Here are a few more details to help you before you start your trip - where it starts, how to get there, visa information and a few other handy hints. If you would like to hear the views of past passengers or meet fellow travellers, then log-on to Chatabout our online forum and get all the info you need to plan your adventure.
Travel options
Fixed itinerary (9 days): A Busabout Guide will escort each group, staying two nights on each island. If you have not advised us otherwise (at least two weeks prior to departure), we will assume this is what you wish to do and book your ferry tickets accordingly.
Flexible trip: If you would like to stay longer on any of the islands, you can select your travel dates through MyTrip up to two weeks before your departure from Athens. We have departures every two days and you can join up with different Busabout groups along the way.
NOTE: Two weeks before you are due to depart Athens, all ferry tickets will be booked and ticketed. No further date changes will be possible. Due to group size restrictions, the minimum stay on each island is two nights (and an even number of nights if staying longer).
Please note: The Greeks can have a pretty relaxed outlook on timetables; 'island time' they call it. This 'island time' can mean that last minute changes can occur to the timetable, and this year the fast service which we use (takes about 4 hours) will not get you back into Athens until around 2am. So, please make sure you book your onward travel accordingly. Any questions let us know.
SIVA Travel, Athens
Siva Travel is our agent in Athens. If you are starting your travels in Greece and require ferry vouchers for the Easy Links to Venice or Ancona, take your e-tickets to Siva Travel. If you are travelling on the Busabout Hop-on Hop-off network and have also purchased Easy links to Athens, the vouchers are available from the Busabout Guide.
7 Ravine Street
11521 Athens
Tel: +30 210 7291066
Office Hours:
Mon-Fri 8am-8pm; Sat 9am-2pm; closed Sunday
Directions:
- From Syntagma Square, follow Vassilisis Sophias past the National Gardens, continue on straight, past Evangelismos metro station. Siva Travel is located just past the intersection with Vassileos Konstandinou (you'll see a huge glass statue), turn left into Gennadiou (or Genadiou) Street and then second right into Ravine Street
- Metro (subway) from Syntagma Square, get off at "Evangelismos". Or take a Bus from vicinity of Syngrou Ave., No 450 or 550 and get off at the Hilton Hotel. Or an electric trolley-bus numbers 3, 8 and 13 from Victoria Sq., National Museum or Kaningos Sq. (near Omonia). Get off at the Hilton Hotel and walk up Gennadiou Street and then second right into Ravine Street. The trolley-bus stop is called Evangelismos Hospital
Here's a sample itinerary based on 9 days, the minimum amount of time to get round. You have the option to extend your trip for as long as you like within the season's departure dates.
Day 1 - Athens To Mykonos
The first day of our Greek adventure dawns bright and early as you are met by your Guide who will provide you with all your ferry tickets for the trip and your itinerary containing details of all the group activities, transport, accommodation and optional excursions. On our first ferry ride there will be plenty of time to get to know your fellow adventurers, grab a frappe (a Greek specialty) and ask your Guide any questions you might have, from what the accommodation is like to where makes the best (and cheapest) cocktails!
First stop Mykonos – one of Greece’s most stunning islands with fantastic landscapes and picturesque white-painted villages, alongside gorgeous sun kissed beaches with some of Europe’s most glamorous nightclubs - pools, podiums and the world’s best DJs keeping the party going way past sunrise! Mykonos town is a great place to start off the evening, with its famous landmark windmills, cute little bars and awesome shopping in a maze of white washed cobbled streets that make it one of the most beautiful of all the island towns.
Our accommodation on Mykonos is Paradise Beach and is the place everyone flocks to if they want to get involved in some serious hedonism! Following check-in you will be able to explore the beach, grab a bite to eat or a cocktail or two and soak up the music. Dancing and wild partying gives this resort its name. In the evening your Guide will take you around all the highlights of Mykonos town, including the Cycladic architecture of the old town, windmills, little Venice, Paraportiani church, Petros the pelican and the main shopping streets to boot.
An optional dinner is available at the gorgeous Ta Kioupia restaurant where you will be able to sample traditional Greek food such as Moussaka, Kleftiko and Dolmades, all washed down with a little of the local Mythos beer for good measure! Then time for some cocktails at Down Under Bar before we hit the clubs back on Paradise beach to party until sunrise - the world’s biggest DJs on the decks every night of the week in some of the coolest clubs in Europe!
