Hellenic Seaways Flying Dolphins & Cats

Hellenic Seaways (part of the Blue Ferries group) operate their hydrofoils (Flying Dolphins) and Catamarans (Cats - bigger than dolphins) out of Piraeus and have a regular timetable throughout the year. BUT they are really slow at publishing it in a timely manner. So don't be worried if you look during the winter and can't see dates and times for Spring let alone summer. They normally refresh the site in March, June and October.

2023: TICKET PRICE INCREASE. Tickets now cost €40 per person each way. So €80 for a return ticket.

YOU MUST BOOK ONLINE and collect your actual tickets from the official agents office on Piraeus Port. If you don't prebook especially in high season, you could end up not getting on board.

You'll find their ticket offices around the port but you want to walk to the far end office nearest to Gate E9, which deals specifically with Hydra. Don't forget to ask the ticket office to point out where you dolphin will leave from.

Telephone: +(30) 210 419 9000 (Piraeus) Ring this number in case of delays.

Hydreoniki Travel (Hellenic agent on Hydra) +(30) 22980 54007

(See here: In case of bad weather, cancellations or strikes )

There are quite a few travel agents online but they all add between 10 - 20 euros per ticket. So be sure to use just the official site which you can reach with the button link below for the best price.

  • Click the link above to go directly to the official online booking system of Hellenic Seaways (which will click into the Blue Star system when you choose book online).
  • Select tickets to collect from Agent (which is on the port side at Piraeus).
  • Print the email confirmation so you have the reference number with your travel documents.
  • Enter port at Gate E8.
  • Collect the actual tickets at least 15 minutes (30 mins in high season) before sailing. (The barcode on the email confirmation or on your phone only works if the girl collecting the tickets at the bottom of the gangplank has the machine with her - often this is not the case so it is always less stressful to obtain the actual tickets before you try to board.)

Hellenic Ticket Office at Piraeus Port for dolphin and cat service to Hydra Island Greece.

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DISCOVERING GREEK SUMMER TOGETHER

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The Mediterranean Traveller

Greek Island Hopping 101 – Everything You Need to Know

Island hopping in Greece is one of Europe’s unmissable adventures. But with over 200 islands where do you start?

Here’s everything you need to know – including island hopping routes and itineraries , ticket info and some island inspiration .

It’s been a time-honoured travel tradition since the 1960s. But Greece has so many islands it can be overwhelming to plan and difficult to know where to start.

Well – start right here. We’ve got everything you need to know (and a few things you probably don’t).

Little Venice, Mykonos.

This guide will cover:

  • Starting points – airports and ports
  • Considerations when planning – time/money/seasickness/flexibility
  • Fast ferry vs slow ferry vs flying
  • How much do ferry tickets cost? What are the cheapest ferries?
  • A quick guide to each island group
  • How to pick your perfect islands (and the best time to go)
  • Understanding the hub and spoke system
  • Tickets and schedules
  • Attica Group Greek Island Ferry Pass
  • Organised group tours
  • Yachts, small ship cruises, and international ferries

If I could spend the rest of my life doing one thing it would be island-hopping. Nothing beats sitting out on the deck of the ferry in the sunshine, sipping on a frappe, thumbing through a guidebook wondering what adventures await at the next island.

The anticipation as you wait in the crowd to disembark the ferry, the sounds as door ramps down – providing the first glimpse of your chosen destination.

The pure thrill of turning up at Piraeus with no plans and no ticket (seriously – you should try it, just not in August).

Let’s dive in . . .

Yellow ferries docked on Zakynthos.

Island Hopping in Greece – Where to Start?

There are a few important factors that will determine how your island hopping plays out: time, money, and your starting point.

Update for 2022

The events of the past few years have normalised electronic tickets and card payments throughout Greece. I recommend downloading the Ferryhopper app and using it to purchase your tickets.

Requirements for ferry travel (including masks) are prone to change – please read the official requirements and this Ferryhopper guide to requirements which is regularly updated. 

Pick Your Entry Point

How do you plan to arrive in Greece? This will most determine which ports/island groups are nearest to you (unless you’re happy to take a domestic flight – we’ll get to that later).

If you’re flying into Greece you’ll most likely land at Athens International airport (Eleftherios Venizelos).

The main ports on the Greek mainland are:

  • Piraeus.  Athens’ main port – click here for directions). This is the biggest port in Greece and you can reach most islands.
  • Rafina.  Athen’s second port – a bit harder to reach than Piraeus (which is something to bear in mind if you’re heading to Mykonos – more on that later) but nearer the airport.
  • Lavrio. The smallest and furthest away of the Athens ports. You’ll probably only use it if you want to get to Kea or if you’re joining a yacht.
  • Thessaloniki . Although Greece’s second city is mainly a commercial port, there are ferry connections to the larger Aegean islands.
  • Kavala . The main ferry port in the north, with connections to Athens and the Aegean islands.
  • Keromoti . On the north coast, just opposite the island of Thassos.
  • Volos . Halfway between Thessaloniki and Athens, Volos is the main gateway port for the Sporades (Mamma Mia fans, head here).
  • Patras . A large port on the west coast, at the entrance to the Gulf of Corinth, for connections to Italy and the Ionian islands.
  • Igoumenitsa . On the northwest coast, best for connections to Corfu and Italy.

Basically, Piraeus will probably be your starting port unless you have a particular reason for it not to.

Or if you’re flying –

Airplane in the sky overhead Heraklion on Crete.

Greek islands with international airports:

  • Crete (Chania, Heraklion, Sitia) – international
  • Corfu – international
  • Kefalonia – international
  • Zakynthos – international
  • Kos – international
  • Lesvos – international
  • Samos – international
  • Rhodes – international
  • Santorini – international
  • Skiathos – international

Greek islands with domestic airports:

  • Astypaleia – domestic only
  • Chios – domestic only
  • Ikaria – domestic only
  • Kalymnos – domestic only
  • Kythira – domestic only
  • Lemnos – domestic only
  • Milos – domestic only
  • Naxos – domestic only
  • Paros – domestic only
  • Skyros – domestic only
  • Syros – domestic only

Plus there are international airports at Preveza (for Lefkada), Volos (for the Sporades), Kalamata, and Thessaloniki.

Map of Greece and her islands.

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU HAVE?

Ok, this one is pretty important. The islands are often further apart than they may appear on the map. Ferries can be a slow mode of transport (although there are different types of ferry) so the length of time you have available will determine the type of ferry you should take, and/or the distance you will want to travel.

Some considerations include:

  • Your travel style – pack it in or take it slow?
  • Do you get seasick?
  • How flexible is your schedule?
  • Is it cheaper/quicker to fly?
  • What’s your budget?

It’s best to allow a bit of flexibility in your planning because a) strikes happen, b) storms happen. The big slow car ferries are the most reliable and least likely to be cancelled.

Pro tip : Many of the ferries from Athens leave early in the morning and return late at night. You can use this to your advantage when planning.

