Greece › Greek Ferries
Updated: March 20, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com
Popular Routes
- Athens to Santorini Ferry
- Athens to Naxos Ferry
- Athens to Paros Ferry
- Athens to Mykonos Ferry
- Rafina to Mykonos Ferry
- Mykonos to Santorini Ferry
- Crete to Santorini Ferry
Ferry Ports
Helpful Links
- How I buy ferry tickets: FerryHopper.com
- Pre-booked taxi service: Welcome Pickups
One of the great pleasures of traveling in Greece: standing on a ferry deck as a new island comes into view.
If You Only Read 6 Things
- Take the ferry for nearby islands and fly for long-distance jumps: For most classic island-hopping routes (like Athens to Paros, Athens to Naxos, Athens to Mykonos, or Santorini to Naxos), the ferry is scenic, practical, and part of the Greece experience. For longer jumps (like Athens to Rhodes, Athens to Kos, or awkward island combinations far apart), flying is faster, easier, and the smarter choice.
- My default choice is a Blue Star ferry with an Air Seat: Blue Star (conventional ferry) is slower, smoother, cheaper, and has open decks. SeaJets (high speed) is faster, more expensive, bumpier, and keeps you indoors. For most first-time visitors, families, and anyone prone to seasickness, Blue Star is the better choice.
- Book online, but download your ticket before you get to the port: I use FerryHopper for all my tickets. You do not need a paper ticket, but port cell service can be terrible. Check in online and save the QR code to your digital wallet or take a screenshot before you leave your hotel or airport.
- Never make a tight ferry-to-flight connection: Ferries can be delayed by wind, strikes, congestion, or slow boarding. If you are flying home from Athens, do not plan to arrive by ferry and then catch an important international flight a few hours later. Give yourself a huge buffer or, even better, spend the night in Athens first.
- Arrive early and double-check your gate: Get to the port about 45 minutes early if you are walking on, or 60 to 90 minutes early if you are bringing a vehicle. At Piraeus especially, gates can change and walking between them can take longer than you expect.
- Travel light and keep valuables with you: Large suitcases are left on racks on the car deck or near the entrance lounges, which is totally normal. But always carry a small day bag upstairs with your passport, phone, wallet, medication, chargers, and anything else valuable or essential.
Greek ferries now use e-tickets. When you book through FerryHopper, check in online and save your QR code to your phone before you get to the port.
Greek island hopping by ferry is a scenic, practical, and more enjoyable way to travel than flying between nearby islands. The network can look complicated, but it is easy to navigate once you know the basics.
Should I fly or take the ferry?
My rule of thumb: Take the ferry for nearby islands and classic island-hopping routes. Fly for long-distance jumps, winter travel, or any day when timing really matters.
- Take the ferry when: the route is direct, reasonably short, and part of a logical island-hopping plan. Good examples are Athens to Paros, Athens to Naxos, Athens to Mykonos, and Santorini to Naxos or Paros. These are scenic, practical routes where the ferry feels like part of the Greece experience, not just transportation.
- If you are already in central Athens, the ferry is the easier choice: Getting from central Athens to Piraeus is simple by Metro, taxi, or Uber, and once you are on board, the trip feels straightforward. But if you are landing at the airport and planning to skip Athens entirely, flying to your island is the more natural option.
- Fly when: the distance is long or the route is awkward. Good examples are Athens to Rhodes, Athens to Kos, or island combinations that are far apart and not naturally connected by ferry. In these cases, flying is faster, easier, and less tiring.
- Flights between islands are rare: This is one of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors. In most cases, if you want to fly from one island to another, you cannot do it directly and will have to connect through Athens, which makes the journey longer and less convenient than a ferry. That is why ferries are the best choice for island hopping, even when flying looks faster at first glance.
- Santorini and Crete are the main gray areas: For Athens to Santorini, Athens to Heraklion, or Athens to Chania, both flying and the ferry can work well. If you are short on time, I lean toward flying. If you want the more scenic and classic Greece travel experience, the ferry can still be a great choice.
- Season matters: Ferries are best from late spring through early fall, when routes are frequent and island hopping is easy. In winter and parts of the shoulder season, routes are reduced, less frequent, or do not run every day, so flying becomes the better choice.
