Arrival & Transport

Greece has an exceptionally dense network of international airports — more than almost any other European country, thanks to the many islands. For German travelers, there are direct flights to dozens of destinations, especially in the summer season (April-October). Here are the main airports in detail:

✈️ Athens (ATH) — Eleftherios Venizelos — THE Hub

Greece's main airport and by far the most important hub. Excellent connections year-round: Direct flights from Munich (2:15h), Frankfurt (2:30h), Berlin (2:40h), Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Vienna, Zurich. Airlines: Lufthansa, Aegean Airlines (Star Alliance — collect miles!), Eurowings, Ryanair, easyJet, Condor, Wizz Air. Athens is the absolute hub for domestic flights — if you want to go to an island without a direct flight from Germany, you fly through Athens. From ATH there are connections to around 30 Greek islands and cities.

Transfer to the center: Metro Line 3 (blue) to Syntagma Square (10€, 40 min, every 30 min, 06:30-23:30). Express bus X95 to Syntagma (6€, 60 min, 24-hour service — also at night!). Taxi (38€ fixed price during the day, 54€ 00:00-05:00). The airport is located 33 km east in Spata — plan 60-90 minutes for the transfer.

✈️ Thessaloniki (SKG) — Makedonia

Second largest airport and gateway to northern Greece, Chalkidiki, and the Sporades. Direct flights from Munich (2h), Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Vienna. Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, Eurowings, Wizz Air. Perfect starting point for Meteora (3h drive or train), Olympus (1.5h), the three fingers of Chalkidiki (1h), and the Sporades islands. New, modern terminal since 2024.

Transfer: Bus 01X to the center (2€, 45 min, every 30 min). Taxi (20-25€, fixed price). The airport is located 15 km southeast.

✈️ Heraklion, Crete (HER) — Nikos Kazantzakis

Greece's second busiest airport and the main gateway to Crete. Seasonally (April-October) extremely well connected with direct flights from almost all major German cities: Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Hanover. Airlines: Condor, Eurowings, Ryanair, TUI fly, Corendon, Smartwings. Located only 5 km from the city center of Heraklion — one of the closest airports to a city center in Greece.

Transfer: City bus No. 1 to the center (1.50€, 15 min). Taxi (15-20€). Info: A completely new airport (Kastelli) is being built about 40 km southeast of Heraklion and is expected to replace the old one from 2027/2028.

✈️ Rhodes (RHO) — Diagoras

Main Dodecanese airport with many charter and low-cost flights from Germany (April-October). Condor, Eurowings, Corendon, SunExpress, TUI fly. Located 16 km southwest of the old town. Bus (2.50€, 30 min) or taxi (25€).

✈️ Corfu (CFU) — Ioannis Kapodistrias

Gateway to the Ionian Islands and one of the most spectacular airports in Europe — the runway juts into the sea, and the approach leads directly over the old town. Seasonal direct flights from Munich, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf. Eurowings, Condor, Ryanair, TUI fly. Located only 3 km from the city center.

✈️ Santorini (JTR) — Thira

Small airport with a short runway — only small to medium-sized aircraft can land. Seasonal direct flights from a few German cities (Munich, Düsseldorf — Eurowings, Condor), otherwise via Athens (Aegean Airlines, 45 min, from 50€ one-way). Extremely booked in high season — book 4-6 weeks in advance! Alternatively: Ferry from Piraeus (5-8h) — cheaper and more scenic.

✈️ Mykonos (JMK)

Similar to Santorini: small, seasonal, expensive. Direct flights from Munich and Frankfurt (Aegean, Condor). Alternatively Athens → Mykonos with Aegean (40 min, from 45€). Overloaded in midsummer.

✈️ Kos (KGS) — Hippocrates

Popular charter airport for family vacations on Kos and as a springboard for the surrounding Dodecanese islands (Nisyros, Kalymnos, Leros — by ferry). Condor, Eurowings, Corendon, SunExpress from Germany. Located 27 km west of the city.

