Ferry from Rafina Port to Paros Island
Three of us departed 9th October from Malaga via Gatwick to Athens Airport. If you never been to Athens airport, be aware of a long, long walkway (arrival and departure) from/to the flight gate. (Aegean Airways excellent flight from Gatwick to Athens)
We were booked for one night at hotel Avra in Rafina town and port, approx. 30 minutes taxi journey outside Athens.
Hotel Avra, excellent, offer a free shuttle bus (signed) from the airport. Transfer time by bus from the airport approximately 35-40 minutes.
Rafina port, town and Hotel Avra
Hotel Avra
a fresh, modern-looking hotel with excellent facilities and very nice staff. The restaurant close (last order) at 22:00 hours. Snackbar is available. After a good nights sleep we went for the breakfast buffet (served from 06:00) Hotel Avra's exceptional location around 500 meters from the Rafina ferry port, is an extra bonus.
We left Rafina port at Sunrise
Early start In the first part of the journey, calm sea, glorious sunrise memorised by many of us. We went parallel with the southern part of Evia island, (the second largest island in Greece). We had a good glimpse of Karystos town, set in a bay.
After nearly 2 hours we arrived at the port of Gavrio on the south coast of Andros, the second-largest and most northerly of the Cyclades Islands.
Andros Island
Gavrio port a good base stay, (to explore Andros Island) set in a deep inlet, small port-village, with all the usual facilities, a good number of tavernas, accommodation in a few hotels and apartments. Quiet life. Nice beach at Batsi (A popular resort) 7km southeast Gavrio.
Getting around Andros by local buses check the KTEL Andros bus timetable. Taxis, rent a bike and rent a car service is also available in Gavrio.
Tinos Island
After a short ferry turnaround, we continue our odyssey towards Tinos island. Tinos is the spiritual center of modern Greece it even outshines Patmos. It is known widely for its holy Greek Orthodox pilgrimage site, clearly seen from the ferry port.
The Church of Panagia Evangelistria image by Ferrie in Greece
The Church of Panagia Evangelistria.
Church goers and priests prefer a respectful dress code; long pants or skirts and covered shoulders for visitors. The harbour front is lined with cafes and hotels. The narrow back streets are crowded with tavernas.
Tinos Island is best explored to use Hora (Tinos town) as the base. Getting around, it’s a good bus service (June - September) with Ktel bus.
Remember, Hora is impossible to get accommodation on 25 March, Greek Orthodox Easter, 15 August, and 15 November.
Left Tinos after another fast turnaround (15 minutes) and the next stop, Mykonos. Crossing time 40-45 minutes from Tinos to Mykonos.
Tourlos Mykonos ferry port 2 cruise ship and 1 fast island ferry
Mykonos Island
People come to Mykonos to party and have a good time. Popular and very busy (and for many expansive). Mykonos town centre dominated by exclusive small boutiques, bars and nightclubs.
Mykonos has been near the top of the Greek Island since the mid-1960s. Good sandy and famous beaches, with an extra thanks for the, get away from it all film Shirley Valentine.
Mykonos has two ferry ports
The main one Tourlos port approximately 2.5km north of town. Many visitors arriving to the ports use water taxi service to Mykonos town Mykonos Seabus. As expected there are Rent a car, hire a motorcycle or taxi service available.
The Old Port around close to the fish market Mykonos town ( ferrys to Delos)
Mykonos departure
Another quick ferry turnaround We are crusing for our final destination Paros Island
More information Life on Mykonos is never still
Paros Island
Close to dock Parikia port Paros
after we departed approximately 90 minutes ago from Mykonos we arrived at Parikia port/capital of Paros just after 14:00 hours. The port is the main hub for the Greek island hoppers, especially The Cyclades Islands.
Ready to disembark