- Risk matters too: If you have a tight connection to an important international flight, do not rely on a same-day ferry arrival. Ferries can be delayed by wind, rough seas, port congestion, or strikes. If you absolutely must be in Athens for a flight home, I much prefer flying (or taking the ferry back the day before and spending the night in Athens).
Bottom line: Take the ferry when the route is short, direct, and part of a smart island-hopping plan. Fly when the distance is long, the route is awkward, the season is off-peak, or the cost of a delay is high.
The size difference is obvious: SuperJet on the right, Blue Star on the left. Bigger ferries are slower, but much more stable and comfortable.
Blue Star vs SeaJets: Which should you choose?
This is the single most common choice you will face in the Cyclades.
- Blue Star (Conventional): This is my default recommendation for a 3 to 6 hour crossing. They are massive, highly stable, and cheaper. They have open decks for photos and fresh air. Choose them if you are prone to seasickness, traveling with young kids, or just want a relaxing, scenic ride.
- SeaJets (High Speed): These are much smaller, significantly faster, and more expensive. You cannot go outside during the trip. Choose them for short island hops where the time savings are major. Avoid them if it is a very windy day and you get motion sickness easily.
When Ferries Are a Bad Idea
Do not rely on a ferry if you have a tight same-day international flight out of Athens. Do not take a high speed catamaran on a very windy (forecasted) day if you are sensitive to motion. Avoid planning complex island hops in the dead of winter (November to March) when many routes simply do not run. Finally, never try to take a ferry between the Ionian islands (Corfu) and the Cyclades (Santorini); you have to fly or drive across the mainland.
Boarding a Greek ferry: a little hectic the first time, totally normal by the second.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking too many islands: You lose half a day to travel and hotel check ins every time you move.
- Assuming every island connects: Direct connections between every island are not the norm. Neighboring islands connect well, but cross-group trips (like Rhodes to Santorini) are difficult. Athens is the main hub.
- Bringing oversized, heavy luggage: You have to haul it up steep metal ramps and across cobblestones.
- Panicking during boarding: Greek ferry boarding looks disorganized and chaotic. Crew members will yell instructions. It is normal; just follow the crowd and it works fine.
Ports, Boarding, and Luggage
A ferry departing to Paros, Naxos, and Santorini from the Piraeus ferry port near Athens.
Which Athens port should I use?
Athens has three ports. Make sure you know which one your ferry leaves from.
- Piraeus: The biggest port with the most routes. It is the main option for going to Santorini, Crete, Naxos, Paros, or Hydra from central Athens.
- Rafina: Located closer to the Athens airport. It is fantastic if you are landing at the airport and heading straight to Mykonos, Andros, or Tinos. It is much smaller and easier to navigate than Piraeus.
- Lavrio: A small port primarily used for niche routes to Kea or Kythnos. You likely will not use this.
What Boarding Is Actually Like
For first-time visitors, boarding a Greek ferry can look chaotic. It is fast, loud, and a little messy, with hundreds of passengers, porters, and vehicles all moving at once. There is rarely a neat single-file line. This is normal. Do not panic. Just have your phone ticket ready, keep your passport or photo ID handy, follow the crew’s instructions, and move with the flow.
- Find your gate and ship: Check the departure boards when you arrive at the port, especially at Piraeus where gates can change. Match the ferry company, destination, and departure time to your ticket.
- Join the crowd: When boarding starts, passengers gather quickly near the ramp. It may feel like a mad dash, but this is how boarding works in Greece.
- Scan your ticket: Staff will scan the QR code on your phone ticket at the base of the ramp or just before you step onboard. Keep your phone unlocked and your ID handy in case it is requested.
- Drop your large luggage: On many ferries, crew will direct you to leave big suitcases on racks on the car deck or near the entrance lounges. This is standard. Keep valuables, medication, passports, chargers, and anything fragile with you in a small day bag.
- Go upstairs to the passenger areas: After dropping your bag, head up to the indoor lounges or outdoor decks. On large conventional ferries, this may involve stairs, escalators, or elevators.
- Find your seat or lounge: If you booked an Air Seat or a high-speed ferry ticket, look for your assigned seat number. If you booked Economy/Deck on a conventional ferry, find an open lounge chair, café seat, or outdoor spot.
- Get ready before your stop: As your island approaches, passengers will begin moving toward the exits. Gather your day bag, go down for your suitcase a little early if needed, and be ready for a quick, slightly chaotic disembarkation.
