Ferries

Here’s a comprehensive guide to ferries in Greece, including how they work, when to book, where to go, and tips to make your island-hopping adventure easy and efficient:

Greece Ferry Guide

🛳️ Overview

Greece has one of the most extensive ferry networks in the world, connecting:

• The mainland (Athens, Thessaloniki, etc.)
• Over 200 inhabited islands, including:
  • Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Paros)
  • Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos)
  • Saronic Islands (Aegina, Hydra)
  • Ionian Islands (Corfu, Zakynthos – less ferry-connected)
  • Sporades (Skiathos, Skopelos)
  • North Aegean (Lesvos, Chios)
  • Crete

📍 Main Ferry Ports

• Athens:
  • Piraeus (main port)
  • Rafina (closer to airport, east coast)
  • Lavrio (southern tip)
• Thessaloniki: North Greece access
• Heraklion/Chania (Crete)
• Rhodes: Dodecanese hub

🗓️ When to Travel

• High Season: June–September (especially July–August)
  • Ferries book up quickly.
  • More frequent routes and fast ferries available.
• Shoulder Season: May & October
  • Quieter, slightly fewer routes.
• Off-Season: November–April
  • Limited routes, fewer fast ferries.
  • Weather can cause cancellations.

⛴️ Ferry Types

• High-Speed Ferries (Catamarans): Fast but more expensive.
  • Operators: Seajets, Hellenic Seaways
  • Example: Santorini–Mykonos in ~2.5 hours
• Conventional Ferries (Slow Ferries): Slower, cheaper, more stable.
  • Operators: Blue Star Ferries, Anek Lines
  • Often have cabins for overnight journeys.

📅 Booking Tips

• Book early (especially June–August).
• Use these booking sites:
  • Ferryhopper
  • Direct Ferries
  • Greek Ferries
• You can also book at local ticket offices, but popular routes can sell out.

💶 Ticket Prices

• Vary by route, ferry type, class, and speed.
  • Athens–Santorini: €40–€90 (4.5–8 hours)
  • Athens–Mykonos: €30–€70
• Seat options: Economy, Air Seat Lounge, Business, Cabins (on long trips)
• Many offer vehicle transport (cars/scooters) – costs extra.

🚢 Popular Routes

• Cyclades (most popular for island hopping):
  • Athens → Mykonos → Paros → Naxos → Ios → Santorini
• Crete:
  • Athens → Heraklion or Chania (overnight ferries)
• Dodecanese:
  • Rhodes → Kos → Kalymnos → Leros → Patmos
• Saronic Islands (good day trips from Athens):
  • Piraeus → Aegina / Hydra / Poros

🧭 Island-Hopping Tips

• Use Ferryhopper’s “island hopping” tool to plan multi-stop trips.
• Stick to island groups to avoid long crossings.
• Allow buffer time between ferry arrivals and flights.
• Fast ferries are more sensitive to wind/cancellations – check weather.
• Some ports (like Santorini’s Athinios) are chaotic – arrive early!

🧳 What to Bring

• Valid ID or passport (no need for visa between Greek islands)
• Printed or mobile ticket
• Snacks, water, and sun protection
• Sweater – air conditioning can be cold onboard
• Motion sickness pills – especially on fast ferries

🧭 Example Itineraries

1 Week Cyclades Trip (Classic)

• Day 1: Athens → Mykonos
• Day 3: Mykonos → Paros
• Day 5: Paros → Santorini
• Day 7: Santorini → Athens

Crete & Santorini Combo

• Fly to Heraklion (Crete)
• Explore Crete (3–4 days)
• Ferry to Santorini (2 hours)
• Return to Athens by ferry or flight