Routes to Skiathos and Alonissos islands

The Question:

Hello Stavros!
We plan for summer 09 (June27-July10)is to spend 10 days on Skiathos plus 4 more days on Alonissos and then take a ferry back to the mainland. Which port do you recommend we should choose for our departure? Can we take a ferry from Skiathos to Alonissos? If we go back from Alonissos, in which port shall we land? Do you have an idea about the cost of such journey for a couple and a Renault Megane?
Thanks a lot. We love Greece!


The Answer:

Heeeeeeello!!!!
Great that you love Greece :P
Seaplane airlines have announced their first schedules until March-April time. For late June and July that you are interested in the timetable is expected to be online in a month or so. You can check then at http://www.fantasticgreece.com/ and http://www.hellenicseaways.gr/.
For your departure I recommend you the port of Volos: there is regular route Volos-Skiathos and way back and the cost changes according the ferry type you will choose. It is not expensive.
Connections between Skiathos and Alonissos are being realized with local boats, so you won't have problems. Port names are "Volos port" for Volos town in mainland, for Skiathos either "Skiathos port" or "Glossa" depending the type of the boat you will choose and "Patitiri" for Alonissos.
You will find prices and booking forms in the above mentioned sites.

Hope this was helpful for you!

-Stavros!

Igoumenitsa-Ioannina

The Question:

can i have the bus from igoumenitsa to ioannina at around 8.00 a.m. at thursday 26.2.2009???


The Answer:

Hi!
Yes, tomorrow 26/2/09 there is bus connection Igoumenitsa-Ioannina at 08.15 am.
You can call at the station to reserve a seat (0030-26650-22309)
Hope I helped you!

-Stavros

Athens to Vassiliki (Lefkada island)

The Question:

How do I get from Athens to Vassiliki?


The Answer:

Hello,
There is Ktel Bus connection Athens-Lefkada town everyday at 7.00 am and 13.00. In 5,5 hours you will be in Lefkada island and from the station you simply change bus towards Vasiliki. The ticket cost will be around 33 euros. You can call at Kifissos KTEL Bus Station in Athens to book a ticket at 210-5150108.

Have fun in beautiful Lefkada!

-Stavros

Igoumenitsa/Patra to Skiathos

The Question:

To Reach Skiathos from BRINDSI.

Do i have to arrive at Igoumenitsa or Patrasto reach Skiathos. I am traveling along with my family of FOUR.

FROM Igoumenitsa / Patras HOW SHOULD I REACH SKIATHOSPl suggest the convenient way to reach Skiathos.

Thank YouChittinani

The Answer:

Hello,

From Igoumenitsa it is a bit hard to travel until Volos and then take the ferry to Skiathos. You will have to take the KTEL bus until Ioannina and then change bus until Volos. Bus stations' telephones are 0030 26650 22309 and 0030 26510 26286 for each one if you want to know about the timetables.
From Patra it is easier. There is a KTEL bus on 15.30 leaving Patras towards Volos. The trip lasts 5 hours and the cost is 24 euros. You can call the bus station at 0030 2610 623887.
As soon as you get to Volos there are frequent ferry lines to Skiathos at the port, so it shouldn't be a problem. You can check the routes online at http://www.fantasticgreece.com/ and http://www.hellenicseaways.gr/ in a few days that will be announced.

Regards,

-Stavros

Ferries to Skiathos

The Question:

what is the ferry between Volos and Athens called that goes to Skiathos


The Answer:

Hello,

there is not a specific name for the ferry. You can check the timetable from www.hellenicseaways.gr and www.fantasticgreece.com in a few days. From Volos the boat trip lasts three hours if you catch the ferry or one & a half by the hydrofoil.
The trip takes almost the half hour if you take the ferries from Aghios Konstantinos, the port on the mainland, between Athens & Volos (if you mean the name of the port).

Hope I have helped you!

-Stavros

Skopelos to Athens ferry connection

The Question:

Hello Stavros,
5JUN Need to get from Istanbul to Skopelos.
12JUN need to leave Skopelos for Athens can fly Skiathos to Athens but cant find a ferry service. Could spend nights of 12/13JUN on JSI if this helps..
Would like ferry times / prices -for 2 ladies..many thks Dawn


The Answer:

Hello hello!
The reason why you can't find ferry service from Skopelos to Athens is because seaplane airlines have not announced yet their schedules. During summer that kind of routes are frequent and last about 2 hours depending on the type of ferry you will take (katamaran, flying dolphin).
I suggest you don't worry about availability and check http://www.fantasticgreece.com/ in 20 days from now that schedule is estimated to be online.

