Travel
Travel Note
Wednesday, September 2 - Arrival in Athens, Greece
Arrival Day: Getting to Rafina Port For your arrival in Athens, we recommend staying in Rafina. It is the closest port to the airport (about a 20-minute drive), making it the shortest transfer and the most relaxing way to start your trip before we catch the ferry on Thursday morning. 1. Transportation from the Airport For a seamless experience, we recommend booking a service like: Uber/Taxi: You can use the Uber app to hail a local taxi, or simply walk to the official taxi stand outside Exit 3. Hotel Shuttle: If you book with Hotel Avra (details below), they offer a free shuttle service to and from the airport. 2. Where to Stay Hotel Avra Rafina: This is the most convenient option. It’s simple, reliable, and just a short walk to the ferry terminal. Apartment Rentals: There are several high-quality Airbnbs and apartment rentals located right near the port if you prefer a bit more space. 3. Food & Exploring Rafina is a laid-back port town—perfect for getting your bearings and relaxing. The Square: Head to Rafina Square (Κεντρική Πλατεία Ραφήνας) for dinner and drinks. It’s lined with restaurants and bars, offering a great vantage point to watch the boats coming in. The Beach: If you want some sun, Paralia Rafinas is a lovely spot for a stroll and has a beach bar for a sunset cocktail. Grab some dinner, settle in, and get some rest. We can’t wait to see you on the ferry in the morning!
Travel Note
Thursday AM, Sept 3 - Taking the Ferry
1. Booking Your Tickets Use the FerryHopper (website or app) to book your tickets. From the port, a 7:30 AM departure is low-stress: 6:30 AM: Wake Up 6:50 AM: Check out. 6:55 AM: Walk 5 min to the dock. 7:30 AM: Depart When to book: Check now for schedules E-Tickets: Most ferries now offer e-tickets. Once you book, you’ll receive a check-in link via email; once checked in, you can just save the QR code to your phone and skip the ticket office at the port. 2. Choosing Your Vessel: Speed vs. Stability In the Greek islands, there is a simple rule: The faster the trip, the smaller the boat—and the bumpier the ride. The Large Ships (Conventional): Operators like Blue Star or Golden Star run massive vessels. These are slower, but they are incredibly stable and have open-air decks where you can walk around and enjoy the views. If you are prone to seasickness, these are your best friend. The Small Ships (High-Speed): These catamarans will get you there much faster, but they can be a bit "bouncy" on rougher seas and usually do not have outdoor access. 3. Upgrading Your Experience On the larger conventional ships, we highly recommend upgrading to "Business" or "Club Class." It’s usually a small price jump, but it gives you access to a quieter, more comfortable indoor cabin with better seating and more room for your carry-on bags. 4. Boarding Day Tips Timing: Aim to arrive at the port 30 minutes before departure. Since you’re staying nearby, you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast and a short stroll to the dock. Luggage: When you board, you’ll see large luggage racks on the car deck (the entrance level). It is standard practice to leave your large suitcases here and only bring a smaller "day bag" with your valuables up to the seating area. Relax: Embrace the journey! Grab a coffee, head to the deck, and enjoy the Mediterranean breeze. The vacation officially starts the moment you step onto the boat.
Travel Note
Thursday PM, September 3 - Arrival in Paros
Welcome to Paros! When the ferry doors open, it can be a bit chaotic! Just follow the crowd off the boat and head toward the main road—taxis will be lined up to your left, and the walking path to the hotel follows the water to your right. Welcome to your home for the next few days. Paros is your playground, and we are so happy to have you here! Once the ferry docks and you’ve soaked in that first view of the Aegean, it’s time to head to your home base. Getting to Pandrossos Hotel After disembarking, you have two easy options to get to the hotel: By Foot (13-minute walk): If you have light luggage, it’s a scenic stroll along the coastal road. By Car/Taxi (5-minute drive): There is a taxi stand located right at the port. Settling In Once you’ve checked in and dropped your bags, take a moment to refresh and get your bearings. Breakfast is included in your stay each morning from 8:30 am- 11:00 am. If you need to stock up on essentials, everything is within a short walk: Groceries: Supermarket ΚΡΗΤΙΚΟΣ is just a 6-minute walk from the hotel. Perfect for grabbing snacks, water, or a bottle of local wine for your balcony. Pharmacy: Parian Pharmacy (Skiada) is also within easy walking distance for any last-minute needs or sunblock refills. What’s Next? Take the afternoon to explore the winding white-washed alleys of Parikia, grab lunch, or simply relax by the pool. We’ll be ready to greet you as you arrive, and we can’t wait to kick things off together at the Welcome Reception tonight!
Travel Note
Heading Home: The Return Journey
When it’s finally time to say goodbye to Paros, you’ll essentially follow your arrival steps in reverse! Since many of you will be departing on different days, here is a quick guide to help you navigate your trip back to Athens. We highly recommend not booking your return ferry and your flight on the same day. While the ferries are generally reliable, the Aegean winds (called the Meltemi) can sometimes cause delays or even cancellations. To keep your trip stress-free, we suggest heading back to the mainland at least one day before your flight home. 1. Booking Your Return Ferry Just like your arrival, we recommend using FerryHopper to book your return trip from Paros to Rafina (or Piraeus, depending on your post-wedding plans). The "Rafina" Reminder: If you are heading straight to the airport, booking a ferry back to Rafina is much more convenient than Piraeus. Buffer Time: We recommend booking a ferry that arrives in Athens at least 4–5 hours before your flight departure. While the ferries are generally reliable, the Aegean winds can sometimes cause minor delays. 2. Getting to the Paros Port Taxis: You can have the hotel front desk call a taxi for you about 30–45 minutes before your ferry departure. Walking: If you’re traveling light, the walk from the Pandrossos Hotel back to the port is an easy 13-minute stroll along the water. 3. From Rafina to the Airport Once you dock in Rafina, getting to Athens International Airport (ATH) is a breeze: Pre-Booked Transfer: You can schedule a pickup through Welcome Pickups or BabyTaxi to meet you at the pier. Taxis: There is a managed taxi rank directly outside the ferry exit. The ride to the airport takes about 20–25 minutes. The Bus: There is also a regional bus (KTEL) that runs from the port directly to the airport. 4. Recommend: Staying in Athens Spend your final night in Rafina (back at Hotel Avra), or head into Central Athens to see the Acropolis and enjoy one last Greek dinner in Plaka!
Hotel
Pandrossos Hotel Information
Pandrossos Hotel is pleased to offer exclusive special rates that are not available on our website: Room Types & Special Rates Standard Double/Twin : 188 € Sea view Superior Double/Twin : 208 € Sea view overlooking Parikia Bay Deluxe Suite Double : 256 € Renovated this winter, premium sea view Deluxe Room Description Each spacious 25 m² Deluxe Room (4 in total) offers breathtaking views over Parikia and the Aegean Sea, combining refined simplicity with elegant design. Thoughtfully appointed with high-end finishes and modern comforts, these rooms provide a serene and luxurious stay. Special Offer for Extended Stays Guests who extend their stay in Paros can benefit from our Stay 7, Pay 6 nights offer. Booking Instructions Guests may book directly online. To secure the special rate, please include the note “C & G Wedding” when completing the reservation. Payment & Cancellation Policy Payment Policy Full payment is required at the time of the reservation (by 20/12/2025.) Cancellation Policy Cancellations made up to 90 days before the group’s arrival: no fees apply. Cancellations made between 89 and 30 days before arrival: 50% charge. Cancellations made less than 30 days before arrival, as well as no-shows: 100% charge.
Discount Code - C & G Wedding