Greece and the islands

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Burkey

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I’ve heard so many good things about Greece and its islands that we are now considering going in September for 10 weeks. Is this a good time to visit ?
Is it easy to access the islands with a 7mtr motorhome ?
What would be the most economical route from Calais ?
Best stop now before your eyes glaze over but would appreciate any experienced advice please
 
Most Greek ferries carry huge trucks so your motorhome will be fine. Have a look at Blue Star Ferries to get an idea regarding size of the fleet and individual ferries. You’ll love Greece.
 
Thank you

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Billylou said:
Most Greek ferries carry huge trucks so your motorhome will be fine. Have a look at Blue Star Ferries to get an idea regarding size of the fleet and individual ferries. You’ll love Greece.
Click to expand...
 
nicholsong has been doing Greece for years,and most recently in his motorhome,so he will have some advice.
 
I have a lot of experience of Greece over 40 years.

Originally island hopping on ferries, then with my own sailing boat for over 30 years including visiting 70 islands, then last year took our MH from Poland down to Ancona-Patras, another ferry to Patmos, spent 5 weeks there, split with a flight back to Poland(to see Basia's Mother), then to Peloponnese for two weeks and back via Venice.

To answer the immediate questions in your post:-

Yes Sept/Oct is an excellent time to visit - still pleasantly warm and sea temperature once on 31 Oct was 21C. I would plan to arrive in Greece at beginning of Sept, because that is end of tourist season and even for Greeks as the children are back at school. In many small islands the tavernas are starting to close down end Sept/early Oct.

I will deal next with 'economical route'. Are you asking about time or money? If money, you need to cost the ferry fares both across the Adriatic and also to the islands. I have never costed the driving down through the Balkans, but for 10 weeks I think you would lose 4 weeks driving against 2 weeks via ferry across the Adriatic. More about the Adriatic ferries below.

Access to islands on ferries has been answered. I have driven around islands on mopeds and cannot think os any islands where a 7m MH, like ours, would be a problem on metalled roads, nor on most dirt tracks down to secluded coves/beaches.

A couple of other pointers:-

You did not indicate whether you prefer campsites or 'wild' spots. Campsites in Greece are basic and start shutting down in Sept, but wild spots are everywhere with only a few restrictions in popular tourist areas. There are some really great spots to stop with either dramatic sunrises or sunsets - beach bars specialise in the latter.

There are water taps to be found in many villages or take a 20lt can to the bar/taverna - they are usually accommodating.. Auto gas is not usually a problem. The most difficult is dumping black water. Our solution last year was lucky in that we have a Swiss friend in Patmos who told us about a sewage pumping station at the bottom of his road with a open lid to a chamber. There must be others if you can identify them.

Now to other information:-

There is a member on here pjay who has travelled extensively in Greece over the years and if you click on his profile he has a vast map of stopovers, mainly on the Mainland but which include many on Crete and Evia, plus just a couple on Chios, which seem an anomaly and I have never asked him why.

Now ferries. You have not said which islands interest you. I personally would prefer the Aegean islands to the Ionian which have more tourists because of many airports, but are easily accessible by short ferries. Aegean ferry routes are traditionally serviced from Piraeus according to island groups(all to do with historic subsidies). In the Central and Southern Aegean Blue Star Ferries predominate, except for Crete.

First you need to decide which islands interest you and how long you wish to stay on each - some only have 2-3 times a week schedule. Next time we go I want to visit several of my favourites and want to explore the possibility of an discounted on/off island-hopping ticket.

Now how to book ferries. From many recommendations I decided to try ViaMare. The guy is an expert on Greek ferries, Adriatic and all across Greece, with real-time access into all the ferry company reservation systems. Some people have said they can get cheaper booking direct, maybe, but he got us 30% discount with different companies because we booked Adriatic and Aegean together. Also we had two changes of booking which he handled like it was business as usual.

On the Adriatic crossings Anek/Superfast offer 'Camping on deck' where you can live in the MH and have EHU. Minoan offer a 'Camping' package which includes a cabin, but no access to the MH. To get Anek's Camping on Board you have to book in Dec as soon as the schedules are open.

When you tell me the islands you are interested in maybe I can provide more detailed info.

Greece is great for MHs. especially Sept/Oct and/or end Apr/May for the Spring flowers.

Geoff

EDIT: pjay please correct me if I have got anything wrong
 
Last edited:
Looks good Geoff nicholsong only a couple of entries for Chios from other travellers as i've never been
I'd echo that spring or autumn are great times to go.