-Stavros

From Skopelos to Athens

The Question:

On the 3rd November, we wish to travel from Skopelos to Athens by Dolphin boat and bus. We have a flight to catch at Athens Airport at 1.30 p.m. Will we make it? I believe the boat leaves Skopelos at 7 a.m. - is this correct?


The Answer:

Hey,

Dolphin schedules have not been announced yet. You can come back at http://www.fantasticgreece.com/ in a couple of months and check the timetables.
If we suppose that the boat leaves at 7.00 am you need at least 2-3 hours until Agios Konstantinos port and from there, there are frequent buses to Athens and it will take you approxematelly 1,5 hour. From Athens city centre you need 40 minutes to get to the airport... so I think you must stick to the timetables if you want to make it without risk! Maybe it is better to rent a car from Agios Konstantinos and drive all the way until Athesn Airport. View the road plan from ViaMichellin site.

Cheers!

-Stavros

Athens-Thessaloniki-Igoumenitsa connections

The Question:

Hi Stavros! I would like to fly to Athens, then get the train from Athens to Thessaloniki (which I heard is beautiful), then get a train from Thessaloniki to Igoumenitsa. Is this possible?
Thanks very much, Stuart.


The Answer:

Hi Stuart,

yes, Thessaloniki is beautiful! The train towards Thessaloniki from Athens departs at 06:50, 09:20, 10.50, 14:50, 19:25 and more. Call at 1110, it is the call centre of OSE trains and will help you the most! Ask to know which route is express as some of them reach Thessaloniki in 4,5 hours and others in 6 hours.
From Thessaloniki there is no train connection to Igoumentisa but you can take the KTEL bus at 13.00 every day. The trip lasts 5,5 hours and you can find out more by calling at 0030 2310 595408.

Hope this has been helpful to you!

-Stavros

Beach near Kopanaki in Messinia

The Question:

Hello,
We are going to visit Greece in June. We will stay in Kopanaki town, Messiniya, not far from Kipparissiya city. We would like to spend every day on the beach in Kipparissiya. How can we get there? By bus?By Train? What is the most convinience?


The Answer:

Hello there!

Kopanaki has both bus and train station as intermediate stop for the routes Athens-Kyparisia and Patras-Kypparisia. You can choose either one or another and get of at then next stop, those of Kalo Nero beach. It is cheap, fast and easy to enjoy that beautiful beach! Alternatevely, you just continue until the next stop, those of Kyparisia, which is the terminal of the route. Both beaches are rather convinient to reach them.

Have fun and enjoy the most the sea and the sun!

-Stavros

Ioannina-Thessaloniki by bus

The Question:

Hi stavros,
I'm planning to travel from Ioannina to Thessaloniki in July this year. Do you know where I can get time tables and information about the price for this route? And how long does it take?
Thank you and looking forward to your reply...
Betty


The Answer:

Hi Betty!

There are KTEL buses from Ioannina to Thessaloniki all day long: 07.00, 11.30, 14.15, 15.45, 18.30 and 22.30. The trip lasts 4,5 hours and ticket costs 29 euros. You can call at the station 0030 26510 26286 to make a booking. All you have to do is to get at the station half an hour before the departure.

Regards!

-Stavros

From Corfu to Lefkas

The Question:

Can you tell me how to get from Corfu to Lefkas either by ferry or seaplane.
Can you give me rough times and prices please.
Thank you.
Harriet Roupell


The Answer:

Hello Harriet!
Corfu-Lefkas is being connected with local routes. For example there is one from Corfu going to Vasiliki of Lefkada. Such schedules are being reallized from Mayto October and further details on times and prices you will be able to see in a couple of months online. Check http://www.fantasticgreece.com/ and http://www.ionian-cruises.com/.

