Arrival by Ferry
The ferry is the more romantic and often cheaper alternative to flying — especially for island hopping in the Cyclades.
From Piraeus (Athens)
High-speed ferries (SeaJets, Hellenic Seaways, Golden Star Ferries): 4.5–5 hours, from €55 one way. 2–4 connections daily in high season. Conventional ferries (Blue Star Ferries): 7–8 hours, from €35. Mostly overnight with cabin option. Both variants dock at the new port Athinios (midway up the caldera cliff — the ascent to Fira by bus or taxi is an experience in itself).
Island Hopping
From Santorini, you can reach numerous other islands by ferry:
| Destination | Duration | Price from | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mykonos | 2–3h | €55 | 2–3x daily |
| Naxos | 1.5–2h | €30 | 3–5x daily |
| Paros | 2–3h | €35 | 2–4x daily |
| Ios | 35–50 min. | €20 | 2–3x daily |
| Crete (Heraklion) | 1.5–2h | €50 | 1–2x daily |
| Milos | 3–4h | €40 | 1x daily |
Book ferries: ferryscanner.com or directferries.de. Book early in high season — high-speed ferries sell out quickly!
💡 Tipp
The ferry from Crete to Santorini (2h with high-speed from Heraklion, from €50) is a fantastic combination: First explore Crete, then take the ferry to Santorini for a grand finale. Entering the caldera by boat — when the steep cliffs with white villages rise from the sea — is one of the most dramatic moments Greece has to offer.