Ferries at Piraeus.

FAST FERRY VS SLOW FERRY VS FLYING

What’s your travel style? Are you a speed freak, who likes to pack in as much as possible?

There are several different types of ferry:

  • Closed Deck Car Ferry . The biggest and cheapest. Most stable. Best for seasickness. Tend to have cabins, restaurants, cafes and sometimes entertainment.
  • Open Deck Car Ferry. More popular on short routes.
  • Hi-Speed Catamaran . These can be quite large. Some have open decks, some don’t. Most have seating.
  • Hydrofoil (also known as Flying Dolphins). The smallest and quickest type of ferry. Prone to cancellation and delays in bad weather though. No open deck, not great if you get seasick.

Length of journey

Flying makes sense for long routes (8 hours +; for example, Athens to Crete, Rhodes, or any of the Northern Aegean) where the price is comparable, if not cheaper. Ferry journeys of this length can be uncomfortable unless you’re happy to pay for a cabin. And at certain times of year you can pick up bargain flights.

Departure/arrival times

Instead of looking exclusively at journey times or cost, I recommend comparing departure and arrival times to figure out whether its best to fly or take the ferry.

Most ferries from Athens leave early in the morning, or in the evening for overnight routes. Let’s say, for example, the Blue Star car ferry to Mykonos leaves at 7:30am and arrives at 12:45pm. On the way, you can sit out on the sun deck, watch the islands go by, and drink some frappes. You’ll be there in time for your lunch. Whereas the cheaper flights might require you to be at the airport by 6am (never fun), or arrive late at night.

Conversely, some ferries might arrive at unsociable hours (hello Amorgos) and you might be better off flying to the nearest airport and taking a ferry from there. These tend to be the quieter stops half way through overnight routes.

If you’re a slow traveller, who enjoys the journey as much as the destination and wants to explore off the beaten track whilst you’re there, then the big car ferries are perfect. Just think of it as a mini cruise.  I find the big car ferries (particularly the Blue Star line) very pleasant to travel on. My own personal boredom threshold for ferry journeys is about 7 hours – any longer than that and I’ll look at flights. Your threshold may well be less.

View of Greek town from back of a ferry.

Seasickness

If you get seasick, it’s worth sticking to the big slow car ferries though. These are the most stable and you’re less likely to experience seasickness. The small hydrofoils are the worst as you can’t go on deck, and often they don’t have proper windows. I’m not a big fan. But many people are prepared to put up with this in order to cut their travel time.

Reliability

The big, closed-deck car ferries are also the most reliable – and least likely to be cancelled in the event of rough seas. In bad weather, hydrofoil journeys can take twice as long as advertised.

Fast ferry routes are often aimed at tourists so there are extra routes available over July and August.

Ferries docked at Piraeus.

What’s Your Budget?

How much are ferry tickets?

The slower the ferry (and the shorter the route) the cheaper the ticket. As a rough rule, car ferries are twice the time but half the cost. I’ve included some example prices in the island sections below.

On long car ferry journeys, it might be worth paying extra for a designated seat (these are airport-style and recline a little bit) or a cabin.

More and more of routes in the Cyclades seem to have been taken over by Sea Jets who operate the expensive fast catamarans.

On a budget?

Your best bet is to limit the number of islands you’re visiting and make sure they’re close together, or base your trip around one of the cheaper ferry lines such as:

  • Maistros Santorini – (Santorini – Ios – Sikinos – Folegandros)
  • F/B Prevelis (Pireaus – Cyclades – Crete – Rhodes)
  • Dionisios Solomos (Pireaus – Cyclades)
  • F/B Artemis (Lavrio – Cyclades)
  • All Blue Star routes
  • All Hellenic Seaways routes
  • All Golden Star Ferries routes

Looking for the cheapest island hopping route? Athens  – Aegina – Agistri – Athens will cost you just €15.60 using the lowest price tickets.

Keep reading for ferry pass information which will help if you have a few overnight ferries planned.

How much are flights?

Don’t assume flying is necessarily more expensive than taking the ferry.

You can often pick up bargain basement tickets to popular islands such as Crete, Santorini, Kos and Rhodes – particularly at the beginning or end of the season. These are short flights but long (and expensive) ferry journeys. I’ve paid as little as €10 for flights in April and October.

Use  Skyscanner to find cheap flights.

The best time of year to buy cheap flights to the Greek islands is early in the year – January – March. This is when most of the seats are released. The closer you leave it to the summer the more expensive the tickets become. And a common trick budget airlines use is to draw you in with a cheap flight out, but make the return leg really expensive (or vice versa).

This can make it worth while to fly out and island hop back to Athens.

Which are the best Greek islands to visit?

The island groups.

Here is the fun bit – deciding where to go.

There are 5 main island groups in Greece, plus a few outliers.

Here’s a rundown of what to expect in the different island groups:

Ionian Islands

Over on the west coast of the Greek mainland, the Ionian islands have quite a different feel to the Aegean islands thanks to their Italian heritage and green landscapes. Some of the islands have two names – that’s because they still go by both their Italian and Greek names.

Main Islands : Corfu (Kerkyra), Kefalonia, Zakynthos (Zante), Paxos, Ithaca, Lefkada, and technically Kythira – although it’s nearer to Crete than the rest of the Ionians.

Tiny Islands :  Meganisi, Antipaxos, Antikythira, Diapondia islands, Echinades islands, Kastos, Kalamos.

Highlights : Corfu Town, Navagio Bay and Turtle Island on Zakynthos, Assos and Fiskardo on Kefalonia, the north coast of Corfu, Porto Katsiki and Egremni beaches on Lefkada, Myrtos beach on Kefalonia, Melissani blue cave on Kefalonia, boat trips and watersports.

Best for : Dramatic and lush mountainous scenery, fantastic sandy beaches, turtles, handsome Venetian architecture, wine, low key beach resorts, sailing and windsurfing.

Airports: The Ionians are well served by air, with international airports on Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos, as well as nearby Preveza on the mainly (closest for Lefkada).

Need to know : Island hopping in the Ionians is not common. The islands are big and geared towards beached-based package tourism, with lots of purpose-built resorts, and the yachting industry. Laganas on Zakynthos is the mass tourism and party capital of the Ionians if you’re after nightlife. 

Travelling the islands by ferry is made difficult by the lack of connections between Corfu/Paxos and the rest of the islands. Instead, you must go via Igoumenitsa on the mainland. Connections between Kefalonia and Zakynthos also often go via the mainland. There are several ports on in use on most islands and they are not all served by public transport, services are geared towards locals with cars. If travelling to Corfu via the mainland then use the opportunity to visit nearby Parga and Syvota.

However the past few years have seen a small ferry connect all of the islands during the high summer (June-September) by either Azimut or Kamelia ferries. 