Large bags are left in the designated luggage area on the car deck, grouped by island. It doesn’t look especially secure, but I’ve never heard of a bag going missing. Keep medicine, passports, and anything valuable with you.
The Luggage Reality
Greek ferries do not have strict luggage weight limits, which is a major advantage over flying. However, a travel backpack or a small, two wheeled suitcase is far superior to a heavy four wheeled spinner. Small wheels break on the metal ramps and island cobblestones.
As you enter the vehicle deck, crew members will instruct you to leave your bags. On many ferries, large suitcases are left on racks on the vehicle deck or near the entrance lounges. This is totally normal. You then walk upstairs to the passenger lounges.
Important: Do not leave anything valuable on the luggage racks. Bag theft is rare but can happen. You cannot return to the car deck during the voyage.
What to pack in your day bag
Bring a small backpack upstairs with you containing:
- Your phone and tickets
- Passport and wallet
- Medication and motion sickness tablets
- A sweater (ferry air conditioning can be freezing, even in August)
- Sunglasses and a hat for the outdoor deck
- A power bank (outlets exist but are highly competitive)
I love using a backpack as I ferry hop around Greece. In this case, hands free as I disembark the ferry in Paros.
Life Onboard
Can I walk around?
On conventional ferries (Blue Star), absolutely. You can roam the hallways, use the cafes, and go out to the open decks. It is highly recommended. On high speed ferries (SeaJets), movement is limited. You must stay inside, mostly in your assigned seat, and there are no accessible outdoor spaces.
Food, Water, and Bathrooms
You can bring your own food and water on board, which I recommend doing if you are on a smaller high speed boat with limited options. Large conventional ferries have full cafes, espresso bars, and sometimes fast food restaurants. Prices for basic items like bottled water and simple sandwiches are regulated and cheap. Bathrooms are generally clean; large ferries have crews cleaning them constantly.
The cafe on a SeaJets ferry. (The sugar donuts are delicious.)
Wi-Fi and Charging
Most ferries offer Wi-Fi for a small fee, but it relies on cellular networks and drops out constantly when you are far from land. Do not count on it for important work. Power outlets are scattered around the lounges, but they get claimed quickly. Bring a power bank.
Mobility and Accessibility
If you have mobility issues, large conventional ferries are vastly superior. They have elevators or escalators to take you from the car deck to the lounges. Small, fast catamarans often require navigating steep, narrow stairs.
Vehicles and Rental Cars
Do not bring a rental car from Athens to the islands unless you are doing a massive multi week trip. Ferrying a car is expensive, vehicle spots sell out fast, and loading the car onto the ship is stressful with crew yelling tight parking instructions at you. It is much easier and cheaper to rent a car or ATV locally once you arrive on the island.
Schedules, Delays, and Tickets
Can I trust the published schedule?
Ferries leave their origin port on time. However, delays accumulate as the day goes on. If you are catching a ferry mid route at 3:00 PM, expect it to be 20 to 45 minutes late. I recommend using the MarineTraffic app to track your ship’s location in real time.
What if my route does not show up online?
If you are searching for tickets in January for a trip in August and see nothing, do not panic. Many summer schedules for smaller or seasonal routes are not fully loaded until spring. Alternatively, if a route never shows up, it means those two islands do not connect directly and you must route through a hub like Piraeus, Naxos, or Syros.
Strikes and Holiday Chaos
Transportation strikes happen in Greece. There is almost always a general strike on May 1st (Labor Day). Do not book travel on this date. If you are traveling near a major holiday or protest period, check your email for notifications from Ferryhopper and reconfirm your sailing. Be aware that Greek Easter week and August 15th are massive local travel holidays; ports will be packed and ferries will sell out.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Greek ferry schedules for 2027 come out?
Greek ferry schedules for 2027 will appear gradually, not all at once. Some major routes will be posted far in advance, say November or December for the coming year, but the full spring and summer schedules get loaded in between January and spring 2027. Once a good ferry is available for your date, especially for June through September, it’s smart to book rather than waiting for every company to publish.
Do tickets sell out?
Yes. High speed ferries (SeaJets), private cabins, and car spots frequently sell out in July and August. Economy deck tickets on large Blue Star ferries rarely sell out, but it can happen on peak holiday weekends. Book 2 to 3 months in advance for peace of mind.
How much do ferry tickets cost?
