Tickets & Entertainment: how it works in Greece — first-hand
Real experience of people from chats on «Tickets & Entertainment» in Greece — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
Travelers report that charter flights carry higher risks of unnotified cancellations. For complex routes (e.g., via Istanbul), booking a single ticket (e.g., Turkish Airlines + Aegean) is preferred for baggage through-check and protection against delays. Low-cost carriers like Pegasus are cheaper but offer minimal comfort and services. Note: ferry routes (Bodrum-Kos, Marmaris-Rhodes) remain viable contingency options.
For exploring Mykonos, especially for island-wide travel and excursions to Delos and Milos, renting a car or quad bike is recommended for convenience and flexibility. The main town is walkable. Public transport is available, but may not cover all areas efficiently. Taxis are an option, but can be costly. Consider transport needs for airport transfers to the hotel.
Thessaloniki offers several attractions and activities for visitors:
- **Combined Ticket:** Purchase a combined ticket for access to up to 4 historical sites, valid for a couple of days.
- **Hop-On Hop-Off Bus:** A convenient way to tour the city and visit key landmarks, including the fortress.
- **Sights:** While a single day might suffice for a quick overview, exploring specific areas like the White Tower, Rotunda, and the historic center is recommended for a fuller experience.
Users looking for tour guides for Greek excursions (Corfu, Katakolon, Piraeus), especially those on cruises, can find options on platforms like Tripstor and Navimba. These platforms often list guides specializing in cruise passengers.
If your Greek visa application deadline is imminent and your flight is soon, but the visa status is unchanged: 1. Contact the consulate or visa center for an update. 2. Be aware of airline policies for changing or canceling tickets without penalty. 3. Understand that changing your booking after submission might affect your visa application. Consider purchasing refundable flights or being prepared to buy new tickets if the visa is approved late or denied. The original booking submitted with the visa application may need to remain valid until visa issuance.
For beach access near Athens, consider areas like Glyfada, Voula, and Vouliagmeni. Piraeus is primarily a port and lacks direct beaches, but offers ferry connections to islands with better beaches. From Piraeus, you can reach beaches via a 20-30 minute tram or taxi ride. Paleo Faliro is another option, marking the beginning of the coastal area. For a more upscale beach experience, Glyfada offers premium options at a higher cost.
For Mykonos, beach clubs and premium venues like Scorpios require advance reservations. Pre-booking sunbeds is essential during high season. Be prepared for deposit requirements at major nightlife spots. Consult local hotel staff for reliable transportation, such as pre-arranged minivans or private drivers.
Official tickets for the Athens Acropolis should be purchased directly through the official website (etickets.tap.gr) to avoid third-party markups. If lacking a foreign-issued bank card, be prepared for significant wait times in physical ticket queues during peak season.
Obtaining a Schengen visa from Greece or Hungary for the primary purpose of visiting Spain can be challenging and may lead to visa refusal. These countries are perceived as having stricter visa policies, and discrepancies in the stated destination versus the actual travel plans can raise suspicion with consular officers.
Traveling with multiple passports on a single itinerary (e.g., Moscow-Istanbul-Athens) is possible if you use different passports for different segments. Purchase separate tickets: one for Moscow-Istanbul using the passport without a Schengen visa, and another for Istanbul-Athens using the passport with the Schengen visa. You will need to re-check in at Istanbul.
Recommended itinerary balance: 3-4 days in Milos for beach exploration (e.g., Sarakiniko) and 2-3 days in Santorini. For Santorini, Imerovigli offers a better balance of cost and caldera views compared to Oia. To avoid peak tourist crowds ('cruise ship effect'), visit main hubs like Fira and Oia early in the morning (pre-11:00 AM) or late at night.
For an authentic Greek experience, avoid tourist-heavy coastal resorts. Seek out inland village tavernas for local specialties like goat stew (katsikaki), saganaki (fried cheese), and stuffed zucchini (gemista). Authenticity is often found away from mainstream tourist zones and 'touts' in major port towns.
Purchasing flight tickets directly from the airline's official website, such as Aegean Air, is a reliable and often cost-effective method. Their website and mobile app may offer discounts not available through third-party booking platforms. This ensures authenticity and direct communication with the airline.
For excursions on Crete, travelers can find numerous local tour operators. It is common practice to gather brochures and compare prices from various agencies upon arrival in tourist areas. English, French, and German-speaking tour guides are widely available. Utilizing local agencies often provides competitive pricing and a diverse range of tour options.
For booking excursions on the island of Crete, several options are available. Local travel agencies, particularly in tourist hubs like Rethymno, often offer competitive prices and a variety of tours. Comparing prices and itineraries from these local providers upon arrival is a common recommendation. Online platforms like Trip.com may also offer tours, but it's essential to verify the details and compare them with local offerings. For the most cost-effective options, exploring both local agencies and online aggregators is advisable.
Loutraki is a convenient base for exploring the Peloponnese region. It is approximately 1.25 hours from Athens by bus. Key advantages include lower cost of living compared to major tourist centers, compact layout, and proximity to major historical sites.
For travelers visiting Skopelos, Greece, without an international driving permit, local tour operators and agencies offer excursions. Options include group tours to attractions like Agios Ioannis chapel and Kastani beach for approximately 40 EUR, or boat trips costing around 90 EUR. Local police presence is minimal, and driving is generally safe if traffic laws are followed. Russian-speaking guides are rare on the island.