Example travel times and costs (prices and schedules vary) :

Read more about the Ionian Islands:

  • Ionian Islands – Complete Travel Guide (including Ferries and Island-Hopping Routes)
  • Corfu – A Quick Island Guide
  • Where to Stay on Corfu: Beach Resort Guide
  • Where to Stay on Lefkada: Beach Resort Guide
  • Where to Stay on Kefalonia: Beach Resort Guide
  • Where to Stay on Zakynthos: Beach Resort Guide 
  • Exploring Corfu’s UNESCO-listed Old Town
  • Kefalonia – Insider Tips
  • Kefalonia – How to Day Trip to Ithaca

Argo-Saronic Islands

The name refers to the islands in the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs, and these are the islands closest to Athens. Perfect if you’re short of time or don’t want to stray too far from the airport.

Islands : Salamina, Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra, Spetses

Highlights : The Temple of Aphaia at Aegina. The car-free streets of Hydra and Spetses Town. Watching the ships pass Poros Town. Hiking on Hydra. Pine forests and snorkelling on Poros and Agistri.

Best for : proximity to Athens. You don’t have to go far to feel the island vibe. Otherwise known as ‘the ones near Athens’, these islands are often skipped by visitors making a beeline for the Cyclades but less than an hour from Piraeus you can find pine-covered islands, ancient temples, pistachios, and some good beaches. The islands popular with weekending Athenians and yachties – Aegina and Hydra both have a lively nightlife in the summer months.

Need to know : Most of the ferry connections are high speed ferries – either hydrofoils or fast catamarans. There are no car ferries to Hydra at all. This is great news if you like to travel fast, but not so great if you’re prone to seasickness. Poros is just 200m from the Greek mainland at its closest point and is connected by a bridge, so is ideal if you’re worried about rough seas. Hydra and Spetses are the priciest of the islands.

Visit three islands in one day : The best way to see a lot in a short time is the One Day Island Cruise . It runs every day of the year and is one of the most popular day trips from Athens, stopping at Hydra, Poros and Aegina. It departs at 8 am and includes live music and a buffet lunch. Island stops are between 1-2.5 hours and there are extra excursions available at Hydra and Aegina.

Or if you prefer to escape the crowds there’s a One Day Sail to Aegina, Agistri and beautiful little Moni Island during the summer.

Cycladic Islands

Cyclades islands header

The most famous of the Greek island groups, the Cyclades are will fulfil all your romantic notions of a Greek vacation. Most tourists head straight to the most popular islands of Santorini and Mykonos, but there are plenty more islands to spread out and find your own piece of paradise.

Islands : Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Folegandros, Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Syros, Tinos, and Santorini.

Tiny Islands : Koufonisia, Donousa, Iraklia, Schoinousa, Antiparos, Kimolos, Thirasia.

Highlights :  Santorini’s iconic caldera villages, fancy nightlife on Mykonos, budget nightlife on Ios, the ancient island of Delos, handsome neoclassical Ermoupoli on Syros, whitewashed villages on Paros, volcanic rock formations on Milos, hiking on Andros, food on Serifos, the laid-back beaches on Naxos, a mini island hop around the Little Cyclades.

Best for : The famous vistas of white sugar-cube buildings , white sandy beaches, rugged barren landscapes, beach bars, easy island-hopping, jaw-dropping sunsets, hedonistic pleasures, scootering around to remote beaches, tiny white churches.

Airports : International – Santorini and Mykonos, domestic – Naxos, Paros, Syros

Need to know : Santorini and Mykonos are considerably more commercial and expensive than most other Greek islands, and heaving with tourists in the summer, but you will find the best hotels and clubs in Greece in both destinations. I recommend combining them with at least one quieter island to get a feel of real Greece – Paros and/or Naxos are perfect.

Read more about the Cyclades:

  • Naxos – An Island Guide
  • Naxos or Paros?
  • A Solo Trip to Santorini
  • 15 Best Things to Do on Santorini
  • The Best Food and Drink on Santorini (And Where to Find It)
  • Syros – A Quick Island Guide
  • Where to Stay in the Cyclades: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Chania waterfront with text overlay 'Crete'.

Crete is such a large island that it deserves its own section – it’s the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.

It’s also a popular destination thanks to its beaches and history – it was home of the Minoans (the earliest known civilisation in Europe), and there are buildings from Venetian, Byzantine and Ottoman rule.

Resorts line the north coast which is well developed and easy to travel. The south is more remote and wild, and the two sides are divided by mountains. The tackiest beach resorts (and loudest nightlife) are on the coast around Heraklion. The west is probably the most beautiful part of the island and ideal for independent travel.

Tiny Islands : Gavdos, Spinalonga, Dia, Chrysi, Paximadia.

Famous bits : The ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos. Beautiful Venetian cities Chania and Rethymnon. Walk the Samaria gorge. Lagoon beaches at Elafonisi and Balos – 2 of the best beaches in Greece – plus palm trees at Vai, and hippie vibes at Matala, and the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion.

Best for : Variety, incredible beaches, food, hiking, remote mountain villages, ancient palaces, traditional music, marine life, quiet plains, long summers and mild winters.

Airports:  There are international airports at Chania, Heraklion, and a smaller airport at Sitia.

Ports: The main ferry ports are at Chania, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos and Sitia, with some ferries also departing from Kissamos and Rethymnon.

Need to know : Crete is so large that you’re better off treating it as a separate country when it comes to planning – it’s too big to cram the whole country into a short visit. Best to stick to one area. There are good public transport connections along the main towns of the north. From the main towns, you can catch buses south. The main ferry connections to other islands are Kythira, Santorini, Karpathos and Rhodes.

Read more about Crete:

  • Where to Stay on Crete: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide
  • Heraklion in 1 Day: All the Highlights
  • Crete – Insider Tips

Dodecanese Islands

Symi island with text overlay 'Dodecanese'.

Main Islands : Astypalaia, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kastellorizo, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Symi, Tilos, and Rhodes.

Tiny Islands:  Agathonisi, Pserimos, Chalki, Arki, Kasos, Telendos, Marathi, Lipsi.

Highlights : Rhodes and its medieval old town. Beautiful neoclassical towns on Symi, Chalki and Kastellorizo. Rock climbing on Kalymnos. Crusader fortresses on Rhodes, Kos and Patmos. The volcanic landscape of Nisyros. Sandy beaches on Rhodes and Kos. The whitewashed hilltop Chora on remote Astypalea.

Best for : A variety of historic and geological influences. A good mix of popular and under-the-radar islands. Golden beaches and gulet trips in turquoise waters. Island hopping over to Turkey. Less crowds than the Cyclades (except Rhodes).

Airports . Kos and Rhodes have international airports. Karpathos, Leros and Kalymnos have domestic airports.

Need to know : Party fiends will find their flavour on Rhodes and Kos, where package tourism prevails (but it’s still easy to get off the beaten path). Patmos is the boutique capital of the group, with smart restaurants and a serene vibe thanks to its religious legacy (the Book of Revelation was written here). The ferry journey to Athens is long so consider booking a cabin or catching a flight.

