many years ago I took the slow boat from Athens(ish) to Samos (I think, it was a while ago) which cost about £15 and took about 15 hours. When I came back I casually asked about flights and was quoted about £25 which took way way way less than 15 hours.
The moral of my tale? go forth and ask about flights.
Cheapest way to Leros seems to be UK to Kos by Easyjet or Thompson, then catamaran to Leros, which takes two hours or so and doesn't cost a lot. Last year the flight from Athens to Leros was over €100, landing at the opposite end of the island.
Familly are booked to fly in by Thomson from EMA but the flight arrives after the ferry leaves KOS so I'm trying to find an option which doesnt involve an overnight stop in KOS.
The Flying Dolphins to Ay Marinaa did not run last year.
The cataraman (Dodekanisos seaways) timetable is here: http://www.12ne.gr/en/
Blue star ferries: http://www.bluestarferries.gr/
Anek Lines seemed to have dropped the route this year so there is much less choice than two years ago.
We fly out Weds and are spending a night in Kos. I don't think it's possible to do it in one day.
Thx all
I thought there were more options than 1 ferry a day but I guess that a night in KOS shouldnt be a problem for the familly. - Can anyone recommend a quiet hotel near the KOS ferry port ?