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Greek Ferries

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FerriesinGreece is one of the best and top-rated online booking engines for ferry tickets to Greece (from Italy) and the Greek Islands, awarded for its services, and operating since 2008. We don't just sell ferry tickets. We offer you a personalized follow-up and assistance during and after your ticket purchase. We have a specialized team who is ready to assist you with issues that might arise and help you get to your destinations safely and with peace of mind. We are here to handle anything that might occur regarding your ferry trip. In case of ferry cancellations due to bad weather conditions (strong winds), which is common in August, or an engine failure, we will provide you with all possible alternatives. For this, we charge a small fee per reservation. Our goal is to offer you a trouble-free holiday in Greece full of beautiful experiences and memories.

Why book Ferries with us

BOOKING PROCESS: HOW IT WORKS

The booking process is very easy and user-friendly. We have gathered all available destinations, ferry companies, and routes. You only have to follow 4 simple steps. Before booking your Greek ferries, you can also check the cancellation policies of our company and of all ferry companies.

Make a simple search or a multiple itinerary search (island-hopping).
The results will show you all available ferry companies and their vessels for the itinerary requested, along with the prices, the time of departures, and the trips durations. Select the most suitable for your needs.
Add your seat or cabin preferences as well as the name of the passengers.
Book online your ferry tickets on a secured server with your credit card or a PayPal account. You will receive an email with your vouchers or e-tickets instantly. If a ferry company does not provide e-tickets, you can get your tickets at the port before departure or have them sent to you by mail at your home or office.

DESTINATIONS

Get to Popular destinations by ferry

Ferry to Santorini

Regarded as one of the top holiday destinations worldwide, Santorini is simply mesmerizing. Renowned for the breathtaking view of the caldera, the amazing sunsets over the endless blue and the picturesque settlements, this is a unique experience.

Ferry to Mykonos

Known as "the windy island", the cosmopolitan island dazzles visitors with its amazing beaches, uplifting atmosphere, legendary nightlife as well as its extraordinary beauty. Combining fun with relaxation, Mykonos will awe you with its versatility.

Ferry to Paros

Combining the traditional Cycladic charm with an upbeat atmosphere, Paros offers you endless options; from the picturesque settlements and the amazing local cuisine to the inviting nightlife and breathtaking waters, this destination will enthuse you.

Ferry to Chania

With its distinctive traditional architecture, picturesque port and rich history, Chania is a destination that will warm your heart. The hospitable locals, the unique Cretan delicacies and the lively atmosphere will make your stay unforgettable.

Ferry to Rodos

Known as the "queen" of the Dodecanese, Rhodes offers incomparable beauty that will enthuse you with impressive medieval castles, breathtaking natural beauty and amazing beaches. Hospitable and lively, you will want to visit this island one again.

Ferry to Hydra

The cosmopolitan and elegant Hydra never loses its allure; with its traditional architecture and the glamour of a past era, this enchanting and historic small island is an ideal choice for those who seek to experience an authentic side of the islands

TESTIMONIALS

What Customers Say

I booked tickets to Mykonos and Santorini. The customer support representative answered all of my questions and the tickets arrived via courier in 4 days after the order. The ferries were easy to board and very comfortable which helped to make a great trip. I reccomend the company to all friends!

I booked my ferry tickets on line, and that was very easy and convenient. A little later I had to cancel some tickets and change the dates when I was not in Greece yet. And the service managers helped me to solve those problems very rapidly, and gave me all information about that. Besides, when during booking process I had some problems with on-line communication, the service managers advised me by E-mail very rapidly and helped me to solve that problem too. So I liked the service very much, and will use it again during my next visit to Greece. Thanks for great service!

This was also my first time in Greece, and after spending some time to find a reliable website, I found it at Ferries in Greece. Very easy booking system, followed by a confirmation email with all booking details. Quite helpful getting the tickets at the agency offices that can be found on every island. So, highly recommended.

This was my first time using Ferries in Greece, and I found the system and company a great asset to our holidays in Greece. You can choose the times and combinations that suit you on the website, and can either have the tickets delivered to you (for a fee) or just pick them up at the various ports. Really recommend this.

Ferry Companies in Greece

Latest blog posts.

Ferry from Athens to Mykonos

So, you want to travel by ferry from Athens to Mykonos? Let us guess. You don’t know much about the details of this popular route. No problem, because we’re here to help!

Ferry from Athens to Santorini

Traveling to Santorini is a dream coming true for many. But, it can also become complicated, if you don’t know all the tips that will make your trip smooth. Well, we’re here to offer our help!

Best Island-Hopping Itineraries

Island-hopping in Greece is included in every traveler’s bucket list. Okay, maybe this is a bold statement. You get our point, though!

INFORMATION

Customer Support

Frequently asked questions (faq).

Greek Ferries – My Guide

Greece › Ferries in Greece Updated: April 22, 2024 By Santorini Dave

Popular Routes

Athens to Crete Ferry
Athens to Milos Ferry
Athens to Mykonos Ferry
Athens to Naxos Ferry
Athens to Paros Ferry
Athens to Santorini Ferry
Crete to Athens Ferry
Crete to Santorini Ferry
Mykonos to Santorini Ferry
Mykonos to Athens Ferry
Santorini to Athens Ferry
Santorini to Crete Ferry
Santorini to Milos Ferry
Santorini to Mykonos Ferry
Santorini to Naxos Ferry
Santorini to Paros Ferry

Ferry Ports

Piraeus Port Guide
Santorini Port Guide
Heraklion Port Guide
Mykonos Port Guide

Electronic ferry tickets on phone when boarding a Greek ferry.

Most tickets booked through FerryHopper will be electronic tickets that you will download to your phone and show as you’re boarding the ferry.

Greek Ferries – Tickets & Schedules Electronic ticket on a phone for boarding a Greek ferry. How I book ferry tickets: FerryHopper.com – the best site to book ferries in Greece (in advance). Great for researching ferry timetables, costs, and schedules. This is how I book almost every ferry ticket I buy in Greece. Most ferries do not sell out. But for peace of mind, I book tickets 2 to 3 months in advance. Most tickets are electronic tickets, which means you do not have to pick up a paper ticket before boarding. Instead, online check-in is available 48 hours to 30 minutes before departure; after check-in you can download your boarding pass to your phone. If a ticket purchased online doesn’t have a barcode that usually means you’ll need to pick up a paper ticket when in Greece. This is most often done at the ferry port 30 to 45 minutes before departure. Don’t worry about pick up – it’s easy and effortless and usually very close to your actual ferry. Ferries will leave on time from their first departure port in the morning (usually large ports like Piraeus, Heraklio, and Rhodes) but will often be late arriving and departing from all onward ports – usually getting later as the day progresses. Most areas in Greece have public transportation strikes on various dates throughout the year. These strikes can affect all forms of transit, including, buses, trains, ferries, flights, and taxis. During strikes no buses, no ferries, and only a handful of trains and domestic flights will depart on time (or at all); taxis tend to be the least affected mode of transport. Though strikes can occur at any time, there is always a huge strike on May 1. Avoid booking any ferries or trains that day.

Ferries in Greece – The 2024 Guide

A greek ferry in Piraeus Port near Athens, Greece.

A ferry departing to Paros, Naxos, and Santorini from the Piraeus ferry port near Athens.

The Greek ferry system is the lifeblood of the Aegean, connecting the mainland with the dozens of inhabited islands. As a traveler to Greece, you’ll find that the ferries are an indispensable and quintessential part of your journey, offering a unique and enjoyable way to explore the landscapes and cultures of the islands. I much prefer taking a ferry than flying between the islands. Main Ferry Companies • Blue Star Ferries: Known for their reliability and comfort, Blue Star Ferries offers frequent connections between the mainland and islands such as Crete, Rhodes, and the Cyclades. • Hellenic Seaways: Operating both high-speed catamarans and conventional ferries, Hellenic Seaways covers numerous routes throughout the Aegean and Saronic Gulf. • SeaJets: Specializing in high-speed vessels, SeaJets provides quick connections between popular island destinations in the Cyclades, Crete, and the Saronic Gulf. • ANEK Lines: Focusing primarily on routes between the mainland and Crete, ANEK Lines also serves several other island destinations. • Minoan Lines: Known for their luxurious amenities, Minoan Lines operates routes between the mainland and Crete, as well as international routes to Italy. Main Ferry Routes • Cyclades: A favorite among tourists, the Cyclades include popular islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros. Ferries depart frequently from Piraeus and Rafina ports near Athens. • Dodecanese: This island group, including Rhodes and Kos, is located close to the Turkish coast and is well-connected by ferries from Piraeus and other nearby islands. • Ionian Islands: Located on the western side of Greece, the Ionian Islands, such as Corfu and Zakynthos, are accessible from the mainland ports of Igoumenitsa and Patras. • Crete: As Greece’s largest island, Crete has a robust ferry network with connections from Piraeus, as well as the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands. • Saronic Gulf: The islands of the Saronic Gulf, including Aegina and Hydra, are a short ferry ride from Piraeus and are popular day trip destinations for visitors to Athens. Types of Ferries • High-Speed Catamarans: These vessels are the fastest option, reducing travel time significantly. They offer a smooth ride but can be more expensive and are more susceptible to cancellations due to rough sea conditions. • Conventional Ferries: These are slower but offer more space and amenities, such as open decks, restaurants, and cabins. They are also generally more affordable and better suited for those traveling with vehicles. • Flying Dolphins: Small, high-speed hydrofoil boats that provide quick connections between nearby islands, especially in the Saronic Gulf. Booking Tickets Ferry tickets can be purchased online (recommended), at travel agencies , or directly at the port . It is advisable to book in 2 to 3 months in advance, especially for the peak summer season (June to September) when popular routes can sell out quickly. Be sure to arrive at the port at least 30 minutes before departure, as boarding procedures can be unpredictable and boarding gates can change with little notice. Note about Greek ferries, routes, and schedules: all the information below can change with little notice. Please double-check everything on your own to ensure the ferry schedules work with your plans. The Best Website for Booking Greek Ferry Tickets FerryHopper.com is great for buying Greek ferry tickets in advance. If you don’t want to book in advance then it’s fine to book in Greece at any shop that says “Ferry Tickets for Sale”. Booking online will occasionally have a small extra fee but that’s usually only if you want to have them delivered to you. Within Greece, ticket prices are all the same regardless of where you purchase. Greek Ferry Schedules and Costs for 2024 To research ferry timetables and ticket prices, visit FerryHopper.com – it’s the best site for booking ferry tickets in Greece. They make it super easy to find what routes are available for your itinerary, and ticket prices are clearly communicated.

Greek Island Route Map

Map showing the ferry ports of the Cyclades islands.

Direct connections between every island are not the norm. Ferries typically connect Athens with every major island, then hop to other nearby islands.

Common Ferry Routes for the Greek Islands Athens to the Greek Islands – For almost all Greek islands in the Aegean there is at least one ferry per day to and from Athens, 365 days a year. There are two ferry ports that serve Athens – Piraeus is closer to the city, and Rafina is closer to the airport. Most travelers will want to use Piraeus, as it is easy to access via central Athens and serves the most ferry routes to the islands. Mykonos to Santorini – Daily ferries usually run from late March to early October. In other months you’ll need to ferry or fly via Athens. Naxos, Paros, Ios to Santorini – Daily ferries usually run year-round. Crete to Santorini – Daily ferries usually run from late March to late October. In other months you’ll need to ferry or fly via Athens. Rhodes to Crete – Sporadic service year-round, often on an overnight service. Rhodes to Santorini, Mykonos, Cyclades – There are daily ferries from Rhodes to Athens that will sometimes make stops in a Cycladic island (usually Syros, Naxos, or Paros). From there you can take a ferry to other Cycladic islands. Corfu to Santorini, Crete, Mykonos – There are no ferries from the west coast islands (Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia) to the Cycladic islands, Crete, Rhodes, or any of the islands in the Aegean. Italy to Greece – There are summer ferries from the east coast of Italy to the west coast of Greece (Corfu, Igoumenitsa, Patras) but no ferries from Italy to Crete, Italy to Santorini, Italy to Mykonos, or any of the islands in the Cyclades. Greek Island Ferry Pass There is no ferry pass for Greece or the Greek islands. Eurail does have a pass that includes a ferry ticket from Italy to the west coast of Greece and then a limited number of ferry passes within the Aegean. Whether this train and ferry pass is worth it depends on a wide range of variables and how much you plan to use the train while in western Europe (there are few functional train routes for tourists in Greece. Occasionally, there will be Greek island package vacations advertised that include a “Greek Island Ferry Pass” – the ferry passes are just individual ferry tickets purchased by the Holiday company. These holiday packages are rarely a good deal – you’ll usually get better prices by booking hotel, ferry, and flight on your own. Greek Ferry App for Maps and Routes I highly recommend downloading the Marine Traffic app . It shows the position of all ferries on their routes. It’s super handy. If you’re catching a ferry you’ll be able to see where it is and take a pretty good guess on how late it will be (they’re always late) and when you should actually get to the port. It’s a lot of fun – you’ll be that guy standing on the dock saying to no one in particular, “Yeah, that must be the 9 o’clock from Naxos. Running a little late today.”

FAQ – Greek Ferries How much do ferry tickets cost on Greek ferries? Every route is different. It’s based partially on distance but a 20-mile ferry hop will still be 50% of a 200-mile run – so you pay more for each stop then you do for each mile. There are no return tickets or multi-stop ticket. Every destination is an individual ticket. How many ferries per day run on most island routes? This can range from a half-dozen ferries between popular islands per day in summer (say, Naxos to Paros) to one ferry per day for some routes in the winter months. And, of course, many islands are not connected at all (e.g. Corfu and Santorini) or are only connected during the summer months (Mykonos and Santorini; Santorini and Crete). The closer two islands are the more likely they’ll be connected by a direct ferry. Where to buy ferry tickets in Athens? Ferry tickets are easily purchased at numerous travel agents located all around central Athens. Travel agencies will typically have large sidewalk signs outside their shop with the words Ferry to Islands, Blue Star, or Hellenic Ferries in big bold headings. All travel agencies will sell all ferry tickets and price will not differ from one agency to the next. You can also purchase at the Piraeus Ferry Port just before boarding your ferry. Do Greek island ferries sell out? Yes, some Greek ferries do sell out. Especially on popular routes between islands (e.g. Mykonos to Santorini ). Large Blue Star ferries almost never sell out. Is it cheaper to buy Greek ferry tickets in advance? No, it’s not cheaper to buy ferry tickets in advance. The reasons to buy ferry tickets in advance is convenience and to avoid sold-out ferries. Can you buy food on board a Greek ferry? Yes. Sandwiches, ice cream, pastries, chips, cookies, beer, wine, coffee, and soft drinks are available on almost all Greek ferries. What are the bathrooms like on a Greek ferry? Toilets and bathrooms are quite nice and kept in a good level of cleanliness. Are ferries rough? Will I get seasick on a Greek ferry? Ferries can be bumpy during rough seas and windy weather. Generally, the bigger the ferry the smoother the ride. If you’re susceptible to seasickness then try to travel on the Blue Star ferry. I find getting up and walking about can lead to seasickness even if you were feeling fine. Try to stay seated as much as possible. They do have sick bags, so ask for them when you board if you think it might be an issue. How long before departure should I arrive at the ferry port? 30 minutes is fine, maybe 45 minutes if you have to pick up your reserved tickets. Ferries do not wait for anyone.

Good ferry for first-time visitors to Greece.

Passengers at the Santorini ferry port boarding the Santorini to Mykonos ferry . The Seajets Worldchampion Jet is one of the most popular ferries in Greece. Island hopping by ferry is a fun and easy-going way to get between the Greek Islands .

What if my ferry gets rescheduled? Ferry schedules can and do change, often within days of a scheduled departure. (This is a good reason to wait to pick up your tickets until you’re at the port. If you print your ticket before a schedule occurs, you’ll have to deal with the hassle and fees involved with getting a new, correct, ticket printed.) In the case of a schedule change, you will receive a notification via email or text. Usually, the change in departure time is minimal, but if the new scheduled time doesn’t work for your itinerary, you will have to cancel your ticket and make alternate travel plans. Note that a scheduling change may be due to a routing change, making your trip longer – or shorter – than expected. If you have timing concerns, it’s a good idea to double check the vessel’s route. What if my ferry gets canceled? In the rare case that your ferry route is canceled altogether, you will be responsible for finding and making new travel plans. Cancellation fees are generally not incurred. Here is a ferry cancellation notice that I received from FerryHopper : What is the best way to get from central Athens to the Piraeus ferry port? There is a direct train from downtown Athens (Monastiraki station) to the Piraeus ferry port. It takes about 20 minutes from central Athens to the ferry port. What is the best way to get from the Athens airport to the Piraeus ferry port? The easiest way from the airport to the ferry port is the train. First, take the airport train into Athens. Switch trains at the Monastiraki station to the M1 line which will take you straight to the ferry port. Trains do not run 24 hours so if you’re traveling in the middle of the night then use the X96 bus to the ferry port. What are the main ferry companies in Greece? There are more than two dozen ferry companies operating in Greece. The largest companies with the most routes are Blue Star , Minoan Lines , Golden Star , Seajets , Fast Ferries , and Hellenic Seaways .

A Blue Star ferry docked in Chania, Crete.

A Seajets (Worldchampion Jet) ferry docked at a port in the Cycladic Islands.

Hellenic Seaways ferry in the Piraeus port.

Minoan Lines ferry in the Piraeus port.

A Fast Ferries ship in Piraeus port.

A Golden Star ferry sailing through the Santorini caldera.

See Also Athens Travel Guide Santorini Travel Guide Mykonos Travel Guide Greek Ferries – Tips & Information There are 4 main types of Greek ferries. The largest (and most common) is the car/passenger ferry, often called a car ferry (though some high-speed ferries also take cars). This is a Blue Star ferry. SeaJets, Golden Star, and Anek lines also have similar large ferries. Smaller than the car ferries are the high speed catamarans. SeaJet has similar ferries: Tera Jet (a little bigger) and Champion Jet (a little smaller). These ferries can give a rough ride in choppy seas but are generally pretty stable. The next smallest ferries are the small catamarans like the Superjet, SeaJet2, and Supercat. These will have the bumpiest rides and are not a great choice if you have trouble with seasickness. They’re also more likely to get cancelled due to bad weather. The smallest ferries are the flying dolphins that primarily do the route between Piraeus and the Saronic Gulf Islands of Hydra, Aegina, Spetses, Angistri, and Poros. First class and business seating is usually worth the extra cost for their roomier seats and quieter atmosphere. If you do get economy seating (on the Blue Star), then I recommend getting reserved seats (airplane-style seating) for the small extra fee. This is airplane style seating for economy class seats. It only costs a few more euros which makes air seat reservations worth the price. The largest ferries offer sleeping cabins, great for long overnight routes. This is a four-bunk cabin on the Blue Star Galaxy from Athens to Rhodes. Each room has a desk, as well as a small bathroom with a (very small) shower. The large car ferries like the Blue Star are the only ones with outdoor deck seating. All outdoor seating is open for all seat classes. There’s no reserved outdoor seating. All ferries will have food, snacks, and drinks on board. It’s reasonably priced and good quality – but nothing fancy. In Athens there are many places to buy food and snacks before boarding the ferry. These shops (located directly across from the ferry port) are open 24-hours a day. Boarding the ferry with luggage. Arrive at the ferry about 20 to 30 minutes before departure. Ferries generally leave Athens on time but can be late for destinations along the route. For example, the Athens to Naxos, Paros, and Santorini ferry will leave Athens on time, but might be a little late leaving Naxos and Paros for Santorini. On large car ferries and large high speed ferries there is luggage storage on the bottom level as you enter the ship. Getting off the ferry in Santorini. Ships do not stop for long. Be downstairs with your luggage and ready to depart when the ferry pulls into your destination port. This is an actual Greek ferry ticket. It needs to have a barcode to be able to board the ferry. If it doesn’t have a bar code it is not a ferry ticket and you’ll need to pick up your actual ferry ticket from a ferry kiosk or travel agent (usually at the ferry port, 30 to 45 minutes before boarding). This is the email confirmation sent from Ferryhopper.com when an E-ticket has been booked. It states: You do not need to collect any paper tickets for your trip. Get your boarding passes using the corresponding check-in links and reservation details, as listed below. This is an email confirmation sent from Ferryhopper.com. Note: This is not a boarding ticket. It states: This email is not a boarding pass. You can collect your printed boarding passes in any of the of the collection points found on the following link. In Athens (Piraeus), the ticket kiosks to pick up ferry tickets are to the left as you enter the port area. Get here about 45 minutes before departure if you need to pick up ferry tickets. (i.e. If you don’t have an electronic ticket.) The ferry port in Athens is almost directly across the street from the subway station. Follow the crowds as they leave the train and you can’t miss the ferries. In Santorini, you pick up ferry tickets at travel agents in Fira, and sometimes at the port. Your confirmation email will specify. In Heraklio you’ll pick up ferry tickets at the port, directly in front of the departing ferries. You can buy ferry tickets from any shop that has signs like this. But you can only pick up reserved tickets from specific agencies which should be in your confirmation email.

In summary, taking the ferry in Greece is a delight and should be your main form of transportation between the islands.

Athens Ferry Port
Heraklio Ferry Port
Santorini Ferry Port
Mykonos Ferry Port Guide
Athens to Crete Ferries
Athens to Milos Ferries
Athens to Mykonos Ferries
Athens to Naxos Ferries
Athens to Paros Ferries
Athens to Santorini Ferries
Crete to Athens Ferries
Crete to Santorini Ferries
Milos to Athens Ferries
Milos to Santorini Ferries
Mykonos to Rafina Ferries
Mykonos to Santorini Ferries
Naxos to Athens Ferries
Naxos to Santorini Ferries
Paros to Athens Ferries
Paros to Santorini Ferries
Rafina to Mykonos Ferries
Santorini to Athens Ferries
Santorini to Crete Ferries
Santorini to Milos Ferries
Santorini to Naxos Ferries
Santorini to Paros Ferries
Santorini Cruises
How to Rent a Car in Greece
Best Hotels in Athens
Best Hotels in Corfu
Best Hotels in Crete
Best Hotels in Folegandros
Best Hotels in Ios
Best Hotels in Kefalonia
Best Hotels in Kos
Best Hotels in Milos
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About Santorini Dave

What are the baggage weight (and pieces per person limit) on Greek ferries? We’ll probably be booking SeaJets World Champion from Athens to Santorini in September. Thanks!

It varies by company and ferry so read the baggage allowance for your specific ferry. Small catamarans might allow substantially less than larger ferries like the World Champion Jet.

Trying to determine ferry schedules between Santorini and Mykonos, and between Mykonos and Piraeus and/or Rafina in November. It’s Blue Star and Super Express between Mykonos and Athens, and Sea Jet between Santorini and Mykonos. Do you know when they will post these November sailings?

Thanks. You have a nice site with great information.

There will definitely be ferries between Piraeus and Santorini (both ways) and between Piraeus and Mykonos (both ways) in November. It’s always uncertain when the last ferry runs between Mykonos and Santorini. Some years it’s November 1st, some years November 20th or even a little later. Schedules should be out by early September.

I have a flight out of Santorini next summer at 10:55am and I’m taking the ferry from Ios to Santorini (08:15am-9:00am) on a Seajets vessel. I heard ferries are notoriously late. Am I in jeopardy of missing my flight?

That is cutting it very close. I personally would not book those plans. It could easily be 9:30 when you’re walking off the ferry (without the SeaJet really being “late”). Then find a taxi and get up to the airport would probably get you to the terminal at 10:00. Lines can be long if you need to check in or check bags, so to have any chance of making it you should be fully checked in (with boarding pass) and have only carry on bags.

Hi Dave! We are scheduled June 20 on a Seajet from Santorini to Heraklion slated to arrive at 6 pm. It makes me a little nervous that you mention the ferries get more delayed as the day goes on because when we arrive we will have to pick up our rental car and drive two hours to Chania. How long of a delay are we typically talking about? If it’s hours delayed typically at this time of day I am really reluctant, and thinking of switching to a flight. Greatly appreciate your advice!!

That ferry is typically on time or close to it.

What is a reasonable layover time to get off 1 ferry at a port (e.g. Milos) and get on another ferry?

FerryHopper is suggesting 40 min is too little time, but 50 minutes is reasonable?

At all island ports ferries are literally steps from each other and there isn’t really a check-in process, you just show your ticket as you board. So in theory you only need a minute or two to walk off one ferry and walk on another. What you’re really concerned about is how late on-average will the first ferry be such that you might miss the second ferry and that’s hard to generalize. I would be comfortable with a one-hour difference between two ferries. 30-minutes seems cutting it close. But there’s no right answer. Hope that helps.

Thanks for the valuable information. Do you know when next year’s ferry schedule will be released? When has it been released in the past?

Trying to book a trip in April.

It doesn’t follow any set pattern and can change year to year. But my best guess for April ferry schedules is December or January.

Hi Dave – Would you recommend SeaJets Champion Jet 2 or Blue Star Delos from Naxos to Santorini on 30 October. We want the most reliable ferry as well as the least likely to cause seasickness. Thanks in advance!

The Blue Star ferry will be the most reliable and stable and has an outdoor deck that you can walk about for fresh air and great views as you sail through the caldera.

Hi Dave…Do you know if Santorini has any ferries going anywhere besides Athens in November? I can’t find any schedules online but I’m surprised there is absolutely nothing except Athens, don’t locals need to get around too? Cheers! Mario

Locals typically need to go to Athens and from there towns and villages on the mainland. But they generally don’t need to go to other islands hence the limited inter-island ferry schedule. That said the Blue Star from Santorini to Athens will usually stop in Naxos and Paros on the way – and less often Ios.

Hi Dave, We are trying to go directly from mainland Greece (any port) directly to Ithaka on Sunday, June 6. I cannot seem to find any information on car ferry schedules for this, though I have read they run. Ideally, we would like to leave in the morning.

Have they just not published the ferry routes yet or are they not running this year? Any information you have would be very helpful. Thank you!

Yes, ferries should run but they haven’t been published/updated for the summer quite yet. The itineraries announced for Kyllini to Ithaca are up to April 23rd. Since Levante Ferries is serving the line in winter, they should serve it also during summer. A new line was also added last year from Astakos to Ithaca, serving daily itineraries. The summer itineraries are not yet announced, but again they should post in the following weeks. Check Ferryhopper for the most recent routes and timetables.

Hi Dave. We would like to take a ferry from Crete to Santorini on the 3rd of September. There are only 2 ferries available (from Heraklion): The Naxos Jet & Champion Jet 2 (on Ferryhopper). We prefer the Blue Star (on your recommendation), but it is not available. Any suggestions? Thanks.

The Blue Star does not run between Santorini and Crete. Those two ferries are your only options but both are fine ferries.

Hi Dave!! I have a 16 year old person traveling from Athens to Folegandros. She’s not traveling alone but couldn’t get her on her cousins’ reservation. Do you think this could be a problem as she is underage? And also even if I purchased her ticket from another company with the same schedule as her cousins’ my guess is that it’s the same ferry, isn’t it? I imagined there is only one route a day from Athens to Folegandros?

They don’t check ID or age bording the ferry so there should not be a problem. If it’s the departing at the same time it will almost certainly be the same ferry. But the ticket should give the name and company of the ship – which will tell you for sure.

Are the ferries nonsmoking? We have an asthmatic so very curious about this or at least the nonsmoking area? Also, is there a place to find a map of sorts to show the location of each section of the reserved air seating (AK 1-5)? I am having no luck on the BlueStar website. Thank you!

There’s no smoking inside on Greek ferries. Just outside on the deck. I don’t know of a Blue Star seating map.

We are trying to book a ferry midweek from Rhodes to Symi for first week in June and staying for two nights. All the ferry companies we have tried are not offering any availability. Are the timetables not out yet or is it too late?

I just looked on Ferryhopper and there was a daily ferry leaving Rhodes for Symi at 9am.

I recently tried to purchase ferry tickets from Mykonos to Santorini on FerryHopper for 1 May. The site would not sell the tickets and states there will be a planned strike on that day (May Day), and no ferries will be operating. That happens to be the day my friends and I were planning to travel between the two islands.

I can’t find any information to confirm this on the web. Can you confirm? Also, are there any other reasonably-priced ways to travel between these two islands on 1 May other than a flight back to Athens and then another flight to Santorini (definitely not reasonably-priced)?

Cheers, Les

A strike has been held every year on the 1st of May for the past 15 years. In order to save users from extra re-arrangements, Ferryhopper has blocked ticket sales on that day, even before the strike is announced officially (usually the official announcement happens in late April). It is 99% sure that the routes on that day will get canceled.

Hi Dave. We want to take the ferry from Athens to Symi on June 11. Up until April the timetable shows 3 ferries a week, one of which is the day we want (a Tuesday I think, overnight) but after that the timetable only shows a Sunday ferry. Is this because the full timetable has not been listed as yet? We want to book a cabin. Thanks and hope to hear from you.

Yes, should be many more ferries added within a month or two.

Hi Dave, I’ve been waiting for the ferry schedule from Crete to Milos in April as I have booked accommodation on Milos. I was hoping to book on Sunday 14th. It looks like the schedule is finally out now, but there are no ferries at all that week. Do you know why?

As of now the first ferry of the summer from Crete to Cyclades runs on April 15 from Heraklion to Santorini (from there you could get to Milos on a different ferry). Before the 15th you’d need to travel via Piraeus (which is a long trek). The F/B Prevelis ferry starts one-per-week runs on April 21 but some of these are overnight ferries that take 10+ hours until a different schedule starts in late May/early June.

The online reviews for all of the ferry companies are terrible. Is there one particular provider that is better than the others?

Generally, you hear about the things that went wrong but not the trips that were on time and uneventful. If someone travels from Athens to Mykonos without any problems they don’t go on Tripadvisor to rave about it. So, Greek ferries do have their shortcomings but for the most part they get you to where you’re going safely and (almost) on time. That said, of all the Greek ferry companies Blue Star and Hellenic Seaways are probably the best run and most reliable.

Now in mid-February do you think it is a good date to book June ferry travel or is it likely that some lines are yet to be announced?

Yes, it’s possible that some new routes could be announced. If you wanted a cabin I would book asap but for other tickets waiting a month or two would be fine (and booking now will very likely be fine too).

