Agios Konstantinos from Patras

The Question:


Halo,
Thank you very much for your valuable reply. I have a doubt, can i take a KTEL Busfrom Patras to Agios Konstantinos and then take a ferry to Skiathos. Is this better or your previous option of going to Volos From Patras is better. By seeing the Map it seemed that Agios Konstantinos is closer to Patras.The second question is i have checked cheap Air fares from SKIATHOS TO ATHENS is about 50 Euros, Do you suggest me to take a Flight from Skiathos to Athens by Air OR whether i should take a Land and Ferry route, Ie, Skiathos to Agios Konstantinos by Ferry and KTEL Bus from Ag Konstantinos to Athens.
Thank you and awaiting for your reply.
Regards
Chittinani


The Answer:

Hello Chittinani,

Thank you for your kind words!

Agios Konstantinos is indeed closer to Patras that is Volos. But the thing is that there is not bus connection to Agios Konstantinos from Patras. You can only travel to Lamia, a town close to Agios Konstantinos.
As far as your second question is concerned, I cannot advice you, as the ferry pricetables have not been announced yet, so that to compare the costs. They are expected by the mid of March in http://www.fantasticgreece.com/.

I wish you a pleasant trip to Greece :)

-Stavros

Ferry from Aghios Konstantinos to Skiathos

The Question:

Hello Stavros...How r you??
mela we need to know the ferry times from Aghios Konstantinos to Skiathos for the 7th of April and from Skiathos to Skopelos for the same day or possibly the next.
Thanks and see you in greece. I will buy you a drink if you help me.


The Answer:

Hello mate,

ufortunatelly the ferry schedules regarding Agios Constantinos-Skiathos and from there towards Skopelos or other islands - containing timetable and prices - are not available yet. Come back at http://www.fantasticgreece.com/ in a couple of weeks that will be online.

Cheers!

-Stavros

How to reach Skiathos from Athens

The Question:

Hi there,
What is the cheapest way to travel from Athens to Skiathos in the first week of May? Flights are coming up at about 120 Euro return, but is there a ferry, bus or train option?
Many thanks.


The Answer:

Hey,

there is a bus departing from Athens going to Agios Konstantinos port in Central Greece. From there you simply take the ferry to Skiathos. There are both flying dolphins and regular ferries and the trip varies between 1 and 1,5 hour. You can check the seaplane schedules and prices in a few days that they are expected to be online from www.fantasticgreece.com or www.hellenicseaways.gr/.
The public transport K.T.E.L. bus from Athens LIOSION intercity station to Agios Konstantinos departs a quarter past, every hour and the trip is 2 hours and 15 minutes. Ticket costs 14 euros.
I suggest you to wait a few days to get the ferry prices and see wheather the flight connection is better for you.

Happy to have helped you!

-Stavros

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!

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

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

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

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

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

Taxi-boat to Platanias

The Question:

Dear Stavros
Firstly many thanks for your very prompt reply to my questions the other day. We are still trying to decide between Thessaloniki & Skiathos for flights. If we choose Skiathos the flight arrives early evening, so we need to know if there will be a taxi-boat to Platanias that we can catch at around 19.00h or later. Our arrival date will be either 26 or 29 May.
Sorry to ask so many things!
Thanks!
Judy


The Answer:

Hello again Judy!

Yes, you can catch one taxi-boat for Platanias easily,even if it is 19.00, under normal circumstances. The point is that there are not scheduled routes for these kind of small ships connecting Skiathos with Platanias. They depend on the demand and the turistic traffic. All you have to do is to get to the port of the island and ask the local authorities to arrange you the transfer. The cost is about 10 E per person and it takes 1 hour.
Furthermore, there are also ferries and flying dolphins available all day around and you could check prices and online schedule from www.fantasticgreece.com in about 2 months that the ferry companies will annouce it.

Best regards!

-Stavros

Ferry Service from Rhodes to Santorini

The Question:

We are traveling to Greece in Sept.
Want to know if there is Ferry Service from Rhodes to Santorini and if not then what airlines go from Rhodes to Santorini.


The Aswer:

Hey,

Unfortunatelly, it is a bit early for the sealines companies to announce their ferry schedules at this time of the year. They are expected in late March and I am sure you will find the site www.fantasticgreece.com amazing for your bookings. Air connections are being performed both by Olympics Airways and Aegean, usually through Athens.

Regards!

-Stavros

About the ferry Skiathos-Platanias

The Question:

Hello Stavros.

About the ferry Skiathos-Platanias:
- In which period of summer does the ferry have daily trips?
- From which town at Skiathos does it leave/arrive?
- Is there a certain home-page for this route?
- Is there other ways to get from Skiathos to the eastcoast of Pelion, e.g. Agios Ioannis.

Thank you in advance.

The Answer:

Hello!!

Platanias, the beautiful natural fishing port of Pelion, provides ferry trips to and from Skiathos on a daily basis with the ship "Africana". During high season summer period (10/7-20/8) this connection is operated even twice a day. It lasts about an hour, while the cost is maximum 10 E/person.
The point is that itineraries change depending the traffic, the weekday etc, so there are not specific routes being displayed online somewhere. Although, they depart/arrive in the island from/at the port of Skiathos Town.
The same is valid for the connection Skiathos - Agios Ioannis too. There is a flying dolphin but as the itineraries are not fixed, you can just advice the port authorities. Their phone number in Skiathos is 0030 24270 22017.
Something else you could do is travel from Skiathos to Volos (the main port for Pelion area) by ferry or hydrofoils-flyingcats, with specific timetable. You can book your ferry tickets from fantasticgreece.com. Timetable is expected to be online there in a couple of months or so, when the ferry companies announce it.

Hope I have helped you!
-Stavros

Schedule 2009 for seaplane services between Corfu and Lefkas

The Question:

Doyou have any information on the prices and schedules for the seaplane services between Corfu and Lefkas for August 2009?


The Answer:

Hi!

It is a bit early for the seaplane agencies to annouce schedules and timetables now. You should expect them at around late March. For good prices at ferry tickets I always check the site www.fantasticgreece.com. Look it up then!

-Stavros

How do I get to Ptolemaida?

The Question:

How do I get from Athens to Ptolemaida, direct as possible?Can I fly to Finland from Northern Greece or will I have to fly from Athens?I will be visiting in Later January\' 09


The Answer:

Hello there!

Ptolemaida is 513 km from Athens and there are KTEL buses going there in about 8 hours. The time table is 07:45, 12:15, 15:15 and 21:00 (to book your ticket call at +30 210 5147382). From Thessaloniki, the distance is much shorter (163 km) and the trip lasts less than 2 hours. There are KTEL buses as well and for timetable you can call +30 2310 595445.
As far as your flight to Finland is concerned, I suggest you check the dates you are interested in at www.fantasticgreece.com. They 've got very good prices. I tried and found easily flights from Thessaloniki airport to Helsinki so you should have no problems to fly to Finland from Northern Greece instead of returning back to Athens.

-Stavros