Getting from Istanbul to Greek Islands

Q: We will be flying to Istanbul in June and would like to visit Mykonos and Santorini in Greece. Are there direct flights between Istanbul and either of the islands? If so, what would a return ticket cost? Also, what should we expect to pay for a double room or studio at this time and do we need to book in advance? - Janine De Waal

A : There are no direct scheduled flights between Istanbul and Mykonos or Santorini. However, you can fly via Athens to either island. The most convenient airline is likely to be Aegean Airlines (www.aegeanair.com). I did a trial booking and could get a flight which departs Istanbul at 4pm and arrives in Mykonos around three hours later, with a 70-minute stopover in Athens. The return fare was a rather expensive R3151. Flights from Istanbul to Santorini are around the same price and takes 10 minutes longer. Room prices vary wildly, depending on demand and, sometimes, on your bartering ability. You can find some bargains, but these are two of the most popular islands in Greece. In Mykonos you should be prepared to pay 50-80 Euros per night for a comfortable room in a good area. In Santorini you can find rooms within the same price range, but you'll pay much more for a room which has a sea or view. You don't have to book in advance in June (unlike in August, when everything is fully booked). However, it is probably worthwhile booking at least one or two nights so that you have somewhere to go on your arrival. That will give you time to decide whether you want to change rooms or not. Try the www.mykonos-accommodation.com, www.greeka.com, www.visit-santorini.com and www.venere.com websites. (5/2/12)