Day 2: Mykonos
There is something for everyone on Mykonos and on you have the entire day to explore! There is the option of taking a half day trip to Delos, UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important archaeological sites in the whole of Greece. Heralded as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and inhabited since the 3rd Century BC, this ancient, sacred centre of Greek culture, displays the diversity of its islands and the effect of history on Greek society today. If sunbathing is more your thing you can while away the day on Paradise Beach, take a dip in the aquamarine waters or explore any of the other, quieter beaches located nearby. Alternatively, head into the narrow winding streets of Mykonos town, with its white washed walls, colourful shutters and domes and hit the shops! There is fab shopping on Mykonos and if jewelry, sundresses and sandals are on your list, get them here!
Day 3: Mykonos - Paros
Leaving Mykonos, we head to Paros, a totally chilled out island where you can kick off your party shoes and relax the way only the Greek islanders know how. Our accommodation, Pensione Elisabeth, is situated in the heart of the main port town of Paros, Parikia, and following check in you can go and explore! Check out the old town, its 13th Century Venetian kastro and the Panagia Egatontapyliani – the stunning church of 100 doors. Alternatively, take us up on one of our optional excursions. If you’d like to get back to nature then head off on horseback and watch the sunset over the mountains or make like a mermaid and go scuba diving in the crystal clear waters. (Excursion availability dependent on arrival time) In the evening your Guide will take you on a walking tour of Parikia, and for those of you who are ready to party there are plenty of clubs and bars to choose from.
Day 4: Paros
The best day ever!! You have the opportunity to go on one of our most famous and best loved excursions and take to the high seas! On our full day boat cruise around Paros and Antiparos, we visit some of the most spectacular swimming stops you can imagine. Snorkel, watch the kite boarders cutting up the waves and chill out on deck soaking up the sun, this day trip has deservedly become legend amongst the Greek adventurers. Wine and soft drinks are left on deck for you to enjoy and as morning turns to afternoon we’ll jump ship for a beach barbeque. Try char-grilled octopus washed down with Ouzo (in true Greek style) and then dig in to souvlaki, tzatiki, Greek salad and fresh bread with a bit more wine (as the Greeks do!). More swimming, a stop at a beach bar and dancing on deck to Captain Antonio’s tunes ensures we salty seadogs return to shore super tired but super happy, ready for a nap (or at least a nice hot shower) before we hit the town again.
If boat trips aren’t what make you tick, never fear as other optional excursions include a morning horse ride along the beach or the chance to scuba dive to a shipwreck. Alternatively go and check out Antiparos cave, one of the largest and most impressive caves in Greece, full of stalactites and stalagmites. Head on over to Pounda Beach and check out the daily volleyball competition, laze on the golden sand or have a few drinks in preparation for the beach bar party that always goes off. Take a bus to Naoussa, a beautiful sleepy fishing village to the north of Paros full of lovely restaurants, cafes and some more fab shops.
Day 5: Paros - Santorini
Santorini is regarded as the most spectacular of all the Greek islands, its majestic cliffs rising more or less vertically out of the sea. The whitewashed villages are situated on top of the cliffs and offer breathtaking views over the submerged volcano, believed by many to have caused the disappearance of Atlantis. Postcard images of whitewashed churches against a blue sea and sky, volcanic black-sand beaches, ancient ruins, great wines and some of the world's most fantastic sunsets will make any visit to Santorini a unique and unforgettable experience. After checking in to your hotel your Guide will take you on a orientation walk of Fira town. After this you will have the option of a sunset dinner in Fira on the Caldera. After dinner, visit a couple of our favourite bars, in this relaxed setting.
Day 6: Santorini
Today Santorini is yours for the taking. With so much to see and do we offer an exclusive Busabout trip around Santorini. Check out the Monastery at Mount Profitis Ilias on the highest point of the island. Taste local wines at the Santo winery, accompanied by a delicious cheese, bread and olive plate. It’s also a great place to get discounted wine for tonight’s sunset picnic! We then head towards Akrotiri, visit the Red Beach, then from red to black sandy Kamari Beach, a great place to chill out, grab a late lunch before returning to Fira Town. Tonight our optional excursion is a sunset picnic in Oia, the most beautiful village on the island located about a short drive away from the hotel. Almost certainly the romance capital of Greece and home to some of the most spectacular sunsets you are ever likely to see, it’s a must do for anyone visiting this island.
