seem to love their nicoine addictions. Sad but true. I'd take the plane for that reason alone and would only get on a blue star again with a reserved inside seat. Love Greece and the people were hospitable but smoking is gross and deadly folks. Time to move into the 21st century. .
hi Sebastian, I have booked a trip to Satorini (coming from a non EU conutry) from 9- 16th april, I am flying with Aegean to Athens and then with Olympic to Santorini. One layover is 1hr and 30 minutes and on our way back it is 1hr and 5 minutes. We have checked luggage. Do you think it is enough time for us to check in again? Also, I have read somewhere that local flights ( from athens to santorini )are operated from a satellite building on the airport. I hope we will have enough time to do everything.
If you have to check-in from scratch again in Athens, that sounds very tight to me. 1h30 should be okay IF everything's on time. 1h05 is near impossible. Concerning the satellite building, yes its true, but it's only a 10-15 walk inside the terminal, so I wouldnt worry too much about it. Hope this helps.
Thanks Sebastian I’m headed to beautiful Greek in October and find all your videos about Greek to be informative! You are a Gem thanks a lot. I wanted to travel by ferry ⛴️ instead of flying, just to experience the site of other island. Smart idea to fly back when leaving. Me and my fiancé found our beautiful hotel from your video! Can you let me know how’s the weather in mid October? Thank you so Kindly
![Santorini AIRPORT : How to get to your hotel ? [Taxis, Buses, Rentals …]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/sVAAl8zdxDI/mqdefault.jpg)
![Santorini AIRPORT : How to get to your hotel ? [Taxis, Buses, Rentals …]](/img/tr.png)
You know what: I watched four videos and I can only say thank God to people like you!
It was much more pleasant for us to fly to Santorini. It’s very fast. You see so many islands on the air and the first time seeing Santorini on the air was breathtaking.
Sebastian, thank you SO much for these information. We are planning to visit Santorini and these informations are helping us immensely to plan for our dream vacation. Hope we will be able to meet you in person and thank you when we visit Santorini. Love & respect from Bangladesh
Very nicely explained. Thank you ❤
Hi Sebastian, thanks for your video! I had my trip a few weeks back and your videos certainly make a lot of things easy for me!
I flew to Santorini and left by ferry a few weeks ago. Both are pretty good for me.
Just to share with the rest of you here, ferry loads/unloads super quick as they want to depart on time. So if you are late for a few minutes then it is a BYE BYE in capital letters...
Was it 8 hours on the ferry and that was a good day looking at the islands or would you fly both ways, knowing what you know now?
@@jillsjolin4837 hi, I didn't go back to Athens straight away. The ferry ride was to Naxos. Then I went to Donoussa, Mykonos, Syros and back to Athens, all by ferry.
It was a great experience and all the rides are not that long. However, I don't think I will take a ferry between Santorini and Athens. The view was nice but it takes too long...
I did both and the ferry can be a good option but, do not recommend the fast ferry. I saw dozens of sick people in the fast ferry, including my husband, we were so scared of the second ferry, but that one was slow and to be quite honest, they were nice and comfortable and hubby did not get sick. We used both companies mentioned by you. People do get sick, many people
Your videos have put my mind at ease. God bless u!
GREAT INFORMATION! It took me a lot of research reading Trip Advisor to learn what you just said! You have a great way of getting points across.
Thank you so much for your advice!! Very helpful!!!
If you are time restricted, go by plane. When you get to the Santorini airport during the day buses are available only to Fira; from there the buses go anywhere on the island a tourist needs to go to. Taxis are also available for maybe $20-$30 Euros.
If you have time, the slow ferries from Athens are open-air so you can enjoy the sea views; also it’s nice to see the different islands on the way to Santorini. The only drawback is the slow ferries are uncomfortable (the seating) and it takes like 8 hours.
I prefer flying from Athens to Fira but I have been to Greece before.
