EZTrip.com International Destination Guide and Hotel Listings

ÁYIOS KONSTANDÍNOS is the closest port to Athens if you're heading for the islands of the Sporades. There are at least three daily car ferries or catamarans , usually at 8.30am, noon or 1pm and 6.45 or 7.30pm, to Skiáthos, with all midday departures continuing on to Skópelos, and all evening schedules calling at Alónissos too. Since the advent of the "Flying Cat" craft, the old-fashioned hydrofoil service has been cut back to just once daily, typically 10am to all three islands cited. For current ferry information contact Alkyon Travel (tel 02350/31 920); for catamaran or hydrofoil information call the Bilalis agency (tel 02350/31 614), adjacent on the main square.

There should be no reason to stay in Áyios Konstandínos, but if you're stranded you can choose from among eight hotels - try the D-class Hotel Poulia (tel 02350/31 663; ¬24-42) with some en-suite rooms, or the more pleasant Amfitryon (tel 02350/31 702; ¬34-42) on the waterfront - and a campsite , Camping Blue Bay (tel 02350/314 25). O Faros Taverna by the sea serves up a variety of seafood delights.

KAMÉNA VOÚRLA , 9km west, has a better beach; this is, however, very much a resort, used mainly by Greeks attracted by the spas here and at nearby Loutrá Thermopylíon. Seafood aficionados are well looked after at the long line of decent fish tavernas along the promenade here, particularly at Falaraïka in Áyios Pandelímon district, and there are scores of acceptable hotels and rooms on the main street and shady backstreets.