Geoff has covered it well, I would just add that if you fancy Crete then you can get inclusive combined deals with the main Italy Greece ferries that cover Crete that will save you a few scheckles, Viamare will advise.

Please feel free to use my map (link in my signature below), all I ask is you send me updates of stopovers you visit or any new spots you find. A lot of folk are happy to use the map but unfortunately don't bother.

Re getting water, dumping waste etc, please find att'd a quick guide I penned a while back if it helps.

Have a great trip.

Pete

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Attachments

We have just come back from Greece, we drove there via Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, etc. to Albania and then into Greece, we took the Superfast II ferry, Camp on Board, back from Greece to Italy (Bari). If I was going specifically to Greece and didn't have unlimited time I would now get the ferry, quicker, less miles on van, and very easy.

It took us about 6/7 days driving from Venice to Greece, we did not rush and we took a few wrong turns (Bosnia twice:cautious:), not sure I would bother doing it again as a way of getting to Greece mind. May try Hungary, Bulgaria, Czech next time or the ferry.

We are 7.1m and 3.3m high, the length was never an issue the height did restrict our pitch choice alot as olive trees seem a favoured shade provider.
 
Neilfg said:
We have just come back from Greece, we drove there via Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, etc. to Albania and then into Greece, we took the Superfast II ferry, Camp on Board, back from Greece to Italy (Bari). If I was going specifically to Greece and didn't have unlimited time I would now get the ferry, quicker, less miles on van, and very easy.

It took us about 6/7 days driving from Venice to Greece, we did not rush and we took a few wrong turns (Bosnia twice:cautious:), not sure I would bother doing it again as a way of getting to Greece mind. May try Hungary, Bulgaria, Czech next time or the ferry.

We are 7.1m and 3.3m high, the length was never an issue the height did restrict our pitch choice alot as olive trees seem a favoured shade provider.
Click to expand...
Somebody posted on a previous thread that one way back to Italy was significantly cheaper than the outbound. I'm mildly curious to know if it s true?
 
nicholsong said:
I have a lot of experience of Greece over 40 years.

Originally island hopping on ferries, then with my own sailing boat for over 30 years including visiting 70 islands, then last year took our MH from Poland down to Ancona-Patras, another ferry to Patmos, spent 5 weeks there, split with a flight back to Poland(to see Basia's Mother), then to Peloponnese for two weeks and back via Venice.

To answer the immediate questions in your post:-

Yes Sept/Oct is an excellent time to visit - still pleasantly warm and sea temperature once on 31 Oct was 21C. I would plan to arrive in Greece at beginning of Sept, because that is end of tourist season and even for Greeks as the children are back at school. In many small islands the tavernas are starting to close down end Sept/early Oct.

I will deal next with 'economical route'. Are you asking about time or money? If money, you need to cost the ferry fares both across the Adriatic and also to the islands. I have never costed the driving down through the Balkans, but for 10 weeks I think you would lose 4 weeks driving against 2 weeks via ferry across the Adriatic. More about the Adriatic ferries below.

Access to islands on ferries has been answered. I have driven around islands on mopeds and cannot think os any islands where a 7m MH, like ours, would be a problem on metalled roads, nor on most dirt tracks down to secluded coves/beaches.

A couple of other pointers:-

You did not indicate whether you prefer campsites or 'wild' spots. Campsites in Greece are basic and start shutting down in Sept, but wild spots are everywhere with only a few restrictions in popular tourist areas. There are some really great spots to stop with either dramatic sunrises or sunsets - beach bars specialise in the latter.

There are water taps to be found in many villages or take a 20lt can to the bar/taverna - they are usually accommodating.. Auto gas is not usually a problem. The most difficult is dumping black water. Our solution last year was lucky in that we have a Swiss friend in Patmos who told us about a sewage pumping station at the bottom of his road with a open lid to a chamber. There must be others if you can identify them.

Now to other information:-

There is a member on here pjay who has travelled extensively in Greece over the years and if you click on his profile he has a vast map of stopovers, mainly on the Mainland but which include many on Crete and Evia, plus just a couple on Chios, which seem an anomaly and I have never asked him why.

Now ferries. You have not said which islands interest you. I personally would prefer the Aegean islands to the Ionian which have more tourists because of many airports, but are easily accessible by short ferries. Aegean ferry routes are traditionally serviced from Piraeus according to island groups(all to do with historic subsidies). In the Central and Southern Aegean Blue Star Ferries predominate, except for Crete.