Hi Dave, if I book a ferry from Santorini to Sifnos and it has stops at Folegandros and Milos on the way, can I disembark and stay in Folegandros for a couple of nights and/or Milos for a few nights before carrying on to Sifnos and using the same ferry ticket or do you have to buy tickets for each individual leg of the journey i.e. a ticket from Santorini to Folegandros, then from Folegandros to Milos, then Milos to Sifnos? Obviously, that would be a lot more expensive however the ferry is going on the same journey, just a few days apart. How can I get a ticket that allows the multiple stops along the way?

There are no multiple stop or return ferry tickets in Greece. All tickets are one-way single stop tickets. If you get off the boat you need a separate ticket to get back on again whether it be a few hours or a few days later.

Hi Dave, do you know if I need to buy a ticket for a 6 month old baby?

Each ferry company has its own rules. On the Blue Star they should be free. On the Sea Jet they’d need a ticket. (Double check as even those rules could have changed.)

Hi Dave. What category of ferry does the SuperCat fall into? There is this option Athens to Milos and Milos to Naxos.

It’s on the smaller side but not the very smallest. For a short trip (less than 2 hours) it should be fine. But if you’re prone to seasickness a ferry ride of more than 3 hours could seem interminable (if you encountered some rough seas).

Hi we are travelling in June. We are two persons and one motorcycle. We are hoping to travel from Athens to Santorini and then want to end up in Turkey. Is this possible?

Yes, it’s possible. The most likely route is to take a ferry to either Kos or Rhodes (they run 2 or 3 times per week) and then a ferry across to Turkey (they run daily from both islands).

Hi Dave, I am looking at planning a trip to the islands In August this year. I want to go to Santorini, Ios, Mykonos, and possibly Naxos. What is the best order to see them in?

Because of the ferry routes the best order of islands is Santorini to Ios to Naxos to Mykonos – or Mykonos to Naxos to Ios to Santorini.

Hello Can you please let me know if there are ferries from Santorini to Rhodes? I am planning trip for June. Thank you.

Ferry schedules are not out yet for June. If there are ferries from Santorini to Rhodes they will probably be overnight ferries and run 2 or 3 times per week.

Hi Santorini Dave! I’m planning a trip to Greece in June for our Honeymoon and I’ve been researching a lot on the ferry services in the Cyclades. So far your article is the most concise and informative that I’ve read. I would just like to ask if it is advisable that we take Seajets as I’ve been reading a lot of bad reviews on them but so far, they are the only ones who a schedule available for June and have the fastest boats.

Thank you very much in advance!

SeaJets are generally fine though they do have a higher rate of cancellations. The small SeaJets will also have the roughest ride (the SeaJet2 and the Superjet) but there are many SeaJet ferries that are not small and are similar to other ferries. And finally, there are some routes where SeaJet is the only ferry so you don’t have any choice unless you want to take two ferries via another island. All that said, it is very early and ferry schedules might not be fully released until January or February – there could still be several other choices available by the time you need to book. Wait a few months before making any decisions. Ferries will not sell out before April or May (and likely won’t sell out at all).

Hi Santorini Dave. Just wanted to know if Greek ferries run in February from Athens to Mykonos and Mykonos to Santorini? Or do they just start operating in March?

There will be ferries in February running from Athens to Santorini and from Athens to Mykonos. But no ferries between Santorini and Mykonos until mid or late March (maybe even early April).

Hi Santorini Dave! This site has been an amazing resource for my fiance and me to plan our 2 week honeymoon for mid-late June. We’re thinking about flying from Athens into Heraklion (staying in Elounda) for several days and then would like to visit Milos and Naxos before flying back to the US from Athens. What would be the best travel order between Heraklion and Athens? Heraklion-Milos-Naxos-Athens vs Heraklion-Naxos-Milos-Athens? Many thanks! Michael

There’s really no way of knowing until the ferry schedules come out. And even then would likely be dependent on what day of the week you’re traveling.

Thank you for all the helpful information. We are planning a trip to Greece next May and would like to take an overnight ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion, which would arrive at 6:00 a.m. Do you know if it’s possible to stay on the ferry later than the scheduled arrival time, or are we expected to be up, dressed, and ready to disembark at 6:00? We are planning to book an outside cabin–is there any way to specify the cabin location we’d prefer?

No, you won’t be able to stay in your cabin after arrival. The ferry will be buzzing with activity as they prepare it for the next departure (probably at 8:30 or 9:00). You can specify an inward-facing cabin or outward-facing – but nothing else.

Hello Dave, I can’t tell you how helpful your site it. We are planning on going to Greece October 6-15 we are trying to figure out the ferry schedule from Ios to Mykonos but not sure if the ferry schedule is limited due that time of the year. Is there a travel agency that you know of that could help us navigate the ferry schedules and help us purchase the tickets. Thank you soooo much. Lisa

There is a Champion Jet2 by SeaJets that leaves Ios at 11:30am and gets to Mykonos at 1:05pm. It runs every day except for Saturday. Easy to book through Ferryhopper.com .

We are travelling from Folegandros to Santorini on September 25th and have a choice of SeaJet2 at 11:10 am or SuperJet at 9:10 pm – any recommendation for timing or seasickness reasons?

Then Santorini to Heraklion on Friday September 28th and have 3 choices all around 5PM: Champion Jet 2, Caldera Vista, and Santorini Palace. One later choice is also possible, Superferry at 7:15pm but slower. I assume it’s the largest boat from seasickness point of view despite being slower? Again any recommendation?

Thank you in advance!

Both the ferries to Santorini are small and could be bumpy. I’d prefer the earlier ferry (which stops in Ios on the way) for the timing but the later ferry is direct and a little faster. All of the ferries to Crete are bigger and there’s little difference between them.

Hi Santorini Dave, we have just booked our ferry tickets on through Direct Ferries for early September from Santorini to Mykonos. Their email suggests we pick the tickets up from the port [Thira] on the day of departure. Is it possible to pick the tickets up earlier from anywhere in Fira as this is where we are staying? Also, does this ferry depart from Thira or Athinios Port or is this the same place? It is with SeaJet Champion 2.

Thanks and looking forward to your reply

All ferries depart from the Athinios ferry port about a 20-minute bus ride from Fira. You should be able to collect tickets from Nomikos Travel on the main street in Fira. But since your email says the port maybe it’s different in your case. Try Nomikos the day before and if that doesn’t work just get them when you go down to catch your ferry.

Could you recommend which ferry to take from Mykonos to Naxos for someone who easily gets seasick? You have recommended Bluestar for a stable ride, but it does not run this route. I see Superrunner ( 1 hr 40 min) and Ekaterini (1 h 20 min) – would these be similar in stability to the large Bluestar ferries? Thank you for all your time and energy in creating these informative guides – we love them!

Both of those ferries will be fine. The best (if available on your dates) are the Tera Jet and JET1/JET2 ferries. The absolute worst is the Flying Cat 4.

How long is the ferry ride from Piraeus ferry port to Santorini?

It depends what ferry and what route but from Athens to Santorini takes about 5 hours on the SeaJet, 5 hours on the Golden Star Superrunner, 5.5 hours on a Hellenic high speed ferry, and 7.5 hours on the Blue Star. Though the slowest the Blue Star is the only one that allows you to walk and sit on the outdoor decks.

Greek ferries

Book your tickets online

Arranging your upcoming vacation in Greece and the Greek Islands? Feeling unsure on how to book your Greek ferry transportation efficiently and hassle-free? Then look no further, we got you covered.

Greeka Ferries is one of the best and top-rated online booking engines for ferry tickets to Greece and the Greek Islands! Steadily operating since 2008, we provide every client with our specialized team’s award-winning ferry services and resolve any unforeseen issues with the efficiency you deserve. Our customer support is happy to assist you with any information you require about your booked Greek ferry journey on a daily basis. In the event of ferry cancellations due to bad weather conditions (i.e. strong winds, storms) that may occur during the summer season or any mechanical failure, rest assured that we will present to you every possible alternative. Your sea crossing journey and its booking by Greeka are guaranteed to be..plain sailing! Learn more about us!

WHY BOOK FERRIES WITH GREEKA?

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Greeka.com was a great way to book our ferry tickets. The website made it easy to select combinations of ferries from different ferry lines to facilitate our various trips.

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Got what we wanted online in terms of itinerary and price details and then booked tickets. No hassles when we turned up to exchange our email for our tickets at the ferry terminal. All smooth sailing after that.

I recently holidayed in Greece. This was the second trip I booked a series of ferry tickets using Greeka.com. All I can say is that everything was seamless! The tickets were available for collection at the designated collection points and there were no issues whatsoever! I will definitely use Greeka.com again to book ferry tickets.

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PORTS IN ATHENS AND MAINLAND GREECE

Information about the 3 ports of Athens and the main ports of Greece from which Greek ferries leave to the islands.

Ports of Athens

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GREEK FERRY COMPANIES

Terms, cancellation of tickets and embarkation policies.

Terms and Conditions Before making any ferry tickets reservation, read first our terms and conditions.
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Read about the types of Greek ferries: car ferries, catamaras, flying cats and highspeed ferries.

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Information on the security terms of the Greek ferries: safety equipment, trained crew, technical means and the official certification of security services.

The Greek shipping companies do their best to comply with international safety laws and quality standards to offer you a comfortable and enjoyable ferry trip. For their services, some ferry companies have been given an ISO Certification.

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How to Use Ferries for Greek Island Hopping (And the Best Way to Book Your Tickets)

This is a guide to traveling by ferry in Greece (and between Greece and Italy), including how to buy Greek ferry tickets with FerryHopper , which I’ve found to be the best option. Read on for more tips: how far in advance to buy them, the truth about potentially saving money buying ferry ticket “passes,” and many more!

At the beginning of a recent trip exploring two Greek islands , I flew from Athens to Paros (about a 40-minute flight ), and took the ferry back to the mainland. But if I’d realized how easy, cheap, and fairly fast it is to get around the Greek islands by ferry, I would have skipped the airplanes.

What’s in this guide:

A low-key island-hopping option:, what makes the ferryhopper app useful, in case you don’t speak greek…, ferry passes & discounts, cell service and wifi on greek ferries, tips for not getting seasick on a ferry, how to track your ferry in real time, watch the weather , watch out for transportation strike dates, how to go from italy to greece by ferry, final tips for your ferry departure day.

Are ferries always the most convenient option? Not always, no. Not when you’re trying to cross the entire Aegean Sea. But ferries still can be in better in important ways, not to mention a much more interesting way to travel.

First, while it does depend on the age and efficiency of the boat, traveling by ferry generally carries a much lower carbon footprint than flying the same distance. And for many reasons, ferries aren’t nearly as polluting as cruise ships . (Ferries generally don’t stay in port all day with their diesel engines running, or go out to sea and illegally dump sewage.)

[ Related: Here’s the story of how I calculated my carbon emissions from flights , and which travel carbon calculators are best for flights, cruises, ferries, trains, and car trips.]

And in Greece, taking a ferry often costs less than flying the same route, especially when you’re booking just a few days or a couple of weeks in advance. (Ferry companies don’t raise prices for last-minute tickets the way airlines do.)

Ferries can be slower, but often not by much – when you consider that you have to get to the airport much earlier to go through security. (For ferry travel, you just show up with your tickets – usually on your phone – and walk onto the boat.)

Basics for Island Hopping with Greek ferries:

Island-hopping is pretty straightforward in Greece, given the extensive ferry system.

First, all ferry tickets are one-way . Generally, you don’t have to buy them months or even weeks in advance (except when booking private cabins for long trips). Otherwise, a few days is almost always enough.

So ferry-hopping is a fairly flexible kind of travel for such a popular European destination. In the high season – roughly June through September – you’ll want to think about locking in flights and booking hotels in advance (or vacation rentals, like AirBnb or alternatives ) more than ferries.

(If you’re picky about where you sleep, that is. If you’re not, there are enough hotels on the Greek islands that you’ll always be able to find somewhere to sleep on short notice.)

Side note: If you want to skip the ferries, go full-relax and mostly stay put, it’s still possible to see more than one island with a minimum of stress. You can always book a catamaran tour (or even a couple) starting from your home-base island and visiting others.

These are a few multi-island tours I found on Get Your Guide :

Where to Buy Greek Ferry Tickets

There is no single, official Greek ferry website, because dozens of ferry companies operate in Greece and around the Mediterranean.

Just as multiple airlines fly the same routes every day, multiple ferry companies sail the same routes with different departure times and – importantly – different speeds. The company you sail with determines the size and speed of your ferry, which can make hours of difference in your travel day, and make a big difference in your comfort if you’re prone to seasickness.

You probably don’t go straight to Delta or British Airways to check ticket prices – you start at Kayak or Skyscanner or Momondo to see what your options are. (At least that’s how I do it.)

Well, FerryHopper is the Kayak of ferry tickets in Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Turkey, Morocco, Algeria, Malta, Scandinavia and many other destination with abundant coastlines!

Here’s the map of most their destinations . (Scandinavian ferry routes aren’t highlighted on the map yet, even though you can book them with FerryHopper.)

FerryHopper map:

Map of the ferry routes travelers can book on FerryHopper in Greece, Northern Africa, and between European countries.

And after several uses, I was impressed by how well the site worked. This is why:

FerryHopper lets you compare routes, prices and schedules for different European ferry companies. You can buy tickets with – no markup or fee – and keep all your ticket confirmations and ferry boarding passes in one place on their app.

Trust me, this is far easier than tracking down each ferry company operating in Greece, or wherever you’re island-hopping, and checking each website individually.

After comparing with other booking sites, I think FerryHopper is the best website to book ferries in Greece. First, it doesn’t add any fees , which is unique. ( FerryHopper prices are exactly the same as what the ferry companies charge directly.)

And both their website and app are very user-friendly and easy to use . (Just scroll to the bottom of their homepage for the link to download the app.)

I wasn’t expecting much from this app, but it was surprisingly useful! Here’s why:

First of all, for most ferries, you can use the app to check in – meaning you don’t have to go to a ticket office at the port to pick up paper tickets . This varies slightly by the country and ferry company, but in most cases paper tickets aren’t necessary if you have the FerryHopper app.
The app stores all of your planned trips and tickets in one place.
It shows the departure and arrival times, delays , and the next ports of call, all in real time while you’re on the ferry. (The individual ferry companies don’t give any of that info. I know, because I asked the employees on board all of the ferries I took.)

A screenshot from the FerryHopper app of the current location of a ferry traveling between Paros and Athens, Greece. ©KettiWilhelm2022

One more handy thing about FerryHopper is that you don’t have to know the name of the port where you’re going – just the island or city. That may sound silly but, for example, if you type “Athens” on the Blue Star Ferries website, it will give you zero results because you didn’t use the main port’s official name – Piraeus .

( Rafina is the other ferry port in Athens. It’s closer to the airport, but has fewer departures, and is less convenient if you’re coming from the city center.)

FerryHopper automatically gives results for both ports in Athens, even if you don’t know what they’re called.

[ Related: This is also one of the reasons I recommend Omio for booking train tickets in Italy . It’s not the only way to go, but if you don’t speak the local language, it makes things more fool-proof.]

To dispel a myth, there’s no such thing as an “unlimited pass” for all Greek ferries.

However, EuRail does offer a Global Pass that includes a 30% discount on Blue Star ferries in Greece. And their 4- and 6-day Greece Passes let you pay one price for either 4 or 6 travel days to be used within a month.

There are some limitations (not all ferry lines are included in the pass), and it depends on the routes you’ll be taking, but these actually can be a really good deal. (The 4-day pass , for example, costs about $100, and most ferry trips in Greece that are longer than an hour or so cost more than $25.)

SCAM ALERT: Some travel companies will offer to sell you “ferry passes,” but really they’re just buying all the one-way tickets you need, and then generally overcharging you for them. Maybe “scam” is a bit dramatic, but the EURail passes are the only ones I’ve found that are a legitimate deal.

Note that the real-time updates on the FerryHopper app only work if you have cell service while you’re traveling, or WiFi on the ferry. (Which I’ve been told some do, for a fee. But the ferries I took in Greece either didn’t have WiFi, or it didn’t work well.)

I do have service when I travel, because I recently switched to Google Fi , which I’ve been really impressed with! The service is excellent . It beats my husband’s T-Mobile international service almost everywhere we’ve traveled – especially in more rural areas like the Greek islands . And I don’t have to switch SIM cards when I travel anymore. (One less thing to think about, spend money on, and throw away.)

(If you want to switch to Google Fi, you can use my referral link for $20 off . And check back soon for a post about more little swaps like this one that I use to save money while traveling!)

That being said, no cell phone company will get you reception out in the open Mediterranean! My service worked well within a few kilometers from shore, but then faded as the ferry got farther away from each island.

Blue Star Ferries vs SeaJets in Greece

There are dozens of ferry companies in Greece , but the two I traveled with, SeaJets and Blue Star, are among the most common. There are some major differences between the two:

Blue Star is the biggest ferry company in Greece, with more departure times and larger ferries. This makes for several differences: First, Blue Star ferries feel like cruise ships , with outdoor access (weather permitting), lounge areas, and seating areas with tables on multiple floors. They also have Wi-Fi (not that it worked well when I tried it).

And being bigger means Blue Star ferries are slower , which can add hours to longer routes. But they’re also more stable , so if you’re worried about getting seasick, Blue Star is the safer bet!

The Blue Star ferry leaving the port of Naxos, Greece, with the sunset behind it. ©KettiWilhelm2022

SeaJets ’ ferries are smaller and faster than Blue Star. The Champion 2, which I took from Naxos to Athens , saved me about 2 hours of travel time compared with Blue Star.

But the SeaJets ferry had airplane-style assigned seating, and no lounges, outdoor deck access, or WiFi. Other SeaJets ferries for shorter trips, like the Andros Jet or the Caldera Vista, are even smaller.

That’s another reason to avoid SeaJets if you’re prone to seasickness – you might end up with an assigned seat in the middle of the ship. (As I did. But it was low-season, so the boat wasn’t full and I was able to move to a window seat. In July or August, that may not be so easy. On Blue Star, all the lounge areas mean you’re more likely to have easy options to move to a different area.)

On the Champion 2, there was normal seating downstairs, Club or Business class upstairs, and the fancy Platinum class back in a small corner behind closed doors.

The interior, second-class seating on the SeaJets Champion 2 ferry, while traveling from Naxos to Athens, Greece. ©KettiWilhelm2022

I can start feeling motion sickness on a drive to the grocery store, so I have some well-tested advice to share in this department:

Find a seat where you can see out the window (even if you’re not right by the window).
Look out at the horizon , not down at the waves.
Keep your gaze as steady as possible , trying to not look around at different points. Just find one thing to fix your eyes on and try to relax and only think about that spot.
Again, breathe . Feeling like you might get sick causes stress, and stress causes holding your breath, and holding your breath just makes you feel sicker.
Stay seated as much as you can. In my experience, walking around never helps, although being outside might. (If your ferry has an outside deck and it’s not too choppy to go out there.)
Pack some ginger candies . I’d recommend doing everything else I’ve mentioned before counting on ginger to save you, but I used to travel with these ginger chews and I can attest that they can be soothing when you’re feeling your stomach flop around. (Ginger is the first ingredient in those, which is tough to find.) You can also try ginger hard candies , or chewable flavored tablets (for non-ginger lovers). I kind of think having a flavor in your mouth to focus on is part of what helps.

How Reliable Are Greek Ferries?

Near the end of my trip, when the weather started to turn autumnal in late October, a friend’s ferry was canceled the day before I was supposed to leave. That got me in on some local eye-rolling and gossip: Apparently this was no surprise, because the SeaJets ferries are cancelled more often than Blue Star .

That part is true, not just gossip, but I heard two different versions of why: The first was that SeaJets cancels sailings and blames it on the weather when they haven’t sold enough tickets to make it worthwhile. The more likely explanation is that the SeaJets ferries are smaller, so they can handle only smaller waves.

Either way, all the locals told me there are more cancellations in the autumn than other seasons.

As for keeping to the schedule, I found that timeliness is a vague concept in ferry travel. They’ll usually start the day on-track, leaving the first port on time. From there, it’s anyone’s guess whether the next ports of call will keep to the schedule on your ticket or not – so definitely don’t book a close connection for your flight home!

This is why it’s useful to use the FerryHopper app to track your boat, so you can see if it’s actually arriving on time. That’s the simplest method.

Another option is the Marine Traffic app , which shows the location of all ships around the world in real-time, including the one you’re ticketed on. Finally, there’s a website called MyShipTracking.com that does the same thing, but in my experience it’s the clunkiest option.

Locals on Paros told me that Blue Star ferries might be cancelled when there’s a “ beaufort ” rating of 8 or 9, while SeaJets ferries could be called off at 6 or 7.

If the weather’s looking iffy, do as the Greeks do and check the beaufort on Poseidon , a weather website for the Mediterranean that’s apparently very accurate. (Click “surface wind” on the left, and click the colorful map legend in the bottom right to change the unit to “bft” for beaufort.)

Ferry Schedules, Booking Timelines & Dates to Avoid

Ferries in Greece run all year-around, but with varying schedules. They’re pretty regular between late March to early November (the main tourism season in Greece) . And the most frequent departures are in the high-season, from June through September.

When I visited Paros and Naxos in late October, there were still multiple sailings per day for the routes I took (and also for the routes I debated taking, while I was making my last-minute travel plans!). You’ll also find much emptier ferries during that shoulder-season time of the year.

A nearly empty ferry traveling from Antiparos to Paros, Greece. Empty ferry seats in the foreground, and the island of Paros in the background, bathed in late afternoon lights. ©KettiWilhelm2022

I had no problem booking tickets just a day or two in advance on my phone with the FerryHopper app, or buying them in person at the port a few minutes before departure. (Not that I’d recommend cutting it that close, but that’s one of the many reasons I love visiting popular destinations in the off-season, when the crowds are thin.)

From everything I’ve read and heard, it’s rare for the big ferries in Greece, like Blue Star , to sell-out – even in the summer. (Or at least it’s rare that all of the day’s departures for a route will sell out. You might end up on a ferry an hour later than you’d hoped, but you should be able to get to your destination.)

During the really-low-season (November through March), departures are greatly reduced and some islands aren’t even reachable.

In both Italy and Greece, labor strikes can certainly interrupt travel, whether by plane, train, or ferry. One major travel date to avoid is May 1 , when workers in Greece have a huge strike every year. There’s a high chance of cancellation if you book a ferry on that date.

(There are a few other transportation strikes throughout the year in Greece, but this is the one you can count on. And it’s quite likely to shut down ferries, along with other forms of transport. Luckily, they’re all scheduled in advance.)

In Italy, it’s a bit different. May 1 st is when Italians, along with most of the world, celebrate Labor Day. So there are reduced schedules for most forms of transport, but not necessarily strikes. (In classic Italian fashion , the day is more focused on picnics, but it’s still a travel date to avoid.)

You can catch a ferry across the Adriatic Sea, between the East coast of Italy and the West coast of Greece all year (as long as the weather holds).

These trips come with different degrees of commitment: Bari to Igoumenitsa , for example, is a bit under 12 hours, so it would be a great choice for an overnight ferry. (Save a hotel , save a flight , and grab a cabin on the ferry with a window facing the sea! Personally, I always prefer this kind of transportation – it has so much more flavor than sticking another anonymous airport in the middle of an adventure.)

The ferry from Venice to Patras , on the other hand, is a 35-hour trip!

At 8 hours, Brindisi to Corfu is the shortest ferry route between Italy and Greece, but it’s only available in the summer.

Another handy feature on FerryHopper is that you can search by region . For example, you can browse ferries from “Italy – East Coast (all ports)” to see where you’d need to start in Italy in order to catch a ferry to Corfu, Greece.

(But remember that there are no direct ferry routes between Italy and Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, Paros , or any of the other islands in the Cyclades.)

One more tip: The EuRail 6-day Greek Island Pass also includes two international ferry tickets between Italy and Greece.

You don’t have to be nearly as early for your ferry trip as you do for a flight , but please remember that your ferry will not wait for you if you’re late!

I found it was best to get to the port at least 30 minutes before departure just to have time to figure out which ferry was mine. (It’s not always crystal clear, and there can be multiple docks that are several hundred yards apart.)

Before going to the port, you can check-in on your phone with the FerryHopper app.

There’s no security check to go through , and you just walk right up to the boat and get in line to board with your tickets (usually) on your phone. They’ll scan the barcode on your ticket as you get on. (If you’re wondering whether your email confirmation for your ferry tickets will get you on the boat or not, check whether it has a barcode.)

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The Ultimate In-Depth Greek Ferries Guide: Island Hopping Made Easy

Key Takeaways

Explore Greece's island beauty, and indulge in its inviting waters and beaches .
Effortlessly hop between islands using top ferry companies like Blue Star Ferries, Sea Jets, Minoan Lines, Hellenic Seaways, and Levante Ferries .
Maximize your journey with practical tips on budgeting, luggage, essentials, and advance booking .
Unveil Greece's allure, hop islands seamlessly, and master ferry travel with expert guidance.

With undeniably breathtaking islands throughout the Aegean and Ionian Seas , it's no wonder Greece is a country worth visiting. If it's not the first European destination on your bucket list, in our opinion, it should be!

Greece has some of the most inviting turquoise waters in the world, and to back it up, the beaches here are just as amazing.

Don't take our word for it, though. The only way to believe us is on a mesmerizing Greece island hopping extravaganza on a cruise ship.

If cruises are not your cup of tea, however, one of the best ways to do this cost-effectively and equally excitingly is by taking ferries. We’ll admit, though, using Greek ferries isn't plain sailing (well, it is, but you know what we mean).

So, to make the most of your time in this unforgettable country, get ready to learn all you can in our Greek Ferries Guide .

We hope you'll be singing our praise at the end of the day!

The Best Ferries in Greece

There are 24 independent ferry companies in Greece , so to say you're spoilt for choice and Greek ferry schedules is an understatement. With such a variety of options, knowing which ones are worth using is essential.

Before we dive right in (or float), here's a quick outline of the top 5 ferry companies :

Blue Star Ferries — It's a great option that connects over 50 destinations across the Aegean and Ionian Seas.
Sea Jets — They are the closest competitor of Blue Star Ferries and connect over 26 destinations.
Minoan Lines — An ever-reliable ferry company connecting the Greek islands to Piraeus and Italy to Greece.
Hellenic Seaways — Provide affordable and fast ferries to all the major islands in the Aegean Sea.
Levante Ferries — Offer comfortable and reliable ferry services in the Ionian Sea.

Blue Star Ferries

The bigger, the better, right? Well, in Blue Star Ferries' case, it is, as this is the largest fleet of ferries in Greece. They have a fleet of over 20 ships ranging from luxury catamarans to state-of-the-art ferries .

That's right, you have a variety of ships to pick from, with the catamarans hitting speeds of up to 40 knots. Now that's a lot of power!

They travel to 55 destinations across the Greek Isles , so it's almost a given you'll get to your Cyclades Islands paradise in no time.

Whether traveling to Mykonos for a party or to the archeological goldmine of Crete , you'll get to your destination stress-free with Blue Star Ferries.

As far as costs go, they are also fairly affordable, with prices ranging between $15 and $200 . These prices vary depending on the travel class, ferry route, and ticket type.

Although there are faster ferries around (we know it's a bummer), there are none as reliable or affordable as Blue Star Ferries .

Top Tip: Book your ticket online and well in advance for the best prices.

If it's fast travel you seek throughout the Aegean Sea, look no further than SeaJets.

That's right, SeaJets is the largest competitor of Blue Star Ferries in the Aegean Sea regarding high-speed ferries, as they travel to more than 250 ports across 26 locations .

Do you like the sound of that? What if we told you they're also one of the quickest ferries? It may sound too good to be true, but their high-speed people carriers allow you to get from A to B in a flash.

The only downside is that they don't provide ferry tickets that include vehicle transportation, but it's a small price to pay for a quicker trip.

With 18 vessels in their fleet, waiting around for a ferry isn't in their DNA, meaning you can tick transportation off your Cyclades travel guide .

As far as pricing goes, ferry tickets range from $50 to $90, depending on the route and travel class . SeaJets even have special accommodations for travelers with pets, so the pups can join in your Greek adventures.

Minoan Lines

Traveling from mainland Greece to the Isles has never been easier with Minoan Lines. Although small, with a fleet size of 12 vessels, this company considers luxury a necessity and not a privilege.

You'll find spacious accommodation on all their vessels, as well as a spa and fitness center. We could go on, but there's still plenty to discuss, so we’ll leave it at that.

The main route they provide connects Athens to Crete . That's only part of it, though, as they now venture to 12 other locations, including an overnight ferry trip between Patras and Italy .

The ferries are large, so don't expect to get to your coastal oasis quickly. If you ask us, that's not an issue when you consider the fantastic lodgings on board. As for ferry tickets, expect to pay between $44 and $105 per person .

A Minoan Lines ferry doesn't do discounts like the larger ferry companies. Their slow ferries do offer loyalty cards, though, which are similar to a ferry pass. Before you think, "How will that help me" just listen up.

They have temporary ferry passes for vacationers so that you can get some fantastic perks during your romantic Greek holiday .

Hellenic Seaways

If you seek affordability and leisure — we certainly do — then book your ticket with Hellenic Seaways. It's a company that considers everything, from its environmental footprint to the comfort of its passengers .

They provide ferries across the Northern Aegean and Ionian Seas (60 different destinations, to be exact). You can also pick from the 15 vessels in their fleet, ranging from ultra-fast to casual carriers.

Need more convincing? The ticket prices are also insanely cheap, starting from as low as $9 and going up to $120 per person .

These prices depend on your travel itinerary, but it's hard to beat such a great deal – trust us, we've tried to find better.

While on their ferries, you can enjoy complimentary WiFi , enjoy a drink at the bar, or even listen to live music on the larger ferries.

And to sweeten the deal, they offer a range of discounts, so keep a lookout for these great deals on the Hellenic Seaways website .

Levante Ferries

Levante Ferries is a small yet reliable carrier with only six vessels in their fleet. Despite the small size, they offer fantastic services across the Ionian Islands at a great price too.

They travel to eight ferry ports in total, and the journey time is often short, thanks to their sophisticated and fast fleet.

You'll travel in style, with restaurants and bars on board. They also encourage you to book online and early. As a matter of fact, they offer an early booking discount. Now is that a deal or what?

The Main Greece Ferry Routes

With 227 inhabited Greek islands to explore , there are thousands of potential travel routes you can embark upon. So, to help prevent a headache from picking your ideal destinations, we've identified the top routes throughout the Greek Isles .