Day 7: Santorini - Ios
Ios is without a doubt the party capital of the Greek islands in a world all its own. Our accommodation here is Far Out Beach Club, the most happening resort in Ios. After check-in you'll head to the pool, beach or bar! Drink strawberry daiquiris with Spiros, get wet and wild at Meltemi watersports with Jo and Chelsea or just chill out on Mylopotas Beach and recharge your batteries ready for the night ahead. Come the evening, we organise an optional 'all you can eat' pizza meal at Far Out (stomach lining is wholeheartedly recommended), then there’s time for a few cocktails before we hit the main town of Ios, Chora. The town is tiny and the whitewashed walls hide a staggering number of bars and clubs. From giant Jenga at Fun Pub, to Flaming Lamborghinis at Flames, our non stop partying takes us to Blue Note, Rehab, Circus, Slammers (beware the fire extinguisher!), Red Bull and a few others in-between for what is always an incredible night.
Partying can be hard work so what better way to soothe the tensions of your clubbing, sightseeing, fun loving self than to have your very own masseuse.
Day 8: Ios
It’s a rare day when you see someone awake at Far Out before midday (well, 2pm really) but if you are up and about early then why not head over to Meltemi and give the watersports a go? Offering windsurfing, flying bananas, canoeing, sea biscuits and knee boarding to name but a few and located just across the road from Far Out on Mylopotas beach there’s no excuse!
If you’re feeling adventurous jump on the bus and head over to St Theodoti, Maganari or any other of Ios’ beautiful white sandy beaches for a day recovering in the sun or discovering the many hidden coves that nestle along the coast. If you’re more of a shade lover, jump on the bus and take the short ride into town. There you can wander the cool, silent, sun dappled streets, browse the shops, grab a bite to eat and relax in the peaceful tranquility that is Chora before dark. If you’ve resisted until the sun goes down, then it’s time for a cocktail or two. Watch a movie at one of the campsite's open air screenings, get dinner from the campsite barbeque or head into town to one of the many restaurants. (Maybe it's time for one more trip to the bars, just in case you missed one!).
Day 9: Ios - Athens
Today you will head back to Athens. The Acropolis hill, so called the ‘Sacred Rock’ of Athens, is the most important site of the city. During Pericles' Golden Age, ancient Greek civilization was represented in an ideal way on the hill and some of the architectural masterpieces of the period were erected on its ground. Spreading around the Acropolis is the old quarter of the town, known as the Plaka, with its famed flea market, small tavernas, craft shops and narrow winding alleys. The centre of modern Athens, most notably the chic area of Kolonaki, has many designer boutiques, smart restaurants and international-class hotels. The city has a thriving nightlife, with most bars and clubs staying open until at least 3am.
Please note: Your arrival time back into Athens is not finalised until two weeks before your departure. You will get back into Athens anywhere from 12 noon on the last day or early the following morning. Please be advised ferries can be delayed due to weather conditions and therefore it is advised that you do not organise to leave Athens until the day after your trip finishes.
Accommodation in Athens and the Greek Islands can be guaranteed by pre-booking through MyTrip. We know that where you hang out can be just as important as how you got there
We have selected a hostel, budget hotel or campsite on each island - you'll be required to pay a 10% deposit online, and the balance is paid when you get there. You can be sure that these properties offer the best mix of value for money, cleanliness, location and attitude. Availability is limited in July and August and you may not have a wide choice as to the type of room that you stay in, so make sure you book your accommodation two weeks before you jump onto your first ferry.
Prices will vary throughout the season and are dependent on both the time of the year and the type of room. Private rooms will be more expensive than shared dorms. On every island we have Preferred Partner accommodation. Each property is run by local super stars that love our travellers to bits so we're sure you'll come away smiling.
if you book your accommodation at the properties below you'll be guaranteed free transfers to and from the ports at all the islands we visit.
Paradise Beach - Mykonos
Mykonos is known for its picturesque town, boutique shopping, nightlife and Paradise Beach! Choose from cabins or bungalows, all of which are clean, cosy and built in traditional Greek style. The accommodation is only steps away from the beach where all the action is and only a 10-minute bus ride into Mykonos Town.
Grab a sun bed and umbrella and laze your day away. For the more active, choose from the many water sports or scuba diving on offer. You'll find restaurants and cafés where you can try traditional Greek souvlaki, pita and gyros (kebabs). Or grab a cocktail freshly shaken at one of the beachfront bars.
Paradise Beach has something for everyone from full-moon parties and pumping techno music, to chilled-out beaches and traditional beachfront cafés.