Prices vary wildly by vessel type. A high speed catamaran can cost double the price of a conventional car ferry. For example, the cheapest seats for Athens to Santorini cost around €60 on Blue Star and over €110 on SeaJets. Prices do not fluctuate like airfares, so booking early secures your spot without costing you more.
What happens if it is canceled?
Cancellations happen, usually due to high winds in August. If you have an electronic ticket, you will get an email or SMS. You are entitled to a full refund or rebooking on the next available vessel.
Email I received when our ferry was cancelled.
How do seats work? (Economy vs Air Seat)
This confuses everyone. Here is the breakdown:
- Economy / Deck (Conventional Ferries): The cheapest option. You have no assigned seat. You sit on outdoor plastic chairs, cafe sofas, or wherever you find space. It is first come, first served. It is great for young travelers on short trips, but awful in August when it is crowded and you have to hunt for a spot.
- Air Seat / Airplane Type (Conventional Ferries): This is the smart choice. It is a reserved, numbered seat in an indoor, air conditioned lounge. It is yours for the whole trip. It only costs €5 to €10 more than Economy. Always book this if you value comfort.
- High Speed Ferries (SeaJets): Every single ticket on a high speed ferry is a reserved, assigned seat. You will never have to stand.
Reserved seating (airplane style seating) on a SeaJets ferry.
Can I sleep on the ferry?
Yes. On conventional ferries, people nap in the Air Seats, and backpackers sleep on the floor or sofas in the Economy lounges. However, if you are doing an overnight route (like Athens to Crete or Rhodes), I highly recommend booking a Cabin.
Should I book a cabin?
A cabin gives you a private room with bunk beds and a bathroom. They are essential for overnight routes. They are also a fantastic luxury for daytime trips if you have young children who need a nap, or if you are an older traveler who wants privacy and a clean, private bathroom away from the crowds.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes, pets are allowed on most Greek ferries. Rules vary by operator and vessel, but pets are typically restricted to designated areas, carriers, kennels, or pet friendly cabins. Always check the specific operator’s pet policy when booking.
Are there return ticket discounts?
Yes. Many major companies offer return discounts on some routes when both legs are booked together, but the exact percentage and eligible routes vary.
What is the best route for scenery?
Arriving in Santorini by ferry is one of the greatest views in the world. You sail directly into the flooded volcanic caldera. Make sure you are on a conventional ferry (like Blue Star) so you can stand on the open deck as you arrive. High speed ferries do not let you go outside, so you miss the experience.
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.
How do I get from central Athens to Piraeus Port?
The Metro is the easiest way.
- From Monastiraki Station: Take either the Green Line (Line 1) or the Blue Line (Line 3) directly to Piraeus.
- From Syntagma Station: Take the Blue Line (Line 3) directly to Piraeus.
- Cost and payment: The standard 90-minute urban ticket costs €1.20. You can tap your credit card or phone (Apple Pay or Google Pay) directly at the turnstile; no need to buy a physical ticket from a machine.
How do I get from Athens Airport to Piraeus Port?
You no longer need to switch trains.
- The Metro: Take the Blue Line (Line 3) directly from the Airport to Piraeus. It takes about an hour and costs €9. Trains run every 30 minutes. Contactless payment is supported here as well.
- The Bus: The X96 Express Bus runs 24/7 from the airport arrivals curb to Piraeus. It takes about 60 to 90 minutes (traffic dependent) and costs €5.50. Use this if arriving late at night when the Metro is closed.
How do I get from the ferry port to my hotel?
It depends on the island, your luggage, and where your hotel is located. On small, easy islands, you can get off the ferry and figure it out on the fly. On busy islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, ferry arrivals can be crowded and taxis are limited, so it is much better to arrange transportation in advance or at least know your plan before you arrive.
- Best option for most travelers: Book a pre-arranged transfer. I use Welcome Pickups when available. It is the easiest and least stressful option, especially if you are arriving with luggage, traveling with kids, staying outside the port town, or arriving on a busy summer afternoon. Your driver meets you at the port and you avoid the taxi scramble.
- Walking: This can work well on Naxos, Paros, Ios, and many smaller islands if you are staying near the port and traveling light. Check the exact hotel location first. A “10-minute walk” can feel very different with luggage, stairs, cobblestones, steep roads, or midday heat.