Popular Ferry Lines From Mainland Greece

You'll want to use two main ports from mainland Greece, namely Piraeus port (Athens) and Kyllini .

To make your ferry trip a breeze, here are the best routes from Piraeus , including the cheapest ticket price:

Piraeus to Mykonos : Blue Star Ferries ($45 per person)
Piraeus to Crete : SeaJets ($25 per person)
Piraeus to Santorini : Anek Lines ($42 per person)
Piraeus to Naxos : Blue Star Ferries ($45 per person)
Piraeus to Paros : Blue Star Ferries ($43 per person)

Here are the top routes to the Ionian Islands , including the best price to buy Greek ferry tickets for each journey:

Kyllini to Kefalonia : Levante Ferries ($15 per person)
Kyllini to Zakynthos : Levante Ferries ($13 per person)
Igoumenitsa to Corfu : Kerkyra Seaways ($6 per person)
Kyllini to Ithaca : Levante Ferries ($16.50 per person)

Popular Routes From Island to Island

As important as getting from mainland Greece to the Greek islands are, you'll also want a chance to enjoy some Greek island hopping. Once again, there is a plethora of opportunities, so to help you narrow it down a bit, here are the top island hopping routes :

Mykonos to Santorini : One stop, Blue Star Ferries and Anek Lines ($88 per person)
Santorini to Crete : Anek Lines ($26 per person)
Kefalonia to Zakynthos : One stop, Levante Ferries ($27.50 per person)
Mykonos to Naxos : One stop, Blue Star Ferries ($41.50 per person)
Paros to Naxos : Blue Star Ferries ($16 per person)

How to Prepare for Your Greek Ferry

Booking your ferry ticket is one thing, but knowing what to bring with you is an entirely different story. From your ferry budget to luggage restrictions, get ready to learn all the 'other' essential details about exploring the Greek Islands by ferry .

How to Budget for Greek Ferries

Your budget will depend on how much traveling you intend to do during your time in Greece. As far as travel options go, though, ferries are the cheapest way to get around .

All Greek islands are amazing; there's no disputing that, but some are slightly more expensive to travel to than others.

Even so, the price difference between a flight and a ferry is astronomical, a little bonkers, actually. Although the travel time is a little longer , you'll save a pretty penny by ferrying around the Mediterranean.

Tip: Read about transportation in Greece to learn a little more about the other travel options in the country.

Know Your Luggage Limits

There is no straightforward answer, as ferry companies operate differently, and each has its own luggage policies. We know. Why can't they just make it the same across the board?

Unfortunately, it's not that simple, as each ferry has different weight restrictions, from the number of passengers to (you guessed it) the luggage requirements.

Although regulations differ from ferry to ferry, passengers are entitled to 110 pounds (50 kg) of luggage .

If you have special sports equipment or require additional luggage that exceeds the weight limit, you can purchase more before the ferry departs.

Note that your luggage may have to stay next to you, for example, if you book a deck lounge ticket . If you don't want to worry about your bags, consider booking a slightly more expensive ticket.

Top Tip: Avoid those sticky situations of waiting around with extra luggage by checking your ferry company's baggage policy the day before you leave.

Some Essentials to Bring With on Your Greek Ferry

Of all the Greece travel tips we can give you, this next list of items is probably the most important. Here are some must-haves when traveling to Greece:

The FerryHopper app will help you find all the best deals and ensure all your travel details are in one place.
Always keep your passport and any other travel documents nearby. Having two copies of items, such as flight tickets and your ID, is also a good idea.
It doesn't matter how tough you are. Sometimes the ocean waves will have your stomach doing acrobatics. Avoid motion sickness by packing some antiemetic pills . They're a lifesaver.
Although there are restaurants and bars onboard most ferries, you can save some bucks by bringing food and drinks with you . The ferry food is often overpriced, so rather avoid it if you can.

Final Thoughts For Your Greek Ferry Adventure

So, now that you know all the ins and outs of Greek ferries , where will be your first destination? You don't have to answer that right this minute, of course, as there's no rush to get to paradise.

When you're ready to figure out your travel plans, read about the best things to do in Greece . That way, every unforgettable experience is there for the taking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to book greek ferries in advance.

One hundred percent yes! Although you can get a ticket from kiosks at the departing ferry port, it's almost always cheaper — and often easier — to book your ticket online. To sweeten the deal, you'll be saving some trees at the same time with an e-ticket .

Do Greek Ferries Sell Out?

A full ferry occasionally happens , especially on popular travel routes. This is why booking your Greek ferry tickets in advance is essential.

Note: Most of the routes we mentioned earlier will sell out. However, Blue Star Ferries often have some spare seats available if you can't book a ticket online.

Are There Seasons When Greek Island Ferries Don't Run?

You can catch a ferry to almost all the Ionian and Aegean Islands throughout the year. That said, during winter (December to February), many of the smaller ferry companies stop running , but you'll still be able to find a ferry ride with the bigger main ferry companies.

They also don't run when the Meltemi winds are too strong , so keep track of the weather before booking your ticket.

images/blog/images/Greece-travel-tips/Weather-in-Greece-in-September/Weather-in-Greece-in-September-intro.jpg

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Ferry to Greece

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Greece has nearly 200 inhabited islands and both inhabitants and visitors like taking ferries to them because they provide a stunning view of the Aegean Sea. Greek ferries are the primary mode of transportation between the islands. So, take the ferry to Greece and start your vacation!

Greece is located in the southeast of Europe and is surrounded by Bulgaria, Albania and Turkey! It is connected by sea with the Aegean Sea to the east, the Ionian Sea to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the south!

Greece's renown stems mostly from its exact islands, which are well-known all over the world, including the Cyclades , Dodecanese , Sporades , Ionian Islands (Eptanisa) and Crete .

Furthermore, Greece's history, dating back to antiquity, with its numerous landmarks, its weather with the brightest sun and the most beautiful oceans in the world and its Mediterranean cuisine, which is appreciated all over the world, is practically a plus over other nations! The relationship with Greece extends to the neighboring countries of Italy , Turkey and Albania !

Greece has captivated tourists for decades. Greece is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, thanks to its rich history, beautiful scenery and lively culture. From the historic ruins of Athens to the picturesque islands of the Aegean Sea, Greece has something for everyone.

Athens, Greece's capital city, is a must-see for anybody interested in history and architecture. The city is home to some of the world's most renowned sites, including the Acropolis , Parthenon and Temple of Olympian Zeus .

But Athens is more than simply history. The metropolis is also a colorful city with a vibrant nightlife, world-class museums and delectable cuisine. Visitors may stroll through the lively alleys of Plaka , the city's oldest neighborhood and indulge in traditional Greek cuisine such as moussaka and souvlaki at one of the numerous tavernas.

Greece is home to some of the most beautiful islands in the world, in addition to Athens. The Cyclades, a cluster of islands in the Aegean Sea, are particularly popular among tourists. Santorini , with its characteristic white-washed villas and breathtaking sunsets, is perhaps the most well-known of these islands. Mykonos , with its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches, is another popular destination among vacationers.

But Greece has a lot more to offer than its islands. The Peloponnese peninsula , located in southern Greece, is home to several archeological monuments, including the medieval metropolis of Olympia , the origin of the Olympic Games. Visitors may also visit the medieval village of Mystras and the stunning Diros Caves .

No trip to Greece would be complete without trying some of the delicious dishes. Greek cuisine is noted for its clean ingredients and bold tastes. Visitors may try traditional foods such as spanakopita (spinach pie), tzatziki (yogurt and cucumber dip) and dolmades (stuffed grape leaves). Of course, no Greek lunch would be complete without a pitcher of ouzo, the popular anise-flavored liquor.

In addition to its history, magnificence, and delicacy, Greece is well-known for its kind hospitality. Greeks are well-known for being friendly and appealing to tourists. Whether you stay in a little village or a large town, you will be met with a smile and a warm welcome.

Greece should be on every tourist's bucket list. With its rich history, stunning scenery, delectable cuisine and kind hospitality, it is a rustic that has something for everyone. Whether you're interested in visiting ancient ruins or resting on a beautiful beach, Greece will leave you with amazing memories.

Ferries in Greece

Ferries are a prominent means of transportation in Greece due to the country's numerous islands and coastal locations. There are several ferry companies operating in Greece, with routes linking the mainland to the islands and also between the various islands. Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways and Anek Lines are among Greece's leading ferry operators.

The frequency and availability of ferries vary depending on the season and route. Ferries are more popular during the peak tourist season (June-August) and advanced reservations may be required. However, during the low season (November to March), certain routes may have limited or no ferry services.

It is important to note that ferry timetables are subject to change due to bad weather conditions. It is advised that you test our booking engine for the most up-to-date schedules and prices.

Greek ferries are generally regarded as safe and trustworthy. However, it is vital to follow safety rules and protocols while on board.

Overall, ferries are a convenient and thrilling method to see the Greek islands and coastlines. Whether you want a picturesque journey or a practical mode of transportation, there are many options to consider.

Ferries in Greece are by far the best alternative, with several ships operating on a regular basis connecting the remarkable Greek islands. This is beneficial to your finances, but it also provides another significant benefit. A boat voyage will provide an unforgettable tour of the breathtaking Aegean Sea. It's also a stress-free way to travel: simply step on the boat, sun yourself on the deck and before you know it, you'll be at your beautiful holiday destination.

So, if you're up for a nautical vacation, why not do some island hopping? Ferries to the islands make this simple and inexpensive and they will allow you to see a variety of magnificent sites throughout your time in Greece. There are islands for everyone – those wishing to escape, those looking to discover the remnants of ancient civilizations and those simply looking to enjoy the beach, sea, tavernas and Greek food while taking advantage of some of the 300 sunny days per year.

Greece is a land of islands, each with its own unique allure and grandeur. From the busy streets of Athens to the serene beaches of Crete , Greece has something for everyone. One of the most enjoyable ways to tour the islands is via ferry, which provides a convenient and inexpensive method to island hop.

Accommodation & amenities on board

Ferries in Greece provide a variety of services and amenities , depending on the type of ship and ticket paid. Common amenities include the following:

Most ships offer cafés and restaurants where you may get snacks, beverages and meals
Some ferries feature onboard stores that offer souvenirs, food and other products
Many boats offer free Wi-Fi to passengers
All vessels feature toilets that passengers can use
Most ferries include luggage storage rooms where passengers may stow their bags throughout the ride

Types of ferries

There are several types of ferries that operate in Greece, ranging from small local ferries to larger car ships. The most common types of ferries are:

High-speed ferries are the quickest and most costly, reaching speeds of up to 40 knots. They are great for people who wish to move from one island to another swiftly
Conventional ferries : Although slower and less costly than high-speed ferries, they provide a more relaxing and comfortable voyage. They are great for those who want to appreciate the view and take it slow
Catamarans : These are swift and comfortable boats, excellent for short trips between islands
Hydrofoils are tiny, fast boats that may reach speeds of up to 50 knots. They're great for short trips between islands

Boarding the ferry

When you board the ferry, you must provide your ticket and any appropriate identification documents. It is advised that you are present at the port at least 30 minutes before departure to enable time for boarding.

Once on board, you may pick from a variety of sitting options, including indoor and outdoor locations. Some ships also provide accommodations for overnight trips.

Greek Ferry Schedules

Ferries in Greece follow a regular schedule, with most routes sailing daily during the summer months. The most popular routes connect the Cyclades Islands (Mykonos, Santorini, and Naxos) with the Dodecanese Islands (Rhodes and Kos). There are also frequent ferries between the mainland and the islands, as well as among the islands themselves.

It is critical to verify timetables in advance because schedules might change based on the season and weather conditions.

Here are estimated travel times for Greece's several main ferry destinations:

Ferry from Piraeus to Santorini : 8 hours with the slow ferry or 5 hours with the high-speed
Ferry from Rafina to Mykonos : 4.5 hours with the slow ferry or 2.5 hours with the high-speed
Ferry from Piraeus to Crete : around 9 hours based on which port of Crete you’re heading to
Ferry from Mykonos to Santorini : 2-3 hours with the fast ferry or 4-5 hours with the conventional
Ferry from Heraklion to Santorini : around 2 hours with the fast ferry or 4.5 hours with the slow one
Ferry from Paros to Mykonos : 45 minutes with the high-speed ferry or 1 hour with the conventional

There are various ferry routes in Greece that connect the mainland to the magnificent islands! The main ports on the mainland are Piraeus , Rafina and Lavrio . Piraeus is the most popular and has the most links to the Cyclades, Dodecanese and Crete, whereas Rafina has less connections and is much smaller. Lavrio connects with Kythnos , Kea , Limnos and some of the Cyclades, such as Milos , Kimolos , Syros and Naxos . Furthermore, the ports of Volos and Agios Konstantinos connect the mainland to the Sporades Islands, while Kyllini , Igoumenitsa and Patras connect the mainland to the Ionian Islands.

The links connecting the Greek islands are many and the majority of them are created throughout the year. The frequency of the routes varies depending on the season, with a specific rise during peak months, as well as the kind of ferry, as connections made exclusively by high-speed vessels are not carried out during the winter months for safety reasons!

International ferry connections to Greece

Ferry travel to Greece is feasible from Italy , Turkey and Albania , but there are other alternatives and departures inside Greece, both between its islands and mainland. There are numerous combinations of different places in a country with over 107 inhabited islands strewn over the Greek seas!

Greece is a year-round favorite due to its moderate temperature, but its popularity skyrockets between May and September due to its distinct islands, lovely sea and Mediterranean sun! We recommend that you buy your tickets well in advance to secure the greatest rates and availability on your favorite itineraries!

International ferry connections to Greece are from Italy to the mainland and Turkey and Albania only to certain Greek islands. More specifically:

From Italy to Greece
From the Italian ports of Ancona, Venice, Brindisi and Bari to the Greek ports of Patras, Corfu and Igoumenitsa
From Turkey to certain Greek Islands
From Fethiye to Rhodes
From Marmaris to Rhodes
From Bodrum to Kos
From Cesme to Chios
From Albania to Corfu
From Saranda to Corfu

Booking tickets

Ferry tickets in Greece are available for buy online through our booking platform. It is suggested that you purchase your tickets in advance , especially during the high summer months when boats might fill up rapidly.

When ordering your tickets, you must select the departing and arriving ports, as well as the day and time of travel. You may select from three categories of tickets: economy class, business class and VIP class.

Greece island hopping

Want to learn about the Greek islands? The Aegean islands are a magnificent place to visit that will leave an impression on you. The Cyclades, the Dodecanese, Crete, the Sporades and the North Aegean Islands all provide remarkable experiences. Place your map and begin on a voyage of breathtaking grandeur; create your own Greece island hopping adventure and experience it!

For those seeking a sophisticated ecology and a high-end lifestyle, Santorini and Mykonos are the Cyclades destinations to visit. Both provide scenic beaches, beautiful vistas, sophisticated nightlife and VIP service. With direct ferry connections, these two locations are easily combined into a single visit.

Syros and Naxos are the center of the Greek Islands in the Aegean Sea. Begin your journey at Syros and continue on to Tinos , Mykonos, Santorini and Anafi . Or start in Naxos and travel to Paros , Santorini, Amorgos , Ios and Folegandros .

The Sporades Islands (Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos) are a popular holiday destination in the Aegean, boasting world-famous beaches that are both isolated and well-maintained.

Between Greece and the shores of Asia Minor, in the northeast section of the Aegean Sea, five main islands ( Ikaria , Samos , Limnos , Lesvos and Chios ) and a slew of smaller islands ( Agios Efstratios , Thymena, Fourni , Psara and others) provide excellent excursion and visit opportunities.

Visit Crete with itineraries that begin in Athens and include the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands such as Ios, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Amorgos, Milos , Kythera , Karpathos , Rhodes and Kos .

With so much information at your disposal, it is up to you to design your own Odyssey and witness the brilliant treasures that adorn the Aegean firsthand. Enjoy the holidays of your life on the Greek Islands by ferry!

Useful information for your journey to Greece

In case of need you can use the following useful phone numbers during your stay in Greece:

Ambulance service/Medical emergency : 166 Police : 100 Tourist police : 171 & 1571 General telephone information : 11888 Piraeus port authority : + 30 210455 0100 Rafina port authority : +30 2294321200 - 201 Patras port authority : +30 2613615400 Igoumenitsa port authority : + 30 266 509 9300 Corfu port authority : +30 26610 45551 Ktel Kifisou Public Transport | Athens : +302105246805 Ktel Thessalonikis Public Transport : +30 2310 510835 Fire Service : 199 Coast Guard : 108

Tips for taking a ferry in Greece

Greece is a country with an excessive number visitors all year round, but especially during the summer season, therefore we recommend that you e-book your ferry tickets to Greece in advance
Check all possible routes and evaluate prices and offers on our online platform before you e-book your tickets
We encourage you to be at the port of departure at least 2 hours sooner , especially if you have a vehicle
Pack a compact bag with the basics for the travel, including food, drinks and sunscreen
Greece has several spectacular sites on its islands. Check out our destination pages in order to find relative information about your holiday spot
The most visited islands are Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Amorgos, Milos, Serifos, Crete, Rhodes, Symi, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Samos, Lesvos, Ikaria, Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, Corfu, Ithaca, Zakynthos and Kythera

Important : Ferry tickets are individual ferry tickets bought for a selected path and for personal use. If you're going to tour to more than one Greek island then you should buy a price ticket for each course. Each vacation spot is unique!

Sightseeing in Greece

Greece's rich history and way of life provide stunning monuments, marble idols, ancient theaters and archeological sites, museums, church structures and monasteries, palaces and castles, breathtaking beaches, restaurants and nightclubs!

Below, we will show the most important landmarks from all throughout Greece, as well as accommodation alternatives that have received excellent evaluations from visitors!

Archaeological sites

The Acropolis is Athens' most renowned and outstanding monument! The historical Acropolis is located on the top of a hill in Athens and has ancient remains of significant architectural and historical value, including the Temple of Erechtheion, the entrance to the Propylaea and the Temple of Athena Nike. The Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, is the most famous edifice on top of the Acropolis!

The Parthenon (Athens) is Greece's most important Doric temple, built on the highest point of the Acropolis and completed in 15 years.

Ancient Mycenae (Mycenae, Crete): Located on top of a hill between towering mountains, it was formerly the realm of Agamemnon, the legendary monarch who controlled the Greeks during the Trojan War.

Mystras (Laconia): Became a Byzantine capital and walled city, situated on a steep slope covered with olive and orange trees. It is regarded as the most amazing group of medieval remains in Greece.

The Palace of Knossos (Crete) is a remarkable historical landmark in Crete, the noteworthy capital of Minoan Crete, located 5 kilometers south of the town of Heraklion. The remains are impressive and the setting includes a large palace, courtyards, private houses, baths and colorful murals.

Phaestos (Crete): Became the second most significant Minoan palace-town after Knossos, with less frescoes and a spectacular perspective of Messara's plain and Crete's greatest point, Mount Psiloritis!

Sanctuary of Apollo (Delphi): Placed in the center of Ancient Delphi, on the hillside and is the spot frequented by pilgrims to pay attention to the prophesies of the god Apollo, which have been expressed by the oracle selected with the assistance of (a girl from the place).

Ancient Delos (Delos): A UNESCO World Heritage Site! It is an ancient city in Delos that served as both a refuge and a booming industrial area. Access to Delos may be quite easy from the island of Mykonos.

Kerameikos (Athens): Discovered in 1861 during the building of Pireos Street. It was previously situated on the clay-rich banks of the Iridanos River. It acquired its name from the potters and was used as a cemetery in the sixth century A.D. It features multiple marble columns etched with gleaming photos.

Ancient Agora (Athens): The Agora became the core of ancient Athens, where Socrates taught his philosophy! On the site of the old market lies the towering Temple of Hephaestus, a spectacular museum and the 11th century Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles, ornamented with brick decorations that mirror Arabic calligraphy.

Temple of Olympian Zeus (Athens) : Placed in the center of Athens, it is a brilliant temple that had 104 Corinthian columns (17 meters high with a base diameter of 1.7 meters), yet only 15 remain.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus (Athens) was built in 161 AD by the wealthy Roman Herod Atticus in remembrance of his wife Regilla. For many decades, the theater has been the setting for a number of the most important theatrical, musical and dance acts throughout the summer season, thanks to its exceptional acoustics.

Panathenaic Stadium (Athens): The only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, it has a rich history and is one of the most prominent tourist sites in Athens. In 1896, it hosted the first modern Olympic Games.

The Theatre of Epidaurus (Epidaurus): Built around the end of the fourth century BC, it is one of the most important and well-preserved ancient Greek structures in existence. It can hold up to 14,000 people and is known for its excellent acoustics. Today, it is utilized for performances throughout the annual Athens and Epidaurus Festival.

Temple of Poseidon (Cape Sounion): Located in the southernmost point of Attica, near the extremity of the peninsula of Sounion and built entirely of white marble in the middle of the 5th century BC in honor of Poseidon, the god of the ocean. It is a gap with a wonderful view of the Aegean Sea, which is why hundreds of Athenians come here to watch the sunset and the full moon.

Ancient Thira (Santorini): The Dorians helped turn it into a community in the 9th century BC and it now has Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine remains, as well as temples, mosaic dwellings, a marketplace, a theater and a gymnasium. It is worth a visit for both its archeological significance and its breathtaking views.

Ancient Messini (Messinia): Is a massive ancient town set on a mountainside with remains under excavation! It has a large theater, a marketplace, a colossal Sanctuary of Asclepius and one of the most magnificent old Greek stadiums.

Ancient Nemea (Peloponnese): An enormous Doric-style temple from the fourth century BC. And the site of the ancient Nemean Games, conducted in honor of Zeus. Three distinctive columns are now intact and the well-known local museum displays a wealth of finds from the site.

The archaeological site of Dodoni (Ioannina - Epirus) is located 22 kilometers south of Ioannina in Epirus! The remains date back to the ancient period.

Philippi Archaeological Site (Macedonia): It is located near Kavala and has one of the most extensive histories of any ancient Greek ruin, playing an important part in Macedonian, Roman and early Christian history. It relocated to the several World Heritage Sites of Greece designated by UNESCO in 2016.

The Museum of Cycladic Art houses nearly 3,000 artifacts of Cycladic, medieval Greek, and Cypriot art, which are displayed on four floors in the Museum's galleries, creating a living cultural environment in Athens.

The Acropolis Museum is a fantastic, contemporary museum that has over 3000 notable antiquities from the Acropolis site, dating back to prehistoric periods and ending with Antiquity.

The National Library of Greece (Athens) is a modern facility with over a million volumes and journals, as well as a vast collection of manuscript codices dating from the ninth to the nineteenth centuries.

National Historical Museum (Syntagma - Athens): Served as the ancient parliament from 1875 to 1935 and is especially important since it shows cutting-edge Greek records, particularly during the war period, and serves as the inspiration for the modern Greek country.

Benaki Museum at 138 Pireos St (Athens): A home founded and given in 1930 by Antonis Benakis in the heart of Athens. The museum focuses on Greek life throughout the country's histories and houses over 100,000 artifacts from Greek history, highlighting the various ages, cultures and civilizations that influenced Greece's development. In addition to Greek art from prehistoric to present times, there is also a considerable collection of Asian art. The museum hosts frequent exhibitions and maintains a latest conservation and healing workshop.

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum (Crete) is one of Greece's and Europe's most spectacular museums. It houses a rare collection of Minoan art treasures, which is why it is often regarded as the museum par excellence of Minoan living.

Delphi Archaeological Museum : Explains the history of the well-known Delphic sanctuary and the most important oracle of the ancient Greek world. It has an important collection of some of the most significant pieces of historic Greek art, spanning the period from the second millennium BC, before the founding of the Sanctuary, until Late Antiquity.

The Museum of Marble Crafts (Tinos - Cyclades) is located in the village of Pyrgos on the island of Tinos and houses an excellent collection of genuine gadgets, including secular, ecclesiastical, funerary and ordinary objects made of marble, a material that has a special place in the architecture and art of Greece and Tinos, from antiquity to the present.

The Natural History Museum of Apiranthos (Naxos) is located in the hamlet of Apeiranthos on the island of Naxos and houses an outstanding collection of specimens from the local fauna and plant life. It houses an aquarium, an outstanding collection of shells, dolphin skeletons, bones and a bellows cranium, as well as an exceptionally large collection of floral species.

The Archaeological Museum (Thessaloniki) is undoubtedly one of Greece's largest museums, as well as the most important museum in northern Greece. It has a vast collection of historical objects from Thessaloniki's rich ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine records, including stunning examples of Roman architecture, unusual colored mosaics, sculptures and jewelry from the Greek classical and Hellenistic periods.

The Historical Archives Museum of Hydra (Hydra) was founded in 1918 and is situated in a magnificent stone palace. It has historical educational, administrative, and religious records, manuscripts from the Greek Revolution, vintage books, maps and more. Relics from the Balkan and World Wars, as well as traditional costumes, sculptures, nautical instruments and artwork, are on display in the museum.

The Museum of El Greco (Heraklion/Fodele - Crete) is located in the village of Fodele, 10 minutes from the city of Heraklion, Crete and is where one of the most important painters, the genius of the Spanish Mannerist school, Dominikos Theotokopoulos, was born and spent his childhood.

Other sites & activities

Parliament (Athens): From 1875 until 1935, the Greek Parliament met in the Old Parliament House on Stadiou Street in Athens. It presently houses the country's National Historical Museum.

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center : A key cultural institution and one of the world's most prominent private organizations. There is free access for anyone who want to engage in a variety of cultural, intellectual, sporting and recreational events! It comprises the National Opera House, the National Library of Greece, and Stavros Niarchos Park, which is one of Athens' largest green spaces, covering 21 hectares.

Attica Zoological Park (Spata - Attica): A non-public and the most accessible zoo in Greece, located in the neighborhood of Spata, some 20 kilometers east of Athens. The zoo, which covers 20 hectares, is home to around 1,500 animals representing 220 species.

Hiking Vikos Gorge : Located in the North Pindos mountain range of Epirus, known as Zagori and home to forty-four communities known as Zagorochoria.

Spinalonga Island (Crete) is a small barren island with a lengthy history as one of Europe's last active leper colonies, operating from 1903 until 1957.It is located in the herbal port of Elounda, in the prefecture of Lassithi on Crete.

Akrotiri prehistoric metropolis (Santorini) is one of the most important sites in the Aegean. A bioclimatic roof covers the archeological remains and passageways extend above them, allowing visitors to roam among the two and three-story dwellings. It was a Minoan port town that became blanketed in ash as a result of the island's volcanic eruption.

Valley of the Butterflies (Rhodes): Located on the western side of the island of Rhodes, it is one of the island's most picturesque spots. It is home to hundreds of thousands of butterflies, who gently rest inside the trees in lakes and little waterfalls.

National Marine Park of Alonissos Northern Sporades (Alonissos): In 2003, the first marine park was established in Greece, and it is now Europe's largest marine protected area.

Liston (Corfu town): One of the most important and well-known locations on the island of Corfu, paved with magnificent architectural and function arches that make it one of the most important places of attraction. It serves as the primary entry to Corfu's iconic thin canyons in Old Town.

Dikteon Cave (Lasithi, Crete): Located 1025 meters above sea level. Visitors may appreciate the cave by following a stairway that leads down to the cave's interior, which is lit beautifully and evocatively.

Windmills (Mykonos - Cyclades): They are the symbol of the island of Mykonos and can be seen from the port since they are located on a small hill near the island's Chora. There are sixteen in all and they were erected by the Venetians in the sixteenth century.

Little Venice (Mykonos - Cyclades): One of Mykonos' most charming spots, featuring first-rate antique traditional white residences on the seafront.

Lighthouse (Chania - Crete): Located near the entrance to Chania's ancient harbor, it was built by the Venetians in 1864 and has been listed as an archaeological site in Greece since 1962.

Lesvos Petrified Woodland (Lesvos): Created 20 million years ago, this is one of Greece's most beautiful geological monuments. There are petrified pieces of wood, huge and little, colorful and standing or lying on the globe, forming a completely unique introduction of nature.

Beaches in Greece

Porto Katsiki Beach (Lefkada): One of Greece's best beaches and the most photographed in magazines, with blue waves and white sand flanked by enormous cliffs covered with luxuriant flowers.

Elafonisi Beach (Chania/Crete): One of Crete's best beaches, with pure blue seas, pink sand and a distinctive scenery.

Balos Beach (Chania/Crete): Located roughly 56 kilometers northwest of Chania, it is undoubtedly the most photographed beach in Crete, with blue waves, shallow waters, and natural beauty.

Plaka Beach (Naxos): One of Naxos' most popular beaches and a favored spot for nudists, with long and wide white sand and blue water.

Super Paradise (Mykonos): One of the world's most famous beaches, with pure, crystal-clear waters, sandy and nicely organized.

Seychelles Beach (Ikaria): A gorgeous beach in Ikaria with pebbles nestled amid rocks, creating a completely distinct landscape. A large cave may be seen on a little beach near the main beach.

Tsigrado Beach (Milos): This beach is located at the bottom of a bay surrounded by extremely steep cliffs and rocks. Its uniqueness stems not only from its beautiful turquoise waters, but also from the authentic way you can get there: at the top of the cliff, there may be a rope connected to a staircase that leads to the beach, and you must hold the rope tightly and begin descending cautiously.

Paleokastritsa Beach (Corfu): One of Corfu's most popular beaches, located near the Byzantine Castle of Paleokastritsa.The waters are beautifully clear, but quite chilly.

Simos Beach-Elafonissos (Peloponnese): Simos Beach is the island of Elafonisos' signature beauty, with crystal clear waters and herbaceous dunes that reach up to 10 meters high.

Mylopotas Beach (Ios): Located in a bay near Ios' city, this beach has golden sand and crystal blue waves, and it is the island's most popular beach.

Sarakiniko Beach (Milos) is one of Greece's most publicized beaches owing to its unique lunar white chalk look!

Navagio Beach (Zakynthos): A cove with a shipwreck in the beach. The beach boasts clear blue waves and a very wonderful view.

Myrtos Beach (Kefalonia): A world-famous beach that is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Greece, with breathtaking natural beauty surrounded by lush hills.

Agios Prokopios Beach (Naxos): Located around 4 kilometers from the port of Naxos, it features thick sand that leads to sand dunes with crystal blue waters and has received the highest accolades in Greece and abroad.