✈️ Zakynthos (ZTH)

Seasonally well connected (Condor, Eurowings, TUI fly). Small airport, perfect for the Ionian Islands. 6 km from the city center.

Other airports with direct flights from DACH:

Chania/Crete (CHQ — the quieter Crete airport, for western Crete), Kalamata/Peloponnese (KLX — seasonal from some cities), Preveza-Aktion/Lefkada (PVK — gateway to Lefkada and mainland Epirus), Kefalonia (EFL), Karpathos (AOK), Samos (SMI), Skiathos (JSI — spectacular approach, "the Greek St. Maarten") — all seasonally accessible with charter flights.

Flight prices (guidelines from Germany, one-way)

Domestic flights

Aegean Airlines and its regional subsidiary Olympic Air connect Athens with around 30 islands and cities. Prices from 40€ one-way (booked early, off-season). Typical flight times to the islands: 30-55 minutes. SKY Express is a growing Greek airline offering direct flights between islands without detouring through Athens — e.g., Crete → Santorini, Crete → Rhodes, Rhodes → Kos, Thessaloniki → Crete. This can save a lot of time.

Ferries are THE means of transport in Greece and the heartbeat of island life. Without ferries, there is no island hopping, no island adventure, no real Greek experience. The Greek ferry network is one of the densest and most frequented in the world — and at the same time one of the most chaotic and unpredictable. But that's exactly what makes the charm: Standing on deck, the wind in your face, seeing the next island appear on the horizon — that's pure Greek lifestyle.

Mainland Ports

Piraeus (Peiraiás): The largest passenger port in Europe and the most important hub for almost all islands. Reachable from Athens with Metro Line 1 (green, 1.20€, 25 min from the center). The port is huge and confusing — it has 12 gates (E1-E12). Be sure to pay attention to the gate number on your ticket! Cyclades usually depart from E6-E8, Crete from E3-E5, Dodecanese from E11-E12, Saronic Islands from E8-E9. Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure.

Rafina (Rafína): Smaller, much more relaxed port on the east coast of Attica, 30 km east of Athens. Ferries to Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, and the eastern Cyclades. For many Cyclades routes faster than Piraeus, and if you're coming from ATH airport, Rafina is much closer (30 min by KTEL bus, 3€). Less stress, fewer queues.

Lavrio (Lávrio): Even smaller, at the southern tip of Attica. Ferries to Kea and Kythnos (western Cyclades). Also some connections to Milos and Kimolos.

Important Ferry Connections (Summer Season)

Ferry Operators — Who Goes Where?

• Blue Star Ferries: The market leaders and most reliable ferries. Large, comfortable conventional ships that still sail in strong Meltemi winds when catamarans are long in port. Main routes: Cyclades (Piraeus → Paros → Naxos → Ios → Santorini), Dodecanese, Crete connections. The best choice for safety and reliability.
• ANEK Lines: Specialist for night ferries to Crete (Piraeus → Heraklion and Piraeus → Chania). Comfortable cabins, restaurant, bar. The classic way to travel to Crete.
• Minoan Lines: Also Crete night ferries, often considered the most comfortable ships on the route. Some even have pools on board! Premium cabins available.
• SeaJets: The fastest high-speed catamarans in the Aegean. Halve travel times but are significantly more expensive and prone to Meltemi cancellations. Can be unpleasantly bumpy in rough seas. Still popular for short distances.
• Hellenic Seaways: Mix of high-speed and conventional. Good coverage of the Cyclades and Sporades.
• Golden Star Ferries: Affordable alternative for Cyclades routes. Older ships but functional.
• Dodekanisos Seaways: The specialist for Dodecanese island hopping. Fast catamarans between Rhodes, Kos, Symi, Patmos, Leros, Kalymnos, and Nisyros.
• Kerkyra Lines / Lefkimmi Lines: Corfu and Ionian Islands.