Open air....not clean air. If you cannot get an inside seat and you aren't a fan of chain smoking, you are screwed. Coming from the US, it is like taking a step back into the 1970s or something. Every outside deck is a smoking deck and Greeks chain smoke for 7 straight hours of the trip. I forgot how happy eliminating this vile habit from most of public life made most people with any sense. That reason alone I would take a plane.
I think more needs to be mentioned about the sea-sickness one could potentially experience on the smaller boats, as it could get REALLY bad. We got back from Amorgos to Athens last weekend by Seajets, and it was their small boat (Super Jet). 8 hour ride, 8 hour rollercoaster. My goodness! It was the most awful experience ever, as everyone was puking into the sick bags given, even those who got on later than us. Really insane! Of course in my case, we had no option to take a plane, but if I were ever to be going to an island with an airport, I'd take the air option any time now!
Wow! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your advice.Indeed very helpful for the first timers.
Sebi …. thanks for your videos . We visited Santorini last month and your videos were very helpful . I met you in Oia if you remember we were doing photoshoot and you are just passing by .
The best video ever
HI Sebastian! You make wonderful videos and so so helpful!! Thanks!😊
Thank you so much, this was very helpful!
Thank you! Very informative and answered questions I have!
If there is high wind, they may close the port which can definitely be an issue if you are trying to make it to a different island.
Great video!! Thank you!!!
Sebastian. Love your videos very informative. Can you do one please about different class of the long haul ferry. And what to expect inside the ferry.
Noted ! :-)
Hi Sebastian, i am travelling from Athens-Santorini - Early August next year. I am very concerned regarding the massive amounts of lost luggage claims for all airlines (sky express mostly). Just wanted to see your thoughts on this.
Thanks mate,
Adrian
I always travel with Aegean Airlines and never had a suitcase lost :-)
More info over here : ua-cam.com/video/ttWJUeFcuD4/v-deo.html
Thanks for this usefull information. You only forgot the environment polution. The ferry is by far the best choice in this important matter.
100% airplane. Half an hour flight and you land at the airport which is only 15’ from the center of Fira and nearly all areas in Santorini. Not to mention the ridiculous prices of the ferries that are beyond expensive and last 5-8 h.. And they are extremely uncomfortable for such a long trip. Opinion from a Greek here.
The ridiculous prices you are talking about is for the highspeed ferries. And yes, only a 30-35 min flight but check in desks close 30 min before departure and you also have to get to the airport. Add it all together and from Athens city Center you are already talking about something to nearly 3 hours.
Please lmk if there is a ferry from crete to Santorini in April (beginning) or how i can find out?
I explain in this video when tickets are being put online : ua-cam.com/video/hCyApB82F-U/v-deo.html
How about from Mykonos to santorini
I explain that here : ua-cam.com/video/hCyApB82F-U/v-deo.html
Hi! Do ferries operate in December and January? Thank you 🙏
I explain this here : ua-cam.com/video/EhVQBOJLeyk/v-deo.html
You completely left out the British Air non stop from London to Santorini where you can completely avoid Athens and not even need to switch luggage. My upcoming flight is coming from Chicago then London and a non-stop to Santorini all using British Air and was reasonable....
Should I buy my ferry ticket in advance or wait until closer to my travel date?
For slow ferries, you can wait until the last minute, they hardly ever sell out.
For the fast ones, I'd book at least 2 weeks ahead coz they're sometimes full.
I have question… if I want to come back by ferry from Santorini, what I have to do?
I wanna go to santorini in late November for my 5th year anniversary..is it a good time Sebastian
ua-cam.com/video/EhVQBOJLeyk/v-deo.html
Hi Sebastian, Thanks for this informative video. We are planning to fly from Croatia to Athens and then to Santorini. We have only 1 and half hr transit to self check in to Santorini flight at the Athens airport. Do you think that 1 and half time period is sufficient.?
If you have checked luggage, I wouldnt do it, its super tight. If you only have cabin baggage, its ok.