Read more about the Dodecanese:

  • Rhodes – A Quick Island Guide
  • Where to Stay on Rhodes: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide
  • 10 Most Beautiful Beaches on Rhodes

Sporades Islands and Evia

Skiathos Town with text overlay 'Sporades'.

Charming and evergreen, the Sporades (meaning ‘scattered’) islands are situated north of the Cyclades. Largest island Skiathos is a prime destination for summer holidays thanks to its gorgeous sandy beaches and lively nightlife. Scenes from the film Mamma Mia were filmed on Skiathos and Skopelos, which have boosted the popularity of the area.

Not far from the Sporades is Evia – the second largest island in Greece, and one of the least known (this is because you might mistake it as part of the mainland unless you’re looking closely at the map). It’s separated from the mainland by a small strait.

Islands : Skiathos, Skyros, Skopelos, Alonnisos, Skyros (although you can only get there via Evia)

Highlights : Skiathos Town. Snorkelling in Alonnisos National Marine Park. The famous beaches of Vromolimnos, Koukounaries and Lalaria on Skiathos. Skopelos Town. Ayios Ioannis Kastri (the hilltop church from Mamma Mia). Dhimosari Gorge and the paradise beaches of Lichadonisia on Evia.

Airports: Skiathos has an international airport. Skyros has a domestic airport.

Best for : Mamma Mia fans, sailors, outdoors lovers and beach bums. Green islands, clear seas, great beaches, cute monasteries, and a smattering of lovely hiking trails. Skyros and Evia are quiet and mostly domestic tourists, alternative types and wild campers.

Need to know : Skiathos and Skopelos are pretty close together – it’s easy to hop between them and nearby Alonnisos too.

But the Sporades are difficult to combine with other islands. Ferries to the Sporades are from Volos, which is a 2hr drive from Athens – although most agents sell tickets which include the bus to Volos. The ferry to Skyros departs from Evia.

Whilst you’re in the area, don’t miss the stunning Pelion Peninsula on the mainland.

Read more about the Sporades:

  • Where to Stay on Skiathos: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide
  • A Quick Guide to Skiathos Town
  • How to Take the Mamma Mia Boat Trip

NORTHERN AEGEAN

Kokkari with text overlay 'Aegean'.

Not so much a chain of islands, as the collective name given to the remaining islands in the Aegean Sea. The long travel times involved in reaching these islands from Athens means they’re a bit more off the beaten track. A bit more rustic. Chios, Lesvos and Samos have ferry crossings to Turkey.

Islands : Chios, Ikaria, Forni, Lesvos, Lemnos, Samos, Samothraki, Thassos, Psara

Highlights : Mytilene in Lesvos, Marble Beach on Thassos, the patterned village of Pyrgi on Chios, Ikaria’s unique summer festivals, the sweet wines of Samos and Lesvos, hippie vibes on Lesvos and Samothraki. The towns of Pythagorion and Vathi on Samos. The strange Fascist utopia of Lakki, built during Italian rule.

Best for : Escaping the crowds. Alternative and slow travel, agritourism, and discovering foodie delights, waterfalls and a traditional way of life.

Need to know : Their dispersed nature means some planning is required for island hopping as ferry connections are not all that frequent in comparison to other island groups.

Which Greek Islands are Best for You?

Still can’t decide? Check out these posts for more inspiration:

  • Complete A-Z List of Greek Islands
  • 15 Best Greek Islands for Beaches
  • 10 Best Greek Islands for Couples
  • 10 Best Greek Islands for Foodies
  • 10 Best Greek Islands for History
  • 10 Best Greek Islands for Solo Travel
  • 10 Best Greek Islands for Swimming and Watersports
  • 10 Best Greek Islands for Hiking and Nature
  • 10 Tiny Greek Islands Not to Miss
  • 10 Quiet & Secluded Greek Islands for Escaping the Crowds
  • 10 Stunning Greek Islands (That Aren’t Santorini or Mykonos)
  • 20 Beautiful Sugar-Cube Villages in the Greek Islands
  • 10 Best Beaches in Greece
  • 12 Beautiful Sandy Greek Beaches
  • 10 Best Beach Towns with Sandy Beaches
  • 50 Amazing Beach Destinations in Greece

When is the Best Time to Go?

The best time of year for Greek island hopping is May to mid-July, and then again in September. Mid-July through to the end of August is crazy busy and crazy hot. Accommodation and ferries book up due to the number of foreign and domestic tourists on their summer breaks.

Greek Orthodox Easter usually signals the start of the tourist season in Greece (you can check the dates here ), and it winds down again in October as soon as the weather starts to change.

In the low season, ferries are less frequent and there can be a surprising amount of lashing wind and rain. Also, many hotels and resorts shut down completely and become ghost towns over the winter. But if you have time and flexibility on your side then island hopping during the off-season can be a great way to experience the islands at their most authentic.

Check out this post for more information on visiting the Greek islands over autumn and winter:

  • Best Greek Islands to Visit During Low Season

The Hub & Spoke System

To understand the Greek ferry system, you must first understand the hub and spoke system.

Imagine a bicycle wheel. At the centre of the wheel is the hub (Athens), and going out in every direction from the hub are spokes (ferry routes).

This is because ferry routes are geared to local needs which generally means travelling to Athens and back, or to the local administrative centre.

Each island group has one or two mini-hubs, these tend to be larger islands with good connections to the surrounding islands.

For the easy and reliable island hopping, pick several islands along one car ferry route. This is easiest in the Cyclades.

It’s possible to hop between Crete, the Cyclades, and the Dodecanese, particularly in the summer, although these ferries are not necessarily daily. Otherwise, there are few connections between island groups and you may have to backtrack via Athens, either by ferry or plane.

Some places that might be considered mini-hubs are:

  • Syros (for the Cyclades)
  • Naxos (for the Cyclades)
  • Paros (for the Cyclades
  • Mykonos (connecting the Cyclades and the North Aegean)
  • Skiathos (for the Sporades)
  • Igoumenitsa  and Patras on the mainland (for the Ionian)
  • Rhodes (for the Dodecanese)
  • Kos  (for the Dodecanese)
  • Samos (for the Northern Aegean)
  • Lesvos  (for the Northern Aegean)

The islands closest to Athens tend to have frequent fast ferry connections.

Greek flag on a ferry deck.

Buying Your Ferry Tickets

If you want to buy your tickets in advance, or just check the ferry schedules, you can use the Ferryhopper website or app to purchase electronic tickets.

If you’re already in Greece, you can buy ferry tickets from any travel agent.

This is approximately every third shop front in some parts of Athens. It’s not really worth shopping around, you’ll pay pretty much the same everywhere as prices are regulated by the government. Travel agents will add on – at most – a couple of euros commission, and quite often none at all, so that’s the most you’ll be able to get the tickets down.

