... frequently
asked questions
about
the Greek islands
How do I get
to the Greek islands?
The easiest way is to go by airplane (unless you already are in Italy or
Turkey).
It is possible to buy a flight only return ticket at some charter flight
operators and that is the cheapest way to go. Another solution is to buy a
regular flight ticket. It is more expensive, but more flexible. Olympic Airways
offers daily flights from several European airports.
In some countries (Denmark i.e.) it is possible to buy a combination ticket:
From your home airport to Athens and by domestic flight to an island. Back again
from this or another island to Athens and then back to your home airport. If you
don't like sailing to much this is a pleasant (but more expensive) way to get to
the Greek islands.
How do I get on a ferry in Athens (Piraeus)?
There is a lot of ticket agencies along the big street (Akti Kondili) where the
quay start. If you arrive from Athens at the metro station, there is a ticket
agency just before you leave the metro station. It can't be easier!
Allow yourself good time to get to your ferry - the port at Piraeus is really
huge - you can easily use 10 minutes to walk to your ferry. Don't forget to ask
at which quay your ferry is.
Back to the questions.
Is it possible to do island hopping without
prebooking rooms?
That's the fascination about island hopping! If you book the rooms from home
you don't have the possibility to improvise. In high season - from mid July to
end of August - it can be a problem on some islands to find a room, but with a
little patience, it shouldn't be impossible.
Try to arrive at an island in the morning. Between 1 and 5 p.m. some Greeks have
lunch break, so it that period it can be difficult to find the persons who hires
out the rooms.
Another piece of advise is that when you are looking for a room: Don't walk
around with your (to heavy) luggage. Let one person stay with the luggage and
another can walk around and consider the possibilities for accommodation.
Back to the questions.
How much does an airway ticket to Greece cost?
In Denmark a flight only ticket with a charter operator (if you are lucky) costs
from 2000 DKK (155£ / 225$). Regular flights costs more than 3000 DKK (235£ /
340$).
Back to the questions.
How much does the ferries cost?
The ferries are not expensive. Typically 12 euro for traveling 4 - 5 hours. A
ticket from Piraeus to Paros costed in 1999, 17 euro (takes 6 hours).
Faster boats - "Flying Dolphins" or the newer "Sea Jets" or
"High Speed Ferries" costs about the double, but they goes with twice
the speed.
And - in a "Flying Dolphin" - you get twice as seasick if the
sea is rough!
Back to the questions.
How much am I going to pay for a room?
Prices depends of the time of season. In high season expect to pay 20-30 percent
more for a room.
In June it is possible to rent a nice double room with private bath and balcony
for 18-20 euro.
If you can accept to share bathroom with other tourists, you can find rooms a
lot cheaper.
How much does it cost to eat?
A nice dinner meal for two persons with a bottle of wine can cost approx. 20
euro. But if you don't look carefully, it can easily cost twofold or more -
without tasting any better.
Is it difficult to
learn the Greek language?
Yes!
Back to the questions.
Last update: 16.03.2003
(if you are arrived here directly, then click HERE to get to the Greek start page)