My friend is taking something called a hydrofoil from Santorini to Athens in June 2023. And from Mykonos to Santorini. Sebastian, where can I purchase tickets for the hydrofoil ferry? Which ferry company offers the hydrofoil ferry?
Hi Ronnell. There are no hydrofoils for the Santorini Athens route. The only hydrofoils in Greece are called "Flying Dolphins" and they are not coming to Santorini, they only do short distances near Athens. (More info here : www.ferries.gr/en/ferry-companies/aegean-flying-dolphins)
I'm guessing that your friend is taking a "CATAMARAN ferry", similar to hydrofoils except that the hull is not entirely out of the water. A few examples : "Thunder" (by Fast Ferries), "Superexpress" (by Golden Star Ferries) or one of the Seajets.
Hope this helps !
Ferry from Athens to santorini operates in winter ? January ?
Yes it does, but only the slow one (Blue Star Ferries)
Great info! After a full day+ of travel (from Seattle), landing in Athens at 6pm and destination is Santorini for 3 nights. Do we stay in Athens that 6pm arrival day or just jump on another plane and get to Santorini that night?? Thoughts?
Hi ! You should check out this vid : ua-cam.com/video/8-eNtA6m_6A/v-deo.html
I kinda answer it over there.
from Athens to Santorini, the cabin bag size is smaller than normal carryon bag? 8kg 40x30x20cm
Depends on the airline
I'm on ferryhopper now and see these five choices for Blue Star tickets: Two under "Economy:" deck-lounge (special offer), and deck-lounge; and three under "Numbered seats:" standard seat (lounge AK5), standard seat (lounge AK4), and standard seat (lounge AK3). Do you have a recommendation or explanation of the differences? Thank you.
Economy means you'll be sitting on random chairs / benches on the ferry. Numbered seats (also called airplane seats) is a specific room on the ferry that looks like an plane cabin, with comfortable cushioned seats. I personally dont think its worth putting the extra money on numbered seats because
1. the regular chairs & benches are comfortable enough
2. it's fun to walk around the ferry, go to the upper deck etc, so you wont be spending much time on your reserved seat anyway
Are the ferry services available in the month of December?
The slow ones, yes. Fast ferries no.
From October you can go directly from airport to the ferry port only by taking blue line! You don't have to change with the green line🤍
Is sea sickness an issue on the slow ferry? Prone to seasickness here!
Usually no. The sea has got to be very rough before people start getting sick on slow ferries. They're just so big and stable ...
On Ferry Hopper, there is no option for infants under two years old, does that mean that its free for them if they sit on our lap?
Once you click on the trip you want to book, you can choose the fare of each passenger separately, and there you can select "Infant" or "Child", which will give you specific discounts based on the ferry company.
Hope this helps ! In case you wanna support my channel, here's a link to make a one time donation : www.buymeacoffee.com/greeceexplained
Hi Sebastian, this was super useful. My family and I are going to be finishing a princess cruise in Piraeus port and want to see Santorini for a day before we explore Athens. Is it easy to get from a Ferry terminal of the cruise to the Blue star ferries departure point? Thank you!
Yes very easy, all the terminals are basically in the same port, so everything is within walking distance. And if you dont feel like walking, there s also a free shuttle bus going from terminal to terminal all day long.
Hey mate quick question do you recommend the day trips from Athens to santorini/mykonos or just fly and spend time in one of the island?
Cheers love the videos
Fly and spend time on the island
@@GreeceExplained thank you for all the info you put out! Question: Santorini is clearly gorgeous but with the huge crowds I’d go to a different SIMILAR place if there is such a thing. Any suggestions? Or is Santorini absolutely unique? Thanks 🙏
@@irenag3994 Nope it doesnt exist, Santorini is unique :-)
Can you provide a link to the airline we can book a flight from Athens to Santorini?
A couple of airlines do it. Ryanair, Sky Express, Volotea, Aegean Airlines ...