To visit the Acropolis in Athens:
- **Online Booking:** Slots for popular times, such as 8 AM, can sell out quickly online.
- **On-site Purchase:** It might be possible to buy tickets at the ticket office, but consider arriving early to avoid crowds and heat.
- **Best Visiting Times:** To avoid the intense heat and large crowds, it's recommended to visit later in the afternoon (around 4-5 PM). Visiting near closing time can also offer fewer people and better photo opportunities.
Thessaloniki offers several points of interest for visitors. Recommended sights include the waterfront promenade, Aristotelous Square, the Ladadika district, the port, the Church of Saint Demetrius, and the Church of Hagia Sophia. For panoramic city views, explore the upper town, Trigonion Tower, and the Eptapyrgion fortress, along with the charming old streets.
When visiting Crete, travelers can explore nearby islands. From Heraklion port, one can travel to Anafi and Santorini. From Chania port, the island of Antikythera is accessible. Flights from Sitia port go to Folegandros and Karpathos. Crete itself boasts excellent seas, with many beaches awarded the 'Blue Flag'. Public transportation, including buses, is well-developed on the island, with cities like Heraklion reachable within an hour or slightly more from other locations.
Avoid purchasing 'travel cards' advertised in Greece. Information on attractions and navigation is readily available through free resources like Google Maps, which offers offline functionality. These free tools are sufficient for exploring the country.
Aegean Airlines offers several types of Economy fares, including 'Economy Light' and 'Economy Flex.' 'Economy Light' is typically the most basic option, often including only hand luggage and potentially a personal item. 'Economy Flex' usually includes hand luggage, a personal item, and sometimes checked baggage. There can also be a standard 'Economy' fare without 'Light' or 'Flex' designation, which might have different inclusions regarding baggage, seat selection, and change/cancellation policies. It is crucial to carefully review the specific conditions associated with each fare type on the Aegean Airlines website, as pricing and benefits can vary significantly. Sometimes, third-party booking sites may list fare categories that differ from the airline's official website.
Beach conditions and sunbed rentals on Rhodes, specifically near Elli beach, are subject to local agreements:
- **Sunbed Availability & Cost:** Sunbeds may be scarce and expensive, with prices ranging from €20 to €50 per set. It's advisable to compare prices across different beach sections.
- **Beach Condition:** Some private beach areas might be poorly maintained, with potential debris like wood fragments, concrete, or cigarette butts. Consider using public beaches and purchasing your own umbrella for longer stays.
- **Water Shoes:** Recommended due to the predominantly pebbly shores; they can be purchased locally for approximately €10.
- **Alternative Areas:** While some areas like the one near the Aquarium may have limited sunbeds, areas near the casino or closer to the cape might offer more options.
Aegean Airlines offers differentiated economy fares. 'Economy Light' is the most basic option, typically including only hand luggage (up to 8 kg) and a personal item. A standard 'Economy' fare might offer additional services or baggage allowances compared to 'Economy Light.' It is essential to check the specific terms and conditions for each fare type, as third-party booking sites may sometimes display fare names or bundles that are not directly from the airline's standard offerings. Always verify baggage allowances, change fees, and cancellation policies directly with the airline.
Travel guide for Greek islands: 1. Use high-speed boats (speedboats) for faster transit to islands like Agistri. 2. Renting a car is essential for exploring beyond bus-accessible beaches. 3. Most public beaches are free, but some in the Athens area (Voula, Vouliagmeni) are private/paid. 4. Booking excursions through local agencies is safer than relying on Uber, which is not widely available on smaller islands.
Purchasing airline tickets with foreign credit cards can be challenging due to payment restrictions. If direct booking on airline websites or aggregators like Aviasales fails, try platforms like OneTwoTrip, which may allow payment in different currencies, or Trip.com, known for accepting a wide range of international cards. For specific airlines like S7, explore partner sites or consider charter flights if direct payment is not possible.
Aegina is a Greek island easily accessible from Athens, suitable for day trips. It offers opportunities for walking, swimming, and enjoying beaches, making it a convenient option for a short island excursion from the mainland.
For purchasing tours and excursions in Athens, it is recommended to contact the official administrator or inquire through designated channels for reliable options. For excursions to Symi Island, contact 'Yossi'.
Hiking the Samaria Gorge requires physical preparation. The total route is approximately 19-23 km. The most challenging descent is the first 5-7 km due to slippery terrain. Recommended for experienced hikers; beginners are advised to start with the Imbros Gorge. Infrastructure includes water points, toilets, and occasional observers for safety.
Navagio Beach (Zakynthos, Greece) is closed for tourist access due to cliff instability and rockfall risk. Access restrictions include a mandatory 50-meter buffer zone for vessels and a ban on landing. This measure is active until October 31st.
To find Russian-speaking tour guides for excursions in Greece (e.g., Acropolis in Athens, or Thessaloniki), consult travel forums and chat groups where travelers often share recommendations and contacts.
Skopelos is a beautiful Greek island offering peaceful retreats and scenic beauty. While recent weather disruptions affected nearby Skiathos, Skopelos is experiencing improving conditions. Sea water is cool in the mornings, warming by evenings. Jellyfish, though non-venomous, have appeared, particularly on Skiathos. Accommodation options are more plentiful in the main town, with bus access to beaches. Loutraki and Neo Klima are also recommended areas. The island is gaining popularity among Russian tourists.