Booking & Price Comparison

The best and most comprehensive website is ferries.gr (also available as the "Ferries in Greece" app) — shows all operators, all times, and all prices at a glance, with real-time availability. Alternatively: directferries.de (with a German interface), ferryscanner.com, or directly with the shipping companies (bluestarferries.com, seajets.gr, etc.). In high season (July/August) be sure to book 1-2 weeks in advance for popular routes. For car ferries even 3-4 weeks in advance!

Ferry Survival Guide: 12 Tips

• Night ferries to Crete: Save the flight and take the night ferry from Piraeus. Departure 21:00, arrival 06:00. You save a hotel night and wake up directly in Crete. Book an inside cabin (from 25€ surcharge for a 2-person cabin) — much more restful than sleeping in an airplane seat. Outside cabins are noisier (engine + waves).
• Deck vs. Cabin: On day trips (under 5h) the "Economy" seat (= indoor seat or access to the sun deck) is sufficient. On night trips and long distances, the cabin is absolutely worth it.
• Meltemi buffer day: In July/August, the Meltemi north wind can cancel high-speed ferries and even some conventional ferries. ALWAYS plan a buffer day before your return flight! Blue Star Ferries (large ships) almost always sail, SeaJets (catamarans) are canceled the fastest.
• Luggage: There is no weight limit on Greek ferries — take as much as you can carry. Suitcases are stored on the car deck or in open luggage areas. Theft is extremely rare, but still take valuables with you.
• Car on the ferry: Significantly more expensive than a passenger ticket (often double or triple). On many Cyclades islands, your own car is not worth it (scooter, bus, or local rental car are sufficient). For Crete, Peloponnese, and mainland road trips it makes sense.
• Delays are normal: Greek ferries are ... Greek. 30-60 minute delays are not uncommon, especially with multiple stops. Don't plan tight connections (hotel check-in, onward flight).
• Food on board: The onboard restaurants are okay but expensive and uninspired. Buy a sandwich, fruit, and water at the port beforehand. In Piraeus, there are bakeries and kiosks right in front of the gates.
• Sun deck tip: The sun deck of Blue Star Ferries is fantastic — deck chairs, wind, view of the passing islands. Grab a good spot early, especially on the leeward side.
• Piraeus port chaos: Piraeus is huge and confusing. Be there at least 45 minutes before departure. Your gate is on the ticket (E1-E12). The gates are sometimes far apart — running from E1 to E12 takes 15 minutes on foot.
• Winter schedule: From November to March significantly fewer ferries run. Some routes are completely discontinued, others only served 2-3× a week. Check the winter schedule carefully!
• E-Ticket: For most operators, the e-ticket on your phone is sufficient. No printing needed. But: Mobile reception at sea is patchy — screenshot the ticket beforehand.
• Seasickness: Especially on high-speed catamarans in rough seas an issue. Sit in the middle on the lower deck (less rocking) and look at the horizon. Take travel tablets (Vomex) beforehand, not when nausea sets in.

A rental car is the best and most flexible way to explore islands and the mainland in Greece — especially on Crete, the Peloponnese, and the larger islands. The main roads are mostly well developed, the scenery breathtaking at every turn, and many of the most beautiful beaches, monasteries, and mountain villages are only accessible by car. However, there are a few Greek peculiarities you should know.

Prices & Booking

Providers

International: Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Enterprise — available at all airports and in larger cities. More expensive, but better for one-way rentals (e.g., pick up in Heraklion, drop off in Chania), complaints, and insurance cases.

Local (often cheaper and more personal): On Crete e.g., Autoway, Blue Island Rentals, Crete Rental; on the Cyclades, there are often only local providers. The owner personally stands at the port or airport, brings you the car, explains the best beaches, and gives you his phone number for emergencies. That's Greek hospitality on four wheels.

Comparison portals: CHECK24, billiger-mietwagen.de, rentalcars.com, discovercars.com — here you find the best prices and can book full insurance without excess directly.

