Survival guide for extremely early island arrivals
As you may have discovered, ferry services are not always in line with the island hotel arrivals policy. How many times have you found yourself on the island early in the morning, having to spend hours on end sitting on your backpack until the bakery opens for some decent brekkie? How many times have you missed the last bus ride or you can’t find a taxi to take you to the area where your hotel is waiting for you? What will you do for so many hours? Will you be safe and rested for the rest of the day?
In our search for answers, we have made a list of the islands where you usually arrive just before the beginning or right after "island life" has quieted down and we have discovered everything you can do so that the hours fly while you discover another, different side of your favorite destination. Check out all the itineraries and find the one that suits you, by booking cheap ferry tickets through Let's Ferry. But before you do, read the following survival guide, so you can make the most of every minute of your vacation, no matter what time you reach your holiday destination.
Ikaria - The island that never sleeps
The evening itineraries for Ikaria arrive in the early morning hours. Unless there is good reason (such as traveling with a child or being really tired), you won’t decide to book a room and be charged for a whole day, are we right? Fortunately, you are on an island that has its own, twisted time frame. In Christos Rachon, a mountain village 17 km from the port of Evdilos, shops open at night!
The small port of Agios Kirikos in Ikaria
The whole village is wide awake, awaiting visitors and locals to experience this unique «night-turned-into-day» attitude of the locals. If you visit the island in the months of July and August, you are sure to discover one or more festivals that take place on the island from early evening until dawn. The music in the air will be sure to lead you to the party, wherever it is. If you have a means of transportation and you are looking for the most beautiful place to relax and wait for the sunrise to find you, then drive carefully to Armenistis.
Chania – Be a lonely tourist while everyone is asleep
Every visit to Crete is a unique experience. Right next to the port of Souda there is a bus stop where, after the arrival of each ship, a bus takes you to the center of Chania.
In the center of Chania old town
If your final destination is not Chania, you can leave your luggage in the storage area of the station, take a walk around the impressive city and return by 6, when the first routes to Rethymnon begin. When you arrive in Chania and before the sun rises, run to the local bakeries and sample the special bougatsa pastry pie with mizithra cheese, a local specialty that truly upgrades the meaning of breakfast. After that, enjoy a quiet walk to the lighthouse, free from the usual large crowds, while the first light of day highlights its beauty. In a little while, the sun will take its place, beautifully swiping away the starry sky.
Balos beach in Crete
Another thing you can do is to head to the enchanting beaches of the island, starting with Balos or Elafonissi that belong to the same prefecture. Especially in August, getting to these popular beaches on time is a privilege. Otherwise, you can start driving carefully to the area you want to end up in, but always put your safety first.
Koufonissi - Make your bed on the beach
Campers or even sleeping bag lovers will have a good time here. During the high season, you will always find a bar open late at night, even with candles and soft music creating a relaxing atmosphere. This is the style of Koufonissia, casual and relaxed. If you are not going through your most social phase, you can lay your sleeping bag on any of the sandy beaches near the port. Start on the east side of the island, on foot, and you will come across Ammos, Finikas and Fanos. A few hours of sleep on the thick sand, and then you can enjoy the first morning swim in their exotic waters.
Sandy beach in Koufonissia
Leros - Time for late check-in
This island of the Dodecanese harmoniously combines tradition with influences from contemporary European tourist destinations. It is the secret touristic weapon of the country and those who dare to leave the ominous history of the island aside and choose this for their vacation destination will surely love it.
Small port of Leros
A quiet attitude, unexpectedly beautiful beaches, this is not an island for party animals. Leros is a place where you can easily ask from your hotel for a late arrival charge, so that you can make sure your room is waiting for you. Many accommodations also offer a shuttle service, with which they come to pick you up from the port, in case you have not arranged for a car on your own. Visit the island of Artemis by booking cheap ferry tickets to Leros via Let's Ferry.
Samos – Late night lessons
Apart from the delicious Moschato, one of the most famous Greek wines, Samos has a long tradition in fishing. The boats head off when the sun starts setting and the friendly locals will gladly accept your request and teach you to how to fish. Let them show you the basics and tell you their stories from the sea. There are local fishing clubs here, so if you inform them about your arrival and express your interest beforehand, they will be waiting for you.
A seaside, traditional village in Samos
Most islands always make sure they have at least one shop at the port that is open over night, in order to serve commuters. If the ideas we have offered you here are just not your cup of tea, you can turn on your mobile device, find a nice table in one of the port shops and binge watch your favorite show. Hey, why not start reading the book you have brought with you? If you have more time to kill, you can also search online for your next trip and book cheap ferry tickets through Let's Ferry.