Elizabeth Pension - Paros
When you're ready for a little recovery time after Mykonos, Elisabeth Pension is the perfect place to unwind. The rooms are clean and comfy, with ensuites and their own balconies. There is also a communal veranda where you can sit and enjoy the Aegean breeze with a glass of wine. You're hosts Lilly and Mihalis make this your home away from home, always ready to help out and make your stay one to remember.
While the pension is located in a peaceful part of Parikia town, you're just a short walk from the seafront cafes and restaurants, the beach (600mts away) and the nightlife (when you're ready for it again). You can also take a ten minute bus ride to the more secluded beaches if you're looking for some real quiet time or watch a film at the open-air cinema near the hotel.
Hotel Antonia - Santorini
Greece is known for its spirit, history and beauty and Hotel Antonia has all three in abundance. The rooms are immaculate with private balconies, air conditioners, fridges, (and girls, the rooms have hair dryers). The hotel is built in Cycladic style and decked out in the same marble as the Pantheon and the Venus de Milo.
Many hotel owners will claim to be located in Fira, when they're often situated in the town of Katarados, 5kms out of town. Hotel Antonia is located smack in the centre of Fira, the jumping-off point to all of the beaches around the island. Take a quick bus ride to a beach (take your pick!) for the afternoon, then head back for dinner and drinks in Fira, the whitewashed, cliff-perched town of postcard-fame.
The main reason why you'll be happy you stayed at Hotel Antonia is the owners, Lefteris and Vasso. They will surpass all of your expectations; from the moment you arrive, they make you feel welcome with their easygoing nature and willingness to help. And if you're a coffee lover (and even if you're not!), they'll offer you all the free frappe's you can drink but make sure you leave the hotel and sample some ouzo too!
Far Out - Ios
Ios is backpacker heaven! Situated right on Mylopotas beach, Far Out is the most popular place to be on the island With a choice of different styles of accommodation, all within a stone's throw of each other, you can choose from the chilled-out Far Out Village, or the more happening Far Out Beach Club. The Beach Club cabins have simple bamboo roofs and a fan so they're light and airy and perfect for those on a budget. The Village rooms are built in traditional Cycladic style with fridges and air-conditioning, offering a bit more luxury for a few extra Euros. Both are far enough away from the party so don't worry about getting a good night's sleep.
During the day, you'll be spoiled for choice with activities. Go for a swim at the beach or splash around in one of the four pools on site. If you need to shake your hangover, sign up for some water sports or beach volleyball. If you're hungry or thirsty, you'll find Far Out caters for all; they have a café, restaurant, mini-market and several bars. Our favourites – sip a tasty cocktail by the pool, then indulge in a homemade pizza at the Far Out Village restaurant.
While Far Out is the place to be by day, at night time, everyone heads into town, just a 5-minute bus ride away. In the village you'll find all of the vibrant bars the Greek Islands are famous for. If you're looking for some quiet or maybe romantic time, you'll have the camping village to yourself.
NOTE: Transfers to and from the port on these islands will only be provided to Busabout passengers who book accommodation at these properties through MyTrip. If you book any of the other recommended properties you will not be eligible for the transfer service. Paros & Ios are the exception and do include the transfer service.
If you need to get from Italy to Greece or vice versa on a budget then you can purchase your Busabout Athen's Link as an add-on to your Hop-on Hop-off pass or Greek Island Flexi-Hopper. There are two routes to choose from and you can purchase either single or return tickets. A single is €59.
Option 1: Venice (Italy) to Patras (Greece) – or vice versa
Option 2: Ancona (Italy) to Patras (Greece) – or vice versa
Patras is approximately 3 hours by bus or train to Athens centre.
After purchasing an open dated ferry pass from us you just need to exchange your E-Ticket (or your Busabout voucher if purchased from our Guides) for your deck boarding pass 2 hours (at the latest) before departure at the respective Minoan Lines office in Patras, Venice or Ancona ports.
PLEASE double check the Minoan timetables BEFORE purchasing the Athens Link www.minoan.gr
Your Busabout E Ticket or voucher will not act as a boarding pass and you must still exchange this at the local Minoan Lines Departure office. The Busabout Athen's Link is only valid on Minoan Lines Ferries on the given routes.
Please note that the journey will take 24 – 30 hours. They are large vessels with restaurants, bar, shops, internet, and sundecks (some routes will stop in Igoumenitsa/Corfu en route). Your Athen's Link will entitle you to a full deck pass however sleeper cabin upgrades are available to purchase direct from Minoan lines on the day (subject to availability and vessel).