Platys Gialos (Mykonos) is a well-kept sandy beach with sports including starfishing, windsurfing, and parasailing in the Aegean. There are also seafood cafés and restaurants nearby.

Golden Beach (Thassos) is a sandy organized coastline with highly clean waters, hence it gets a blue flag.

Glyfada Beach (Corfu) is one of Corfu's most beautiful beaches, complete with sand and beach bars. It may be rather easy to get from Corfu's ancient town.

Kolymbithres Beach (Paros): One of the most famous in Paros, with shallow waves and a unique seashore known as Kolimbithres that overlooks the harbor of Naoussa. It is not a single beach, but numerous little sandy beaches isolated from one other among large granite boulders that build a pool-like depression.

Panormos Beach (Skopelos): A large, protected harbor with a pebbly beach and crystal-clear waves, as well as an organized beach.

Mikri Vigla (Naxos): Located in the southwestern section of Naxos, it features two unique seashores separated by a series of rocks! The well-known north wind makes it ideal for diving as well as windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Faliraki Beach (Rhodes): Rhodes' most famous and well-prepared beach, measuring 5 kilometers in width. There may be pubs, nightclubs and restaurants on the beach, as well as water sports available.

Potami Beach (Samos) is a long, unusually beautiful beach with pebbles and crystal blue waves on Samos' northeast coast. It is equipped with umbrellas, sunbeds and a seaside bar.

Agali Beach (Folegandros) : A sandy seaside placed approximately 4 km away from the main town of the island. Ideal for families.

Greek cuisine & gastronomy

It's no accident that the word "gastronomy" is Greek! The origins of Greek delicacies can be traced back to antiquity and it is undeniably a draw for tourists visiting Greece, since it is well-known for its delectable items cultivated in truly wonderful Mediterranean climate! The superb virgin Greek olive oil, which is considered international, makes most Greek foods nutritious and tasty, as does the abundance of herbs, spices and seasonings!

In recent years, younger chefs have added new aspects to their recipes, giving them a more international and cosmopolitan flavor! However, the principle of Greek food remains unchanged, with the combination of sparkling seasonal vegetables, the right seasonings and fresh olive oil to create a tasty boost and high nutritious value!

Famous Greek delicacies:

Moussaka is a typical Greek dish made with roasted or fried eggplants (aubergines), potatoes and a rich, tomatoey sauce of minced beef or lamb, topped with a wonderfully creamy bechamel sauce.

Fava : A pulp or puree with a texture similar to hummus, prepared with dry fava beans, onions and a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil. The most well-known comes from the island of Santorini.

Greek Salad : The most popular salad in Greek cuisine, made with tomato, cucumber, onion, feta, olives, oregano and clean olive oil.

Taramosalata is a snack made with taramas, salted cod fish mixed with olive oil, lemon juice and a starchy basis of bread or potatoes. Garlic, onions and vinegar may occasionally be present.

Gigantes : Large beans roasted in tomato sauce with lots of sparkling herbs and orange.

Greek pies : There are several pies that vary with each region of Greece and are a common traditional meal in every part of Greece.

Pastichio : A deep layer of large tubular pasta, minced meat and a rich béchamel sauce.

Spetsofai is a rustic spicy Greek meal made with thick sausages and peppers in a rich tomato sauce. There are other variations, like this one from the Pelion region using eggplant, while in most regions it is made with green or colorful mild peppers, or heated peppers.

Souvlaki is perhaps the most renowned Greek dish! It's any type of meat (red or chicken) wrapped in a pie with tzatziki, tomato, potato and sauce.

Gemista : Vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, aubergines, pumpkins) cooked in rice and tomato sauce with spices and occasionally minced pig or beef.

Loukoumades : Small fluffy sweet balls with honey (the Greek version of doughnuts) cooked in a deep pan till golden and crispy. They're served with honey and a sprinkling of cinnamon.

Dolmadakia are vine leaves filled with grains and herbs. They can also be stuffed with minced meat, rice and seasonings.

Kleftiko : A rustic, conventional Greek recipe and in Greek which means "stolen". It is made with slow-cooked lamb, that is first marinated in garlic, olive oil and lemon juice.

Tzatziki is a dip made with salty strained or diluted yogurt blended with cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and herbs such as dill, mint, parsley and thyme.

Soutzoukakia : Cumin is the key ingredient here. Cumin is a highly aromatic spice that imparts a distinct taste to the meat. Traditionally, soutzoukakia are cooked with minced pig or a combination of minced red meat and beef.

Hotels in Greece

There are so many gorgeous hotels in Greece that it would take several pages to list them all. There are outstanding luxury hotels in Athens and throughout the Greek islands, hotel complexes with numerous amenities, elegant boutique hotels, Rbnp residences, and low-cost hotels. Below, we will provide you with an illustrative list of several hotels that cover all the aforementioned lodging categories:

Luxury hotels in Greek Islands :

MarBella Nido Suite Hotel & Villas ( Corfu )
Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa ( Chania/Crete )
Elounda Gulf Villas ( Elounda/Crete )
St.Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas ( Crete )
Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort ( Mykonos )
Boheme Hotel ( Mykonos )
Mykonos Ammos Hotel ( Mykonos )
De.Light Boutique Hotel ( Mykonos )
Cavo Tagoo ( Mykonos )
Naxian Collection ( Naxos )
Summer Senses Luxury Resort ( Paros )
Santorini Secret Suites & Spa ( Santorini )
Canaves Oia Suites ( Santorini )
Cosmopolitan Suites( Santorini )
Rocabella Hotel ( Santorini )
Andronis Hotel ( Santorini )
Cavo Tagoo ( Santorini )
Lindos Blu ( Rhodes )
White Coast Pool Suites ( Milos )
Aristide Hotel ( Syros )
Porto Zante Villas & Spa ( Zakynthos )
The Petra ( Patmos )
Aqua Blu Boutique Hotel & Spa ( Kos )

More affordable choices:

Golden Beach ( Paros )
Mr.& Mrs.White ( Paros )
Aelia by Eltheon ( Santorini )
Astra Suites ( Santorini )
Labranda Kiotari Miraluna Hotel ( Rhodes )
Lindos Sun ( Rhodes )
Castelli ( Zakynthos )
Allure Wellness Retreat ( Lefkada )
Skiathos Avaton Hotel ( Skiathos )
MarBella Corfu ( Corfu )

Luxury hotels in Athens :

Theoxenia Palace Hotel
Grande Bretagne
St. Lycabettus
Intercontinental

Luxury hotels in Mainland :

The Excelsior ( Thessaloniki )
Hyatt Regency ( Thessaloniki )
Makedonia Palace ( Thessaloniki )
Electra Palace ( Thessaloniki )

Best resorts in Greece:

Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso ( Athens )
Corfu Holiday Palace ( Corfu )
Myconian Utopia Relais & Chateaux ( Mykonos )
Myconian Imperial ( Mykonos )
Katikies ( Mykonos )
Creta Maris Resort ( Hersonissos /Crete )
Blue Palace Elounda ( Elounda/Crete )
Epirus Palace Congress & Spa ( Ioannina/North Greece )
Andronis Concept Wellness Resort ( Santorini )
Elea Resort - only for adults ( Santorini )
Costa Grand Resort & Spa ( Santorini )
Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection ( Santorini )
Marpunta Resort ( Alonissos/Sporades )

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Zas Ferries isn't just another online ferry website. Founded in all the way back in 1981 on the small Cycladic island of Naxos, we're a small company where our regular customers know us by name.

Today we've got two offices in Naxos town and if you ever want to pop in to say hi or have any questions, we look forward to your visit.

A couple of years ago we started selling tickets online. But we'll never be a faceless name on the web. We'll continue delivering the personal first class service that we always have - since 1981.

The reviews are in. Our customers love us!

Whether our customers come to visit us in one of our offices in Naxos town or visit our website, they tend to leave with a good impression. These are our review scores today and some of our latest reviews.

The booking process could not have been easier - it’s probably one of the best user friendly booking system I’ve used. Customer Service is excellent. I will be definite using this site from now on. Thank you. :)

I have been island-hopping for many years. This is the only good ticket booking website I have found. Zas Ferries fixed the online ferry booking system in Greece and I am not even exaggerating. If you have tried to book tickets in the past with other services, you know the hustle I am talking about.. Zas ferries is super easy and fast - It is truly impressive!!

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Ferries in Greece – The most ridiculously in-depth guide to Greek ferries

This guide to ferries in Greece will help you easily plan a trip to the Greek islands. Includes information about Greek ferries, how to book online, and more!

Greek Ferry Guide

If you are visiting Greece on vacation, chances are that you will get one of the numerous ferries in Greece. What are these ferries like though?

This guide aims to introduce you to Greek ferries, and help you choose which one to take.

Dave Briggs in front of a ferry in Greece

Before you dive in, you should know that this guide is perhaps the most ridiculously in-depth guide to Greek ferry island hopping there is! It includes tips and advice from our years of Greek island hopping, as well as information about practically every ferry in Greece!

Overwhelmed already? If you've arrived at this page and simply want to book a ferry ticket in Greece online, click here >> Ferryhopper

If you want to learn more about Greece ferry travel though, read on!

Note: We can’t thank enough the amazing Dimitris Mentakis who graciously offered us some of his fantastic photos to use in our articles. He is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate when it comes to ferries in Greece, and his photos are in hundreds of Greek articles. Thanks Dimitris!

Where do Greek ferries travel to?

Ferries travel pretty much everywhere in Greece. They connect the islands with the mainland, and they travel between islands in the same island group. They also connect certain island groups with each other.

The Athens – Mykonos – Santorini combination is a popular travel combination in Greece, but there are countless other possibilities.

In addition, a number of ferries travel between Greece and the nearby countries, such as Italy and Turkey. The ferries going to Italy may stop at a few Greek ports on the way.

Ferry itineraries in Greece vary by season. There are more routes in summer, when high-speed ferries also operate on certain routes. In winter, many of these ferries stop running, and bigger, slower ferries operate instead.

Tickets for most of these ferries can be booked in advance. Our favourite website to compare Greek ferries and book ferry tickets in Greece is Ferryhopper .

Ferries from Athens ports to the Greek islands

The capital city, Athens, has three main ports, Piraeus , Rafina and Lavrion . They are all easily accessible from Athens by public transportation or taxi.

First time visitors to Greece may find it easier to arrange connections with Greek ferries with pre-booked taxis. I recommend Welcome Taxis .

Ferries departing from the Athens ports connect the capital with the following island groups:

Hydra , Spetses and the Argosaronic islands
Santorini , Mykonos , Milos , Naxos and all the other Cyclades islands in Greece
Rhodes, Patmos and the rest of the Dodecanese
Chios, Lesvos and the Northeastern Aegean islands
Greece’s biggest island, Crete
Evia, which can also be reached by land

It is possible to travel between some of these island groups by ferry. As an example, Crete is directly connected to many of the Cyclades islands. Similarly, some of the Cyclades are connected to the Dodecanese, and to certain Northeastern Aegean islands.

It is not always possible to travel directly between islands of the same group. Even islands that look very close on the map may not be directly connected at all. For instance, the increasingly popular island of Antiparos can only be reached through the island of Paros.

In other cases, islands within the same group may only be directly connected a few times per week. A good example are Sifnos and Syros , both in the Cyclades.

You can check itineraries and book your tickets at Ferryscanner

Ferries departing from mainland Greece

Not all islands are accessible via ferries departing from Athens, but there are other ports in mainland Greece.

The Sporades islands , including Skiathos and Skopelos, can be reached through mainland Greece. You’d have to leave from Volos or the small port of Agios Konstantinos near Kamena Vourla. The Sporades are also connected with Evia island.

The Ionian islands are a separate group, located west of mainland Greece. They can be approached on ferries from Patras , Kyllini and Igoumenitsa in Western Greece. For people pushed for time, flying might be easier.

Finally, certain islands can also be approached on ferries from the northern ports. Kavala port is connected with islands like Lemnos, Lesvos, Chios, and certain islands in the Dodecanese. Ferries from Alexandroupolis port depart for Samothraki island.

Can you book all Greek ferries online?

When it comes to booking ferries in Greece, most main routes can be booked online.

Apart from the Greek ferry routes mentioned above though, there are hundreds of other ferry services in Greece. As many of those boats are small, you may not be able to find much information online.

As an example, the popular Paros – Antiparos route does not appear on search engines. We assure you that this route is served by two different ferries, many times a day.

For such routes, you can only get your tickets in person, at the port. These vessels are rarely full, so you will generally get a ticket for the next ferry available.

Similarly, many around-the-island boat trips cannot be booked online. You might be able to contact the captain before your arrival, however it’s not always necessary.

In most cases, you will be able to book a last-minute trip around the island as soon as you arrive on the island, or even the evening before your trip.

Tip – if you are interested in a boat / sailing trip during the peak season, consider the meltemi winds . These are strong seasonal winds that can occasionally disrupt services. Even if the boat departs, you might not want to be on it on a very windy day!

Can I get an e-ticket for a Greek ferry?

Many ferry companies in Greece offer an e-ticket option. This means that you can buy your ticket and either download it on your phone or get it printed if you prefer. This is very convenient, especially if you are buying your boat tickets when you are in Greece already.

At the time of writing (summer 2020), some companies don’t offer an e-ticket option. This means that you can book your ferry ticket online, but you would need to collect your ticket at the port prior to your departure.

The AthensWas Hotel near the Acropolis in Athens, Greece

Alternatively, if you are staying at a hotel in Athens before your island trip, Ferryhopper can deliver them to your hotel for a small fee.

In all cases, check each company’s policy at time of booking, as these tend to change from time to time.

To get your ticket for the Greek islands, click here: Ferryhopper Greece

What seating options do I have on Greek ferries?

Seating options on Greek ferries vary widely and depend on the type of vessel.

Smaller, faster ferries only have indoor seating options. Sometimes there may be more than one type of seat, such as standard, business and VIP. While some people might find the upgrade more comfortable, it depends on the ferry.

Medium-sized highspeed ferries also have reserved indoors seating. Again, there are more than one types of seats. If comfort is an issue, you might want an upgrade, especially if you are travelling in peak season. You may be able to stand on the deck for a while, but in general you won’t find designated seating areas on the deck.

Finally, the conventional passenger / car ferries have all sorts of seats. The economy / deck option gives you the right to sit anywhere on the deck, or in designated indoors areas. If you aren’t prepared to fight for your seat, booking reserved “airplane” seats might be the best option for you. You will have your own seat and will still be able to walk around most areas of the ferry.

For longer trips, or on overnight routes, you could also consider getting a cabin. There are different types of cabins, which have anywhere from one to four beds. The most luxurious (and expensive) options are normally cabins with a sea view.

How fast do Greek ferry boats travel?

There are many different types of ferries in Greece, travelling at different speeds. Rather than kilometres or miles per hour, ferry speed is measured in knots. One knot is 1.852 kms or 1.15 miles.

Most conventional ferries run at a speed of 20-25 knots per hour, which translates to 37-45 kms / 23-29 miles per hour.

By comparison, highspeed vessels can reach 38-40 knots per hour, or 70-74 kms / 44-46 miles per hour. Some of them, however, travel a lot faster. One example is the Worldchampion Jet operated by SeaJets – more on this below.

Can you get food and drinks on Greece ferry services?

Ferries connecting the Greek islands have a range of facilities. Generally speaking, the smaller ferries would have a snack bar and café. The larger ones that make longer trips have also fully functional restaurants with many different meal choices.

Coffees, snacks and meals prices are slightly inflated, but all things considered they are not too expensive. You can always bring your own snacks though, especially if you are following a specific diet.

As an indication, a coffee would cost 3-4 euro and a cheese pie or sandwich could be around 3 euro. A seated meal might be around 10 euro, though some ferries have more upmarket options. Water price is regulated by the government, so a small bottle costs 50 cents.

Related: Best Road Trips Snacks

Are there any toilets on Greek ferries?

Well of course! All ferries listed in this article have toilets. In our experience they are mostly clean, and in our trips in the past few years there was toilet paper at all times. However, this may change occasionally – and like anywhere in Greece, it doesn’t hurt to carry some tissue just in case.

Some ferries also have baby changing facilities and even showers. Cabins have their own private shower and toilet facilities.

Do Greek island ferries have Wi-Fi?

Many of the larger ferries have wi-fi services, though it’s not always free. It’s best to check the specific ferry you are interested in.

Also, remember that the ferries will occasionally be far from the mainland. Don’t expect the signal to be great. Even better, take the chance to unplug, sit on the deck and look at the beautiful blue sea!

Can I bring my car on a ferry in Greece?

All bigger ferries, as well as many of the high-speed ones, carry vehicles. The boarding and unboarding procedure can be quite chaotic, and perhaps even intimidating. There is generally lots of shouting, as the ferry employees try to get everyone on and off board as quickly as possible.

Note that if you are renting a car in Greece, it is not always possible to take it on a ferry. In fact, it’s not a good idea, as it would cost you a lot more. It’s best to rent a car in every island you travel to.

Related: Best time to go to Greece

Greek island ferry companies

If you have been to Greece before, you will know that there are dozens of companies operating in the country. We've included all of them in the list below, and most of the ferries can be booked online.

Within each company’s section, you will also find a brief description of the vessels they operate. This will help you decide which one to choose.

As you will see, in most cases we have not included the exact islands that these ferries cover. This is because the routes that the ferries operate on change from year to year.

In fact, sometimes, Greek ferries are sold to other Greek companies. In these cases, they are usually renamed and renovated. Occasionally, they are bought by foreign companies and sent abroad.

List of Greek ferry companies

The main ferry companies in Greece, in no particular order:

1. SeaJets – Athens to the Cyclades and Crete 2. Blue Star Ferries – Athens to the Cyclades and the Dodecanese 3. Hellenic Seaways – Athens to several groups of islands in the Aegean Sea 4. Golden Star Ferries – Athens to the Cyclades 5. Aegean Speed Lines – Ferry to the Cyclades 6. Fast Ferries – Athens to the Cyclades 7. Sea Speed Ferries – Athens to the Cyclades and Crete 8. Zante Ferries – Slow ferries to the Cyclades islands 9. Small Cyclades Lines – Naxos, Amorgos and the Small Cyclades 10. ANEK Lines – The Cyclades, Crete, the Dodecanese and Italy 11. Minoan Lines – Athens to Crete and the Cyclades, Greece – Italy routes 12. Superfast Ferries – Greece to Italy 13. Ventouris Ferries – Greece to Italy 14. Levante Ferries – Ionian islands 15. Kefalonian Lines – Ionian islands 16. Corfu Ferries, Kerkyra Seaways & Kerkyra Lines – Ionian islands, Corfu and Paxi 17. Anes Ferries – Local routes around Greece 18. Skyros Shipping Co – Evia and Sporades 19. Triton / Avlemonas Ferries – Kea and Kythira 20. Goutos Lines – Athens to Kea and Kythnos 21. Saronic ferries – Ferries to the Saronic islands 22. Aegean Flying Dolphins – Ferries to the Saronic islands and the Sporades 23. Panorama – Rafina to Marmari in Evia 24. ANE Kalymnou – Rhodes to Chalki in the Dodecanese 25. Dodekanisos Seaways – Dodecanese islands 26. Alco Ferries – Rhodes to Chalki in the Dodecanese 27. Sea Dreams – Rhodes to Symi and Turkey 28. Lafasi – Kos to Kalymnos and Turkey 29. Other ferries from Greece to Turkey

How to use this Greek ferries guide

If you know which ferry you are planning to travel with, you can hit “Control+F” on your browser. This will bring up a search box, where you can type the name of the ferry. Then you will be taken to a section with some information about it.

If you want to know more about a specific ferry company, you can search for its name in the same way. Alternatively, you can just click the links above.

1. SeaJets – Athens to the Cyclades and Crete

The SeaJets company run 15 highspeed vessels and 2 conventional ferries from Athens to the Cyclades and Crete. These ferries range from smaller boats with no vehicle capacity to a few that are over 100 metres long.

The highspeed SeaJets have no deck option, so you will be indoors for the duration of your trip. They all have different types of reserved seats, while none of them have cabins. Tickets tend to be on the expensive side, but if time is important they are a good option.

We are listing all of the highspeed SeaJet ferries below, starting from the largest one. Most of them are catamarans, which means that they have two parallel hulls, improving their stability. Tera Jet and Paros Jet, the two largest vessels, are monohulls.

1a. Highspeed SeaJets with vehicle capacity

You may not have your own vehicle, so you wouldn’t really care whether the ferry carries vehicles or not. However, the bigger the ferry, the steadier it will generally be when the weather gets windy.

Tera Jet – Monohull Built: 1999, Italy Length: 145 metres Speed: 40 knots Passenger capacity: 2,000 Vehicle capacity: 500

Paros Jet – Monohull Built: 1996, Italy Length: 103 metres Speed: 37 knots Passenger capacity: 850 Vehicle capacity: 150

Worldchampion Jet Built: 2000, Australia Length: 87 metres Speed: 50 knots – this is 92 kms / 57.5 miles per hour! Passenger capacity: 1,310 Vehicle capacity: 222

Champion Jet 1 and Champion Jet 2 Built: 1997, Australia Length: 87 metres Speed: 40 knots Passenger capacity: 1,000 Vehicle capacity: 200

PowerJet Built: 1996, Australia Length: 82.30 metres Speed: 38 knots Passenger capacity: 800 Vehicle capacity: 150

MegaJet Built: 1996, Australia Length: 77.5 metres Speed: 33 knots Passenger capacity: 845 Vehicle capacity: 150

HSC CAT Built: 1990, Australia Length: 74 metres Speed: 37 knots Passenger capacity: 700 Vehicle capacity: 50

High Speed Jet (formerly Speedrunner I) Built: 1990, Australia Length: 74 metres Speed: 37 knots Passenger capacity: 600 Vehicle capacity: 75

Master Jet, also known as Caldera Vista Built: 1991, Australia Length: 74 metres Speed: 37 knots Passenger capacity: 700 Vehicle capacity: 85

Naxos Jet Built: 1991, Australia Length: 74 metres Speed: 37 knots Passenger capacity: 700 Vehicle capacity: 75

Andros Jet Built: 1997, Australia Length: 60 metres Speed: 36 knots Passenger capacity: 600 Vehicle capacity: 75

1b. Highspeed SeaJets without vehicle capacity

SeaJets also operates three smaller catamarans, that have no vehicle capacity. These ferries are better for shorter trips, as the ride can be a little bumpy. We would prefer to avoid them for longer trips, but they could be ok for shorter trips between the islands.

Sifnos Jet Built: 1999, Australia Length: 52.4 metres Speed: 38 knots Passenger capacity: 500

SuperJet Built: 1995, Finland Length: 42 metres Speed: 38 knots Passenger capacity: 394

SeaJet 2 Built: 1998, Norway Length: 42 metres Speed: 38 knots Passenger capacity: 386

1c. Conventional ferries run by the SeaJets company

SeaJets also operates two conventional ferries, that are ideal for people looking for budget options. These ferries also have cabins. If you are not in a hurry, you will enjoy your trip on these ferries.

Aqua Blue Built: 1975, Japan, refurbished in 1995 and 2016. Length: 127.6 metres Speed: 23 knots Passenger capacity: 1300 Vehicle capacity: 400

We have actually travelled on this ferry a few times, even during very windy weather, and were quite happy with it. It used to belong to different companies in the past, and has been renamed a couple of times.

Aqua Jewel Built: 2002, Greece Length: 108 metres Speed: 20 knots Passenger capacity: 661 Vehicle capacity: 160

For more information and photos of these highspeed ferries, you can check out the SeaJets website .

2. Blue Star Ferries – Athens to the Cyclades and the Dodecanese

Blue Star Ferries are one of the most popular and well-known companies in Greece. They operate several large passenger / car ferries in the Aegean. They are part of the Attica Group of ferries , alongside Hellenic Seaways and Superfast Ferries.

All of these ferries are big, conventional ferries, with plenty of deck space, cabins and large garages. There are many cafes and restaurants on board, and you can walk around most areas.

Blue Galaxy Built: 1992, Japan Length: 192 metres Speed: 24 knots Passenger capacity: 1,790 Vehicle capacity: 780 Cabins: 176

Blue Horizon Built: 1987, Japan Length: 187.1 metres Speed: 24.5 knots Passenger capacity: 1,488 Vehicle capacity: 780 Cabins: 164

Blue Star 1 Built: 2000, Netherlands Length: 176.1 metres Speed: 28 knots Passenger capacity: 1,890 Vehicle capacity: 780 Cabins: 192

Blue Star 2 Built: 2000, Netherlands Length: 176.1 metres Speed: 28 knots Passenger capacity: 1,854 Vehicle capacity: 780 Cabins: 176

Blue Star Patmos Built: 2012, South Korea Length: 145.9 metres Speed: 25.5 knots Passenger capacity: 2,000 Vehicle capacity: 430 Cabins: 90

Blue Star Delos Built: 2011, South Korea Length: 145.9 metres Speed: 25.5 knots Passenger capacity: 2,400 Vehicle capacity: 430 Cabins: 32

Diagoras Built: 1989, Japan Length: 141.5 metres Speed: 21.1 knots Passenger capacity: 1,462 Vehicle capacity: 274 Cabins: 131

Blue Star Chios (formerly Nissos Chios) Built: 2007, Greece Length: 141 metres Speed: 27 knots Passenger capacity: summer 1,782, winter 1,213 Vehicle capacity: 418 Cabins: 72

Blue Star Mykonos (formerly Nissos Mykonos) Built: 2005, Greece Length: 141 metres Speed: 26.5 knots Passenger capacity: summer 1,915, winter 1,274 Vehicle capacity: 418 Cabins: 29

Blue Star Paros and Blue Star Naxos Built: 2002, South Korea Length: 124.2 metres Speed: 24.4 knots Passenger capacity: 1,474 Vehicle capacity: 240 Cabins: 26

More here: Bluestar Ferries

3. Hellenic Seaways – Athens to several groups of islands in the Aegean Sea

Like Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways is operated under the umbrella company called Attica Group. They run four types of ferries, travelling all around the Aegean.

For 2020, they travel to the Cyclades, the Sporades, the Argosaronic islands, Northeastern Aegean islands, Crete and the Dodecanese. Their ferries differ a lot between them, ranging from large conventional ferries to small vessels.

3a. Hellenic Seaways – Conventional ferries

This is a range of moderately priced ferries for visitors who like to take their time. They run on different routes around Greece. Facilities vary widely, as do seating arrangements and cabin options.

Ariadne Built: 1995, Japan Length: 195.95 metres Speed: 24 knots Passenger capacity: 2,045 Vehicle capacity: 640 Cabins: 145

Nissos Samos Built: 1988, Japan Length: 192.9 metres Speed: 20.5 knots Passenger capacity: summer 2,202, winter 1,578 Vehicle capacity: 730 Cabins: 108

Nissos Rodos Built: 1987, Japan Length: 192.5 metres Speed: 22 knots Passenger capacity: summer 2,210, winter 1,683 Vehicle capacity: 748 Cabins: 98

Express Pegasus Built: 1977, Italy Length: 125.7 metres Speed: 19 knots Passenger capacity: summer 1,294, winter 1,092 Vehicle capacity: 185 Cabins: 8

Artemis Built: 1997, Greece Length: 89.8 metres Speed: 19.2 knots Passenger capacity: summer 748, winter 590 Vehicle capacity: 65

Express Skiathos Built: 1996, Greece Length: 77.9 metres Speed: 18.5 knots Passenger capacity: summer 1,013, winter 695 Vehicle capacity: 175

3b. Hellenic Seaways – Highspeed ferries

These vessels are much faster than the conventional ones. Like other high-speed ferries, they have no deck or cabin options.

Hellenic Highspeed – Monohull Built: 1996, Italy Length: 100 metres Speed: 34 knots Passenger capacity: 724 Vehicle capacity: 175

Highspeed 4 – Catamaran Built: 2000, Australia Length: 92.4 metres Speed: 38 knots Passenger capacity: 1,010 Vehicle capacity: 188

3c. Hellenic Seaways – Flying Cats

The company operates four catamaran vessels in this category. They are called Flying Cat 3, 4, 5 and 6, which some people would think is slightly unimaginative.

All these vessels are fairly small, and have no deck options, cabins or vehicle capacity. We would prefer to avoid them on a long trip, as it could end up being a bumpy ride. If you like walking around ferries and enjoying the deck, or if you get seasick easily, you might prefer to avoid them as well.

Flying Cat 4 Built: 1999, England Length: 55.1 metres Speed: 42 knots Passenger capacity: 438

Flying Cat 3 Built: 1997, England Length: 47.7 metres Speed: 42 knots Passenger capacity: 342

Flying Cat 5 Built: 1996, Norway Length: 40 metres Speed: 28 knots Passenger capacity: 336

Flying Cat 6 Built: 1997, Singapore Length: 40 metres Speed: 28 knots Passenger capacity: 336

3d. Hellenic Seaways – Flying Dolphins

These are some of the smallest passenger catamarans in the Aegean, named Flying Dolphin 17 and 29. Who knows how many they were to begin with!

In our experience, they are not super pleasant to travel on when the seas are rough, but this may be your only option. Your trip is unlikely to be very long, so you should be fine.

Flying Dolphin 17 Built: 1984, Russia Length: 34.50 metres Speed: 35 knots Passenger capacity: 130

Flying Dolphin 29 Built: 1991, Russia Length: 34.25 metres Speed: 35 knots Passenger capacity: 130

For more information: Hellenic Seaways

4. Golden Star Ferries – Athens to the Cyclades

Golden Star Ferries currently operate two conventional ferries, one of which has cabins. They also have four high-speed ferries, two of which can carry vehicles.

Superferry II Built: 1974, Belgium Length: 121.7 metres Speed: 21 knots Passenger capacity: 1,630 Vehicle capacity: 250 Cabins: Yes

Superferry Built: 1995, Japan Length: 121 metres Speed: 21 knots Passenger capacity: 1,760 Vehicle capacity: 280

Superrunner (formerly Speedrunner IV) Built: 1999, Italy Length: 100.4 metres Speed: 33 knots Passenger capacity: 810 Vehicle capacity: 180

Superexpress Built: 1998 Length: 91 metres Speed: 35 knots Passenger capacity: 1,070 Vehicle capacity: 200

Superspeed Built: 2002 Length: 54.5 metres Speed: 33 knots Passenger capacity: 400

Supercat Built: 2000 Length: 45.36 metres Speed: 35 knots Passenger capacity: 400

For more information on the Golden Star Ferries, visit their website .