First you need to decide which islands interest you and how long you wish to stay on each - some only have 2-3 times a week schedule. Next time we go I want to visit several of my favourites and want to explore the possibility of an discounted on/off island-hopping ticket.

Now how to book ferries. From many recommendations I decided to try ViaMare. The guy is an expert on Greek ferries, Adriatic and all across Greece, with real-time access into all the ferry company reservation systems. Some people have said they can get cheaper booking direct, maybe, but he got us 30% discount with different companies because we booked Adriatic and Aegean together. Also we had two changes of booking which he handled like it was business as usual.

On the Adriatic crossings Anek/Superfast offer 'Camping on deck' where you can live in the MH and have EHU. Minoan offer a 'Camping' package which includes a cabin, but no access to the MH. To get Anek's Camping on Board you have to book in Dec as soon as the schedules are open.

When you tell me the islands you are interested in maybe I can provide more detailed info.

Greece is great for MHs. especially Sept/Oct and/or end Apr/May for the Spring flowers.

Geoff

EDIT: pjay please correct me if I have got anything wrong
Click to expand...
nicholsong said:
I have a lot of experience of Greece over 40 years.

Originally island hopping on ferries, then with my own sailing boat for over 30 years including visiting 70 islands, then last year took our MH from Poland down to Ancona-Patras, another ferry to Patmos, spent 5 weeks there, split with a flight back to Poland(to see Basia's Mother), then to Peloponnese for two weeks and back via Venice.

To answer the immediate questions in your post:-

Yes Sept/Oct is an excellent time to visit - still pleasantly warm and sea temperature once on 31 Oct was 21C. I would plan to arrive in Greece at beginning of Sept, because that is end of tourist season and even for Greeks as the children are back at school. In many small islands the tavernas are starting to close down end Sept/early Oct.

I will deal next with 'economical route'. Are you asking about time or money? If money, you need to cost the ferry fares both across the Adriatic and also to the islands. I have never costed the driving down through the Balkans, but for 10 weeks I think you would lose 4 weeks driving against 2 weeks via ferry across the Adriatic. More about the Adriatic ferries below.

Access to islands on ferries has been answered. I have driven around islands on mopeds and cannot think os any islands where a 7m MH, like ours, would be a problem on metalled roads, nor on most dirt tracks down to secluded coves/beaches.

A couple of other pointers:-

You did not indicate whether you prefer campsites or 'wild' spots. Campsites in Greece are basic and start shutting down in Sept, but wild spots are everywhere with only a few restrictions in popular tourist areas. There are some really great spots to stop with either dramatic sunrises or sunsets - beach bars specialise in the latter.

There are water taps to be found in many villages or take a 20lt can to the bar/taverna - they are usually accommodating.. Auto gas is not usually a problem. The most difficult is dumping black water. Our solution last year was lucky in that we have a Swiss friend in Patmos who told us about a sewage pumping station at the bottom of his road with a open lid to a chamber. There must be others if you can identify them.

Now to other information:-

There is a member on here pjay who has travelled extensively in Greece over the years and if you click on his profile he has a vast map of stopovers, mainly on the Mainland but which include many on Crete and Evia, plus just a couple on Chios, which seem an anomaly and I have never asked him why.

Now ferries. You have not said which islands interest you. I personally would prefer the Aegean islands to the Ionian which have more tourists because of many airports, but are easily accessible by short ferries. Aegean ferry routes are traditionally serviced from Piraeus according to island groups(all to do with historic subsidies). In the Central and Southern Aegean Blue Star Ferries predominate, except for Crete.

First you need to decide which islands interest you and how long you wish to stay on each - some only have 2-3 times a week schedule. Next time we go I want to visit several of my favourites and want to explore the possibility of an discounted on/off island-hopping ticket.

Now how to book ferries. From many recommendations I decided to try ViaMare. The guy is an expert on Greek ferries, Adriatic and all across Greece, with real-time access into all the ferry company reservation systems. Some people have said they can get cheaper booking direct, maybe, but he got us 30% discount with different companies because we booked Adriatic and Aegean together. Also we had two changes of booking which he handled like it was business as usual.

On the Adriatic crossings Anek/Superfast offer 'Camping on deck' where you can live in the MH and have EHU. Minoan offer a 'Camping' package which includes a cabin, but no access to the MH. To get Anek's Camping on Board you have to book in Dec as soon as the schedules are open.

When you tell me the islands you are interested in maybe I can provide more detailed info.