- Taxis: Taxis are fine on some islands but scarce on others. Do not assume you can simply walk off the ferry and find one right away, especially if several ferries arrive close together. This is a common problem on Santorini and Mykonos.
- Buses: Local buses are the cheapest option and are useful on islands with good port connections. On Santorini, buses meet ferry arrivals and run to Fira, where you can transfer to other villages. Buses work best if you are traveling light and staying near a bus stop. They are less convenient for hotels in Oia, Imerovigli, beach resorts, or rural areas.
- Hotel pickup: Some hotels offer port transfers, either free or for a fee. This is the simplest option if you are staying at a boutique hotel, villa, or caldera property where the final approach may involve stairs or a hard-to-find entrance.
- Rental cars and ATVs: These can work well if you have pre-arranged port pickup, but do not count on sorting it out last minute after arrival in peak season. If you plan to rent a car, reserve it before you arrive and confirm exactly where the pickup desk or shuttle will be.
My advice: If you are arriving at a major island port for the first time, especially Santorini, Mykonos, or Crete, arrange your transfer before you board the ferry. If you are arriving on a smaller island and staying near the port, walking or taking a short taxi ride may be perfectly fine.
Direct connections between every island are not the norm. Ferries typically connect Athens with every major island, then hop to other nearby islands.
There is now a direct train from Athens International Airport to the Piraeus ferry port. The station is directly across the street from the E6 port entrance.
On the open deck of a Blue Star ferry in the Cyclades – one of the great simple pleasures of traveling in Greece.
Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to 
Hi Dave – We (a family of four with a tween/teen) fly into Athens at the end of July and are spending two nights there before heading to the Cyclades. We have six nights before we catch a 7pm flight from Mykonos to Budapest on RyanAir. I thought we’d start with three nights on Milos (do we need four?) and then have one other stop before heading to Mykonos. A couple of questions:
With that 7pm flight, would you think we could arrive the same day in Mykonos, or should we plan on arriving the night before?
Which other island would you pair with Milos, considering we go on to Mykonos? I was thinking either 3/3 or 4/2 with Folegandros, but maybe we should be closer to Mykonos? Thank you!
Ashley
Here is my honest take on your plan, considering the ferry connections and the reality of travel in late July (peak wind season).
1. The “Same Day” Flight Question
Can you arrive in Mykonos the same day as a 7pm flight? Technically, yes. Practically? It makes me nervous.
Why:
• The Wind: Late July is prime time for the Meltemi winds. The ferry connections between the Western Cyclades (Milos/Folegandros) and Mykonos are almost exclusively serviced by small, high-speed catamarans (like the SuperJet or Seajet 2). These are the first boats to get cancelled or significantly delayed when the winds pick up.
• The Route: There is no “straight line” large car ferry from Milos to Mykonos. You are relying on those smaller boats that zigzag through the islands. If the sea is rough, that 3 to 5-hour ride can be a stomach-churning ordeal, and arriving at the airport green and exhausted isn’t fun.
• My Thinking: If you are coming from Milos or Folegandros, I would not risk a same-day arrival for a flight, even a 7pm one. The risk of a cancellation leaving you stranded is just high enough to cause anxiety.
However, if you are coming from an island right next door to Mykonos (like Naxos or Paros), I would be much more comfortable with a same-day arrival because the ferries are larger, frequent, and the trip is only 40 minutes.
2. How to pair Milos (and timing)
You have 6 nights. That is a tight window for two islands plus a travel day, but it’s doable.
• Milos duration: Three nights is the absolute minimum for Milos. It is a big island and the best beaches are spread out. You need a rental car to see it properly Plus you have to do a boat tour. If you do 3 nights, you really only have 2 full days.
Which island to pair it with?
Option A: Milos (3 nights) + Naxos (3 nights) – My Top Pick for Families
• This is the best balance of logistics and “teen friendliness.”
• Why: Naxos has great beaches, a cool main town, and is very active for teens. The ferry from Milos to Naxos is easy, and the ferry from Naxos to Mykonos is very short (40 mins) and serviced by larger boats.
• The Flight Day: You could comfortably wake up in Naxos on your departure day, take a noon ferry to Mykonos, arrive by 1pm, grab lunch in Mykonos Town, wander for 2 hours, and head to the airport for your 7pm flight. This feels safe to me, but is not as safe as Option B.
