Getting to Greece, and to the island of Andros, for an Ashtanga Yoga seminar: here is the essential. Flights, ferry, transfers and practical info.
By plane
Many flights link Athens to European airports — book ahead for a better price. Airlines: Olympic Air, Aegean Airlines (Star Alliance), Brussels Airlines, Swiss, LOT, easyJet.
Air security: all battery devices must be able to switch on. At the checkpoint: metal objects, coat and hand luggage in the trays; liquids and gels of 100 ml maximum in a separate tray (sprays forbidden); take out your computer and tablet. Follow the instructions and all will go smoothly.
By boat, and on to Andros
You can reach Greece by ferry from Italy (Ancona → Patras; book on greekferries.gr). For the island of Andros, take the boat at the port of Rafina (20–30 min from Athens airport): a 2-hour crossing, ~€19 per person. Dimitri, Sophia’s friend, handles the bookings. You arrive at Gavrio, where Sophia or Dimitri welcome you and drive you to the Karanasos Hotel, in Batsi (7 km from Gavrio).
Karanasos Hotel — Batsi 845 03, Andros, Greece · tel. +30 2282 041480 · (map).
Getting around Athens
Taxi: beware of inflated prices for tourists — normal: €35 by day, €50 at night. Metro (recommended, clean and fast): airport-Athens €8; standard ticket €1.40. Express bus airport-centre: €4. Car rental: about €240 a week, €500 for two weeks (book through your agency).
Formalities and practical info
Valid ID card (EU nationals) or passport; by car: licence, registration and green card (fuel is expensive, > €2/L for diesel). Time difference: +1 h. Currency: the euro. Banks open Monday to Friday 8:30–13:00 (24/7 at Athens airport); ATMs only in the larger towns.