Hope I helped you!
-Stavros

From Skopelos to Athens

The Question:

Hi Stavros,this is an excellent service, many thanks.
I will be staying in Skopelos,Sporades, this May for 10 days. I wish to then travel to Athens by ferry and intercity coach (KTEL) on the same day to catch an international flight.
My questions:
1.Is it better to take the ferry to Volos or Agios Konstantinos?
2.Which provides the better connections with KTEL?
3.Where can I obtain the respective timetables?
4.How and where can I make reservations?

Very many thanks
Derek Scott


The Answer:

Hi Derek! Thank you for your kind words!

Well, I would recommend you to choose the ferry going to Agios Konstantinos, as it is only 165 km from Athens. From Agios Konstantinos you can take the KTEL bus towards Athens. During the summer period there is a bus leaving almost every hour. Unfortunately, there is no pre-booking option for bus tickets, but you will be able to find tickets, there is always availability, so you do not need to worry! In case you want to know the exact bus itineraries you can call at 0030 210 8317186. As far as the ferry tickets are concerned you can book them online here 1-2 months before your trip.

Regards!
-Stavros

How to reach Milina and where to rent a car

The Question:

In September we arrive at Athens airport but need to get to Milina, which I believe is near VolosThen 1 week later have to do journey in reverse.Is their a car hire Co who would handle that, or ferry or ????
Thanks


The Answer:

Hi!

Yes Milina is a small village one hour outside Volos. From Athens you can take the KTEL bus towards Volos and from there the local bus to Milina village. There are 2 routes departing at 9 am and 11 am. In 4 hours you will be in Volos and from there the local bus towards Milina departs at 16.30.The total cost for all that won't be more than 35 euros per person.
If you want to hire a car then you can check prices at the respective category of www.fantasticgreece.com by clicking here.

-Stavros

travel from Corfu to Volos

The Question:

Kalimera Stavros
Is it possible to travel from Corfu to Volos by bus in May - how long would this take and is it the cheapest option?
EfharistoDerek


The Answer:

Kalimera Derek,

From Corfu there is a bus going to Larissa, which is close to Volos. Volos is being connected with Larissa with local buses and train every 30-45 minutes. The bus Corfu-Larissa departs at 8 am every Tuesday and Friday and you will reach Larissa at 16.00. Ticket costs 41 E and in this price the ferry boat ticket is included. Larissa-Volos route is quite cheap (around 6 euros by KTEL bus and 2,5 by OSE train) and the trip lasts 1 hour. You can call at the station (0030 26610 28928) to find out more.

Always glad to help you!

-Stavros

From Istanbul to Kavala

The Question:

Dear Stavros,
I will be coming from Mumbai India to Istanbul on Thursday 9 am by air. I would like to procede immediately from Istanbul to Kavala Greece preferably by bus or train. ? Do you know how to go about it? Which bus, which terminal, what time?


The Answer:

Hello mate,

Well, there are buses run daily from Istanbul's Main Bus Terminal "Büyük Otogar" heading to Thessaloniki. These buses make a stop at Kavala. You can call at the station or find information online about the exact time they depart. All I know is that the price will be approxematelly 50 Euros and the trip lasts 12 hours.

Hope I was able to help you somehow.

-Stavros

Timetable of the buses from Igoumenitsa to Athens

The Question:

Hi Stavros I would know the timetable of the buses from Igoumenitsa to Athens.
Thank you.


The Answer:

Hello,

There are bus routes from Igoumenitsa to Athens at 11:00, 15:00 and 20:30.

Total cost is 40,10E for one way ticket.

-Stavros

Athens to Skopelos and Skopelos to Patras

The Question:

Hello We will be in Greece on Honeymoon in April. We are starting i Athens and tehn want to take a bus up to Ag.Kon and then across to Skopelos. Can we do this in a day ? More importantly on the way back is it possible to get from Skopelos to Patras in one day arriving in Patras in time to catch teh 6pm ferry to Italy ?


The Answer:

Hello!