If you know exactly which ferry you can also book directly on some ferry websites. The websites are of varying quality but special offers can sometimes be found.

Some of the smallest local routes aren’t online and you’ll have to check locally.

Ferry leaving Sifnos.

Do I need to buy my tickets in advance?

In general, no.

These days I tend to buy my tickets a day or two in advance using Ferryhopper or through a local travel agent.

There are a few situations where I recommend you buy your ferry tickets in advance:

  • If you’re travelling on or around a public holiday.
  • If you’re travelling during the 6-week peak period between mid-July and the end of August when all of Europe is taking their summer vacation – including the Greeks (even the large ferries can book up around August 15th which is an important national holiday).
  • If you’re travelling a popular route on small high-speed ferries (such as Athens to Hydra, Mykonos or Santorini over summer).
  • If you’re on a strict schedule.

Ferry Schedules

There are plenty of online booking platforms where you can check ferry schedules and book tickets. I find Ferryhopper is the easiest to use.

Ferry schedules are usually published a few months in advance, and vary year-to-year.

You can compare routes, ships, and travel times.

Schedule for Athens - Aegina ferries on a board.

10 Example Island Hopping Routes

Here are some islands which are easily combined:

  • Athens – Crete – Santorini – Mykonos
  • Athens – Serifos – Sifnos – Milos – Folegandros – Santorini 
  • Athens – Santorini – Ios – Paros – Mykonos
  • Athens – Paros – Naxos – Ios – Santorini
  • Athens – Andros – Tinos – Mykonos
  • Rhodes – Symi – Tilos – Nisyros – Kos
  • Athens – Aegina – Agistri – Poros – Athens
  • Athens – Poros – Hydra – Spetses
  • Samos – Patmos – Kalymnos – Kos
  • Volos – Skiathos – Skopelos – Alonnisos – Volos

hydrofoil catamaran greece

Greek Island Ferry Pass

Wondering if there’s such a thing as a ferry pass? Yes! There is a little-known Greek Island Pass which is offered by Eurail / Interrail (and you don’t need to go anywhere near a train).

Interrail is for EU citizens, Eurail for those from outside the EU. There are further discounts for youth and senior (with youth generously categorised as up to 27).

Also known as the Greek Island Pass , Rail & Sail , or the Attica Pass , this has existed since 2016 and is valid for most routes operated by Superfast Ferries/Anek Lines/Blue Star (the big car ferries). Plus it gets you a 30% discount on any additional journeys.

I think this pass can a good option if you’re flexible and planning to do some extensive island hopping BUT definitely check it’s worth it for route you have in mind. Many of the Cyclades routes are now operated by Seajets which are not included in the pass.

If you’re planning on taking two or more medium-long distance journeys on the car ferries then it’s worth checking out.

Prices are for deck tickets:

  • Domestic Pass (€90 for 2022) entitles holders to 4 days within one month
  • International Pass (€176 for 2022) entitles holders to 6 days within one month, including up to 2 between Greece and Italy (including bus travel between Patras and Athens)

You will still have to pick up your boarding passes, subject to availability.

Read more about the Greek Island Ferry Pass (including a comparison with single tickets).

hydrofoil catamaran greece

Group Tours

Fancy exploring the Greek islands but don’t want to do it on your own? The good news is there are plenty of organised tour options, whether you’re solo or in a group.

Here are some of the most popular.

BEST BUDGET/PARTY GREEK ISLAND TOURS

  • Contiki.  Budget tours for 18-35s. Mykonos, Santorini and Ios in 15 days. Check out the website.
  • Busabout . Budget operator offering rapid-fire trips popular with younger travellers. Mykonos, Paros, Antiparos, Santorini and Ios in 11 days. Fixed itinerary and flexible passes available. Check out the website.
  • Travel Talk has a range of competitively priced island hopping options, including short breaks. Check out the website.
  • Med Experience offers 9 and 11-day island hopping options for 18-35s. Check out the website.

BEST MID-RANGE TOURS

  • Intrepid has a classic Athens – Syros – Mykonos – Santorini route.  Check out the website.
  • GAdventures ‘ Best of Greece tour takes in highlights from Crete and Santorini. Check out the website.
  • Macs Adventures do walking and cycling holidays on various islands. Check out the website.

Sailing the Greek Islands on a Yacht

Of course, the best way to see the Greek islands is by sea – and sailing on a yacht means you can access tiny coves, bays and marinas that would otherwise be difficult to reach. Plus, you get to spend your days drifting along in the wine-dark sea rather than scrambling to catch buses or taxis.

Sailing trips in the Greek islands have really exploded in popularity of the past few years. Previously the domain of exclusive charters, exploring Greece on a yacht is more accessible now more than ever. There are numerous companies offering sailing experiences where you share the boat or cabin with other travellers.

I love sailing and truly think it’s the best way to see this beautiful country. But it’s not for everyone. It’s hot and space is at a premium. Yachts vary a lot in comfort and amenities. Best to consider it an adventure. Pack light, stay flexible, and do your research on what’s involved before booking.

Cabin charters in Greece:

  • Yacht Week Greece . Festival-style hedonism in the Saronic islands. Check out the website.
  • Sail Greece. Budget sailing weeks in the Ionian for 18-39s. Check out the website.
  • G Adventures . Routes will take you from Athens to Mykonos or Santorini, or all around the Cyclades. Check out the website.
  • Med Sailors . Routes in the Ionian and Saronic for 20-35s. Check out the website. 
  • Intrepid . Various routes in Greece including Mykonos to Santorini, and Hidden Treasures of the Cyclades. Check out the website.
  • Jack and Jenny . Themed sailing weeks including rock climbing, yoga and diving. Check out the website.

Small Ship Cruises in Greece

If sailing doesn’t appeal and you’d rather not have to keep packing/unpacking then consider a small ship cruise. Much better than the large cruise ships in terms of environmental and social impact, small ships can also visit smaller harbours that are out of reach to the bigger ships.

  • Peter Sommers offers luxury gulet cruises around the Cyclades, Aegean and Dodecanese islands, with a focus on food and culture . Check out the website.
  • Variety Cruises.  has mini cruises as well as the longer Jewels of the Cyclades. Check out the website.

International Ferries

Note that for 2022 some international routes are restricted and will have different entry requirements to domestic ferries.

Ferries To/From Turkey

The Greek islands with ferry connections/border crossings to Turkey are:

  • Lesvos – Ayvalik
  • Chios – Cesme
  • Symi – Bodrum*
  • Samos – Kusadasi
  • Rhodes – Marmaris / Fethiye*
  • Kos – Bodrum / Turgutreis
  • Kastellorizo – Kas*

*high season only

Ferries To/From Italy

Go to sleep in Italy and wake up in Greece (I’ve done this – it’s great).