5. Aegean Speed Lines – Ferry to the Cyclades

Aegean Speed Lines operate a large high-speed ferry, Speedrunner III, to the Cyclades. There is a range of seating arrangements, and no cabins.

Speedrunner III Built: 1999, Italy Length: 100.4 metres Speed: 34 knots Passenger capacity: 800 Vehicle capacity: 170

You can find more information about the Speedrunner III here .

6. Fast Ferries – Athens to the Cyclades

Fast Ferries are a smaller company running a total four ferries. They are currently collaborating with Minoan lines on certain routes.

In 2023, they are running a highspeed vessel called Thunder, which connects Piraeus, certain Cyclades islands and Heraklion in Crete.

Thunder Built: 1998, Australia Length: 86.6 metres Speed: 38 knots Passenger capacity: 1,068 Vehicle capacity: 210

Fast Ferries also run three conventional ferries to the Cyclades. There are no cabin options, but there is availability for vehicles. They are a great budget option.

You will easily spot these photogenic ferries departing from Rafina port, as they are all bright red.

Ekaterini P. Built: 1990, Japan Length: 121.5 metres Speed: 21 knots Passenger capacity: 1,127 Vehicle capacity: 240

Theologos P. Built: 2000, Japan Length: 118.1 metres Speed: 22 knots Passenger capacity: 1,154 Vehicle capacity: 300

Fast Ferries Andros Built: 1989, Japan Length: 115 metres Speed: 19.5 knots Passenger capacity: 1,200 Vehicle capacity: 280

Check them out here .

7. Sea Speed Ferries – Athens to the Cyclades and Crete

Sea Speed Ferries currently operate one conventional passenger / car ferry called Olympus. It’s a reasonably priced alternative to some faster ferries.

For 2020, this ferry connects Milos, Santorini and Rethymno in Crete a few times per week.

Olympus Built: 1976, Japan Length: 141.7 metres Speed: 16.5 knots Passenger capacity: 1,000 Vehicle capacity: 450 Cabins: Yes

8. Zante Ferries – Slow ferries to the Cyclades islands

You would have thought that Zante Ferries travel to the Ionian islands, but no. These two slow ferries connect several of the lesser visited Cyclades islands, including Kimolos, Sikinos and Folegandros .

They are a great budget option for people who are not in a hurry. We can’t wait to use them this summer!

Dionysios Solomos Built: 1987, refurbished in 2012 Length: 121.5 metres Speed: 19.5 knots Passenger capacity: 1,030 Vehicle capacity: 300 Number of beds: 40

Adamantios Korais Built: 1987 Length: 100 metres Speed: 18.3 knots Passenger capacity: 1,100 Vehicle capacity: 390 Number of beds: 44

The company is also supposed to launch a ferry connecting Alexandroupolis port with the island of Samothraki. This ferry is called Proteas, currently operating by Anes ferries. Watch this space!

9. Small Cyclades Lines – Naxos, Amorgos and the Small Cyclades

This family company operates one of the most iconic ferries in the Aegean, Express Skopelitis . This small ferry connects Naxos with Amorgos and the Small Cyclades – Iraklia , Schinoussa , Koufonissi and Donoussa.

It’s a basic little ferry, providing invaluable service for these off-the-beaten-track islands. For summer 2020, It also goes to Santorini and Ios once a week.

Express Skopelitis Built: 1986 Length: 45 metres Speed: 12.3 knots Passenger capacity: 340 Vehicle capacity: 11

10. ANEK Lines – The Cyclades, Crete, the Dodecanese and Italy

ANEK Lines operate some of the largest ferries in Greece. Their destinations include Crete and the Dodecanese. Some of their ferries go to Italy, connecting Patras, Igoumenitsa and Corfu with the Italian ports.

All their ferries are pretty massive, and they have capacity for many hundreds of visitors and vehicles. Some of them serve very long routes, and travelling on them can be quite an experience.

These are the ANEK ferries currently running in Greece.

Olympic Champion Built: 2000, Norway Length: 204 metres Speed: 30 knots Passenger capacity: 1,833 Vehicle capacity: 670 Number of beds: 808

Hellenic Spirit Built: 2001, Norway Length: 204 metres Speed: 30 knots Passenger capacity: 1,850 Vehicle capacity: 670 Number of beds: 710

Asterion II (also known as Grand Spring) Built: 1991, Japan Length: 192.5 metres Speed: 22 knots Passenger capacity: 1,020 Vehicle capacity: 840 Number of beds: 451

Elyros Built: 1998, Japan Length: 192 metres Speed: 24 knots Passenger capacity: 1,874 Vehicle capacity: 620 Number of beds: 776

Kriti II Built: 1979, Japan Length: 192 metres Speed: 23 knots Passenger capacity: 1,500 Vehicle capacity: 719 Number of beds: 468

Kriti I Built: 1979, Japan Length: 192 metres Speed: 22 knots Passenger capacity: 1,500 Vehicle capacity: 650 Number of beds: 468

El. Venizelos Built: 1992, Poland Length: 175.5 metres Speed: 21 knots Passenger capacity: 2,500 Vehicle capacity: 850 Number of beds: 1,606

Prevelis (ANEK / Aegeon Pelagos) Built: 1980, Japan Length: 142.5 metres Speed: 19 knots Passenger capacity: 927 Vehicle capacity: 310 Number of beds: 251

For more information, check out their website .

11. Minoan Lines – Athens to Crete and the Cyclades, Greece – Italy routes

Minoan Lines operate some of the most luxurious ferries in Greece. They also serve some Greece – Italy routes, connecting Patras, Igoumenitsa and Corfu with Venice and Ancona.

Within Greece, Minoan Lines travel to many of the Cyclades, and also Heraklion and Chania in Crete. They have three large, conventional ferries, and a faster catamaran.

The bigger ferries are the most luxurious we have been on. There is plenty of space, and there are several cafes, restaurants and bars on board.

There are several seat options, as well as a range of cabins. On-board you can also find stores where you can buy a range of items, like souvenirs, clothes, cosmetics and books.

Cruise Europa Built: 2009, Italy Length: 225 metres Speed: 27.5 knots Passenger capacity: 2,850 Vehicle capacity: 963 Number of beds: 1,257

Cruise Olympia Built: 2010, Italy Length: 225 metres Speed: 27.5 knots Passenger capacity: 2,850 Vehicle capacity: 963 Number of beds: 1,257

Festos Palace Built: 2002, Italy Length: 214 metres Speed: 31.5 knots Passenger capacity: 2,184 in summer / 1,865 in winter Vehicle capacity: 821 Number of beds: 744

Knossos Palace Built: 2000, Italy Length: 214 metres Speed: 31.5 knots Passenger capacity: 2,500 in summer / 2,448 in winter Vehicle capacity: 700 Number of beds: 758

Kydon Palace Built: 2001, Italy Length: 214 metres Speed: 31.5 knots Passenger capacity: 2,500 in summer / 2,448 in winter Vehicle capacity: 700 Number of beds: 758

The Santorini Palace is a faster catamaran with no cabin or deck options. There are different types of seats you can choose from.

Santorini Palace / Catamaran Built: 2005, Australia, refurbished in 2016 Length: 85 metres Speed: 38 knots Passenger capacity: 1,160 Vehicle capacity: 117

For more information on these ferries, you can check the Minoan Lines website .

Look also at How to get from Athens to Crete

12. Superfast Ferries – Greece to Italy

Superfast Ferries are part of the Attica Group of ferries, alongside Hellenic Seaways and Blue Star Ferries. They connect Greece and Italy, and their Greek ports of call are Patras, Igoumenitsa and Corfu.

Superfast Ferries are currently running three large ferries with capacity for many hundreds of visitors and vehicles.

Superfast I Built: 2008, Italy Length: 199 metres Speed: 24.2 knots Passenger capacity: 938 Vehicle capacity: 170 Number of cabins: 102

Superfast II Built: 2009, Italy Length: 199 metres Speed: 24.2 knots Passenger capacity: 938 Vehicle capacity: 170 Number of cabins: 102

Superfast XI Built: 2002, Germany Length: 200 metres Speed: 29 knots Passenger capacity: 1,821 Vehicle capacity: 900 Number of cabins: 198

13. Ventouris Ferries – Greece to Italy

Ventouris Ferries operate a few large ferries between Greece, Italy and Albania. For 2020, their ferries Rigel I and Rigel VII will run the route Patras – Igoumenitsa on their way to Bari in Italy.

Rigel VII Built: 1994, Japan Length: 163.5 metres Speed: 22.5 knots Passenger capacity: 775 Vehicle capacity: Yes Cabins: Yes

Rigel I Built: 1973 Length: 122 metres Speed: 19 knots Passenger capacity: 1,120 Vehicle capacity: 330 Number of beds: 550

14. Levante Ferries – Ionian islands

Levante Ferries currently operate four bright yellow ferries among the ports of Patras, Kyllini and the Ionian islands. Some of them have recently been bought from other shipping companies, and refurbished.

These ferries have no cabins, and they all have vehicle capacity. Interestingly, Fior di Levante can run on electric power.

Kefalonia (formerly known as Nisos Kefalonia) Built: 1975, Japan. Refurbished in 2019 Length: 120.8 metres Speed: 21 knots Passenger capacity: 1,134 Vehicle capacity: 324

Mare di Levante Built: 1984, Japan Length: 120.2 metres Speed: 19 knots Passenger capacity: 1,068 Vehicle capacity: 350

Fior di Levante Built: 1998 Length: 118.8 metres Speed: 19 knots Passenger capacity: 1,140 Vehicle capacity: 300

Andreas Kalvos Built: 1985, refurbished in 2019 Length: 98.6 metres Speed: 17.5 knots Passenger and vehicle ferry

This is their website .

15. Kefalonian Lines – Ionian islands

This small company is due to operate one ferry for summer 2020. Alexandra L will connect Patras, Killini and the Ionian islands.

Alexandra L (formerly known as Mirtidiotissa) Built: 1975, Japan Length: 101.25 metres Speed: 19 knots Passenger capacity: 750 summer, 604 winter Vehicle capacity: 240

16. Corfu Ferries, Kerkyra Seaways & Kerkyra Lines – Igoumenitsa > Corfu > Paxi

These companies are running several routes a day between Igoumenitsa port in mainland Greece, Corfu (known in Greek as Kerkyra) and the small island of Paxi, also known or Paxos.

Guide here: How to get to Paxos island in Greece

At time of writing, the status of the companies is a little unclear, and they seem to be merging up. Here is a list of all the small ferries running these routes.

The ferries running the routes are all different in size and shape, but they all carry passengers and vehicles. For more information on what they look like, you can check the company websites.

In some cases, online booking through Ferryhopper might not be available. You should be able to find passenger seats once you get there, or maybe book through the company websites.

Ionas Built: 1989 Length: 93.8 metres Speed: 10.8 knots Passenger and vehicle capacity

Agios Spyridon Built: 2000 Length: 81.5 metres Speed: 12 knots Passenger and vehicle capacity

Agia Irini Built: 1970 Length: 80.4 metres Speed: 11.6 knots Passenger and vehicle capacity

Eleni Built: 1970 Length: 77.8 metres Speed: 9.7 knots Passenger and vehicle capacity

Nanti Built: 1973 Length: 66 metres Speed: 11.1 knots Passenger and vehicle capacity

Ano Hora II Length: 104 metres Passenger capacity: 797 Vehicle capacity: 220

Nikolaos Length: 95.8 metres Passenger capacity: 650 Vehicle capacity: 160

Dorieus Length: 93.8 metres Passenger capacity: 585 Vehicle capacity: 150

Agia Theodora Length: 85 metres Passenger capacity: 732 Vehicle capacity: 160

Kerkyra Express Length: 76.6 metres Passenger capacity: 588 Vehicle capacity: 90

Alkinoos Length: 73.9 metres Passenger capacity: 590 Vehicle capacity: 100

Kerkyra Length: 72.4 metres Passenger capacity: 478 Vehicle capacity: 90

Menekratis Length: 70 metres Passenger capacity: 490 Vehicle capacity: 90

Evdokia Length: 44.4 metres Passenger capacity: 300 Vehicle capacity: 20

For more information, and to check out some of the ferry photos, you can visit the company websites: Corfu ferries Kerkyra Seaways Kerkyra Lines

17. Anes Ferries – Local routes around Greece

Anes Ferries are a small company, running small and medium-sized ferries around Greece.

Agios Nektarios This small ferry can carry up to 600 passengers and 90 vehicles from Piraeus to Aegina.

Proteas / Proteus This local ferry connects Volos port to the Sporades island and Evia. Proteas is 87 metres long and can carry up to 372 passengers and 110 vehicles. There is currently news that this ferry will be used in the Alexandroupoli – Samothraki route. Watch this space!

Symi Symi connects Agios Konstantinos Evia and Volos with the Sporades islands. It has a fairly large passenger capacity, at 780 people. There is also availability for 60 vehicles.

Sebeco Sebeco is a small, passenger-only vessel that can accommodate up to 200 passengers. It currently travels from Rhodes to the small island of Symi.

18. Skyros Shipping Co – Evia and Sporades

Skyros Lines operates a passenger / car ferry, Achilleas, from Kymi in Evia to Skyros, Skopelos and Alonnisos. This route might not always appear on Ferryhopper.

Achilleas Built: 1987, Japan, refurbished in 2004 Length: 96.6 metres Speed: 14.8 knots Passenger capacity: 600 summer / 520 winter Vehicle capacity: 160

19. Triton / Avlemonas Ferries – Kea and Kythira

Triton Ferries operate two small ferries. Ionis departs from Lavrio port, and goes to Kea (Tzia) and Kythnos. Porfyrousa connects Neapoli in the Peloponnese, Kythira and Antikythera.

Ionis Built: 1977, Greece Length: 96.30 metres Speed: 19 knots Passenger capacity: 800 Vehicle capacity: 150

Porfyrousa Built: 1997, Turkey Length: 75.5 metres Speed: 13 knots Passenger capacity: 300 Vehicle capacity: 150

20. Goutos Lines – Athens to Kea and Kythnos

Goutos Lines run a passenger / car ferry from Lavrio port to the nearby island of Kea , or Tzia.

Macedon Built: 1972 Length: 90 metres Speed: 16 knots Passenger capacity: 457 Vehicle capacity: Yes

21. Saronic ferries – Ferries to the Saronic islands

Like the name suggests, this company operates four ferries to the Saronic islands of Aegina, Agistri, Methana and Poros.

Phivos Built: 1980 Length: 100 metres Speed: 15.5 knots Passenger capacity: 1,200 Vehicle capacity: 120

Apollon Hellas Built: 1990 Length: 91.80 metres Speed: 14.7 knots Passenger capacity: 1,380 Vehicle capacity: 100

Achaeos Built: 2007 Length: 87.7 metres Speed: 14.3 knots Passenger capacity: 1,000 Vehicle capacity: 140

Posidon Hellas Built: 1998 Length: 86 metres Speed: 14.9 knots Passenger capacity: 1,300 Vehicle capacity: 74

22. Aegean Flying Dolphins – Ferries to the Saronic islands and the Sporades

These small vessels travel around the Saronic islands and the Sporades. At the time of writing, the company lists four similar flying dolphins , that are 35 metres each. They are all named after ancient Greek gods – Zeus, Hermes, Athena and Venus I.

23. Panorama – Rafina to Marmari in Evia

This company operates one ferry, called Panorama, from Rafina to Marmari in South Evia. It’s a fairly large (101 metres) ferry with passenger and vehicle capacity.

Schedules change from season to season. If you are not able to book tickets on ferryhopper, you will be able to get them directly at Rafina port. Just get there an hour earlier or so.

24. ANE Kalymnou – Rhodes to Chalki in the Dodecanese

This local company operates three vessels around the Dodecanese. It even connects some of the minor islands, though routes are not on a daily basis.

Nissos Kalymnos is a medium-sized ferry (62 metres), with passenger and vehicle capacity.

Kalymnos Star and Kalymnos Dolphin are small passenger vessels, for short trips.

For more information, check their website .

25. Dodekanisos Seaways – Dodecanese islands

This company operates one ferry and two high-speed catamarans connecting the islands of the Dodecanese.

Panagia Skiadeni Length: 83.7 metres Speed: 16 knots Passenger capacity: 700 summer, 590 winter Vehicle capacity: 115

Dodekanisos Express Length: 40 metres Speed: 31 knots Passenger capacity: 337 Vehicle capacity: 6

Dodekanisos Pride Length: 40 metres Speed: 32 knots Passenger capacity: 280 Vehicle capacity: 9

For more information, click here .

26. Alco Ferries – Rhodes to Chalki in the Dodecanese

Alco Ferries operate the Sebeco II, running the half-hour journey from Rhodes to nearby Chalki. This 29-metre long, passenger-only ferry was built in 2019.

Check out their website (in Greek only) for a few photos.

27. Sea Dreams – Rhodes to Symi and Turkey

Sea Dreams operate small passenger catamarans from Rhodes to Symi and nearby Turkey. As timetables and routes may change from season to season, it’s best to do some further research a few days before your trip.

Aegean Cat Length: 37 metres Speed: 29 knots Passenger capacity: 403

King Saron Length: 36 metres Speed: 27 knots Passenger capacity: 510

Symi II Speed: 14 knots Passenger capacity: 480

28. Lafasi – Kos to Kalymnos and Turkey

This local company serves the routes from Kos to Kalymnos, as well as Kos to Bodrum in Turkey. They operate two small passenger ferries.

Apollon II Length: 28.9 metres Speed: 20 knots Passenger capacity: 223

Ilias T Length: 22.5 metres Speed: 20 knots Passenger capacity: 123

You can check out these small vessels here .

29. Other ferries from Greece to Turkey

The companies below only run ferries from Greece to Turkey. You can book tickets on Ferryhopper, and if you want more information on the vessels you can check their websites.

Rhodes to Fethiye – Makri Travel Rhodes to Fethiye – Dodecanese Flying Dolphins Rhodes to Marmaris – Yesil Marmaris Lines Chios to Cesme – Sunrise Lines

Are there ferries from Greece to Egypt?

If you look at a map without taking into account distances, it seems like there should be a ferry from Greece to Egypt. In fact, in the past a ferry ran once or twice a week.

Updating this in 2020, there is currently no ferry running between Greece and Egypt.

Ferries in Greece

So this is it, a list of all ferries in Greece – who would have known they are so many. Hopefully it will come in handy when you are planning your next trip to Greece!

104 thoughts on “Ferries in Greece – The most ridiculously in-depth guide to Greek ferries”

Thanks Dave for sharing, great information! First time traveler to Greece – planning a trip for late Aug 2024. How far in advance do you recommend buying ferry tickets and are all the ferry routes listed for Aug 2024 travel? Thanks!

Writing this on 26th March 2024, ’d say about 80% of the ferry routes are now listed for the summer. Most of the popular routes are, it’s still the smaller routes that are yet to list. In particular, Zante Ferries, who operate rather confusingly in the Cyclades islands, don’t have their timetables up yet. If you want to sail between popular islands like Mykonos and Santorini you should book your tickets as soon as possible. Less popular routes there is less urgency, especially on the bigger boats such as Blue Star Ferries.

As many on here have posted, I am prone to sea-sickness so I will take something ahead of time if needed. I would like to take the nicest ferry possible and it seems Seajets has the best options between Paros and Mykonos, but there are 2 choices: either Tera Jet c or Super Jet 2. The Tera Jet is much larger and allows for vehicles, so therefore accommodates a lot more passengers. We will not be traveling with a car and wonder if the Super Jet 2 is a better choice since we may have less tourists (and thus chaos)?? Both ferries last about 40 minutes. Your opinion is greatly appreciated.

Hi, Not much difference between them and it’s a short ferry journey between Paros and Mykonos. It would be better to take the slightly larger car carrying ferry overall if sea-sickness might be an issue. They are both likely to be as equally busy depending on what time they sail and time of year etc.

Thank you for such a helpful and informative blog on visiting Greece! I am taking my first solo trip out to the Island of Andros in May and will be departing from the port of Rafina.

I just wanted to know what the difference is between a standard seat and a deck-lounge seat? I want to be able to sit somewhere where I can keep my luggage with me (20kg suitcase) and I’m not sure which is best to book. Also if possible, do you have any recommendations for reliable taxi services which go between Rafina and Athens airport?

Many thanks in advance!

Hi Sophie, For your taxi from the Airport and Rafina, you can pre-book using Welcome Pickups . Slightly more expensive than the regular airport queue taxi (by 5 euros or so), but worth it as they will meet and greet.

For your ferry crossing – just go for the cheapest ticket. In May, there will not be so many people on the ferry, so you can have your pick of the seats and sit in a more expensive one for free. Or sit in the cafe seating, which is what we sometimes do on shorter trips.

Your baggage is more complicated. Convention is that the heavy suitcase stays downstairs in the luggage area. If you try to carry it upstairs, you may be asked to leave it below. Rule of thumb is if you are confident enough and strong enough to carry all your luggage yourself up the stairs (there may not be elevators or moving staircases), then do it. However, if the crew thinks that it will slow boarding and disembarkation for everyone else, they will insist on you leaving it below. Mental experiment – if you were parked on the second or third floor of a car park, could you walk up the stairs easily with your luggage. If yes, you’ll be able to do it on the ferry 🙂

Hi Dave, Thanks for your post! I’m planning to travel Athens (Piraeus) to Paros return in early September. Do the ferries later in the afternoon/evening usually run on time or are they often delayed? Also, as someone who gets motion sickness, are the bigger Seajets ferries similar to the slower ferries in terms of bumpiness? Thanks, Emma

Hi Emma, Ferries leaving Piraeus almost always leave on time unless there is a major problem (and if they delay a ferry because of bad weather, you really don’t want to be on it anyway!). I get motion sickness as well – i take a ridiculous amount of ginger tablets, ginger tea, you name it! A conventional ferry as opposed to a catamaran type is better in the bad weather.

Thanks for this helpful info, from a first time Greece traveler. Is it really true that you need to be at the ferry dock a full hour before departure? We will likely be cruising from Piraeus to Naxos and then on to Santorini after 3 nights on Naxos. Thanks, in advance, for your thoughts.

Hi Brittnee, If you are leaving from Piraeus for the first time, then yes – it’s better to be there an hour before because things can be quite chaotic. It just allows you a little more time. From Naxos, you can aim to be there a half hour before. All this should allow for traffic problems, and let you get boarded without having to rush around.

Really useful information, I wish I’d found your page before!

We’re doing Athens – Milos – Santorini in late March/April but according to Ferryhopper there is only one sailing a day for each leg. Now we’re worried about cancellations, i.e. what do we do if the Milos – Santorini ferry is cancelled and we’re stuck without accommodation! What are the ferry company’s policies in this situation? Also do you think more crossings might be added later in the year?

Would really appreciate your advice in this!

Many thanks

Ferries are cancelled rarely – in bad weather delays might happen though. Each ferry company has their own policy, which would be to normally put you on the next ferry. At that time of year, there would be no issue picking up a hotel room for an extra night if needed. I doubt that extra ferries would be added to these routes at this time of year, but you never know! One other thought – all of these islands have airports, so it might be possible to get a flight back to Athens if needed.

Hi Dave, An amazing site thank you. There are three of us doing a walking tour of Serifos, Sifnos and Milos. We will be staying three days on each island. What issues can you see about ferries between islands. We are flying out of Milos to Athens.

On May 1st there is always a ferry strike, so that could be issue number 1 if traveling then. The main problem though, is that ferry schedules might not go live until February or March for those routes.

Hi there, I am in the early stages of planning a hopping trip next year. The ferry schedule is not released yet and I believe this does not happen until early in the year. My question is that do the schedules tend to stay fairly consistent from season to season? I am trying to put a rough plan together of timings and formulate an idea of costs based upon current schedules. Our those plans likely to be out the window when the new schedules come out in the New Year?

Hi, Routes (especially the most popular) tend to stay the same year after year. Schedules (by this we mean timetables in this case) themselves do change though.

I’m looking for your advice about timing my transportation. I land in Athens airport at 2:50pm on Saturday Sept 9th. I am trying to get to the Piraeus port to catch the last ferry at 5:30pm. Is this possible? I am interested in using the service you recommended, Welcome Taxi, as the pre-booked taxis service to transport me to the ferry port. So I guess I am wondering if Piraeus port is easy to get to from the airport. How far in advance do I need to arrive at the port to board the ferry (Can I arrive close to the departure time at 5:30 and still board the ferry easily or will they turn me away after a cut off time)? Is an hour a reasonable amount of time to leave the airport around 4:15pm and arrive at the ferry? If I took public transportation is there a drop off near the ferry or do you have to walk some distance to get to the ferry? Thanks for reading this. Im nervous for my first solo international trip.

Hi Sheryl, I think it’s probably pushing it for time. You’re relying on the flight landing on time, and then getting your baggage straight away – that’s really going to be out of your hands. An hour’s travel from airport to Piraeus by taxi is about right, and the driver can take you directly to the gate your ferry leaves from. There is no cut off for boarding – but the ferry won’t wait when it is time to sail. If everything goes well though, you could be at the port just as easily for 16.45 – it really depends how quick you can leaver the airport.

HI Dave, This is a great site – thank you.

We are travelling in Oct and one of our party has severe sea sickness and stays on deck. She has agreed to go on the high speed ferries, but I noticed that you made a comment that the high speed boats do not have an outside area. Did I read that correctly ? Any other suggestions ?

It will depend on the ferry route and the vessel being used, but typically the very highspeed ones do not have an outdoor area. The only thing you can really do is take a lot of motion sickness tablets and then hope for the best there’s access to outside the ferry when onboard.

Thanks for this, Dave! Appreciated the detailed info very much. I’m planning a trip in late March 2024. There are no timetables available yet and I’m concerned about the reduced schedule in low season. I’d like to book accommodations as far in advance as possible.

Can you tell me if these routes are possible/feasible during March? If so, do ferries run daily? On certain days of the week? I’m finding conflicting information online. Would appreciate your expert opinion. Many thanks! (also completely open to suggestions)

Rhodes to Santorini (cabin/berth for 2) – around March 29 Santorini to Naxos – around March 31 Naxos to Athens (fly or ferry) – around April 3

The ferry timetables for March 2024 might not be fully available until January. That said, there’s no danger of hotels booking out, as it’s the off season. This year there were only two ferries a week sailing from Rhodes to Santorini in March – and these took over 24 hours!! Consider flying back to Athens, and then out to Santorini. There’s normally one Santorini to Naxos ferry sailing a day in March There’s normally two ferries a day sailing from Naxos to Piraeus in April – and daily flights.

Hi Dave, Considering travelling to Herakleion by Ferry on the Blue Star Blue Horizon on 13th August instead of flying, which has become quite expensive this year. Did some research on this boat, apparently it has a pool. Would you know if that is accessable by the passengers on board? Could be one way to spend some of the time as its over 8 hours.

I haven’t heard that the Blue Star Horizon has a pool. As far as I know, no ferries sailing in Greece have pools. However, if you take this boat and it has one, let me know and I’ll update the guides!

Thank you so much for your detailed responses! I was just about to book with SeaJets to go from Santorini to Milos, however upon your responses I am rethinking. My husband and I would like to save time (2 hrs vs. 5.5 hrs) but am now concerned about cancellations with Seajets (this would be the Speedrunner Jet though). In general, do you advise the larger ferries always despite the time difference? We are travelling the first week of Sept, for reference. Thank you so much!!

Glad you’ve found some of the things here useful – including other readers questions and experiences using the ferry system in Greece! In general, if there are two ferries sailing in a day, and one of them is a fast ferry like SeaJets and one is a conventional ferry I prefer to take the conventional one. However, if time is a factor (and why not make the most of what you have on vacation!), then I’d take the faster one. I think the slower ferry you mention is the DIONISIOS SOLOMOS? It’s an old ferry, but reliable – just not as up to date as some of the others! A considerable saving in cost taking this one as well.

Hi, This is such helpful information! I am flying to Athens from July 12-July 18. We are trying to figure out the best way to structure the trip and whether to ferry or fly to a one or more of the islands. Other than not being able to travel on Saturday until after 2230, we are flexible. Do you know of any overnight, very late ferries to or from Athens? Considering Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, and open to other options. Thanks!

You can get overnight ferries to both Rhodes and Crete from Athens Piraeus Port. They are long journeys though, and best made in a cabin if you want to feel human at the end of the trip. Considering the travel time and cost, a flight might be a better option. These longer trip ferries are better suited to people traveling with a vehicle (unless you just want the experience of traveling overnight on a ferry to the Greek islands).

We are a family of 4 traveling from Mykonos to Santorini on Aug 24. 2023. We can’t decide between flying Aegean ( 2 ½ hrs connecting in Athens ) or taking a ferry Seajets Superjet at 10 am (direct – 2 hrs), Golden Star Ferries Express jet at 10:30 (2 stops – 3 hrs)) , Seajets Express jet at 12 ( 2 stops -2 ½ hrs).

I am most concerned with trip being cancelled and being stranded with no hotel and missing a day in Santorini. Ive read that there are high winds in August.

Hi, Difficult one to answer! Ferries are cancelled very, very rarely due to weather… But Murphy’s Law and all that! So, if you want absolute peace of mind, you could take the flights… you’ll lose a few hours getting to and from airports and check-in, baggage collection in Santorini. (Of course, nothing to say that on a freak weather day of 100kmh winds flights might not be delayed as well!). My preference for ferries sailing that day might be the later Minoan Lines ferry, but thinking about it, SeaJets makes the most sense, as if there are problems they could more easily bump you to a later sailing as they have multiple boats. An earlier ferry is better than a later one in my opinion (winds die down overnight, and pick up as the day progresses).

Hi Dave, We need to travel from Santorini to Mykonos on 5th August. I have a sickness phobia. I’m seeing mixed reviews about the Seajets World Champion, some sources saying it’s the fastest and smoothest option and others saying the speed makes people sick. What do you think?

I think the smoothness of the trip is less to do with the boat, and more to do with the weather. All of the ferries on the Santorini Mykonos route are high speed, and likely to experience wavy days the same way.

Thanks for your site. My husband and I are planning to island hop in late June/early July from Athens to Andros-Tinos-Naxos-Mykonos. We have a few days between each island. Should we pre-book tickets online rather than just turn up at the port? How far ahead should we book? Are the ferries between islands reliable and which ferry company would you recommend? Thanks so much.