⚠️ Greek Driving Style — An Honest Warning

Let's put it diplomatically: Greeks drive creatively. Very creatively. This is not a cliché but lived reality. Overtaking maneuvers in blind curves are the order of the day, motor scooters without lights at night are not uncommon, stop signs are more like friendly suggestions, red lights in the province are decoration, and on narrow mountain roads, you'll encounter goat herds, oncoming traffic in your lane, and trucks reversing. It sounds more dramatic than it is — after a few hours you get used to it, and the accident rate is lower than you might think. But:

• Drive defensively. Always, without exception, expect the unexpected.
• Mountain roads: Honk before blind curves. No joke, but standard and expected.
• Let others overtake: Slower vehicles move onto the shoulder (or verge) to let faster ones pass. This is also expected of you — signal right and move aside if someone is pushing.
• At night: Extra caution — unlit parked cars on the roadside, motor scooters without lights, potholes, and on islands also donkeys on the road.
• Alcohol: 0.5‰ limit. Checked, especially on islands in high season.

Islands: Car, Scooter, or Quad?

• Small islands (Koufonisi, Folegandros, Hydra, Symi): No car needed or possible. Hydra is completely car-free! On foot, by boat, donkey, or local minibus taxi.
• Medium islands (Naxos, Paros, Milos, Zakynthos, Tinos): A small car (Fiat Panda, Hyundai i10, Suzuki Jimny) is completely sufficient. Many roads are narrow, parking spaces tiny. SUV only needed if you want to go off-road to secret beaches.
• Large islands (Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada): Car strongly recommended. Crete without a car is almost impossible if you want to see the south coast or the hinterland — the distances are much larger than you think (Heraklion → Chania = 170 km!).
• Scooter (50-125ccm): From 15-25€/day the most popular and cheapest option on many islands. Perfect for Naxos, Paros, Milos, Santorini. BUT: Scooter accidents are by far the most common tourist injury in Greece! Only with experience, always with a helmet, never on gravel, never drunk. An international driver's license may be required for 125ccm+.
• Quads/ATVs: Popular on Mykonos, Santorini, and Kos. Honestly overrated and more dangerous than they look (high center of gravity, no crumple zone). Better to take a small rental car — more comfortable, safer, and often hardly more expensive.

Important Tips for Rental Cars in Greece

• Full insurance without excess: Definitely take it! Gravel roads to dream beaches, narrow alleys with mirrorless oncoming traffic, and creative Greek drivers take their toll. Many travel credit cards (Barclays Visa, DKB Visa, Advanzia Mastercard Gold) include rental car full insurance — check your card!
• Ferry crossing with a car: Not every rental company allows taking the car on island ferries. Clarify contractually beforehand! Local island renters are more flexible here than international chains. For some, the island ferry is automatically allowed.
• Refueling: 1.60-1.80€/liter (more expensive than in Germany!). On small islands, there are often only 1-2 gas stations that close at 8 pm and are closed on Sundays. Never set off with an empty tank!
• Parking in Athens: Forget it. Absolute madness. Take the metro and rent a car only when you leave Athens.
• Unpaved roads: On many islands, the most beautiful beaches are accessed via gravel roads. Drive very slowly and carefully in a normal small car. Tire damage and underbody damage on gravel are NOT insured in most rental contracts!
• Scratch protocol: When taking over, photograph and document EVERY existing scratch and dent. Greek renters are sometimes ... creative at return.

KTEL Buses — The Backbone of Long-Distance Travel

The KTEL buses (Koino Tamio Eispraxeon Leoforion — "Common Fund of Bus Revenues") are Greece's most important public long-distance transport and the only reliable network on the mainland. Each region has its own independent KTEL company (KTEL Attikis, KTEL Thessalonikis, etc.), which sometimes makes planning a bit confusing. The good news: The buses themselves are modern, air-conditioned, punctual, and surprisingly comfortable. Tickets are purchased at the bus station (KTEL station) or increasingly online via the respective KTEL website.

Important Long-Distance Bus Connections

Booking: Online via the respective regional KTEL website (e.g., ktelthes.gr for Thessaloniki, bus-service-crete-ktel.com for Crete, ktelattikis.gr for Attica) or via the aggregator ktelbus.com. The easiest: just go to the bus station and buy directly — buses on main routes run so frequently that you rarely need to book in advance (exception: Meteora, Olympia in high season).