International ferry routes to/from Italy include:

  • Bari – Corfu / Igoumenitsa / Patras / Zakynthos / Kefalonia
  • Brindisi – Corfu / Igoumenitsa / Patras / Zakynthos / Kefalonia
  • Ancona – Corfu / Igoumenitsa / Patras
  • Venice – Corfu / Igoumenitsa / Patras

Ferries To/From Croatia

There are currently no direct ferries to/from Croatia. You can travel via Italy or Albania.

Ferries To/From Albania

  • Corfu – Sarande

Check Ionian Seaways for schedules.

ANES ferry docked.

What about booking accommodation and transport on the islands?

For booking accommodation, I recommend Booking.com for the largest selection of places. It also has a free cancellation policy. There are many family-run guesthouses in Greece called domatia which are increasingly using booking platforms.

It’s not a good idea to turn up without accommodation booked during high season. Outside the July-September peak you might be able to find rooms by asking around in cafes and tavernas. It’s rare these days to find people offering rooms as you disembark the ferry, everything has moved online over the past few years.

Bear in mind that accommodation on really small islands can be very limited and so book up quickly.

When are the Greek public holidays?

You can check this list of national holidays in Greece.

How do I find out about strikes?

The best resource is Strikes and Work Stoppages  which covers ferries and port workers as well as public transport.

Will I get seasick?

If you’re prone to seasickness then choose the larger, slower car ferries which will move less in the water and which have open decks for you to walk around and look at the horizon. Anti-seasickness medication can also help.

Travel Insurance

Don’t forget your travel insurance, and make sure that your insurance covers any adventures activities that you might do (including watersports).

UK readers – I recommend using Money Saving Expert to find the cheapest cover.

How long should I stay in Athens before/after visiting the islands?

Panoramic view of Athens.

Many visitors to Greece skip through Athens quickly in their rush to visit the islands.

I think this is a great shame – Athens is one of my favourite cities and I reckon it needs a minimum of 2 days. In the summer it’s a hot and busy city; not pleasant to rush around despite the relatively small size of its centre. It is atmospheric and fascinating if you can slow your pace down a little

Here are some of my top tips for Athens:

  • Top 15 Things to See, Eat and Do in Athens
  • Athens FAQ – 12 Essential Things to Know (including public transport info)
  • Athens for Foodies

Found this post useful? Click to save to Pinterest:

Greek ferry at sea with text overlay 'Greece - island hopping guide'

Image credits:

Boats from Santorini: © AnastasiiaUsoltceva / Adobe Stock

Yellow Levante ferries: © Feel good studio

Map of Greece: © Peter Hermes Furian / Adobe Stock

Ferry wake: © Calin Stan / Adobe Stock

Loutro: © singidavar / Adobe Stock

Paxi: © dell / Adobe Stock

Ionian ferry: © Dimitris / Adobe Stock

All other images © The Mediterranean Traveller

Greek Island Hopping 101 – Everything You Need to Know

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Island hopping on a catamaran in Greece

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Greece is probably the best destination for island hopping. If you want to make the most of your summer holiday and come back home with the feeling that you had different experiences in a short period of time, this is the way to go. Island hopping in Greece is easy as distances between islands are short. Fans of the Greek islands will even manage by taking the ferry! However, there is no better way than aboard a crewed luxury catamaran . Sailing on a catamaran in Greece will give you the opportunity to plan you island hopping to your liking while enjoying the ultimate comfort this vessel can offer.

hydrofoil catamaran greece

In fact, you will be able to taste a little bit of everything. Experience the cosmopolitan life of Mykonos or the deserted beaches of the Small Cyclades islands, all in the same week. You can plan your itinerary to include islands that offer you a different perspective of what Greek summer holidays may look like! Each one has its own charm and you get to experience them all on your spacious and comfortable catamaran in Greece. To have a better grasp of the island hopping concept, consider the following itinerary that we planned in order to cover a lot of different experiences:

hydrofoil catamaran greece

Fly to Paros from Athens with your family or group of friends. A taxi will take you to the port to board your catamaran. With no time to waste, you sail to the neighbouring island of Antiparos. It is famous amongst those in the know, including Hollywood stars. Tom Hanks and his wife have a house here and are frequently seen in the charming restaurants of the island. Sailing around the island you will definitely find a secluded bay for a swim you will remember forever.

Set sail towards neighboring Ios. The island has quite a reputation among the free spirits in Greece and all over the island. A visit to the picturesque Chora (the capital town) is a must. Sitting on top of a peak, if offers commanding views to the island and the Aegean. Have dinner in one of the taverns by the seaside. The fresh fish and grilled octopus accompanied by ouzo will make for a memorable meal.

Find the best yachts

hydrofoil catamaran greece

LUCKY CLOVER

hydrofoil catamaran greece

Leave Ios behind and set course towards Schinoussa, one of the Small Cyclades islands. If you ever wondered what a tourist experienced on a Greek island fifty years ago, you will easily get an answer here. You will still be able to get a cocktail, but you will savour it in an environment still unspoiled and so peaceful.

Get ready to cross to Mykonos and a completely different lifestyle! Your catamaran will moor in the New Port and from there you can catch a water taxi to the Old Port and the Chora of Mykonos. Restaurants boasting all kinds of cuisine, stylish bars and elegant boutiques will grab your attention as you walk around in the small alleys until you reach the most iconic spot of the island, the white windmills at the edge of the town.

hydrofoil catamaran greece

After this generous dose of jet setting lifestyle, the course is set southwards again to Paros. The quaint old port of Naoussa is the ideal transition back to reality. Beautiful restaurants and cafes will welcome you and help you adjust back to the seashore reality. Spend one day to explore this beautiful island that boasts some of the most famous beaches for wind- and kite-surfing.

You surely are tempted for some island hopping, aren’t you? If yes, contact the Vernicos team to help you pick the ideal catamaran in Greece!

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  • New state-of-the art highspeed vessels by Hellenic Seaways

Explore the Saronic Gulf in no time with Aero Highspeed ferries!

  • Ferry Tickets

The ferry company Hellenic Seaways operating in Greece has recently added 3 new and impressive ferries to its fleet! Aero Highspeed 1 , Aero Highspeed 2 and Aero Highspeed 3 guarantee a fast, smooth and comfortable trip. 

See where you can sail in Greece with these new highspeed ferries, learn more about the services offered and the on-board experience, and book tickets on Ferryhopper with no hidden fees .

The Aero Highspeed vessel seen from above

Aerial view of Aero Highspeed vessel in open sea

New Hellenic Seaways ferries: services, tickets and prices

In August 2022, Hellenic Seaways launched its 3 new-built Aero highspeed catamarans on the Saronic routes .

The three new Aero vessels, Aero Highspeed 1 , Aero Highspeed 2 and Aero Highspeed 3 , can accommodate up to 150 passengers each. They connect the port of Piraeus with the islands of Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra, Spetses, and the towns of Ermioni and Porto Heli in East Peloponnese.