Greece is great for MHs. especially Sept/Oct and/or end Apr/May for the Spring flowers.

Geoff

EDIT: pjay please correct me if I have got anything wrong
Click to expand...
nicholsong said:
I have a lot of experience of Greece over 40 years.

Originally island hopping on ferries, then with my own sailing boat for over 30 years including visiting 70 islands, then last year took our MH from Poland down to Ancona-Patras, another ferry to Patmos, spent 5 weeks there, split with a flight back to Poland(to see Basia's Mother), then to Peloponnese for two weeks and back via Venice.

To answer the immediate questions in your post:-

Yes Sept/Oct is an excellent time to visit - still pleasantly warm and sea temperature once on 31 Oct was 21C. I would plan to arrive in Greece at beginning of Sept, because that is end of tourist season and even for Greeks as the children are back at school. In many small islands the tavernas are starting to close down end Sept/early Oct.

I will deal next with 'economical route'. Are you asking about time or money? If money, you need to cost the ferry fares both across the Adriatic and also to the islands. I have never costed the driving down through the Balkans, but for 10 weeks I think you would lose 4 weeks driving against 2 weeks via ferry across the Adriatic. More about the Adriatic ferries below.

Access to islands on ferries has been answered. I have driven around islands on mopeds and cannot think os any islands where a 7m MH, like ours, would be a problem on metalled roads, nor on most dirt tracks down to secluded coves/beaches.

A couple of other pointers:-

You did not indicate whether you prefer campsites or 'wild' spots. Campsites in Greece are basic and start shutting down in Sept, but wild spots are everywhere with only a few restrictions in popular tourist areas. There are some really great spots to stop with either dramatic sunrises or sunsets - beach bars specialise in the latter.

There are water taps to be found in many villages or take a 20lt can to the bar/taverna - they are usually accommodating.. Auto gas is not usually a problem. The most difficult is dumping black water. Our solution last year was lucky in that we have a Swiss friend in Patmos who told us about a sewage pumping station at the bottom of his road with a open lid to a chamber. There must be others if you can identify them.

Now to other information:-

There is a member on here pjay who has travelled extensively in Greece over the years and if you click on his profile he has a vast map of stopovers, mainly on the Mainland but which include many on Crete and Evia, plus just a couple on Chios, which seem an anomaly and I have never asked him why.

Now ferries. You have not said which islands interest you. I personally would prefer the Aegean islands to the Ionian which have more tourists because of many airports, but are easily accessible by short ferries. Aegean ferry routes are traditionally serviced from Piraeus according to island groups(all to do with historic subsidies). In the Central and Southern Aegean Blue Star Ferries predominate, except for Crete.

First you need to decide which islands interest you and how long you wish to stay on each - some only have 2-3 times a week schedule. Next time we go I want to visit several of my favourites and want to explore the possibility of an discounted on/off island-hopping ticket.

Now how to book ferries. From many recommendations I decided to try ViaMare. The guy is an expert on Greek ferries, Adriatic and all across Greece, with real-time access into all the ferry company reservation systems. Some people have said they can get cheaper booking direct, maybe, but he got us 30% discount with different companies because we booked Adriatic and Aegean together. Also we had two changes of booking which he handled like it was business as usual.

On the Adriatic crossings Anek/Superfast offer 'Camping on deck' where you can live in the MH and have EHU. Minoan offer a 'Camping' package which includes a cabin, but no access to the MH. To get Anek's Camping on Board you have to book in Dec as soon as the schedules are open.

When you tell me the islands you are interested in maybe I can provide more detailed info.

Greece is great for MHs. especially Sept/Oct and/or end Apr/May for the Spring flowers.

Geoff

EDIT: pjay please correct me if I have got anything wrong
Click to expand...
 
Nicholsong and fellow motorhomers
I’m overwhelmed with such an amazing insight in response to my query.
Understanding the travel time etc has given me the ability to really put plans in place. My real issue now is the rules around EU rules on travelling. Whilst I have a UK passport my wife has a Irish EU passport. Mixed information on the 90 or 180 day travel has done nothing but confuse ! Initially I was under the impression that I could travel under the 180 day allowance if I could prove we left the UK together but now I can’t establish if that is law. Obviously my plans would be different if the latter prevailed. Notwithstanding if I only qualify under the 90 day law then I will take the quickest route to enjoy some of the wonderful places you have all recommended. Thank you all again, greatly appreciated by me and the good lady
 
Not interested in any other part, but since seeing Shirley valentine always wanted to go to mykanos , what's the chance of getting there in a motorhome ?
Or is it a flying job?
 
jongood said:
Somebody posted on a previous thread that one way back to Italy was significantly cheaper than the outbound. I'm mildly curious to know if it s true?
Click to expand...