Hi, For this year in particular, I strongly suggest booking ferry tickets as much in advance as you can. In the Cyclades, I prefer Blue Star Ferries (or any large ferry) over the high speed ferries such as SeaJets. The reliability for ferries is more to do with the wind conditions than anything else – the larger ferries do better in stronger winds.

Hi Dave, Thanks for all of the helpful information. My family will be on Naxos and we would like to ferry over to Paros for the day. In order to enjoy the whole day on Paros, we were thinking about taking the 11pm ferry back to Naxos. Is it ill-advised to book the last ferry back to Naxos?

Thanks, Suneeta

As long as you are there on time, I don’t see a problem. There’s no reason this ship would be cancelled – it’s one of the big ones and very reliable.

Hi, Dave! This was so helpful- thank you!

In late September, our group of 4 is staying in Paros for 4 nights before going to Santorini. We would like to take a day trip to Naxos while we are based in Paros, but our travel agent has strongly advised against this due to “lack of reliability” of the ferries. This seemed odd to us and I cannot find any reason to not pursue the day trip unless the weather is poor that day. Would you have any hesitations?

Hi Megan, I’m not sure why they would say that. there’s very few islands in Greece which are closer and have more ferry connections! These would also be the exact same ferry companies you’d take from paros to santorini – so really not sure what they mean. Only thing i can figure, is they don’t want you working out how to book the ferries yourself for the trip! Anyhow, you can find ferry timetables at: Ferryhopper Take the first ferry out to naxos in the morning. Perhaps not risk the last ferry back from Naxos to Paros (Murphy’s law and all that!), but second or third from last. Looks like you’ll have enough time in Naxos town – Unless it’s me that’s missing something!!

Hi Dave, great info here! My family will be in Greece in late July. On Ferryhopper there aren’t many options left for Santorini to Naxos on July 31st…just high speed Seajets which I am a little worried about the whole seasickness thing. Could additional trips be added by Bluestar (or other ferry lines) that day due to peak high season? Or do we just need to suck it up and book a Seajet at this point? Thanks in advance!

HI – I am seeing Blue Star Ferries on that route now… perhaps they were just added!

Dave, I am deciding if we should fly vs. ferry on July 6th from Athens to Crete. I noticed some ferries have a 2-4 hr connection in Santorini. Could we get off ferry and check out Santorini during the stop? It’s a long trip via ferry – and a bit concerned about winds and seasickness, but we’d love to travel by boat to see the islands from the water. Thanks for your input.

Hi Shannon, Whichever way you do it, it’s a long ride! I would advise against getting one with a connection (an indirect route). 2 hours in Santorini gives you no time at all, taking into account leaving the port and getting back there again. With 4 hours, you could at most spend 2 hours in Fira – but what would you do with your luggage? With the Athens to Crete ferry trip, it’s better to treat it as an overnight journey, and pay extra for a cabin so you can sleep on the way. This way you save a day of your vacation as opposed to traveling during the day. Ferry travel in Greece is fun, but this particular route doesn’t allow much island viewing.

Do ferries run from Crete to Santorini in the afternoons? We are looking at taking the ferry on July 24th as we will be flying out of Santorini the same day. As of today we can only find morning ferries.

Crete – Santorini is all morning ferries apart from a Blue Star that sails on Sundays at night. If you are able to move your travel days it might work for you but you’d need to spend the night in Santorini and you’d be checking in at 1 or 2 in the morning!

Hi Dave, Thank you for putting together this information, was really helpful. I just wanted to ask for some advice, I am travelling to Athens > Mykonos > Paros > Santorini in Aug/Sept. I am an anxious traveller when it comes to planes and boats, I don’t do well with high wind situations as well as being stuck in the same place for long, (sounds like a mess I know) but is there a fast ferry option that also isn’t prone to being bumpy or affected by winds as much? I know there is no magic wand but any advice would be greatly appreciated 🙂

Thank you in advance.

Hi Mary, There’s no other option unless taking the slower ferries (assuming these are the bigger conventional ones. However between Mykonos – Paros – Santorini i believe it’s all high speed ferries. Given your description, you could consider flying Athens to Mykonos, ferry from Mykonos to Paros, ferry from Paros to Santorini, fly from Santorini to Athens (I recommend leaving Athens until the end of your itinerary though so there’s no rush or panic about missing flights back home because of ferry delays.

Your site is incredibly helpful. Planning a trip for this August and my partner and I have laughed at how we’re just constantly finding ourselves on your page, thank you!

Quick question about a ferry connection. We’re planning on taking the Express Skopelitis from Iraklia to Naxos before we catch a flight out of Naxos. The Express Skopelitis will get us into Naxos at 1:05p, our flight leaves Naxos at 3:20p. Are we cutting it way too close? I realize that many delays are weather based, and I’m willing to gamble a little on that. However, you (and others) mention that ferries tend to get more delayed as the day goes on. Is this typical delays of 5-20 minutes per stop, or is it quite typical to see a ferry delayed by an hour+? I know these questions depend on so many things, but appreciate any thoughts you may have. I’m okay with a little risk but just want to make sure it’s not a ridiculous transfer to try and make in the first place.

Again, thanks for your site!

Glad you’ve found the site useful – I’m trying to be omnipresent before AI takes over haha! So to the Express Skopelitis – (and let’s not be fooled by the name, it’s not an express!!) For me I’d feel that was cutting it a little too close. Ferry delays happen for all kinds of reasons, and once it is delayed at one port, it can’t really catch back up on the time again. That said, the Skopelitis is less affected than others as the crew knows the ship well. My personal golden rule is to try an be at the place I am taking a flight from the previous night just in case. Probably not the answer you want, but might be the answer you need. Whatever you decide on, enjoy Greece!

Thank you for your insight and thorough information! I am in the middle of planning our honeymoon for September 2023 and was planning to fly into Athens on 9/7 (stay 2 nights) then ferry to Paros on 9/9 (4 nights) – Milos on 9/13 (3 nights) – Santorini on 9/16 (3 nights) – ferry back to Athens 9/19 (stay 1 night). Would this be an okay route to do? I was looking on Ferry Hopper and it looks like there is only 1 ferry from Paros to Milos and from Milos to Santorini which is a little worrisome in case something happens and the ferry is cancelled or delayed, we would not have another option to get to the next island. Do you have any thoughts?

Thanks, Alexa

The route looks good to me! Unfortunately, there’s always the possibility of delays or cancellations – the same as with air travel. You’ve done the right thing though by having many days on each island – if you are delayed, then you lose just a few hours. if something gets cancelled they will put you on the next boat. Boats are normally cancelled for bad weather (you really wouldn’t want to sail if the weather is bad enough for them to cancel), or strike action. My only suggestion would be to consider a flight back to Athens from Santorini, as that is the only possible weak spot in the itinerary where a cancelled ferry could hurt you.

Can the deck be enjoyed on Zante ferries?

We are travelling to Greece next month and are looking at booking a ferry for Thursday, May 18 from Santorini to Milos. The SeaJets option, for 94€, has been available since booking the trip in January. Sure enough, more ferry schedules are becoming available and our other option is a longer ferry, via Zante, for 16€. Weighing out the pros and cons and knowing if a deck can be enjoyed is one of those items we want to consider.

Many thanks 🙂

The Zante Ferries boat has a couple of small outdoor areas you can sit in – a couple down the sides and an area at the back. The inside is also quite comfortable. I’d take the Zante 🙂

This is amazing information thank you! We will be going from Santorini to Paros in September and have the choice between Seajets PowerJet and 10 am or the Blue star at 3:45 pm. Ideally we want the earlier one but have read that Seajets aren’t as reliable and my husband is prone to sea sickness. What would recommend? Thank you!

Seajets are more susceptible to stronger winds – so they end up delayed or cancelled more frequently than the bigger ones. That first Santorini to Paros ferry is pretty quick though – I’d take that if you want to make the most of your vacation time. No breakfast for hubby and plenty of ginger tablets!!

Hi Dave, Thanks for your very informative and very helpful guides. My wife and I are travelling this coming mid-May flying into Athens. We will be spending three nights here before making our way across to Santorini by ferries. We are looking to stop on the way there and back to break up the long journeys. Can you recommend which two islands to visit – I’m thinking of Naxos, Paros and/or Syros. As foot passengers would we need to book up early for these ferries at this time of the year? Also booking accommodation – apart from Santorini, do we need to book up in advance?

Hi Steve, For mid-May you don’t need to book hotels tremendously in advance and you don’t need to book ferries far in advance at all. Even the night before would be fine – the only thing with hotels, is that you might have less choice, normally on the more affordable places. Either Naxos or Paros are great – I prefer Naxos, but actually in mid-May Paros is very nice as well. As they are reasonably similar, you’d probably be better off going to just one of them. If you stop at Syros, you would only need one full day there really as Syros is all about the main town Ermoupoli (Naxos and Paros have way better beaches).

Thanks for great information!

Just wondering – where can I find the cancellation policies for the ferry companies? I checked on Seajets website – they have information dated 2020 and says that refunds are only given by the “issuing agency”. What does that mean? In your experience, do most ferry lines offer a flexible cancellation fare, or should I wait closer to my vacation in September to purchase a ticket?

Hi Barbara,

I always book through Ferryhopper. We had to cancel a ferry a week before and got a refund ok. If you are traveling in September, and you only need foot passenger tickets, you can wait a while until booking. We normally book ferries a couple of weeks before outside of August.

Hi Dave. I am struggling to find information on routes from Crete (all ports) to Rhodes. We are in Crete in early Oct and want to get to Rhodes. We ideally don’t want to fly as its quite expensive and takes the fun away from a ferry ride. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

In October I think only the Prevelis makes that journey – And it’s about 15 hours or something like that! They sailed Heraklion to Rhodes twice a week in October last year. Unfortunately, they haven’t put their schedules up this year for as far forward as October. Their schedules for October might not go live for several months yet.

ferryhopper shows a Santa Irini ferry going from Heraklion to Santorini in May. I gather it is operated by Panhellenic Lines or Horizon Sea Lines. I am, however, unable to find out from which part of the Heraklion Ferry Terminal they depart and where I would need to check-in etc.

As far as I know, all the ferries leave from the same area in Heraklion port. If you get there in plenty of time, it shouldn’t be an issue finding where you need to be, although if in doubt either email ferryhopper or the ferry company directly. You could perhaps also get a taxi ride down from your hotel and they will take you straight there. Assuming you get issued an e-ticket, no further check-in is needed. You just need to be there in plenty of time (at least half hour before departure for foot passengers).

First thank you for taking the time to provide this information. Very informative. Question, We will be traveling (4 adults) with a 2 yr old by ferry from Paros to Santorini (luggage and all). Does it make sense to take the Blue Star Ferry with cabins and take longer to get to Santorini versus taking the Seajet and save and hour? I considered getting VIP or Business Class seats so we could all be together and entertain her but it appears they prefer not to have such young children in these areas. I was not able to select a ticket for her with her real age and if I changed her age later it asked for everyone”s birthdays and caught the mismatch. Suggestions? I am looking for the most relaxing way given we will have all our bags and a toddler.

Hi, When boarding ferries, you leave your larger cases downstairs as you board – the reason is that hundreds of people trying to carry 3 pieces of luggage each up the stairs in the ferry would be chaos. So, plan to have what you need with you for the ferry trip in the equivalent of carry on baggage as you would for a plane. For the Paros to Santorini crossing, I don’t think it’s worth cabin or business for relatively short crossings like these. My advice – send two quick adults who’s mission it is to get on the ferry first, and claim a table in the cafe area so you have plenty of room to sit together! The Blue Star, while slower, will have more room on and will also be less affected by winds which could be good if any of your party have sea sickness.

We need to travel from Crete to Santorini on May 1. Do ferries run on this holiday? We have luggage that us bigger than a carryon and so concerned about u t flying.

Hi Stacey, This is traditionally a national strike day. I would advise against making travel plans in Greece on May 1st on ferries.

Hi there, Thanks for all this good info. We were planning on travelling from Kos to Santorini end of June but have seen that there is no longer a direct ferry- do you think they may recommence this route closer to the time or should we be finding an alternative route?

Thanks! Ella

Hi Ella, To the best of my knowledge this route no longer operates. You could see if going from Kos to Syros and then Syros to Santorini is worthwhile for you. Another alternative would be to fly Kos to Athens, and then fly or ferry Athens to Santorini.

Love your posts. One last question on Greek ferries: do I need to show my passport to board? If not, I can carry it in an underclothing pouch. If so, I cannot.

I’ve never been asked to show a passport on ferries (apart from 2020 during the first Covid months). All you need is the ferry ticket either physical or as a PDF on your phone and you’re good to go.

Huge task you’ve undertaken for us to benefit from! Thanks a million! I am trying to find out defintiive and reliable information on a silly return trip from Rafina to Andros in August. I have consulted three ferry search engines (Ferryhopper, Ferries in Greece and Greek Ferries) and they return very different results. The information does not match (ferries have different times, or do not appear at all in some engines). Is it because it’s too early? When will it be not too early? How can I know which ferries will go ahead as scheduled (by which engine)? Do you have any tips or recommendations? Thanks in advance!

Hi Luigi, From those sites I would only trust Ferryhopper. They only put live the schedules once they have officially been released. If you’re trying to put a day trip together for a return on the same day, it looks like it is possible using fast Ferries.

Thank you so much for this detailed wonderful information! We are trying to go from Crete to Santorini, in early April, but there’s no fast ferries available. Since we plan to be in Santorini for a short time, we wanted to take a fast ferry there. Do you know if they add ferries to the schedule closer to the dates?

Thank you so much!

Hi Selma, Unfortunately it looks like the faster ferries between Crete and Santorini don’t start until 12th April this year. I don’t expect there to be any others added based on last year’s schedules (then, it was also SeaJets onve a day but it start sailing around the 20th April, so this year it’s earlier) Potentially, a slower boat once per week might get added to the schedule. Prevelis usually sails on a Sunday but isn’t showing up yet for April. If you want to sail before the 12th and not in a Sunday, your options are pretty limited to getting back to Athens and then getting back out to Santorini using flights.

Hi Dave. Thank-you for this incredibly detailed account of the ferries for Greece! Lots of great information here to help with planning. We are looking at a slow ferry trip to Folegandros and it seems that Zante ferries is the option (I am prone to motion sickness, so a large, slow ferry is what we need to take). We cold possibly go to Milos first, but unsure of how much time needed to then catch another ferry over to Folegandros, as we don’t really want to arrange accommodations on Milos for a night. Any thoughts? Also, I am hoping you can answer a question regarding passports – do you have to surrender your passport to the crew on each ferry trip? I have seen various posts out there, that passports are taken by a crew member and then in order to get it back, tourists are charged money (a scam). What actually happens with your passport? Thanks so much for your time.

Hi Jo-Ann, So dealing with the passport issue first. You never have to give your passport to anyone on the ferry when traveling within Greece. Not sure where you read that, perhaps it was for a ferry between Italy and Greece where it may have been the case. Once you have been on one ferry, you will instantly see how impossible and impractical it would be – it’s organized chaos getting on and off the ferries! In short – no, don’t give your passport to anyone on the ferry. You won’t even asked to show it now there are no Covid restrictions. Regarding Folegandros – a popular travel option is to fly Athens to Santorini, and then take a ferry to Folegandros in order to save time. You could also fly to Milos first, and then take a ferry from Milos to Folegandros. The Zante ferry from Athens (I think that’s where you mean to start?) to Folegandros would be around 8 hours – it’s quite a long time, so to cut it down by flying part of the route would give you more vacation time perhaps.

Hi Dave. We are planning to Island hop mid September to October in the less frequented Cyclades. We fly into Santorini but the price of the ferries to get off to Folegandros or Milos seems high at 64 euros per foot passenger. Will there be cheaper ferries published later in the season? I thought that there was a standard price per distance.

The price for ferries is set by the company unless it is a subsidized route. So, SeaJets will typically have the most expensive tickets (they only operate in the tourist season). On this Santorini to Folegandros route, Zante Ferries are also likely to run twice a week and their fare is typically cheaper (it may be subsidized – not quite sure). The only problem is that Zante Ferries never put their routes up very far in advance. I wouldn’t expect it to go live until after Greek Easter for the period you want to travel.

Hi Dave I find your insight great as we prepare form our first trip to Greece this June. I have seen your replies for those with seasickness concerns. I was considering the SeaJet World Champion 1 since it looks larger. However, I am concerned still. We are flying for most other islands but thought about ferry from Santorini to Mykonos. What are your thoughts?

Hi Melanie,

Unfortunately there’s no other way to get between Santorini and Mykonos, and none of the ferries on that route have outside decks I believe. All I can suggest is a light breakfast, eat plenty of ginger, don’t look at the phone, eyes closed and meditate – at least that’s how I get through some of the ferry trips as I am the world’s worst sailor!!!

Hi Dave. Excellent site! I’ve read conflicting information about the availability of ferries in March. We will be in Greece next month and plan to go from Athens to Crete, Crete to Santorini and Santorini back to Athens. Will we be able to book a ferry in March? It looks like the various sites such as go-ferry.com allows us to book, but I want to make sure there will actually be a ferry to take. Any help would be appreciated!

Hi Troy, Glad you’ve found the site useful! Ferries from Crete to Santorini are questionable in March. Athens to Crete is no problem, but it might be easier to fly. In the summer, variations of the Athens – Santorini – Crete island hopping itinerary are possible, but before April it is much more difficult. You might find yourself flying Athens to Crete, flying back to Athens, then getting a ferry or flight to Santorini and then back again. Personally, I would only book a ferry when they appear on either Ferryhopper or Ferryscanner . The other sites are not as good or as reliable in my opinion.

Dear Dave, We are travelling from Rafina to Andros on 4th August. My main concern is sea sickness after a very bad experience on a smallish, enclosed, fast catamaran. The options for this journey are Golden Star Superferry, Fast Ferries Andros, Fast Ferries Theologos P or Seajets Tera Jet. I am thinking that the slowest – Fast Ferries Andros – is probably my best bet. What do you think?

Either that or the Golden Star would be my choice! Those smaller faster ferries are horrible in strong winds – and August can certainly have them! Recommend eating lots of dried ginger before you board!

Great guide thank you! My husband and I will be coming to Greece and plan to go to Santorini, then Syros, then Hydra. SeaJet, which operates Santorini-Syros and Syros-Piraeus looks like it gets a lot of complaints and is delayed often. A delay isn’t problematic when going from Santorini to Syros but for going Syros-Piraeus-Hydra, a delay from Syros-Piraeus would be problematic. There is a SeaJet that goes Syros-Piraeus from 3 pm to 5 pm but a Fast Ferries from Syros-Piraeus from 1:35 pm to 4:20 pm. (The SeaJet is not only quicker but actually 10 euros cheaper.) Our next ferry, from Piraeus to Hydra would be 6:30 pm-8:30 pm. I had thought 1.5 hours would be enough time for the connection in Piraeus and so would could take SeaJets (which is quicker and cheaper), but now I am worried about the delays with that line. Do you have insight/experience with SeaJets in terms of delays/cancellations, vs. Fast Ferries? Thank you!

Hi Stacey, I would say that most of the delays are to do with weather – which is really out of everyone’s hands! I think SeaJets seem to have more complaints mainly because it is visitors to Greece using them in the majority. Personally, I would say that leaving just 1.5 hours between ferries is a little tight. I would take the earlier ferry. Another note: It might be worth researching where your Hydra ferry leaves from. It may be in a different area in Piraeus port, and the port is a big place, so you might have additional transfer time between gates.

Hello Dave — This is so helpful. I have a very specific question. We will be traveling from Rafina to Paros in late June. Our choices are: Golden Star Ferry SuperExpress at 7:15am (4 hr ride), FastFerries Andros at 7:30am (6 hr 20 min ride), or Sea Jets Tera JetC at 2:50pm (4 hr ride). Our first choice would be the SuperExpress due to the timetable, but it looks like a fully enclosed and maybe kind of small boat? I’m worried about seasickness for my kids (but probably curable with some Dramamine) and comfort for my 70-something parents and aunt. Any advice on which boat will be most comfortable, and/or offer the ability to be outside on a deck? Thank you!!!

I’d personally go for the quickest and best timed ride just to get the ferry trip out of the way! These are all large boats and also carry vehicles, but not all of them you can go outside. I think only Fast Ferries Andros you can go outside on as it has a small outdoor area.

Thanks for this really informative article!

I’m travelling between Athens and Santorini in May this year. I’m debating whether to get the seajets ferry which is 4hr45 or the longer blue star one which is 8 hours? For such a long trip would you recommend blue star as it’ll be smoother? I’m a little worried about sea sickness – though at this time of year will the waters be rough? I’m also tempted by the fact that the longer ferry allows walking out on the deck which might be nicer than being cramped indoors for 5 hours. Any advice would be much appreciated!

With the Blue Star you can go out on to the deck. With the SeaJets I don’t think you can go out at all so perhaps something to keep in mind. There’s no predicating the wind, but generally, the Meltemi winds (very strong winds!) start July/August so you should be ok. If you only have limited time, and seasickness is an issue, it might be worth considering flying from Athens to Santorini – it would be a lot quicker!

Hi Dave. We are planning a trip in August. We are flying to Rhodes. From there I would like to go to Patmos. I would also like to go to Santorini after Patmos. What would be the best way to get there?

It’s an unfortunate combination of islands that looks like it’s not possible to do at this stage. There’s at least one ferry a day from Rhodes to Patmos – it takes about 5 hours. You can find the schedule and get tickets here: Ferryscanner Getting to Santorini from Patmos is more of a problem – there’s nothing scheduled and no easy way to do it. In fact, it looks like you’d have to go all the way back to Piraeus in Athens and then back out again to Santorini!

Hi Dave. My husband (also Dave 😉 and I are traveling to Greece in September 2023. I am looking at high speed ferry options from Piraeus to Naxos. A couple of questions: 1) Aside from a 30-min time difference, is there any advantage of one over the other with SeaJet WorldChampion versus Hellenic HighSpeed 4? 2) VIP seating on the HighSpeed 4 is about 30 Euro less per person…. Is there a reason? 3) When I go to book the HighSpeed 4, it says we may not be sitting together in the VIP area. Is this nothing to be concerned about? 4) I was looking at VIP assuming we would have more elbow room and a better view. Is that an accurate assumption? 5) If I needed to make a change, is it easier if I book direct through the Ferry line vice on FerryHopper? 6) Do both Seajet and Hellenic offer etickets now?

There’s not really much between them in terms of service, so it probably makes sense to go with the one who’s schedule is best for you. Personally I prefer the Hellenic Seaways 🙂 The VIP area may not have numbered seating, which is why they put that they can not guarantee you sitting together. The other seating is numbered though. VIP is definitely less crowded and more comfortable. The view is a ‘depends’ answer! Both offer e-tickets so when you book online you’ll be given a QR card which you can print off or keep on your phone as a pdf

Hi, thanks for the write-up. Very informative and very helpful. My only question comes as to booking for two people – could I book a ‘Cabin bed with window’ for myself and an economy seat ticket for the other person and then have them join me in the cabin the whole ride? Or… do both need the tix to explicitly say ‘Cabin with Window’ ticket?

Thanks in advance!

It’s unclear what might happen – if you book just the one bed, you might have the cabin to yourself. Or, you might end up sharing – I’m really not sure! If you did end up in the cabin by yourself, yes the other person can easily join you.

Traveling from Santorini to Paros why would I want to take the slower ferry vs one of the high speed I understand the slower ferry is larger and would be smoother ride aside from that are there reason to take the slower ferry

A smoother ride in rougher weather – also the slower ferries are normally cheaper as well. In this case, just checking a random date, 20 Euros a ticket cheaper. So if you are a family of 4 travelling, the saving could be worth it for just an hour difference in travel time.

Hi Dave, myself and my family (4 people) are travelling to Athens-Paros-Crete-Naxos on the 14th August. When I went to book ferries online via ferry scanner, for all 4 of us, they came up as 1200 euros all in – this seems very expensive. do you think it is better to book them in person when we get there?

Wow – That’s a lot! Were these all on high speed boats by SeaJets? If so it sounds likely. You would average as 100 Euro per person per ferry ride using SeaJets. However if you tried the route you just mentioned you are going back on yourself which might be bumping the cost up – the better route Athens-Paros-Naxos-Crete. It might reduce the cost a little. Try also Ferryhopper , but I think you’ll find the prices will be the same. Wherever possible, use Blue Star Ferries who tend to have the cheaper prices. As far as I am aware, there is no advantage in terms of cheaper tickets to buying in person. There’s only the risk you might find a boat is sold out. You could also try going to the SeaJets site directly to see if there are any discounts or reward cards that might compensate for some of the cost.

Great wrap-up, Dave. You don’t say anything here about reliability. I know it’s popular on the forums to recommend returning to the mainland a day before a flight. I’m planning on taking a conventional ferry. from Tinos to Rafina, first week of October, not for a flight, but to meet my friends who are arriving on a flight. I’m really torn between returning a day early for security, or enjoying another night on Tinos and hoping for the best. What are the odds of a conventional ferry not sailing in October, do you think? Thanks!

For the ferries from Tinos to Rafina to be cancelled it would have to be very strong winds. I would say ferries get cancelled due to strong winds like this a couple of times a year. Winds blow strongest in August. In general, if you monitor the weather a few days before you are due to sail, you’ll work out if it would be cancelled or not. I recommend https://www.meteo.gr/ for more localized weather forecasts.

Hi Jenny – I’d say booking in advance is best where possible for ferries to or from Santorini in July. It will save a lot of chaos at the port trying to buy a ticket. Looks at the moment that the last ferry each day is the Blue Star leaving at 15.30. You can pre-book tickets at: Ferryscanner

Hi! We would like to take a ferries from Italy to Greece, preferably Ancona to Patras, with our dog in the cabin. In your experience, what are the cabins like on the Minoan and Suerfast ferries? I have read some dreadful reviews saying people don’t get the cabin they booked, that the ferries are often extremely late arriving for boarding, cabins are dirty. I am now worried, because of our large hound!

Greek Ferry Travel – Island Hopping In Greece Made Easy

Greek island hopping doesn’t need to be complicated – in fact, it can be one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to travel around Greece.

Greek Ferry Travel is a site dedicated to helping you plan your Greek island hopping adventure, with all the information you need to know about travelling by ferry around Greece.

Ferries in Greece

We’ll help you figure out which islands you want to visit, and how to get between them using the Greek ferry system. We’ll also give you tips on what to see and do on each island, so you can make the most of your time in Greece.

Where can I see Greek ferry schedules online?

You can find regularly updated ferry schedules at each individual ferry operator’s site, it’s a bit of a pain to have to check all of them if you’re doing a lot of island hopping.

Luckily, there are a few websites that compile all of the ferry schedules in one place. You can try:

Ferryscanner
Ferryhopper

In addition to checking out the summer itineraries for sailing, both these sites offer the option to book your ferry trips directly through their platform.

Island hopping in Greece is the best way to see this beautiful country, and we’re here to help you plan the perfect trip.

What is Greek island hopping?

Greece has over 100 islands you can reach by ferry, so island hopping is a great way to see as many of them as possible. It’s also a flexible and affordable way to travel, as you can take your time exploring each island at your own pace.

The general idea, is that by researching Greek ferry routes, you can put together an island hopping itinerary that works for you.

This could involve spending a few days on each island in a particular group, or perhaps picking 3 Greek islands and spending a month on each if you have the time!

Island hopping is popular among backpackers and budget travellers, but it’s also a great option for couples, families or groups of friends. Many people return to Greece year after year, using Greek island ferries to visit 3 or 4 islands during their vacation, and then picking up where they left off the next time they come back.

For Greek ferry tickets, we recommend: Ferryscanner

What are the best Greek islands for island hopping?

Most people find that it makes sense to pick an island chain or group, such as the Cycladic islands or Dodecanese when planning ferry trips in Greece . This way, you can easily hop between Greek islands with direct ferries.

Some popular islands in different chains also connect with on another. For example, a possible itinerary would involve Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete. The more time you have, the more islands you can visit.

Keep in mind that each island group has its own character and atmosphere. Some are lively and crowded with tourists, while others are relaxed and off the beaten path. You might want to pick a mix of islands, or focus on one particular type of island depending on what you’re looking to experience during your trip to Greece.

Some popular island groups for island hopping include:

– The Cyclades Islands : Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos

– The Dodecanese Islands : Rhodes, Kos, Patmos

– The Ionian Islands : Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia

– The Saronic Islands: Hydra, Poros, Aegina

– The Sporades Islands : Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos

But really, the possibilities are endless!

Related: Greek islands near Skopelos you can reach by ferry

What are the ferries like in Greece?

The Greek ferry fleet is operated by dozens of different companies, so the age and size of the boats varies. In general, they are large and comfortable, with plenty of space for passengers and some Greek ferries also have room for cars, trucks, and buses.

The most common type of ferry is the conventional ferry, which has both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as space for vehicles. These ferries are typically slower on the longer crossings, but are more comfortable to be on if the winds are blowing across the sea.

High-speed ferries are also available on some routes, which can make the journey time half of what it would be on a regular ferry. These are more expensive, but the extra cost is often worth it if you’re short on time.

Catamarans are another type of ferry that is becoming increasingly popular in Greece. These are faster than regular ferries and have less motion, making them ideal for those who get seasickness.

Finally, there are also hydrofoils, which are even faster than catamarans but can be quite uncomfortable to ride on if the waves are high.

When is the best time to travel by ferry in Greece?

The summer months are the busiest time for island hopping in Greece, as that is when most people take their vacations. However, this also means that ferry tickets are more expensive and the boats are more crowded.

If you’re looking to save money or have a more relaxed experience, consider travelling in the shoulder season (May-June or September-October). The weather is still quite good at this time, but there are fewer tourists.

Generally speaking, the best months to travel to Greece are from April until the end of October.

Related: Andros to Mykonos

Which ferry companies should I use?

When it comes to island hopping in Greece, there are dozens of different ferry companies to choose from. Some of the most popular include:

-Aegean Speed Lines: A high-speed ferry company that operates between the Cyclades and Dodecanese island chains.

-Blue Star Ferries: One of the largest Greek ferry companies, with a large fleet of both conventional and high-speed ferries.

-Hellenic Seaways: Another popular ferry company with both regular and high-speed options.

-SeaJets: A high-speed ferry company that operates between the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Ionian, and Saronic island chains.

-Levante Ferries: A small ferry company that operates between the Ionian islands.