Option B: Milos (4 nights) + Mykonos (2 nights)
• This removes all the stress.
• Why: You give Milos the time it deserves (4 nights allows you to do the Kleftiko boat tour without rushing). Then you head to Mykonos for the final 2 nights.
• The Vibe: Mykonos is expensive and crowded, yes, but for a family with a teen, it’s actually quite a spectacle. The town is incredibly photogenic, the shopping is fun, and seeing Delos (short boat trip from town) is great history. You are already there for your flight, so zero stress on the last day.
Option C: Milos (3) + Folegandros (3)
• The “aesthetic” choice, but a “logistical” headache.
• Why: I love Folegandros – it’s magical and chill. But for a teen? It might be a little too quiet after 2 days (no water sports, very small town).
• The Problem: Getting from Folegandros to Mykonos on flight day is risky (see my point above about small boats). You would spend your last day stressed about the wind. I would skip Folegandros this time unless you fly out of Santorini (which is much closer to Folegandros).
Summary Advice
If I were you, I would do Option A (Milos & Naxos).
• Days 1-3: Milos. Rent a car. Explore Sarakiniko and Tsigrado.
• Day 4: Ferry to Naxos (usually runs in the morning/afternoon).
• Days 4-6: Naxos. Stay at St. George Beach (in town) so the teen can walk around, or Plaka/Agios Prokopios for better sand.
• Day 7: Mid-day ferry from Naxos to Mykonos. Taxi to airport. Fly to Budapest.
Hope that helps you structure the week.
Hi Dave – couple questions for you. We are doing Athens, Santorini and Naxos for our honeymoon in August. We are traveling from Santorini to Naxos via Ferry and can’t decide on the right choice of ferry. We would prefer the Blue Star Ferries since they are more reliable, but the only choices are 6:25 AM or 3:30 PM. We are doing 3 nights in Santorini and not looking to leave at 6 AM. Would you recommend using SeaJet instead to leave around 12 PM? Worried about the delays later in the day at the 3:30 time.
Also – we are flying from Naxos at 7:25 AM landing in Athens at 8:15 AM. We have our flight back to the states at 1 PM from Athens. Do you think that’s enough time between flights? Been hearing that some people schedule to fly back to Athens the night before a flight. We’re doing 2 nights in Athens at the beginning of our trip and hoping to spend 4 in Naxos at the end.
Thanks!
Nikki
SeaJets at 12:00 PM is a better option if you want an on-time ferry. Blue Star at 3:30 PM is better if you want the caldera views from the ferry deck. If changing your itinerary is possible, I would move your two nights in Athens to the end of your trip. That will give you some buffer days in case flights or ferries are delayed or canceled. If not, the 7:25 flight will give you plenty of time unless it’s canceled or delayed. Hope that helps.
Hi! We have a car rental for Athens and Meteora, should we return the car before island hopping?
Yes, definitely return before getting on a ferry. You likely won’t need a rental car on the islands at all. If you do, just rent for a day or two as needed. There’s no need to pay for ferry transport for a vehicle you’ll barely need on the islands.
Your site is by far the best website for travel to Greece and Europe! Amazing content. Thanks.
We arrive by flight to Athens from London. Do you recommend going directly to the ferry port or spending a few days in Athens?
Tracy
Most ferries to the islands depart in the A.M. hours, so unless you have a very early flight, you’ll likely need to spend the night in Athens regardless. Athens has plenty to see and can easily fill 2 or 3 days with good sightseeing, great nightlife, and fantastic restaurants. I recommend at least one full day and two or three if the main attractions look appealing to you. Then get an early morning ferry and head to the islands.
We fly in and out of Athens in September (the 1st to the 20th). We want to visit Naxos, Paros, Milos, Folegandros, Mykonos, and Santorini. How best should we order these islands to minimize travel time and maximize ferry options?
This is a fantastic and ambitious itinerary. Fitting six islands into 20 days is fast-paced but absolutely doable if you plan your route efficiently. The key is to order the islands along the main ferry lines to prevent backtracking.
The most logical and efficient route for your island list is to travel in a general north-to-south direction through the central Cyclades, then hop to the western islands before returning to Athens.