When are the ferry tickets available to buy? I've already got my ticket for next April to fly into Mykonos, I'm island hopping, and my return flight from Santorini in May, just need to book the ferry's
They should be online anytime now, out of what some travel agencies told me :-)
What you book through for the flight because I'm hoping also?
What is the best airline to fly from ROME?
I believe only Ryanair has direct flights from Rome to Santorini.
Is worth to visit mykonos? Or only santorini is OK?
It all depends when you're coming and what you're looking for. If you love partying and you're coming between June and September, Mykonos is a must.
Would you know how much time is needed at the Airport in Athens when flying to Santorini? We are staying in Athens for a day and wanted to know if there is a certain timeframe we need to be at the airport before we catch the Santorini flight?
Without checked luggage : 1h30 before departure time.
With checked luggage : 2h
@@GreeceExplained thank you for your reply and love your detailed videos. Very helpful
I want to travel from Athens to Mykonos. I see the departure from Pireus it’s 7 am in blue star ferry. Is there another company to go to Mykonos by Ferry? Thanks in advance
Whatever you find on ferryhopper is the answer to your question ! :-)
I've now watched all your UA-cam videos! Yay! I saw on some other UA-cam videos that passengers leave their luggage in a common space on the boat. Do you feel this is safe and secure or would you recommend keeping my luggage with me?
Any bags I have valuables in, I personally like to keep with me. The rest goes in the common space.
Once the ferry leaves no one is admitted to the deck where the luggage racks are. But it's advised to take valuables with you in your handluggage. I have been travelling around Greece for more than 30 years and never had any problem.
Hello Sebastian, how long before departure do you have to be at the airport for a domestic flight? Athens/Santorini.
The answer is in this video : ua-cam.com/video/ttWJUeFcuD4/v-deo.html
Thank you very much, you have been very helpful in planning our trip, you are the best!!
Again everyone, one thing completely left out here is that if you cannot get an inside seat, which I could not on my recent trip, you will be subjected to non stop chain smoking in the outside decks. And the breeze does little to help when multiple people around you are smoking with no regard to you or your childrens comfort or health. As an American this type of behavior in a public space was thankfully squashed out a few decades ago and I find it bizarre it is still tolerated, but then again I barely saw a Greek teen or adult without a vape or cigarette so these people seem to love their nicoine addictions. Sad but true. I'd take the plane for that reason alone and would only get on a blue star again with a reserved inside seat. Love Greece and the people were hospitable but smoking is gross and deadly folks. Time to move into the 21st century. .
hi Sebastian, I have booked a trip to Satorini (coming from a non EU conutry) from 9- 16th april, I am flying with Aegean to Athens and then with Olympic to Santorini. One layover is 1hr and 30 minutes and on our way back it is 1hr and 5 minutes. We have checked luggage. Do you think it is enough time for us to check in again? Also, I have read somewhere that local flights ( from athens to santorini )are operated from a satellite building on the airport. I hope we will have enough time to do everything.
If you have to check-in from scratch again in Athens, that sounds very tight to me. 1h30 should be okay IF everything's on time. 1h05 is near impossible.
Concerning the satellite building, yes its true, but it's only a 10-15 walk inside the terminal, so I wouldnt worry too much about it.
Hope this helps.
@@GreeceExplained thank you very much, I hope we will somehow make it.
Thanks Sebastian I’m headed to beautiful Greek in October and find all your videos about Greek to be informative! You are a Gem thanks a lot. I wanted to travel by ferry ⛴️ instead of flying, just to experience the site of other island. Smart idea to fly back when leaving. Me and my fiancé found our beautiful hotel from your video! Can you let me know how’s the weather in mid October? Thank you so Kindly
Thx for the kind words ! Mid October = 20-25° by day, 10-15 by night. Mainly sunny and windy.
👍🏾
BS its not an easy decision, the 8hr plus ferry ride is touture, I would never do it again.
Your 100% on point however I took the flight 45 mins and it was almost the same price as the blue star ferry ⛴