Ferries & Island Hopping

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)

Route	Duration (Slow / Fast)	Price from (Seat)	Frequency (Summer)
Piraeus → Santorini	8h / 5h	35€ / 60€	4-6× daily
Piraeus → Mykonos	5h / 2.5h	30€ / 55€	5-7× daily
Piraeus → Naxos	5.5h / 3.5h	30€ / 50€	4-6× daily
Piraeus → Paros	5h / 3h	28€ / 48€	5-7× daily
Piraeus → Milos	7h / 3.5h	30€ / 55€	2-3× daily
Piraeus → Heraklion (Crete)	9h (night)	35€ seat / 60€ cabin	2× daily (evening)
Piraeus → Chania (Crete)	9h (night)	35€ / 60€	1-2× daily
Piraeus → Rhodes	15h / 10h	45€ / 70€	1-2× daily
Piraeus → Kos	11h / 7h	40€ / 60€	1-2× daily
Rafina → Mykonos	4.5h / 2h	28€ / 50€	3-5× daily
Rafina → Andros → Tinos	2h + 30 min	18€ / 25€	3-4× daily
Santorini → Mykonos	3h / 2h	40€ / 65€	2-3× daily
Naxos → Paros	45 min	8-10€	6-10× daily
Mykonos → Naxos	1.5h / 45 min	15€ / 30€	3-5× daily
Santorini → Crete (Heraklion)	2h	60-70€	1-2× daily

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.