Greek Island Ferries
Ferries are how you get around the Greek islands. Here's how the network works — and how to book the right crossing.
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Piraeus — the main hub
Most island ferries leave from Piraeus, the large port of Athens. A second Athens port, Rafina, is handy for Mykonos, Andros and Tinos. From these hubs the network fans out to every island group.
The island groups
- Cyclades — Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios. The classic island-hopping region.
- Crete — Heraklion and Chania, reached by large overnight ferries from Piraeus.
- Dodecanese — Rhodes and Kos, towards the Turkish coast.
- Ionian — Corfu and the western islands, usually reached from western ports rather than Athens.
High-speed vs conventional
High-speed catamarans are fastest but cost more and are more weather-sensitive. Conventional ferries are bigger, cheaper and carry cars, but take longer. For island-hopping, mix and match depending on time and budget.
Booking tips
- Book ahead in July–August, particularly with a car.
- Compare operators (Blue Star, SeaJets, Hellenic Seaways and others) in one place via Direct Ferries.
- Build in buffer time — high-speed services can be cancelled in strong winds.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get from Athens to Santorini by ferry?
- From Piraeus, the port of Athens. High-speed catamarans take around 5 hours; large conventional ferries take roughly 8 hours but cost less and carry cars.
- Do I need to book Greek ferries in advance?
- In July and August yes, especially on popular Cyclades routes and if you are travelling with a car. Off-season you can usually book closer to departure.
- Can I take a car on Greek island ferries?
- Yes on the conventional car ferries, and on most high-speed services. Vehicle space sells out first in peak summer, so book early.