As far as the first part of your email is concerned, then yes you can do Athens-Skopelos in one day. From Athens you simply take the KTEL bus towards Agios Konstantinos (bus station tel. number 0030 22310 51346 at Liossion Main Ktel Bus Station) and from there, you get the ferry towards Skopelos Island. The ferry schedule has not been announced yet, but don't worry routes are frequent. Check them on http://www.fantasticgreece.com/ in a month or so.
On your return day, I would suggest you to take the ferry back to Agios Konstantinos and from there to rent a car and drive until Patras. That is why I am not sure if you can manage to be there before 6pm... To take the bus to Athens and then change station to get another bus to Patras seem to me a bit risky. Have in mind that each route lasts 1,5 and 3 hours respectivelly. Only if you start from Skopelos really early and stick to the bus timetables you will make it without rush.
Renting a car will be safer. The distance Agios Konstantinos-Patras is 212 km (3 hours) and you can easily plan your route from ViaMichelin site. Moreover, gas cost will be equal to that of busses' tickets more or less (e.g. Athens-Patras costs 18 euro!)

Regards!

-Stavros

Best way to get from Skopelos to Athens airport

The Question:

Hi Stavros - would you be able to advise us the best way to get from Skopelos to Athens airport in mid May this year? A (non-Greek!) friend has suggested we take the ferry from Skopelos to Ag.Konstantinos, then bus to Athens, then Metro to airport. Just wondered if this was good advice or if you know of a better idea?
Many thanks.
Lynda


The Answer:

Hello Lynda,

I find correct the idea of your friend. From Skopelos you take the ferry towards Agios Konstantinos. There are regular routes Skopelos-Agios Konstantinos and will be announced online at www.fantasticgreece.com. Most of them make a first stop at Skiathos island and then arrive to Agios Konstantinos. The trip lasts 2-3 hours depending on what type of ferry you will take.
From Agios Konstantinos there are KTEL buses to Athens and you should call at 0030 22310 51346 to find out more. As soon as you arrive to Athens you can take the express bus X95 from Syntagma square (Athens city centre) to the Airport. The metro line going to the airport is out of order until summer due to extension reasons.

Hope I helped you!

-Stavros

-Stavros

Thessaloniki-Istanbul by train

The Question:

What is the cost of train travel from thessaloniki to istanbul and do we need a visa


The Answer:

Hello!

I have found for you that there is a OSE train departing every day at 19:38 from Thessaloniki main train station. The trip lasts about 12 hours and you can book a seat/bed by calling at 1110. Prices begin from 60 E and go up to 94 E depending whether you share the same space with other persons or not. For the VISA I am not sure, I suggest you asking directly on the phone.

Regards,

-Stavros

Going to Skopelos...

The Question:

Hi, Stavros ...
it's fun to read what you're doing on facebook. I am coming sometime this year, May or September, and wonder if there will be flights to Skopelos from the Athens airport. Also, when do the big ferries from Thessaloniki to Skopelos begin and end and how much is a ticket?
Thanks for your help ...
Thea Montandon


The Answer:

Hi Thea!!

How are you? Great to Facebook me! Give me some news too.

Well, there are flights from Athens to Skopelos operated by Olympics Airways. The cost is 70-80E per person one way and you can book it from the site I prefer for online tickets http://www.fantasticgreece.com.
As far as the ferry connection is concerned the ferry companies have not announced yet their schedules. They are expected to get online late March. So...stay tuned for availability and prices!

Cheers!

-Stavros

Athens-Volos-Milina

The Question:

Hi Stavros!
I hope you can help me. We have a party of 6 and I need to get from Athens to Milina -- in one day.Is the train our best option through Volos or can we drive and get a ferry from Ag. Constantinos -- it looks like something connects near Trikiri?We are picking up at yacht charter there so we would only need the car for the day.
Thanks -Any ideas?
Geni


The Answer:

Hey Geni!

Well it seems that Milina is a popular sailing destination for Sporades islands!

From what I have adviced others in the past, the best idea is to take the suburban KTEL bus from Athens to Volos, departing at 9 am and 11 am. In 4 hours you will be in Volos and from there you will take the local bus towards Milina at 16.30.The distance Volos-Milina is almost 1 hour and the total cost for all that won't be more than 35 euros per person.

The train until Volos you are refering to has only one direct route at 15:53 every day. The trip Athens-Volos by this train will take you 4,5 hours, but as the last local route to Milina is at 4.30 you won't be able to catch it.

The idea to rent a car is also convinient. In this case I would advice you to drive all the way until Milina and skip the ferry connection at Agios Konstantinos.

Enjoy your yacht trip!