Buses on the Islands

Most islands have a basic bus network that connects the main towns, the port, and the most popular beaches — but don't expect the Swiss clockwork schedule. The quality varies greatly:

• Crete: Excellent KTEL network, almost like on the mainland. North coast axis Heraklion-Rethymno-Chania almost hourly. Also decent connections to the hinterland.
• Rhodes, Corfu: Good local bus networks to the main towns and beaches.
• Naxos, Paros, Zakynthos: Decent bus networks in the season (May-October), main towns and main beaches are served.
• Santorini: Small but functional bus network from Fira to all villages and beaches.
• Small islands (Folegandros, Koufonisi, Sifnos, Milos): 2-6 buses a day on the main route port → Chora → beach. Often none in winter.

Important: Schedules change seasonally and sometimes spontaneously. Always check locally at the bus stop or the local office — the printed schedules often don't match the online information.

Train — Only Athens ↔ Thessaloniki (and Meteora)

Greece's rail network (Hellenic Train, formerly TrainOSE) is unfortunately very limited. There is no coastal railway line and no rail connections to the islands. The only touristically relevant routes:

• Athens → Thessaloniki: The main route. From 2025 with the new high-speed train (STADLER KISS) in about 3.5 hours (previously 4.5-5h). Prices from 15-30€ (economy early booking). Comfortable, modern, with Wi-Fi and sockets. 5-6× daily. Significantly faster and more comfortable than the bus for this route.
• Athens → Kalambaka (Meteora): Direct train through breathtaking mountain scenery in about 4.5 hours. The route winds through the mountains of central Greece, over viaducts and through tunnels — scenically grand! But only 1-2× daily. 15-25€.
• Thessaloniki → Kalambaka (Meteora): About 3 hours, 2× daily. Good alternative to the bus.
• Athens → Patras: Route currently partially modernized, limited operation. Being expanded.
• Athens → Kiato (East Peloponnese): Proastiakos suburban train, useful for day trips to the Corinth Canal.

Booking: hellenictrain.gr — Online booking possible and recommended for popular departures. E-ticket on your phone.

Athens Public Transport — Surprisingly Good!

Athens' public transport is modern, affordable, and quite usable:

• Metro: 3 lines, clean, modern, with ancient artifacts in the stations (Syntagma station is a mini-museum!). Line 1 (green) to Piraeus (ferry port), Line 2 (red) through the old town, Line 3 (blue) to the airport. Single ticket: 1.20€ (90 min valid for metro + bus + tram), 4.10€ (24h ticket), 8.20€ (5-day ticket). Airport ticket separate: 10€.
• Tram: From the center (Syntagma) along the coast to Glyfada and Voula — perfect for a beach day on the Athenian Riviera.
• Buses: Dense network, but chaotic and without air conditioning in summer a torture. Google Maps shows connections and real-time departures reliably — use it!
• Taxi: Surprisingly affordable for a European capital! Base fee 1.29€, then 0.74€/km during the day (Tariff 1), 1.29€/km at night (Tariff 2, 00:00-05:00). Typical routes: Center → Piraeus about 12-18€, Center → Airport: 38€ fixed price (day). Always insist on the taximeter! Or use the Beat app (part of Free Now) — works reliably in Athens, shows the price in advance, and prevents detours.

Taxis & Ridesharing on Islands

On the islands, the taxi situation is ... special. On small islands, there are often literally only 2-3 taxis for the entire island. In high season on Mykonos or Santorini, the wait for a taxi can be 30-60 minutes. The solution: Ask for the number at the port/hotel and order by phone (or WhatsApp). The Beat app works reliably in Athens and Thessaloniki, mostly not on the islands. Uber officially exists in Greece but only refers to regular taxis — no price difference.

Water taxis: On some islands (Hydra, Spetses, Chalkidiki), water taxis are an important means of transport to reach remote beaches and coves. Prices negotiable, typically 10-30€ per ride.