Linda74

We are planning to fly to Athens, then spend a week in Rhodes, two days in Santorini, a week in Crete and two days in Athens before flying home. We are leaving the US on October 20. Will we have to do all of our inter-island travel by plane? I can't seem to find a ferry schedule. We really would like to ferry from Santorini to Crete since all airtrips involve going back to Athens and get expensive. This is the only time we can go.

brotherleelove2004

In October you'll find ferries from Santorini to Sitia, Agios Nikolaos and Heraklion Crete. They don't run every day, so you'll have to plan carefully. Use www.gtp.gr for your ferry schedule references, but don't expect any information for Next October to be published until next September sometime.

There are some direct flights from Rhodes to Crete (or the reverse) on Olympic Airlines, but most require a return to Athens for a plane change. If you're lucky enough to find a direct flight that works for you you'll save a lot of time.

Aegean Airlines is having an airfare sale right now that will save you money on the flights of theirs you can utilize. Athens to Rhodes or Crete or Santorini is 19 Euro plus tax one way. Book each leg separately for the best fare.

http://www.aegean-air.gr/aegeanen/home/

http://www.olympicairlines.com/

There is also a ferry from Rhodes to Santorini. The one operating this time of year departs Rhodes at 04:30 and arrives at Santorini at 21:45. It's a long day but you'll see a few islands along the way, including Crete. Maybe you should stop at Crete first so as not to be backtracking then catch the same ferry on to Santorini when you're ready and fly back from Santorini.

Linda74

We are using timeshares so First week is Rhodes and second is Crete....I have been watching that Aegean sale...any idea how long it will last

brotherleelove2004

Sorry, no idea.

Be advised that the ferry between Rhodes and Crete takes a minumum of 10 hours plus travel time once you're there to the hotel of your choice. Do you have a timeshare situation on Crete as well? Where on Crete will you be going?

Linda74

We will be staying at the Grand Leoniki in Platanes, Reythmno

brotherleelove2004

That's halfway between Heraklion and Chania. You might want to think seriously about flying to Crete from Rhodes. If you're considering renting a car you'd then drive to Rethymno.

Or if not, take a bus, which leave Heraklion every half hour.

http://www.bus-service-crete-ktel.com/timetables2.html

http://www.bus-service-crete-ktel.com/timetables11.html

Or if you do take the ferry to Sitia or Ag. Nikolaos you can still take a bus to Heraklion and then on to Rethymno

http://www.cretetravel.com/Bus_sched..._Ierapetra.htm

Linda74

I think I am just going to book all the airfare from here...and bundle with the transatlantic ticket....When would be the best time to purchase for Oct/Nov?

brotherleelove2004

Sorry, I don't know.