-Stavros

Igoumenitsa-Thessaloniki by Bus

The Question:

I should go from Igoumenitsa to Thessaloniki, how do I get there, is there any bus or train?
could you give me the timetable?
thank you


The Answer:

Hello,

The best solution is the Ktel bus Igoumenitsa-Thessaloniki at 10.30 am. The trip lasts 6 hours and the total cost is 37 E.

Hope this was helpful!

-Stavros

Fly connections to Rhodes

The Question:

Hi Stavros,
Please tell us if we can fly non-stop from a European city (e.g. Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or Rome)to Rodos on 4 or 5 or 6 April?
Thanking you,Susan


The Answer:

Hi Susan,

Most of Olympic Airways flights are being operated through Athens from Amsterdam. The same happens for Lufthansa flights from Frankfurt too. From Rome, I have found one direct flight Rome-Rhodes on the 4/4 and 6/4 operated by Aegean Airways at the total price of 170 E and the same route even cheaper (132 E) on the 5/4. Search for them from http://www.fantasticgreece.com/.

Hope I have helped you!

-Stavros

How can I go to Athens?

The Question:

how can i go to athens?


The Answer:

Hello, there are many ways to reach athens. By air, by sea, by land. I cannot help you more as I need more information. In any case you can search for bus connections on KTEL buses pages (www.ktel.org) and for trains OSE just call at 1110. For flights and ferries there is this site www.fantasticgreece.com with low prices.

-Stavros

Bus line Thessaloniki-Lefkada

The Question:

Hi Stavros,
I want to know how much a bus ticket from Thessaloniki to Lefkada costs.
Thanks


The Answer:

Hey there,

you can find that piece of information by calling at 0030 2310 595416. I know that there is bus connection Thessaloniki-Lefkada every Monday and Friday at 09.45. The trip Thessaloniki-Lefkada costs 37 Euros and it lasts about 6 hours.

Hope I helped you!

-Stavros

Thessaloniki-Igoumenitsa

The Question:

Hi Stavros
Can you give me the timetable from the bus from Thessaloniki-Igoumenitsa and back and the duration from the trip??
Friendly,
Miss. H. Butijn


The Answer:

Hello,

you can depart from Thessaloniki at 13.00 and get back from Igoumenitsa at 10.30 am. These are the only routes. The trip lasts 6 hours. Call the bus station for more details (0030 2310 595408).

-Stavros

Bus from Thessaloniki going to Bulgary

The Question:

Dear Sir,
Bus timetable please from Thessaloniki Bus station to Bansko ( near Razlog ) in Bulgaria on Friday 13th Feb at 2pm please.
Yours faithfully,
Tim


The Answer:

Hello Tim,

for the time being due to farmers' protest against government's regulations Promahonas area is blocked. So, this affects the scheduled route Thessaloniki-Sofia at 17.00 pm every day and cannot be realized. From KTEL bus station in Thessaloniki there are no other routes towards Bansko or Razlog. For more details call 0030 2310 595446. This is a question concerning destination outside Greece so I am not that expert.

Sorry not to be able to help you more.

-Stavros

Information on Thessaloniki-Ohrid connection

The Question:

Hello Stavros,
well I thought that this communication could be just a joke but fortunatelly it is not!Thanks a lot for the information.
I have further questions.As we will be just 2 persons and do not feel like coming by night to an unknown place...could you check if there is an earlier bus e.g. to Ochrid in Makedonia? From there there is for sure a bus connection to Pogradec too. Thanks a lot.Could you possibly give me information on a cheap hotel/ accomodation in Thessaloniki at the price upto 20 EUR/night/person?
Thank you very much.
Best Regards,
Iveta


The Answer:

Hello again Iveta! Of course it is NOT a joke! I am not making this up, all these are real answers to all the emails i get. It's my life's purpose you see!!!

Well, to your question now. I have to admit that I am not very familiar with routes outside Greece. From what I have found there is no other route from Ktel Bus station at Thessaloniki heading to those destinations. I have found a connection by train but it is even later so I guess it is not what you are looking for. Check it out though online here and you will be able to see the route Thessaloniki-Ohrid departing 23.55 or try more stations and you might have better luck.
Information about hotels in Thessaloniki you can find on FantasticGreece.com if you have certain dates on your mind. There are some with 50 euros per day double room.

Keep it up!