-Golden Star Ferries: A conventional ferry company that operates between the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and Ionian island chains.

-Zante Ferries: Despite the name, this ferry company sails nowhere near Zante! They do however offer some of the cheaper routes in the Cyclades.

There are also many smaller, regional ferry companies that operate between specific island groups.

What are Greek ferry ticket prices like?

The price of a ferry trip in Greece depends on a few factors, such as the route, the type of ferry, the company you’re using, and whether or not you have a vehicle. In general, the longer the journey, the more expensive the ticket will be.

Prices for short ferry services can be 5 Euros, and high speed ferry prices can be over 100 Euros for a passenger depending on the ferry route.

Where can I buy ferry tickets in Greece?

Back in the day, you used to have to go to the port or local island travel agency to buy ferry tickets in Greece. These days, you can book tickets online through most of the major ferry companies or through one of the aggregator websites mentioned above.

Most of the large ferry companies now issue an electronic boarding pass, making the whole process much easier. You can simply show up at the port with your e ticket and board the ferry.

For those ferry companies in Greece which still don’t issue electronic boarding passes, you may have to collect your ticket at the departure port – although you can still buy tickets online first.

Which Greek islands can I travel to by ferry?

You can get to almost all of the inhabited Greek islands by ferry. There are 119 Greek islands with a ferry port or some form of boat connection.

What is the closest ferry port to Athens?

The Greek capital Athens is the start and end point for many people’s vacations in Greece. As such, there are a number of different ferry ports that you can use to get to the Greek islands.

The two closest and most popular ferry ports to Athens are Piraeus port and Rafina .

Piraeus is the main port for Greek ferries going to the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands, as well as Crete. You’ll often find it referred to as Athens Piraeus port. There are literally hundreds of ferry connections departing and arriving at Piraeus every day, making it the busiest port in Greece.

There are direct public transport connections from Athens Airport and central Athens to Piraeus port.

Rafina is the city’s second busiest port, located just east of Athens. From Rafina, you can get a ferry to Andros , Tinos, Mykonos, and other islands in the Cyclades. It’s easy to get to Rafina from Athens International Airport, as there is a direct bus that takes you from the airport to the port.

Lavrio is the third port of Athens, located further south-east of the city. From Lavrio, you can catch a ferry to Kea, Kythnos, and other nearby islands in the Cyclades.

Can I take a rental car on a Greek ferry?

Most rental car companies are quite specific about not allowing their vehicles on Greek ferries.

There are a few reasons for this – the most important being that it voids the rental car company’s (and more importantly your!) insurance.

You should double check with your rental company when you pick up the car, but in general, the answer is no.

POPULAR ROUTES

The type of identification document you need to travel by ferry depends on your route and nationality. On most international routes you will need your passport to check in, but there are exceptions. If you are an EU citizen traveling to the EU, you could use a valid national identity of an EU Member State . Also on many domestic routes, a valid identification document with a photograph is sufficient. However, it is necessary that you always carry your ID card or passport with you, as the officers of the ferry carry out checks, on boarding and during travel. In addition, passengers are obliged, besides their tickets and official documents, to have the supporting documents for the commercial rebates they have received, if they have issued discount tickets. Τravelling instructions 30/04/2022 We would like to inform you that according to Government Gazette 2137/Β/30-04-2022, for the movement of passengers, it is no longer required to present and demonstrate documents proving the vaccination against coronavirus COVID-19, the recovery from the disease or a negative laboratory test result after coronavirus COVID- 19 testing. The use of a protective mask is mandatory in all indoor public passenger areas. If a passenger does not wear a mask, he will not be allowed to board the vessel. The following individuals are excluded from the obligation to use a mask: persons for whom the use of a mask is not indicated for proven medical reasons, such as due to respiratory problems; and children under the age of four (4).

Our booking system allows departure and return with different companies and from a different port. If you wish to return from a different port then select the ‘’multiple routes’’ option on the search form. Fill in the FROM – TO field of the first route then in the second route field you can enter a different FROM - TO. For furhter information please contact us here .

All tickets must be paid in full at time of booking. We accept all credit cards and PayPal. We generally do not allow bank transfers to be used as payment method, though may accept this on a case-by-case, in contact with our office.

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Greek Island Hopping 101 – Everything You Need to Know

Island hopping in Greece is one of Europe’s unmissable adventures. But with over 200 islands where do you start?

Here’s everything you need to know – including island hopping routes and itineraries , ticket info and some island inspiration .

It’s been a time-honoured travel tradition since the 1960s. But Greece has so many islands it can be overwhelming to plan and difficult to know where to start.

Well – start right here. We’ve got everything you need to know (and a few things you probably don’t).

This guide will cover:

Starting points – airports and ports
Considerations when planning – time/money/seasickness/flexibility
Fast ferry vs slow ferry vs flying
How much do ferry tickets cost? What are the cheapest ferries?
A quick guide to each island group
How to pick your perfect islands (and the best time to go)
Understanding the hub and spoke system
Tickets and schedules
Attica Group Greek Island Ferry Pass
Organised group tours
Yachts, small ship cruises, and international ferries

If I could spend the rest of my life doing one thing it would be island-hopping. Nothing beats sitting out on the deck of the ferry in the sunshine, sipping on a frappe, thumbing through a guidebook wondering what adventures await at the next island.

The anticipation as you wait in the crowd to disembark the ferry, the sounds as door ramps down – providing the first glimpse of your chosen destination.

The pure thrill of turning up at Piraeus with no plans and no ticket (seriously – you should try it, just not in August).

Let’s dive in . . .

Island Hopping in Greece – Where to Start?

There are a few important factors that will determine how your island hopping plays out: time, money, and your starting point.

Update for 2022

The events of the past few years have normalised electronic tickets and card payments throughout Greece. I recommend downloading the Ferryhopper app and using it to purchase your tickets.

Requirements for ferry travel (including masks) are prone to change – please read the official requirements and this Ferryhopper guide to requirements which is regularly updated.

Pick Your Entry Point

How do you plan to arrive in Greece? This will most determine which ports/island groups are nearest to you (unless you’re happy to take a domestic flight – we’ll get to that later).

If you’re flying into Greece you’ll most likely land at Athens International airport (Eleftherios Venizelos).

The main ports on the Greek mainland are:

Piraeus. Athens’ main port – click here for directions). This is the biggest port in Greece and you can reach most islands.
Rafina. Athen’s second port – a bit harder to reach than Piraeus (which is something to bear in mind if you’re heading to Mykonos – more on that later) but nearer the airport.
Lavrio. The smallest and furthest away of the Athens ports. You’ll probably only use it if you want to get to Kea or if you’re joining a yacht.
Thessaloniki . Although Greece’s second city is mainly a commercial port, there are ferry connections to the larger Aegean islands.
Kavala . The main ferry port in the north, with connections to Athens and the Aegean islands.
Keromoti . On the north coast, just opposite the island of Thassos.
Volos . Halfway between Thessaloniki and Athens, Volos is the main gateway port for the Sporades (Mamma Mia fans, head here).
Patras . A large port on the west coast, at the entrance to the Gulf of Corinth, for connections to Italy and the Ionian islands.
Igoumenitsa . On the northwest coast, best for connections to Corfu and Italy.

Basically, Piraeus will probably be your starting port unless you have a particular reason for it not to.

Or if you’re flying –

Airplane in the sky overhead Heraklion on Crete.

Greek islands with international airports:

Crete (Chania, Heraklion, Sitia) – international
Corfu – international
Kefalonia – international
Zakynthos – international
Kos – international
Lesvos – international
Samos – international
Rhodes – international
Santorini – international
Skiathos – international

Greek islands with domestic airports:

Astypaleia – domestic only
Chios – domestic only
Ikaria – domestic only
Kalymnos – domestic only
Kythira – domestic only
Lemnos – domestic only
Milos – domestic only
Naxos – domestic only
Paros – domestic only
Skyros – domestic only
Syros – domestic only

Plus there are international airports at Preveza (for Lefkada), Volos (for the Sporades), Kalamata, and Thessaloniki.

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU HAVE?

Ok, this one is pretty important. The islands are often further apart than they may appear on the map. Ferries can be a slow mode of transport (although there are different types of ferry) so the length of time you have available will determine the type of ferry you should take, and/or the distance you will want to travel.

Some considerations include:

Your travel style – pack it in or take it slow?
Do you get seasick?
How flexible is your schedule?
Is it cheaper/quicker to fly?
What’s your budget?

It’s best to allow a bit of flexibility in your planning because a) strikes happen, b) storms happen. The big slow car ferries are the most reliable and least likely to be cancelled.

Pro tip : Many of the ferries from Athens leave early in the morning and return late at night. You can use this to your advantage when planning.

FAST FERRY VS SLOW FERRY VS FLYING

What’s your travel style? Are you a speed freak, who likes to pack in as much as possible?

There are several different types of ferry:

Closed Deck Car Ferry . The biggest and cheapest. Most stable. Best for seasickness. Tend to have cabins, restaurants, cafes and sometimes entertainment.
Open Deck Car Ferry. More popular on short routes.
Hi-Speed Catamaran . These can be quite large. Some have open decks, some don’t. Most have seating.
Hydrofoil (also known as Flying Dolphins). The smallest and quickest type of ferry. Prone to cancellation and delays in bad weather though. No open deck, not great if you get seasick.

Length of journey

Flying makes sense for long routes (8 hours +; for example, Athens to Crete, Rhodes, or any of the Northern Aegean) where the price is comparable, if not cheaper. Ferry journeys of this length can be uncomfortable unless you’re happy to pay for a cabin. And at certain times of year you can pick up bargain flights.

Departure/arrival times

Instead of looking exclusively at journey times or cost, I recommend comparing departure and arrival times to figure out whether its best to fly or take the ferry.

Most ferries from Athens leave early in the morning, or in the evening for overnight routes. Let’s say, for example, the Blue Star car ferry to Mykonos leaves at 7:30am and arrives at 12:45pm. On the way, you can sit out on the sun deck, watch the islands go by, and drink some frappes. You’ll be there in time for your lunch. Whereas the cheaper flights might require you to be at the airport by 6am (never fun), or arrive late at night.

Conversely, some ferries might arrive at unsociable hours (hello Amorgos) and you might be better off flying to the nearest airport and taking a ferry from there. These tend to be the quieter stops half way through overnight routes.

If you’re a slow traveller, who enjoys the journey as much as the destination and wants to explore off the beaten track whilst you’re there, then the big car ferries are perfect. Just think of it as a mini cruise. I find the big car ferries (particularly the Blue Star line) very pleasant to travel on. My own personal boredom threshold for ferry journeys is about 7 hours – any longer than that and I’ll look at flights. Your threshold may well be less.

View of Greek town from back of a ferry.

Seasickness

If you get seasick, it’s worth sticking to the big slow car ferries though. These are the most stable and you’re less likely to experience seasickness. The small hydrofoils are the worst as you can’t go on deck, and often they don’t have proper windows. I’m not a big fan. But many people are prepared to put up with this in order to cut their travel time.

Reliability

The big, closed-deck car ferries are also the most reliable – and least likely to be cancelled in the event of rough seas. In bad weather, hydrofoil journeys can take twice as long as advertised.

Fast ferry routes are often aimed at tourists so there are extra routes available over July and August.

What’s Your Budget?

How much are ferry tickets?

The slower the ferry (and the shorter the route) the cheaper the ticket. As a rough rule, car ferries are twice the time but half the cost. I’ve included some example prices in the island sections below.

On long car ferry journeys, it might be worth paying extra for a designated seat (these are airport-style and recline a little bit) or a cabin.

More and more of routes in the Cyclades seem to have been taken over by Sea Jets who operate the expensive fast catamarans.

On a budget?

Your best bet is to limit the number of islands you’re visiting and make sure they’re close together, or base your trip around one of the cheaper ferry lines such as:

Maistros Santorini – (Santorini – Ios – Sikinos – Folegandros)
F/B Prevelis (Pireaus – Cyclades – Crete – Rhodes)
Dionisios Solomos (Pireaus – Cyclades)
F/B Artemis (Lavrio – Cyclades)
All Blue Star routes
All Hellenic Seaways routes
All Golden Star Ferries routes

Looking for the cheapest island hopping route? Athens – Aegina – Agistri – Athens will cost you just €15.60 using the lowest price tickets.

Keep reading for ferry pass information which will help if you have a few overnight ferries planned.

How much are flights?

Don’t assume flying is necessarily more expensive than taking the ferry.

You can often pick up bargain basement tickets to popular islands such as Crete, Santorini, Kos and Rhodes – particularly at the beginning or end of the season. These are short flights but long (and expensive) ferry journeys. I’ve paid as little as €10 for flights in April and October.

Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights.

The best time of year to buy cheap flights to the Greek islands is early in the year – January – March. This is when most of the seats are released. The closer you leave it to the summer the more expensive the tickets become. And a common trick budget airlines use is to draw you in with a cheap flight out, but make the return leg really expensive (or vice versa).

This can make it worth while to fly out and island hop back to Athens.

Which are the best Greek islands to visit?

The island groups.

Here is the fun bit – deciding where to go.

There are 5 main island groups in Greece, plus a few outliers.

Here’s a rundown of what to expect in the different island groups:

Ionian Islands

Over on the west coast of the Greek mainland, the Ionian islands have quite a different feel to the Aegean islands thanks to their Italian heritage and green landscapes. Some of the islands have two names – that’s because they still go by both their Italian and Greek names.

Main Islands : Corfu (Kerkyra), Kefalonia, Zakynthos (Zante), Paxos, Ithaca, Lefkada, and technically Kythira – although it’s nearer to Crete than the rest of the Ionians.

Tiny Islands : Meganisi, Antipaxos, Antikythira, Diapondia islands, Echinades islands, Kastos, Kalamos.

Highlights : Corfu Town, Navagio Bay and Turtle Island on Zakynthos, Assos and Fiskardo on Kefalonia, the north coast of Corfu, Porto Katsiki and Egremni beaches on Lefkada, Myrtos beach on Kefalonia, Melissani blue cave on Kefalonia, boat trips and watersports.

Best for : Dramatic and lush mountainous scenery, fantastic sandy beaches, turtles, handsome Venetian architecture, wine, low key beach resorts, sailing and windsurfing.

Airports: The Ionians are well served by air, with international airports on Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos, as well as nearby Preveza on the mainly (closest for Lefkada).

Need to know : Island hopping in the Ionians is not common. The islands are big and geared towards beached-based package tourism, with lots of purpose-built resorts, and the yachting industry. Laganas on Zakynthos is the mass tourism and party capital of the Ionians if you’re after nightlife.

Travelling the islands by ferry is made difficult by the lack of connections between Corfu/Paxos and the rest of the islands. Instead, you must go via Igoumenitsa on the mainland. Connections between Kefalonia and Zakynthos also often go via the mainland. There are several ports on in use on most islands and they are not all served by public transport, services are geared towards locals with cars. If travelling to Corfu via the mainland then use the opportunity to visit nearby Parga and Syvota.

However the past few years have seen a small ferry connect all of the islands during the high summer (June-September) by either Azimut or Kamelia ferries.

Example travel times and costs (prices and schedules vary) :

Argo-Saronic Islands

The name refers to the islands in the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs, and these are the islands closest to Athens. Perfect if you’re short of time or don’t want to stray too far from the airport.

Islands : Salamina, Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra, Spetses

Highlights : The Temple of Aphaia at Aegina. The car-free streets of Hydra and Spetses Town. Watching the ships pass Poros Town. Hiking on Hydra. Pine forests and snorkelling on Poros and Agistri.

Best for : proximity to Athens. You don’t have to go far to feel the island vibe. Otherwise known as ‘the ones near Athens’, these islands are often skipped by visitors making a beeline for the Cyclades but less than an hour from Piraeus you can find pine-covered islands, ancient temples, pistachios, and some good beaches. The islands popular with weekending Athenians and yachties – Aegina and Hydra both have a lively nightlife in the summer months.

Need to know : Most of the ferry connections are high speed ferries – either hydrofoils or fast catamarans. There are no car ferries to Hydra at all. This is great news if you like to travel fast, but not so great if you’re prone to seasickness. Poros is just 200m from the Greek mainland at its closest point and is connected by a bridge, so is ideal if you’re worried about rough seas. Hydra and Spetses are the priciest of the islands.

Visit three islands in one day : The best way to see a lot in a short time is the One Day Island Cruise . It runs every day of the year and is one of the most popular day trips from Athens, stopping at Hydra, Poros and Aegina. It departs at 8 am and includes live music and a buffet lunch. Island stops are between 1-2.5 hours and there are extra excursions available at Hydra and Aegina.

Or if you prefer to escape the crowds there’s a One Day Sail to Aegina, Agistri and beautiful little Moni Island during the summer.

Cycladic Islands

The most famous of the Greek island groups, the Cyclades are will fulfil all your romantic notions of a Greek vacation. Most tourists head straight to the most popular islands of Santorini and Mykonos, but there are plenty more islands to spread out and find your own piece of paradise.

Islands : Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Folegandros, Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Syros, Tinos, and Santorini.

Tiny Islands : Koufonisia, Donousa, Iraklia, Schoinousa, Antiparos, Kimolos, Thirasia.

Highlights : Santorini’s iconic caldera villages, fancy nightlife on Mykonos, budget nightlife on Ios, the ancient island of Delos, handsome neoclassical Ermoupoli on Syros, whitewashed villages on Paros, volcanic rock formations on Milos, hiking on Andros, food on Serifos, the laid-back beaches on Naxos, a mini island hop around the Little Cyclades.

Best for : The famous vistas of white sugar-cube buildings , white sandy beaches, rugged barren landscapes, beach bars, easy island-hopping, jaw-dropping sunsets, hedonistic pleasures, scootering around to remote beaches, tiny white churches.

Airports : International – Santorini and Mykonos, domestic – Naxos, Paros, Syros

Need to know : Santorini and Mykonos are considerably more commercial and expensive than most other Greek islands, and heaving with tourists in the summer, but you will find the best hotels and clubs in Greece in both destinations. I recommend combining them with at least one quieter island to get a feel of real Greece – Paros and/or Naxos are perfect.

Dodecanese Islands

Symi island with text overlay 'Dodecanese'.

Main Islands : Astypalaia, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kastellorizo, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Symi, Tilos, and Rhodes.

Tiny Islands: Agathonisi, Pserimos, Chalki, Arki, Kasos, Telendos, Marathi, Lipsi.

Highlights : Rhodes and its medieval old town. Beautiful neoclassical towns on Symi, Chalki and Kastellorizo. Rock climbing on Kalymnos. Crusader fortresses on Rhodes, Kos and Patmos. The volcanic landscape of Nisyros. Sandy beaches on Rhodes and Kos. The whitewashed hilltop Chora on remote Astypalea.

Best for : A variety of historic and geological influences. A good mix of popular and under-the-radar islands. Golden beaches and gulet trips in turquoise waters. Island hopping over to Turkey. Less crowds than the Cyclades (except Rhodes).

Airports . Kos and Rhodes have international airports. Karpathos, Leros and Kalymnos have domestic airports.

Need to know : Party fiends will find their flavour on Rhodes and Kos, where package tourism prevails (but it’s still easy to get off the beaten path). Patmos is the boutique capital of the group, with smart restaurants and a serene vibe thanks to its religious legacy (the Book of Revelation was written here). The ferry journey to Athens is long so consider booking a cabin or catching a flight.

Sporades Islands and Evia

Skiathos Town with text overlay 'Sporades'.

Charming and evergreen, the Sporades (meaning ‘scattered’) islands are situated north of the Cyclades. Largest island Skiathos is a prime destination for summer holidays thanks to its gorgeous sandy beaches and lively nightlife. Scenes from the film Mamma Mia were filmed on Skiathos and Skopelos, which have boosted the popularity of the area.

Not far from the Sporades is Evia – the second largest island in Greece, and one of the least known (this is because you might mistake it as part of the mainland unless you’re looking closely at the map). It’s separated from the mainland by a small strait.

Islands : Skiathos, Skyros, Skopelos, Alonnisos, Skyros (although you can only get there via Evia)

Highlights : Skiathos Town. Snorkelling in Alonnisos National Marine Park. The famous beaches of Vromolimnos, Koukounaries and Lalaria on Skiathos. Skopelos Town. Ayios Ioannis Kastri (the hilltop church from Mamma Mia). Dhimosari Gorge and the paradise beaches of Lichadonisia on Evia.

Airports: Skiathos has an international airport. Skyros has a domestic airport.

Best for : Mamma Mia fans, sailors, outdoors lovers and beach bums. Green islands, clear seas, great beaches, cute monasteries, and a smattering of lovely hiking trails. Skyros and Evia are quiet and mostly domestic tourists, alternative types and wild campers.

Need to know : Skiathos and Skopelos are pretty close together – it’s easy to hop between them and nearby Alonnisos too.

But the Sporades are difficult to combine with other islands. Ferries to the Sporades are from Volos, which is a 2hr drive from Athens – although most agents sell tickets which include the bus to Volos. The ferry to Skyros departs from Evia.

Whilst you’re in the area, don’t miss the stunning Pelion Peninsula on the mainland.

NORTHERN AEGEAN

Not so much a chain of islands, as the collective name given to the remaining islands in the Aegean Sea. The long travel times involved in reaching these islands from Athens means they’re a bit more off the beaten track. A bit more rustic. Chios, Lesvos and Samos have ferry crossings to Turkey.

Islands : Chios, Ikaria, Forni, Lesvos, Lemnos, Samos, Samothraki, Thassos, Psara

Highlights : Mytilene in Lesvos, Marble Beach on Thassos, the patterned village of Pyrgi on Chios, Ikaria’s unique summer festivals, the sweet wines of Samos and Lesvos, hippie vibes on Lesvos and Samothraki. The towns of Pythagorion and Vathi on Samos. The strange Fascist utopia of Lakki, built during Italian rule.

Best for : Escaping the crowds. Alternative and slow travel, agritourism, and discovering foodie delights, waterfalls and a traditional way of life.

Need to know : Their dispersed nature means some planning is required for island hopping as ferry connections are not all that frequent in comparison to other island groups.

Which Greek Islands are Best for You?

Still can’t decide? Check out these posts for more inspiration:

Complete A-Z List of Greek Islands
15 Best Greek Islands for Beaches
10 Best Greek Islands for Couples
10 Best Greek Islands for Foodies
10 Best Greek Islands for History
10 Best Greek Islands for Solo Travel
10 Best Greek Islands for Swimming and Watersports
10 Best Greek Islands for Hiking and Nature
10 Tiny Greek Islands Not to Miss
10 Quiet & Secluded Greek Islands for Escaping the Crowds
10 Stunning Greek Islands (That Aren’t Santorini or Mykonos)
20 Beautiful Sugar-Cube Villages in the Greek Islands
10 Best Beaches in Greece
12 Beautiful Sandy Greek Beaches
10 Best Beach Towns with Sandy Beaches
50 Amazing Beach Destinations in Greece

When is the Best Time to Go?

The best time of year for Greek island hopping is May to mid-July, and then again in September. Mid-July through to the end of August is crazy busy and crazy hot. Accommodation and ferries book up due to the number of foreign and domestic tourists on their summer breaks.

Greek Orthodox Easter usually signals the start of the tourist season in Greece (you can check the dates here ), and it winds down again in October as soon as the weather starts to change.

In the low season, ferries are less frequent and there can be a surprising amount of lashing wind and rain. Also, many hotels and resorts shut down completely and become ghost towns over the winter. But if you have time and flexibility on your side then island hopping during the off-season can be a great way to experience the islands at their most authentic.

Check out this post for more information on visiting the Greek islands over autumn and winter:

Best Greek Islands to Visit During Low Season

The Hub & Spoke System

To understand the Greek ferry system, you must first understand the hub and spoke system.

Imagine a bicycle wheel. At the centre of the wheel is the hub (Athens), and going out in every direction from the hub are spokes (ferry routes).

This is because ferry routes are geared to local needs which generally means travelling to Athens and back, or to the local administrative centre.

Each island group has one or two mini-hubs, these tend to be larger islands with good connections to the surrounding islands.

For the easy and reliable island hopping, pick several islands along one car ferry route. This is easiest in the Cyclades.

It’s possible to hop between Crete, the Cyclades, and the Dodecanese, particularly in the summer, although these ferries are not necessarily daily. Otherwise, there are few connections between island groups and you may have to backtrack via Athens, either by ferry or plane.

Some places that might be considered mini-hubs are:

Syros (for the Cyclades)
Naxos (for the Cyclades)
Paros (for the Cyclades
Mykonos (connecting the Cyclades and the North Aegean)
Skiathos (for the Sporades)
Igoumenitsa and Patras on the mainland (for the Ionian)
Rhodes (for the Dodecanese)
Kos (for the Dodecanese)
Samos (for the Northern Aegean)
Lesvos (for the Northern Aegean)

The islands closest to Athens tend to have frequent fast ferry connections.

Buying Your Ferry Tickets

If you want to buy your tickets in advance, or just check the ferry schedules, you can use the Ferryhopper website or app to purchase electronic tickets.

If you’re already in Greece, you can buy ferry tickets from any travel agent.

This is approximately every third shop front in some parts of Athens. It’s not really worth shopping around, you’ll pay pretty much the same everywhere as prices are regulated by the government. Travel agents will add on – at most – a couple of euros commission, and quite often none at all, so that’s the most you’ll be able to get the tickets down.

If you know exactly which ferry you can also book directly on some ferry websites. The websites are of varying quality but special offers can sometimes be found.

Some of the smallest local routes aren’t online and you’ll have to check locally.

Do I need to buy my tickets in advance?

In general, no.

These days I tend to buy my tickets a day or two in advance using Ferryhopper or through a local travel agent.

There are a few situations where I recommend you buy your ferry tickets in advance:

If you’re travelling on or around a public holiday.
If you’re travelling during the 6-week peak period between mid-July and the end of August when all of Europe is taking their summer vacation – including the Greeks (even the large ferries can book up around August 15th which is an important national holiday).
If you’re travelling a popular route on small high-speed ferries (such as Athens to Hydra, Mykonos or Santorini over summer).
If you’re on a strict schedule.

Ferry Schedules

There are plenty of online booking platforms where you can check ferry schedules and book tickets. I find Ferryhopper is the easiest to use.

Ferry schedules are usually published a few months in advance, and vary year-to-year.

You can compare routes, ships, and travel times.

Schedule for Athens - Aegina ferries on a board.

10 Example Island Hopping Routes

Here are some islands which are easily combined:

Athens – Crete – Santorini – Mykonos
Athens – Serifos – Sifnos – Milos – Folegandros – Santorini
Athens – Santorini – Ios – Paros – Mykonos
Athens – Paros – Naxos – Ios – Santorini
Athens – Andros – Tinos – Mykonos
Rhodes – Symi – Tilos – Nisyros – Kos
Athens – Aegina – Agistri – Poros – Athens
Athens – Poros – Hydra – Spetses
Samos – Patmos – Kalymnos – Kos
Volos – Skiathos – Skopelos – Alonnisos – Volos

Greek Island Ferry Pass

Wondering if there’s such a thing as a ferry pass? Yes! There is a little-known Greek Island Pass which is offered by Eurail / Interrail (and you don’t need to go anywhere near a train).

Interrail is for EU citizens, Eurail for those from outside the EU. There are further discounts for youth and senior (with youth generously categorised as up to 27).

Also known as the Greek Island Pass , Rail & Sail , or the Attica Pass , this has existed since 2016 and is valid for most routes operated by Superfast Ferries/Anek Lines/Blue Star (the big car ferries). Plus it gets you a 30% discount on any additional journeys.

I think this pass can a good option if you’re flexible and planning to do some extensive island hopping BUT definitely check it’s worth it for route you have in mind. Many of the Cyclades routes are now operated by Seajets which are not included in the pass.

If you’re planning on taking two or more medium-long distance journeys on the car ferries then it’s worth checking out.

Prices are for deck tickets:

Domestic Pass (€90 for 2022) entitles holders to 4 days within one month
International Pass (€176 for 2022) entitles holders to 6 days within one month, including up to 2 between Greece and Italy (including bus travel between Patras and Athens)

You will still have to pick up your boarding passes, subject to availability.

Read more about the Greek Island Ferry Pass (including a comparison with single tickets).

Group Tours

Fancy exploring the Greek islands but don’t want to do it on your own? The good news is there are plenty of organised tour options, whether you’re solo or in a group.

Here are some of the most popular.

BEST BUDGET/PARTY GREEK ISLAND TOURS

Contiki. Budget tours for 18-35s. Mykonos, Santorini and Ios in 15 days. Check out the website.
Busabout . Budget operator offering rapid-fire trips popular with younger travellers. Mykonos, Paros, Antiparos, Santorini and Ios in 11 days. Fixed itinerary and flexible passes available. Check out the website.
Travel Talk has a range of competitively priced island hopping options, including short breaks. Check out the website.
Med Experience offers 9 and 11-day island hopping options for 18-35s. Check out the website.

BEST MID-RANGE TOURS

Intrepid has a classic Athens – Syros – Mykonos – Santorini route. Check out the website.
GAdventures ‘ Best of Greece tour takes in highlights from Crete and Santorini. Check out the website.
Macs Adventures do walking and cycling holidays on various islands. Check out the website.

Sailing the Greek Islands on a Yacht

Of course, the best way to see the Greek islands is by sea – and sailing on a yacht means you can access tiny coves, bays and marinas that would otherwise be difficult to reach. Plus, you get to spend your days drifting along in the wine-dark sea rather than scrambling to catch buses or taxis.

Sailing trips in the Greek islands have really exploded in popularity of the past few years. Previously the domain of exclusive charters, exploring Greece on a yacht is more accessible now more than ever. There are numerous companies offering sailing experiences where you share the boat or cabin with other travellers.

I love sailing and truly think it’s the best way to see this beautiful country. But it’s not for everyone. It’s hot and space is at a premium. Yachts vary a lot in comfort and amenities. Best to consider it an adventure. Pack light, stay flexible, and do your research on what’s involved before booking.

Cabin charters in Greece:

Yacht Week Greece . Festival-style hedonism in the Saronic islands. Check out the website.
Sail Greece. Budget sailing weeks in the Ionian for 18-39s. Check out the website.
G Adventures . Routes will take you from Athens to Mykonos or Santorini, or all around the Cyclades. Check out the website.
Med Sailors . Routes in the Ionian and Saronic for 20-35s. Check out the website.
Intrepid . Various routes in Greece including Mykonos to Santorini, and Hidden Treasures of the Cyclades. Check out the website.
Jack and Jenny . Themed sailing weeks including rock climbing, yoga and diving. Check out the website.