The Best Island Hopping Route
• Athens ➝ Mykonos ➝ Paros ➝ Naxos ➝ Santorini ➝ Folegandros ➝ Milos ➝ Athens
Route Breakdown & Logic
• Athens to Mykonos: Start your trip by taking a ferry from Rafina port, not Piraeus. Rafina is much closer to the Athens airport (a 20-minute taxi ride vs. 60-90 minutes to Piraeus) and is the main hub for fast ferries to Mykonos. This will save you significant time on your arrival day.
• Mykonos to Paros: A quick and easy hop (30-50 minutes) on a frequent high-speed ferry.
• Paros to Naxos: These islands are neighbors. The ferry takes only 30-45 minutes and runs many times a day. You could visit one on a day trip from the other, but it’s better to switch hotels to properly experience both.
• Naxos to Santorini: A very common route on the main ferry line. The high-speed ferry takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. There are multiple sailings per day.
• Santorini to Folegandros: This is your pivot from the central to the western Cyclades. Ferries (usually SeaJets) run this route regularly. The trip takes about one hour. Santorini is the best-connected island for making this jump.
• Folegandros to Milos: A short, beautiful trip between two stunning islands in the western Cyclades. This leg takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Milos to Athens: From Milos, you have frequent and direct ferries back to Piraeus port in Athens. Both fast catamarans (about 3-4 hours) and larger, more stable conventional ferries (5-7 hours) serve this route.
Suggested Time Allocation (19 nights)
With 20 days, you have 19 nights on the islands. This is a packed schedule, so be prepared for moving around. I recommend booking everything well in advance.
• Mykonos: 3 nights
• Paros: 3 nights
• Naxos: 4 nights (the best beaches in the Cyclades)
• Santorini: 4 nights (enough time for the caldera, wineries, and Akrotiri)
• Folegandros: 2 nights (it’s small, this is enough to experience the magical Chora)
• Milos: 3 nights (essential for exploring the unique beaches and taking a boat tour of Kleftiko)
Booking Ferries
• Use a site like Ferryhopper to check schedules and book all your tickets in one place. It’s reliable and shows all available companies for your route.
• Book your September ferries by June or July. While September is less crowded than August, popular routes can still sell out, especially on the faster catamarans.
Hi Santorini Dave! Thank you for the thorough breakdown. I’m planning my trip now to Greece in September, visiting Athens, Santorini and Milos. Looking on Ferryhopper, there is an option from Milos to Athens on Minoan Lines and is cheaper than the Seajets option while being on a similar timetable. Minoan seems to get some bad reviews on Tripadvisor though, so I’m wondering if you have any experience with them and if I should have any reservations on booking this. Thank you!
My advice is to book the Minoan Lines (probably the Festos Palace) without hesitation. The most critical difference is the vessel itself: the Festos Palace is a massive, stable cruise ferry, while Seajets uses much smaller, high-speed catamarans. For a long journey, the Minoan ship provides a more comfortable experience, with spacious lounges and open decks you can walk around, unlike the somewhat restrictive, airplane-style seating on many Seajets. The larger ferry is far more reliable and less likely to be canceled by the high winds that can occur in September. Given that it’s also the cheaper option, the Minoan Lines ferry is the better choice – though it does often depart Milos in the middle of the night, so do double-check sailing times.
Hi Dave,
I am planning my 5th visit to Greece with an entire month on the islands in June. No need to revisit the two Cycladic hotspots but do want to visit a couple quieter ones. Then, I want to move on to the Dodecanese, Rhodes, Symi and Patmos.
How do you ferry between the Cyclades and Dodecanese? The Ferry Hopper site doesn’t help if you don’t know which Cycladic island is your origin.
Thank you!
Chris
San Francisco, California
Syros will have the most ferries heading east. It’s the Cycladic island you’ll most likely find routes to Rhodes, Kos, Patmos, etc. I love Syros in its own right, and it is definitely worth a visit.
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. I’ve never had my baggage limited as I board, but I always travel pretty light.
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. I would check in September when schedules should be out for those months.
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.
Hi Dave,
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?
Thank you!
At all island ports ferries are literally steps from each other and there isn’t really a check-in process, you just scan your ticket on your phone 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, the first ferry will 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 is cutting it close. But there’s no right answer. Hope that helps.
Dave,
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.
I’ve never found any set pattern and it 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. I love the outdoor deck that you can walk about on 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!
Amanda
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. I use Ferryhopper to find 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 I like and recommend both of them.
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. (I’ve never had my ID checked as I boarded a ferry.) 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.