On board the ferries, you have access to comfortable aircraft-type seats , seats for people with disabilities, a vending machine, overhead luggage bins, as well as specially designated luggage areas. Additionally, there are dedicated areas for bicycle transportation and dedicated air-conditioned kennels for pets. Keep in mind that there’s no car deck for vehicle transfer. 

The Aero highspeed catamarans are also more energy efficient , since they are equipped with solar panels, and their extremely light construction contributes to the reduction of fuel consumption . 

Standard ferry tickets for the Saronic routes start at €19 one-way depending on the season. As for Hellenic Seaways ferry discounts, there’s a 50% discount for children aged 5-10, while children up to 4 years travel for free .

Boats and ferries at the port of Hydra town

Ferries at the port of Hydra, Saronic islands

Hellenic Seaways ferry timetable for Saronic routes

In 2022/23, you can travel to the Saronic Gulf with the Aero vessels by Hellenic Seaways. There are frequent ferry crossings from Athens (port of Piraeus) to many sought-after Saronic islands, including  Aegina , Ydra , Spetses , and more destinations!

Explore the most popular ferry routes with the new high-speed catamaran vessels below:

Travel from Piraeus to Poros, Hydra and Spetses

With stopovers at Poros and Hydra, the Piraeus - Spetses ferry route is one of the most popular in Greece with many travelers departing from the main port of Athens to Spetses on a daily basis.

With the Aero Highspeed ferry you can reach Spetses in about 2.5 hours ! 

The high-speed ferry to Spetses is available at least 2 times per day between June and October. Standard tickets for the fast ferry to Spetses by Hellenic Seaways are €54 .

Travel from Piraeus to Aegina and Agistri

With the Aero highspeed ferry you can reach Aegina and Agistri  in 40 minutes and 1 hour respectively. 

There are at least 5 daily crossings with the Hellenic Seaways fast ferry from Piraeus to Aegina and Piraeus to Agistri between June and October. Standard tickets for the fast ferry to the two islands are around €19 .

Travel from Piraeus to Hermioni and Porto Heli

It takes the Aero highspeed ferry around 2.5 hours to reach Hermioni and 3.5 hours to reach Porto Heli. Both crossings are usually available once daily from June to October and one-way tickets cost approximately €44 to Hermioni and €56 to Porto Heli.

Book Hellenic Seaways ferry tickets between Piraeus and the Saronic islands 

On Ferryhopper, you can find all Saronic ferry routes from Piraeus with the Aero highspeed catamarans of Hellenic Seaways. Download the Ferryhopper App , book ferry tickets easily with a few taps and swipes, get your e-ticket , and sail away!

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The Greek Ferry System

Tips for Traveling Around Greece by Ferry

hydrofoil catamaran greece

Travel by ferry or hydrofoil in Greece can be a great way to trim your travel budget and make the most of a trip to the country. And, although in the past booking ferry and hydrofoil tickets ahead of time was difficult, fortunately, the Greek ferry industry has made travel safer , routes and schedules easier to find, and reservations faster to book.

Greek Ferry Basics

Even though the Greek ferry industry has made improvements, it still isn't perfect. Be prepared by keeping a few points in mind. One is to get to the port ahead of time because the ferry may leave early. Also, know that the ferry may be canceled—the risk is greatest for the last boat of the day, particularly with hydrofoils.

It will make for a better trip if you are fully prepared, so purchase your ticket ahead of time. Generally, you must buy your ticket before boarding, and sometimes the ticket office may not be that close to the boat. Also, food options on board are usually adequate but limited, so you may want to consider bringing something to eat. A canteen will generally offer sandwiches and other basics; the larger hydrofoils have better facilities, whereas the smaller ones offer even less.

Ferry companies tend to operate within island groups but may not travel between them. This can result in needing to use some odd routes to get to islands that the map shows to be close neighbors.

Usability Hints for Booking Ferries

Some website search boxes are very picky in terms of spelling and the underlying rules of Greek grammar. For example, a search for ferries departing from Heraklion could return nothing, while just entering "Crete" turned up a schedule for a ferry departing from Heraklio (an alternate spelling). The city's port could also have been listed under Iraklio or Iraklion (also alternative spellings). Your chances are often better if you're just using the island name rather than the name of a town on the island. And remember that the name "Chora" applies to dozens of main towns on different islands—be sure the result is for the island you want. Still turning up nothing? Try alternate spellings.

Finding the Right Ferry Company for You

Even if a website sounds inclusive, they usually only include a few Greek ferry lines. Try another site if you don't get results.

  • GTP  is one of the best for routes within Greece.
  • Greek Ferries focuses more on ferries to and from Greece than in between islands.
  • Paleologus Shipping also provides online booking, though you must allow time for your tickets to be delivered. For the more adventurous, they'll even offer help finding a spot on a tramp steamer. Their site is a bit more complicated to use but includes some information and routes not found elsewhere.
  • Ferries in Greece offers a good selection and lists hundreds of reviews from happy customers, including those who had their tickets sent to them by international courier. Ferries in Greece also sends text messages when they know of a ferry delay.

My question is, do you think we could take a ferry which would leave Crete (ideally) late in the day or at night for Santorini instead of flying back to Athens so we could then fly to Santorini?

My second question is we could take a ferry, could you recommend a website where we could find information on ferry departure times, and prices?

We would like to cut down on any extra expenses like airfare, while not sacrificing large amounts of time as we are in Greece for only ten days.

Thanks, N.S.C.

Dear N.S.C.

Thanks for your letter. With only ten days in Greece, many travelers won't want to sacrifice time on ferries instead of using planes. But in your situation, it will save you both time and money. This page should get you started: Greek Hydrofoils and Ferries Ferry schedules change in September, so check your dates, but I did a random search for the 15th using the Greek Ferries website and found one on Minoan that would take you from Heraklion around 5pm and deposit you in Santorini around 9pm.

This is an ideal example of a short, cheap hop replacing a potential airport ordeal. In this case, it will take you less time by ferry than it would to get to the airport, fly back to Athens, get on another plane, and then fly to Santorini.

Note: Reader letter has been edited for length and clarity

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Ferries in Greece – The most ridiculously in-depth guide to Greek ferries

This guide to ferries in Greece will help you easily plan a trip to the Greek islands. Includes information about Greek ferries, how to book online, and more!

A guide to ferries in Greece

Greek Ferry Guide

If you are visiting Greece on vacation, chances are that you will get one of the numerous ferries in Greece. What are these ferries like though?

This guide aims to introduce you to Greek ferries, and help you choose which one to take.

Dave Briggs in front of a ferry in Greece

Before you dive in, you should know that this guide is perhaps the most ridiculously in-depth guide to Greek ferry island hopping there is! It includes tips and advice from our years of Greek island hopping, as well as information about practically every ferry in Greece!

Overwhelmed already? If you've arrived at this page and simply want to book a ferry ticket in Greece online, click here >> Ferryhopper

If you want to learn more about Greece ferry travel though, read on!