Small Ship Cruises in Greece

If sailing doesn’t appeal and you’d rather not have to keep packing/unpacking then consider a small ship cruise. Much better than the large cruise ships in terms of environmental and social impact, small ships can also visit smaller harbours that are out of reach to the bigger ships.

Peter Sommers offers luxury gulet cruises around the Cyclades, Aegean and Dodecanese islands, with a focus on food and culture . Check out the website.
Variety Cruises. has mini cruises as well as the longer Jewels of the Cyclades. Check out the website.

International Ferries

Note that for 2022 some international routes are restricted and will have different entry requirements to domestic ferries.

Ferries To/From Turkey

The Greek islands with ferry connections/border crossings to Turkey are:

Lesvos – Ayvalik
Chios – Cesme
Symi – Bodrum*
Samos – Kusadasi
Rhodes – Marmaris / Fethiye*
Kos – Bodrum / Turgutreis
Kastellorizo – Kas*

*high season only

Ferries To/From Italy

Go to sleep in Italy and wake up in Greece (I’ve done this – it’s great).

International ferry routes to/from Italy include:

Bari – Corfu / Igoumenitsa / Patras / Zakynthos / Kefalonia
Brindisi – Corfu / Igoumenitsa / Patras / Zakynthos / Kefalonia
Ancona – Corfu / Igoumenitsa / Patras
Venice – Corfu / Igoumenitsa / Patras

Ferries To/From Croatia

There are currently no direct ferries to/from Croatia. You can travel via Italy or Albania.

Ferries To/From Albania

Corfu – Sarande

Check Ionian Seaways for schedules.

What about booking accommodation and transport on the islands?

For booking accommodation, I recommend Booking.com for the largest selection of places. It also has a free cancellation policy. There are many family-run guesthouses in Greece called domatia which are increasingly using booking platforms.

It’s not a good idea to turn up without accommodation booked during high season. Outside the July-September peak you might be able to find rooms by asking around in cafes and tavernas. It’s rare these days to find people offering rooms as you disembark the ferry, everything has moved online over the past few years.

Bear in mind that accommodation on really small islands can be very limited and so book up quickly.

When are the Greek public holidays?

You can check this list of national holidays in Greece.

How do I find out about strikes?

The best resource is Strikes and Work Stoppages which covers ferries and port workers as well as public transport.

Will I get seasick?

If you’re prone to seasickness then choose the larger, slower car ferries which will move less in the water and which have open decks for you to walk around and look at the horizon. Anti-seasickness medication can also help.

Travel Insurance

Don’t forget your travel insurance, and make sure that your insurance covers any adventures activities that you might do (including watersports).

UK readers – I recommend using Money Saving Expert to find the cheapest cover.

How long should I stay in Athens before/after visiting the islands?

Many visitors to Greece skip through Athens quickly in their rush to visit the islands.

I think this is a great shame – Athens is one of my favourite cities and I reckon it needs a minimum of 2 days. In the summer it’s a hot and busy city; not pleasant to rush around despite the relatively small size of its centre. It is atmospheric and fascinating if you can slow your pace down a little

Here are some of my top tips for Athens:

Top 15 Things to See, Eat and Do in Athens
Athens FAQ – 12 Essential Things to Know (including public transport info)
Athens for Foodies

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Greek Island Hopping 101 – Everything You Need to Know

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Home > Greek Islands: Local’s Guide To Island-Hopping Greece

Greek Islands: Local’s Guide To Island-Hopping Greece

Written by our local expert Gabi

Gabi is an award-winning writer who lives on the Island of Crete in Greece. She is an expert in Greek travel and writes guides for the everyday traveler.

Although most of us close our eyes and dream about the enchanting images of white Santorini, there are so many more Greek islands to choose from that you never know exactly where to start island-hopping in Greece..or where to finish!

So, please let me help you island-hop Greece like a local, using my own travel experience of living in Greece for many years.

Greece Travel Blog_How To Island Hop In Greece

There is nothing more magical, romantic, and adventurous than boarding a Greek ferry and sailing the sea to explore the beautiful beaches of Greece. The Greek islands are blessed with stunning landscapes and feel like an authentic slice of paradise.

You must first know that the Greek islands are divided into different island groups. As well as that, some islands are extremely popular among Greek island-hopping tourists, while others, equally enchanting, are almost unknown and offer a great vacation spot for those looking for less crowded places… which often come with much lower price tags too!

So, let’s get started and show you the best way to island hop in Greece;

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

The Greek Islands Groups

Let’s take a look at the islands of Greece and what groups they belong to.

These are the most popular islands in Greece . When you go island-hopping in the Cyclades, you can visit gorgeous beaches and places like Santorini , Mykonos , Sifnos, Syros, Serifos, Paros, Milos, Naxos, Amorgos, Ios , Tinos, and Folegandros.

This beautiful slice of Greece includes islands such as Patmos , Samos, Kos, Tilos, Symi, Kalymnos , Leros, and Rhodes. The latter is one of the most popular destinations and often features on Greece island-hopping itineraries .

Ionian Islands

These islands are easy to visit when visiting Greece from Italy , one of the many popular Greek island hopping routes. Corfu , Lefkada , Kefalonia , Zakynthos , and Ithaka are some of the best-known Ionian Islands.

Argo-Saronic Gulf Islands

Easy to reach as they are relatively close to Athens , the most popular Saronic Islands include Aegina, Poros, Hydra , Spetses, Salamina, and Agistri.

Crete is Greece’s biggest island. It’s a major destination on its own, a place where you could spend a week or more exploring amazing beaches and ancient sites.

However, Crete is also a much-visited destination among people who are island-hopping in Greece . It is, for example, a great base from which to visit Santorini on a day trip .

Evia is the second biggest island in the country, and it is also easy to reach from Athens .

Northeastern Aegean Sea Islands

Some of the islands in this group are Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria , and Thasos.

These beautiful green Greek islands include Alonissos, Skyros, Skiathos, and Skopelos.

As you can already see, there is no one best Greek island for island-hopping – you have to see a few. Let us show you how many islands you can see on your island-hopping around Greece adventure with the ferry routes below.

Brands We Use And Trust

Ferry routes to the most popular greek islands .

When planning those unforgettable Greek island-hopping adventures, deciding where to go first or how long to stay is a decision that will be subject to the Greek islands’ ferry routes, ferry schedules, and your Greek budget .

Are you ready to start planning your Greek island-hopping vacation? Let’s go! This article gives you a sweeping panorama of how to island-hop in Greece. But, first things first, are you starting on the mainland? If so read this section:

From Athens To The Main Greek Islands

Greece With KIds - What to do in Greece with kids - Athens - Parthenon, Akropolis

Athens, the capital of Greece, offers access to all the islands, either by plane or by ferry routes to the Greek islands . Popular islands, including Rhodes, Corfu, Crete , Mykonos, and Santorini, can be reached by flying out from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport.

The most popular tours from Athens:

🏝️ Book this 13-day Greek islands tour in Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, and Rhodes and admire the beauty of each island!
🏞️ Grab the opportunity to visit the most cosmopolitan destination in Greece – Mykonos Island – on this day trip from Athens
🚢 Visit the most famous Greek islands – Santorini and Mykonos on a 2-day trip from Athens
🛥️ Spend four days traveling around some of Greece’s island hotspots by joining this trip with ferries, flights, and accommodations included
🚢 Book your ferries with Ferryhopper in advance

Athens Ferry Ports

It’s also a popular choice to travel by sea. You can reach most Greek islands from the main Port of Piraeus, about 30 minutes from the center of Athens. However, it would help if you also kept in mind that there are other ports from which you can depart, too. Lavrio and Rafina are two smaller island ports in Athens with regular ferry services to different Greek islands.

From Lavrio: you can reach the islands of Chios, Lemnos, Andros, Folegandros, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos , Paros, Sikinos, Syros, and Tinos.
From Rafina: instead, it’s possible to visit the islands of Crete, Andros, Folegandros, Ios, Amorgos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Sifnos, Sikinos, Syros, Tinos, and Santorini.

You can choose between fast ferries to the Greek islands that carry boat cargo on this route. These are ideal if you want to take a rented car or motorbike with you.

For the best flight deals, book your ticket here .

Corfu to santorini, crete, and mykonos.

There are no direct flights from Corfu to Santorini, Mykonos, or Crete. Therefore, if flying is a must, the best way to get there is to fly to Athens and then take another flight to the island of your choice.

Other alternatives include taking the ferry from Corfu to the mainland and, from there, boarding a bus to Athens. Once in the capital, you can choose either a ferry or a plane to reach Crete, Santorini , or Mykonos.

Another alternative is to reach Larissa from Corfu and take a train trip to Athens.

Crete To Santorini

Guide To Where To Stay In Crete, Greece - Elafonisi Lagoon

There are no direct flights from Crete to Santorini , but a ferry route connects both islands during the high season with at least 2-3 daily ferry crossings.

The ferry times between these Greek islands range between 2 and 4 hours, depending on whether you take a fast or regular ferry. The cost of the ferry trip between Heraklion and Santorini is about 50 euros, and it can be a great day trip if you’re staying in Crete. This is one of the most popular ferry travel routes on the Greek islands.

Rhodes To Crete

How To Visit The Greek Islands From Turkey In One Day - Rhodes, Lindos bay

The trip from Rhodes to Crete can be quite long on a ferry. That’s why most travelers choose to fly from Heraklion, Crete’s capital. The flying time is about 50 minutes, and prices tend to be considerably high, so booking in advance is a good idea.

The ferry route connecting Rhodes to Crete is covered by the sailing company Aegeon Pelagos. There are four weekly connections and the traveling times range between 11 and 15 hours.

It’s possible to board the ferry with a car, a motorbike, or a camper van. Since it’s such a long trip, the vessel offers facilities, including restaurants, bars, and shops , to make the journey more pleasant.

I highly recommend this full-day land rover tour.

Mykonos to santorini.

The only way to travel between Mykonos and Santorini is by boarding a ferry since no direct flights connect the Aegean Islands .

You can save some money traveling with regular service (about 4 hours), pay more, and cut off your traveling time by at least two good hours.

Since this is probably the most famous sea route during summer, it’s a better idea to book your ferry tickets well in advance – we suggest Ferryhopper for that here. The trip from M ykonos to Santorini is among the best Greek island hopping experiences you can have.

Book your Santorini Day Trip From Mykonos here

Naxos, Paros, Ios To Santorini

The three islands are connected by ferry routes all year round, with a considerable increase in services during the high season .

The best way to travel among these islands is by boarding a fast ferry. The ferry travel times between these Greek islands vary from 2 hours to 45 minutes (Paros-Naxos).

The three islands can also make an excellent escape from the bustle of Santorini and are the perfect destination for a one-day trip or a weekend away.

Here is how to island hop between Mykonos and Ios.

Rhodes to santorini, mykonos, and other cyclades.

The best way to travel between the Greek Cycladic Islands and Rhodes is by boarding a ferry to Athens and, from there, boarding another ferry to any of the Cyclades Islands (or Rhodes).

It’s not common to find ferries departing from Rhodes with a stop on the Cyclades , but if you manage to book a vessel making a stop either in Naxos or Paros, it would unquestionably be a winning choice. Check with your ferry operator to find the best Greek island-hopping route for your trip.

Here is how to island hop between Mykonos and Paros.

Italy to greece.

As we mentioned in this post about traveling from Italy to Greece , there are comfortable ways to connect both countries by plane or ferry. Ferries depart from Italy’s main ports , and it’s possible to board most vessels with a rental car or a motorbike.

Some of the ports are Bari, Ancona, and Venice, and they usually connect Italy to the Greek ports in the Ionian Sea , including Corfu, Igoumenitsa, and Patras.

Of course, routes (and prices) increase during the high season, which in Europe goes from June to September.

We recommend you book your ferries with Ferryhopper in advance here.

Which greek islands have airports.

Let’s go island-by-island.

What Greek Islands Have Domestic Airports

Chios Island
Ikaria Island
Kalymnos Island
Kythira Island
Milos Island
Naxos Island
Paros Island
Skyros Island
Syros Island

What Greek Islands Have International Airports

Astypalea Island
Corfu Island
Crete Island
Kefalonia Island
Lemnos Island
Lesvos Island
Rhodes Island
Samos Island
Santorini Island
Skiathos Island

Best Greek Islands For Island-hopping

Ideas For Things To Do In Corfu In Winter For Everyone - Old Byzantine fortress

Deciding which Greek islands to include in your Greek island-hopping itinerary can be difficult. It depends on what activities you love doing and how you prefer to spend your vacation time.

Do you love sunbathing and swimming on sandy beaches ? Do you dream of soaking in the whitewashed landscapes of Greece? Are you eager to climb mountains and fill your trip with incredible adventures? Do you want epic Greek nightlife ?

There’s an island for every taste and every traveler… People usually choose to visit the most popular places either because they heard about them or because some other travelers suggested so.

Here are our ideas for the lesser-known Greek Islands.

People often flock to places such as Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Hydra , and Crete, for the best beaches, totally unaware there are hundreds of other islands worth visiting in Greece.

If you’re visiting Greece for the first time and eager to discover some of the best islands, the best thing to do is travel around on a ferry. You can get to even some of the less-visited islands with ease.As you can see above, tons of ferries connect the Greece islands, making it super easy to have an unforgettable Greece island-hopping experience.

This is not only the most good option when it comes to ticket prices, but it is also the favorite way to travel for locals. You will immerse yourself in the right atmosphere that will set the pace for a relaxing trip.

One of the best Greek island-hopping tips we can give you is: don’t run against the clock. The most enjoyable way to visit Greece and the islands is to take one place at a time and enjoy it to the fullest. When it comes to island-hopping the Greek Islands, I think that less is definitely more.

What is the best time to go Greek island-hopping?

The best months to enjoy a Greek isle adventure has to be when it’s warm, but the hordes of vacationers have left – making that May, June, and September. Of course, the summer months of June, July, and August are the most popular as that is when people have summer break – but that is also when the prices are higher and crowds bigger

Is it easy to island hop in Greece?

YES! With hundreds of islands and decades of tourism experience, Greece has an excellent, well run and efficient ferry network, making hopping from island to island easy and cheap

How to island hop Greece?

We have provided you with many tips; plan in advance and don’t rush from place to place for the best experience

Can I take a self-guided Greek island-hopping trip?

Is it expensive to island hop in greece.

Yes, and no. Budget travelers can find low-cost accommodations, or you can also stay in 5-star resorts. Just as you can enjoy low-cost street food or eat in the finest restaurants. Greece offers something for all budgets

How long do you need when island-hopping in Greece?

You can rush, but then you would not get to fully immerse yourself in the authentic way of Greek life. At a minimum, we recommend that you spend three nights on each island. So if you have just 10 days in Greece, do not island-hop more than three islands, and spend at least one day in Athens or Thessonaliki

What is the cheapest way to island-hop in Greece?

The cheapest – and easiest way to get around the Greek Islands is by jumping on the Greek ferry system. With several ferry companies offering ferries to and from all of the islands all year, you do not need to spend much

Which Greek island should I visit first?

We hope that island-hopping Greece has been made easier with this guide on planning a Greek island-hopping holiday adventure.

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Comments (10)

Very nice blog on Island Hop Greece, Here Is How To Travel Between Greek Islands

Hi SJ, I was thrilled to find your blog. Croatia was my last vacation (before Covid) and I finally booked a “post Covid” vacation for April 2023, We will be taking a Windstar cruise from Barcelona, thru a few ports in Italy and ending in Athens. My plan is to add a few days in Greece after the 8 day cruise. We will sightsee in Athens for 2 days and then I would like to see one (or two) of the Greek Islands. Can you recommend which island we should go for the best overview of Greece. We are 60+ years old so I don’t car about the nightlife of dancing and partying. I want culture and food! Thanks Gail G

Hi Gail, the trip sounds amazing! I would look at these islands for what you describe: Kefalonia: https://www.chasingthedonkey.com/things-to-do-in-kefalonia-greece-guide/ Lefkada: https://www.chasingthedonkey.com/things-to-do-in-lefkada-island-greece/ Milos: https://www.chasingthedonkey.com/things-to-do-in-milos-island-greece/ Aegina : https://www.chasingthedonkey.com/things-to-do-in-aegina-greece-guide/

Enjoy your vacation!

I am planning a trip to Greece to Island Hop in July. Please advise on the best way to travel between (Athens, Mykonos, Naxos and Crete). I was thinking; Atlanta to Athens (flight) with first island Mykonos (High Speed Ferry or flight) then Naxos (High Speed Ferry) and then Crete (flight) and back to Athens (flight) then fly back to the USA. While in Crete we will likely do a day trip to Santorini.

I have visited Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini in 2017. How many days should I plan for in Naxos and Crete? Please recommend hotels in Mykonos, Naxos and Crete.

Hello.What island to choosef rom September 15 to30 so that it is possible to swit. Thank you Edvardas.

Possible to “Swit” what does that mean?

Hi, Great reading your site. We have 21 days to explore the Cyclades Islands starting in Santorini and ending in Athens, we want to do this leisurely using Ferries. We like the thought that less is more but we have a nice length of time. What route would you suggest ?

Best wishes, Jim

For a leisurely 21-day exploration of the Cyclades Islands starting from Santorini and ending in Athens, you can enjoy a wonderful island-hopping experience. Here’s a suggested route that balances relaxation with exploration:

Day 1-4: Santorini Day 1-2: Arrive in Santorini. Spend your first two days exploring Fira and Oia, enjoying the sunset views, and perhaps a wine tour. Day 3: Visit the Akrotiri Archaeological Site and relax on the Red Beach. Day 4: Take a boat tour of the caldera, including the hot springs and Thirassia. Day 5-7: Ios Day 5: Take a ferry to Ios. Enjoy the beaches like Mylopotas and relax. Day 6: Explore Ios Town (Chora), visit the windmills, and enjoy the local cuisine. Day 7: Spend a day on a secluded beach or partake in water sports. Day 8-10: Paros Day 8: Ferry to Paros. Explore Parikia and visit the Panagia Ekatontapiliani church. Day 9: Day trip to the picturesque village of Naoussa. Enjoy the beaches. Day 10: Explore the interior of the island or take a short boat trip to Antiparos. Day 11-13: Naxos Day 11: Ferry to Naxos. Visit the Portara and explore Naxos Town. Day 12: Explore the inland villages like Apiranthos and Filoti. Visit the Temple of Demeter. Day 13: Relax on beaches like Agios Prokopios or Agia Anna. Day 14-16: Amorgos Day 14: Ferry to Amorgos. Visit the Monastery of Hozoviotissa and the Chora. Day 15: Enjoy the serene beaches and explore the island’s hiking trails. Day 16: Relax and soak in the traditional island life. Day 17-19: Syros Day 17: Ferry to Syros. Explore Ermoupoli and its neoclassical architecture. Day 18: Visit the Ano Syros, and enjoy the panoramic views. Day 19: Relax on the beaches or visit the local museums. Day 20-21: Athens Day 20: Ferry to Athens. Explore the historic sites like the Acropolis and Plaka. Day 21: Visit the National Archaeological Museum and spend your last evening in a nice Athenian restaurant. This itinerary gives you a mix of popular and lesser-known islands, each with its unique charm, allowing for a well-rounded experience of the Cyclades. Remember to check the ferry schedules in advance as they can vary, especially outside of the peak summer months. Enjoy your trip!

Hi, I love reading all of your information but hoping for suggestions on the next part of our holiday. My husband & I will have 12 days to get from Istanbul to Athens in April-May. Hoping to go via some Greek islands. I am having trouble with ferry schedules at the moment. Could you suggest a route that would work? We are not fussed which islands we go to. We do not have a car. Many thanks in advance

Here is a list of Greek Islands you can get to from Türkiye https://www.chasingthedonkey.com/how-to-visit-the-greek-islands-close-to-turkey/ the obvious place to start from Istanbul woul dbe to go to Izmir and go Cesme to Chios. Then the world is your oyster. Suggestions here: https://www.chasingthedonkey.com/island-hop-greece-travel-between-greek-islands/ Use FerryHppper to buy your tickets. https://www.ferryhopper.com/en/?aff_uid=chsgdnk

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The cheapest ferry tickets to the Greek islands for 2023, all in 1 page

Travel with less than €20!

Ferry Tickets
Ferry offers

If you are looking for affordable destinations in Greece for summer 2023 and cheap ferry tickets , but you can’t make sense of it all, then you are at the right place. In this page, you can find the cheapest ferry deals for 2023, organized nice and neat for you to pick your next destination in just a few minutes !

Tip : if you are a student and own an ISIC card, you can get a 50% discount on ferry tickets by many Greek companies.

White rocks at Sarakiniko beach in Milos

The otherworldly lunar landscape of Milos

Ferry tickets to Poros from €5

With just €5, you can travel by ferry to Poros in the Saronic Gulf from Methana in the Peloponnese. The ferry ride lasts only half an hour , so this is a perfect option for a day trip . There are many daily routes served by Saronic Ferries .

Cheap ferries to Poros

Ferry tickets to Corfu from €5.60

In 2023, you can book cheap ferry tickets to the Ionian island of Corfu from the port of Igoumenitsa , starting from €5.60 for the route Igoumenitsa - Corfu port (close to Corfu town). The ferry trip takes less than 1.5 hours .

Tickets for the route Igoumenitsa - Lefkimmi (the port located in the island’s south) are just as cheap, starting at €6.70 .

Cheap ferries to Corfu

Ferry tickets to Aegina from €9.90

Aegina is one of the most popular cheap destinations close to Athens . It also has many interesting sights and great beaches. You can find ferries from the port of Piraeus with tickets at less than €10, while the ferry trip takes just over 1 hour with a conventional ferry.

There are many daily ferry crossings (over 10 a day) so you can choose the one that suits you best!

Cheap ferries to Aegina

Ferry tickets to Syros from €18

A simple passenger ticket to Syros from the port of Lavrio costs only €18. The ferry trip lasts around 4 hours , with weekly crossings by Blue Star Ferries .

In Syros, you can stay in the island’s camping site where prices start at €10 per night, so you won’t have to pay a fortune for your vacation.

Cheap ferries to Syros

Ferry tickets to Kythira from €9

Kythira is one of the favorite Greeks destinations for 2023. Luckily, this year you can reach the island in just over 2 hours from the town of Gythio in the Peloponnese. Tickets by Seajets start at only €9.

There are around 2 weekly crossings , so make sure to book your tickets before they sell out.

Cheap ferries to Kythira

View to a settlement and the sea from a hill in Kythira island

The wild beautiy of Kythira island

Ferry tickets to Lemnos from €16.50

This year, you can travel to Lemnos from the town of Kavala in northern Greece, with tickets at only €16.50. There are usually 1-2 daily crossings and the ferry trip lasts around 4 hours.

Lemnos has many affordable accommodation options and is one of the few Greek islands that haven’t raised their prices when it comes to food, drinks and activities on the island.

Cheap ferries to Lemnos

Ferry tickets to Agistri from €13.50

The island of Agistri is one of your cheapest vacation options with the Piraeus port as your starting point. There are numerous daily ferry crossings , with a single passenger ticket starting at €13.50.

In just 1.5 hours from Athens , you will be swimming in crystal clear waters and enjoying walks in nature. The food is awesome and you can find cheap accommodation even in high season.

Cheap ferries to Agistri

Ferry tickets to Paxi from €10.30

If you choose western Greece for your holidays, the magical island of Paxi is definitely worth a visit. With only €10 and in 1.5 hours , you can reach the magical island from Igoumenitsa and enjoy a wonderful ferry route in the Ionian Sea . Also note that you can board your car for around €43 or your motorcycle for €13.

PS : the popular Greek show Maestro in Blue was shot in Paxi!

Cheap ferries to Paxi

Ferry tickets to Skyros from €19

Skyros is one of the Sporades’ most beautiful islands. This year, you can book your e-ticket to Skyros on Ferryhopper at only €19 and get there by ferry from the port of Kymi in Evia. There are usually 2 daily crossings lasting just over 1.5 hours .

From Skyros, you can also organize day trips to visit the rest of the Sporades, with ferry tickets from €4.50.

Cheap ferries to Skyros

Ferry tickets to Kea from €13.20

This summer, your vacation in Kea (Tzia) awaits you with ferry tickets from €13.20. There are many daily crossings from the port Lavrio (Athens) to Kea and the ferry trip takes around 1 hour . Car tickets start at €34.50 and motorcycle tickets at around €12.

We strongly recommend exploring the island’s hiking trails , stretching through oak-tree forest and leading to beautiful coves!

Cheap ferries to Kea

Ferry tickets to Milos €20

There are cheap ferry tickets to the island of lovers too! More specifically, we are talking about the Lavrio - Milos route operated by Blue Star Ferries. Ferry tickets to Milos are really affordable (a simple passenger ticket costs only €20) and you can book them on Ferryhopper!

Bear in mind that the ferry trip takes around 9 hours and there is only 1 weekly crossing

Cheap ferries to Milos

Ferry tickets to Naxos from €20+2

You can travel to the island of Naxos by ferry with just €11, if you are a student . Then again, if you can’t get any discount, you can find very cheap ferry tickets to Naxos starting at €22 , as long as you depart from the Lavrio port. The ferry ride takes about 5 hours.

There is usually 1 weekly ferry, so hurry up and book your tickets with no hidden fees !

Cheap ferries to Naxos

The Portara doorway with a view to the town and port of Naxos

The imposing Great Door on the fringe of Naxos port

If you are not satisfied with these destinations, you can check the latest Greek summer ferry offers and countless current cheap Greek ferry deals for 2023 and find many more islands to travel to with affordable tickets !

Spoiler alert : offers for some destinations, such as Spetses, Chania and Aegina, can reach up to -20% , while you can take advantage of offers up to -30% to travel to Andros, Tinos, Mykonos and Paros by ferry.

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The ferry ticket price for the Greek islands can range from €10 to €150 for a single ticket depending on the season, type of vessel and distance. For example, a ferry ticket to Mykonos from Athens for a foot passenger costs between €38 and €85 during the high season. Tip: you can also check the latest offers for Greek ferries and find ...
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Here are estimated travel times for Greece's several main ferry destinations: Ferry from Piraeus to Santorini: 8 hours with the slow ferry or 5 hours with the high-speed. Ferry from Rafina to Mykonos: 4.5 hours with the slow ferry or 2.5 hours with the high-speed.
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In addition, a number of ferries travel between Greece and the nearby countries, such as Italy and Turkey. The ferries going to Italy may stop at a few Greek ports on the way. Ferry itineraries in Greece vary by season. There are more routes in summer, when high-speed ferries also operate on certain routes. In winter, many of these ferries stop ...
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Seajets operates the fastest ferries in Cyclades. Check the routes for your holidays and visit the best Greek islands with our fleet. ... Travel to Syros - Mykonos - Naxos - Ios - Santorini with WorldChampion Jet ... 18531 Piraeus, 7th floor, Greece; Tel: +30 210 4121001, daily 09:00 - 17:00; Email: [email protected] Central Agency ...
Greece: Island Hopping 101
International Pass (€176 for 2022) entitles holders to 6 days within one month, including up to 2 between Greece and Italy (including bus travel between Patras and Athens) You will still have to pick up your boarding passes, subject to availability. Read more about the Greek Island Ferry Pass (including a comparison with single tickets).
Greek Islands: Local's Guide To Island-Hopping Greece
This is one of the most popular ferry travel routes on the Greek islands. Rhodes To Crete. The trip from Rhodes to Crete can be quite long on a ferry. That's why most travelers choose to fly from Heraklion, Crete's capital. The flying time is about 50 minutes, and prices tend to be considerably high, so booking in advance is a good idea. ...
Athens-Crete Ferry Tickets, Prices, Times
Check out all the available ferry routes, find the lowest prices and best offers, and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper with ease! Discounts. Take advantage of the available discounts and travel by ferry from Athens to Crete with lower-cost ferry tickets. The ferry companies offer discounts up to 50% to the following passenger categories:
Ferry Tickets to the Greek Islands from €5
In 2023, you can book cheap ferry tickets to the Ionian island of Corfu from the port of Igoumenitsa, starting from €5.60 for the route Igoumenitsa - Corfu port (close to Corfu town). The ferry trip takes less than 1.5 hours. Tickets for the route Igoumenitsa - Lefkimmi (the port located in the island's south) are just as cheap, starting at ...

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Greek ferries

WHY BOOK FERRIES WITH GREEKA?

PORTS IN ATHENS AND MAINLAND GREECE

Ports of Athens

Main Ports of Greece

GREEK FERRY COMPANIES

More about Ferries in Greece

Quality and certification of ferries

Ferries between Greece and Turkey

Ferries to Crete

How to Use Ferries for Greek Island Hopping (And the Best Way to Book Your Tickets)

What’s in this guide:

Basics for Island Hopping with Greek ferries:

Where to Buy Greek Ferry Tickets

FerryHopper map:

Blue Star Ferries vs SeaJets in Greece

How Reliable Are Greek Ferries?

Ferry Schedules, Booking Timelines & Dates to Avoid

Other questions about ferries in Greece and/or in Italy ? Leave them in the comments below and I’ll do my best to help!

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Key Takeaways

The Best Ferries in Greece

Blue Star Ferries

Minoan Lines

Hellenic Seaways

Levante Ferries

The Main Greece Ferry Routes

Popular Ferry Lines From Mainland Greece

Popular Routes From Island to Island

How to Prepare for Your Greek Ferry

How to Budget for Greek Ferries

Know Your Luggage Limits

Some Essentials to Bring With on Your Greek Ferry

Final Thoughts For Your Greek Ferry Adventure

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Greek Ferries Sell Out?

Are There Seasons When Greek Island Ferries Don't Run?

Plan your trip to the Greek Islands

Organize your transfer in Greece

Greek Ferries to popular destinations

Online Ferry Booking Ferry Schedules, Timetables & Online Tickets

Quick facts

Online Bookings

Hotel & Villas Booking

Car Rental in Greece

Tours & Excursions

Book Now with our Company's Assistance

Ferry to Greece

Ferries in Greece

Accommodation & amenities on board

Types of ferries

Boarding the ferry

Greek Ferry Schedules

International ferry connections to Greece

Booking tickets

Greece island hopping

Useful information for your journey to Greece

Tips for taking a ferry in Greece

Sightseeing in Greece

Archaeological sites