-Stavros

Thank you Stavros

Thank you email:

Hello,
Thank you very much! Your information is very helpful for me and my future trip to Kilkis. The idea about your "asking site" is GREAT! I will recommend it to my friends. Have a nice day!
Ivo


Thank you back email (!):

Cool!!!! Thanks for your kind words :)
Your friends who wish to ask me about Greece are welcomed.
Happy to make you happy!!

-Stavros

Thessaloniki-Kilkis roundtrip by bus or train

The Question:

Hi Stavros,
I want to know the bus timetable from Thessa to Kilkis in the morning between 06.00 and 08.00 and from Kilkis and Thessa after 16.00 til midnight. If it is possible to give me info about train timetable for the same direction and the same hours. From where I can get the bus/train to Kilkis and which are the nearest hostels/hotels to this bus/train stations?
thanks a lot in advance!!
Ivo


The Answer:

Hello there!

By Thessa I assume you mean Thessaloniki. There are KTEL buses at 06:00, 06:30 and 07:15 am from Thessaloniki heading to Kilkis. For your way back, there are routes at 16:00, 16:45, 17:45, 19:00, 20:00 and 21:00. Ticket both ways will cost you about 8-9 euros. Call at the KTEL station to find out more about the address on 0030 2310 595408.
By OSE trains it will cost you less, about half the price. The respective routes are at 06:05 and 07:20 am from Thessaloniki and at 17:10, 20:55 and 22:40 from Kilkis. Automized call center of OSE can be reached by calling at 1110. It is really helpful!
The trip lasts about 30 minutes.
About the hotels I cannot propose you some, but I am sure you will have no problems finding one near the station each way you select (by KTEL bus or OSE train). They are both located in the centre of the town.

Always happy to help you :)

-Stavros

Bus connection from Thessaloniki to Pogradec in Albania

The Question:

Hello,
is there a bus connection from Thessaloniki to Pogradec in Albania on 1st or 2nd August and back on 9th August?Or a bus connection to a town near Pogradec?
Thank you.
Best Regards,
Iveta


The Answer:

Hi Iveta!

Well there is a regular bus line everyday at 20.30 from Thessaloniki to Korce City. From there you can continue to Pogradec, as it is the next stop. The whole travel plan is Korce, Pogradec, Prrenjas, Librazhd, Elbasan, Tirana, Lac, Lezhe, Shkodra. The departure point is at 194 Giannitson str., station "Makedonia". Ask more at the respective bus station at Thessaloniki (tel. number 2310-536.260).

I hope this has been helpful.

-Stavros

Thessaloniki Volos by train

The Question:

Hello again Stavros..... How much does it cost by train to Volos from Thessaloniki and how close to airport is the station and how easy is the trip.

Best regards
Chris

The Answer:

Hi Chris!
By train it is cheaper, but you change trains. The first part Thessaloniki-Larissa is being operated by Proastiakos type of new trains and the second Larissa-Volos by the OSE traditional old line. The total cost is 12,10 one way and 19,40 round trip. You can call 1110, the automated call centre of OSE trains, to find out the timetable. There are many routes for example at 09:45, 12:42, 14:10, 16.00. You will arrive in Larissa 90 minutes later and you will leave again in about 30-40 minutes. The second part of your trip lasts 50 minutes.
The train station is located in the centre of Thessaloniki, not close to the airport. But there are always busses and taxis.

Regards,

-Stavros

Thessaloniki-Volos-Thessaloniki Ktel route

The Question:

Hi Stavros........
What is the cost of an adult return ticket from Thessaloniki airport to Volos and would we have to book in advance or buy the tickets on the day.
Regards
Chris Norman


The Answer:

Hello there,

I assume you mean KTEL bus ticket. Well, the price Thessaloniki-Volos-Thessaloniki is 29,50 E and there are routes from Thessaloniki on 09.00 - 11.00 - 13.00 - 15.15 - 17.00 - 19.15 - 21.15 - 23.00. You don't have to book in advance your ticket, just call 0030 2310 595408 to check availability and plan to arrive there at least 30 minues before the departure to get a ticket.
From the airport of Thessaloniki to the KTEL bus station the taxi will cost you about 40 E or you can get the public transportation.

I hope this has been useful to you!

-Stavros