We went via Switzerland with a little bit of Austria round Lake Constance on the way back. Ours was not a quick route as we went via some dealers and sights there and on the way back.
 
Burkey said:
Nicholsong and fellow motorhomers
I’m overwhelmed with such an amazing insight in response to my query.
Understanding the travel time etc has given me the ability to really put plans in place. My real issue now is the rules around EU rules on travelling. Whilst I have a UK passport my wife has a Irish EU passport. Mixed information on the 90 or 180 day travel has done nothing but confuse ! Initially I was under the impression that I could travel under the 180 day allowance if I could prove we left the UK together but now I can’t establish if that is law. Obviously my plans would be different if the latter prevailed. Notwithstanding if I only qualify under the 90 day law then I will take the quickest route to enjoy some of the wonderful places you have all recommended. Thank you all again, greatly appreciated by me and the good lady
Click to expand...

You are treated in exactly the same way as an EU citizen if travelling with your wife who has an Irish passport. Forget about any 90/180 day restrictions but a good idea to retain proof that you entered the EU together etc. - ticket copies and suchlike.
 
Orion….. that’s exactly what I initially thought but cannot locate anything official to refer to ! However I will treat your reply very seriously and go for it…. Greece is becoming more of a reality thanks to this forum
Thank you

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Burkey said:
Nicholsong and fellow motorhomers
I’m overwhelmed with such an amazing insight in response to my query.
Understanding the travel time etc has given me the ability to really put plans in place. My real issue now is the rules around EU rules on travelling. Whilst I have a UK passport my wife has a Irish EU passport. Mixed information on the 90 or 180 day travel has done nothing but confuse ! Initially I was under the impression that I could travel under the 180 day allowance if I could prove we left the UK together but now I can’t establish if that is law. Obviously my plans would be different if the latter prevailed. Notwithstanding if I only qualify under the 90 day law then I will take the quickest route to enjoy some of the wonderful places you have all recommended. Thank you all again, greatly appreciated by me and the good lady
Click to expand...
I thought, if you are married to a E.U citizen, you are entitled to the same free movement as they are.
Not sure on your 180 day rule on EU citizens?
 
I thought if I qualified via my wife then I am then limited to 180 days . If I have unlimited free movement then I’m flying
Thanks
 
Apologies by flying I meant I’m ecstatic…. Motorhome ready, now to retire
 
Burkey said:
Orion….. that’s exactly what I initially thought but cannot locate anything official to refer to ! However I will treat your reply very seriously and go for it…. Greece is becoming more of a reality thanks to this forum
Thank you
Click to expand...

If you do a forum search you’ll find a number of threads on the subject thread including the relevant section of the Border Force manual and direct links to the EU Legislation. I’ve saved and printed it all off for reference if I need it.
 
chaser said:
Not interested in any other part, but since seeing Shirley valentine always wanted to go to mykanos , what's the chance of getting there in a motorhome ?
Or is it a flying job?
Click to expand...

Mykonos is crowded, very expensive as it attracts the jet set now. I do not know where you would park a MH. There are many ferries going there.

If you are not interested in any other parts of Greece it is a hell of a long way to go from UK for one small expensive island.

If you have to go then fly - and regret it.

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Orion said:
If you do a forum search you’ll find a number of threads on the subject thread including the relevant section of the Border Force manual and direct links to the EU Legislation. I’ve saved and printed it all off for reference if I need it.
Click to expand...
 
Thanks Orion, you’ve been a great help
Regards
 
April, May and June going round the Peloponnese in the van. 👍
One of the nicest holidays in 12 years of travelling!!
The Greeks are the warmest people and love the Brits (thanks to our wartime support)
Brilliant !!
 
Re: Shirley Valentine, I guess he was wanting to pick up a Greek bloke :-)
 
G-RMPS said:
Re: Shirley Valentine, I guess he was wanting to pick up a Greek bloke :)
Click to expand...

I still have not worked out whether @chaser(post#17) was posting a wind-up. Well within his capabilities, but also as likely he was thinking of driving thousands of miles and two ferries to find the Shirley Valentine film set, which might not have been on Mykonos at all, but secretly hoping to find a Fordson vintage tractor there. :LOL:

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