Note: We can’t thank enough the amazing Dimitris Mentakis who graciously offered us some of his fantastic photos to use in our articles. He is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate when it comes to ferries in Greece, and his photos are in hundreds of Greek articles. Thanks Dimitris!

Where do Greek ferries travel to?

Ferries travel pretty much everywhere in Greece. They connect the islands with the mainland, and they travel between islands in the same island group. They also connect certain island groups with each other.

A map of Greece and the Greek islands

The Athens – Mykonos – Santorini combination is a popular travel combination in Greece, but there are countless other possibilities.

In addition, a number of ferries travel between Greece and the nearby countries, such as Italy and Turkey. The ferries going to Italy may stop at a few Greek ports on the way.

Ferry itineraries in Greece vary by season. There are more routes in summer, when high-speed ferries also operate on certain routes. In winter, many of these ferries stop running, and bigger, slower ferries operate instead.

Tickets for most of these ferries can be booked in advance. Our favourite website to compare Greek ferries and book ferry tickets in Greece is Ferryhopper .

Ferries from Athens ports to the Greek islands

The capital city, Athens, has three main ports, Piraeus , Rafina and Lavrion . They are all easily accessible from Athens by public transportation or taxi.

Greece ferry companies

First time visitors to Greece may find it easier to arrange connections with Greek ferries with pre-booked taxis. I recommend Welcome Taxis .

Ferries departing from the Athens ports connect the capital with the following island groups:

  • Hydra , Spetses and the Argosaronic islands
  • Santorini , Mykonos , Milos , Naxos and all the other Cyclades islands in Greece
  • Rhodes, Patmos and the rest of the Dodecanese
  • Chios, Lesvos and the Northeastern Aegean islands
  • Greece’s biggest island, Crete
  • Evia, which can also be reached by land

It is possible to travel between some of these island groups by ferry. As an example, Crete is directly connected to many of the Cyclades islands. Similarly, some of the Cyclades are connected to the Dodecanese, and to certain Northeastern Aegean islands.

The most famous beach in Andros

It is not always possible to travel directly between islands of the same group. Even islands that look very close on the map may not be directly connected at all. For instance, the increasingly popular island of Antiparos can only be reached through the island of Paros.

In other cases, islands within the same group may only be directly connected a few times per week. A good example are Sifnos and Syros , both in the Cyclades.

You can check itineraries and book your tickets at Ferryscanner

Ferries departing from mainland Greece

Not all islands are accessible via ferries departing from Athens, but there are other ports in mainland Greece. 

The Sporades islands , including Skiathos and Skopelos, can be reached through mainland Greece. You’d have to leave from Volos or the small port of Agios Konstantinos near Kamena Vourla. The Sporades are also connected with Evia island.

A view out over Ithaca island in Greece

The Ionian islands are a separate group, located west of mainland Greece. They can be approached on ferries from Patras , Kyllini and Igoumenitsa in Western Greece. For people pushed for time, flying might be easier.

Finally, certain islands can also be approached on ferries from the northern ports. Kavala port is connected with islands like Lemnos, Lesvos, Chios, and certain islands in the Dodecanese. Ferries from Alexandroupolis port depart for Samothraki island.

Can you book all Greek ferries online?

When it comes to booking ferries in Greece, most main routes can be booked online.

Apart from the Greek ferry routes mentioned above though, there are hundreds of other ferry services in Greece. As many of those boats are small, you may not be able to find much information online.

The Paros Jet ferry

As an example, the popular Paros – Antiparos route does not appear on search engines. We assure you that this route is served by two different ferries, many times a day.

For such routes, you can only get your tickets in person, at the port. These vessels are rarely full, so you will generally get a ticket for the next ferry available.

Similarly, many around-the-island boat trips cannot be booked online. You might be able to contact the captain before your arrival, however it’s not always necessary.

In most cases, you will be able to book a last-minute trip around the island as soon as you arrive on the island, or even the evening before your trip.

Tip – if you are interested in a boat / sailing trip during the peak season, consider the meltemi winds . These are strong seasonal winds that can occasionally disrupt services. Even if the boat departs, you might not want to be on it on a very windy day!

Can I get an e-ticket for a Greek ferry?

Many ferry companies in Greece offer an e-ticket option. This means that you can buy your ticket and either download it on your phone or get it printed if you prefer. This is very convenient, especially if you are buying your boat tickets when you are in Greece already.

At the time of writing (summer 2020), some companies don’t offer an e-ticket option. This means that you can book your ferry ticket online, but you would need to collect your ticket at the port prior to your departure.

The AthensWas Hotel near the Acropolis in Athens, Greece

Alternatively, if you are staying at a hotel in Athens before your island trip, Ferryhopper can deliver them to your hotel for a small fee.

In all cases, check each company’s policy at time of booking, as these tend to change from time to time.

To get your ticket for the Greek islands, click here: Ferryhopper Greece

What seating options do I have on Greek ferries?

Seating options on Greek ferries vary widely and depend on the type of vessel.

Smaller, faster ferries only have indoor seating options. Sometimes there may be more than one type of seat, such as standard, business and VIP. While some people might find the upgrade more comfortable, it depends on the ferry.

Medium-sized highspeed ferries also have reserved indoors seating. Again, there are more than one types of seats. If comfort is an issue, you might want an upgrade, especially if you are travelling in peak season. You may be able to stand on the deck for a while, but in general you won’t find designated seating areas on the deck.

Finally, the conventional passenger / car ferries have all sorts of seats. The economy / deck option gives you the right to sit anywhere on the deck, or in designated indoors areas. If you aren’t prepared to fight for your seat, booking reserved “airplane” seats might be the best option for you. You will have your own seat and will still be able to walk around most areas of the ferry.

For longer trips, or on overnight routes, you could also consider getting a cabin. There are different types of cabins, which have anywhere from one to four beds. The most luxurious (and expensive) options are normally cabins with a sea view.

How fast do Greek ferry boats travel?

There are many different types of ferries in Greece, travelling at different speeds. Rather than kilometres or miles per hour, ferry speed is measured in knots. One knot is 1.852 kms or 1.15 miles.

Fast Ferries in Greece

Most conventional ferries run at a speed of 20-25 knots per hour, which translates to 37-45 kms / 23-29 miles per hour.

By comparison, highspeed vessels can reach 38-40 knots per hour, or 70-74 kms / 44-46 miles per hour. Some of them, however, travel a lot faster. One example is the Worldchampion Jet operated by SeaJets – more on this below.

Can you get food and drinks on Greece ferry services?

Ferries connecting the Greek islands have a range of facilities. Generally speaking, the smaller ferries would have a snack bar and café. The larger ones that make longer trips have also fully functional restaurants with many different meal choices.

Coffees, snacks and meals prices are slightly inflated, but all things considered they are not too expensive. You can always bring your own snacks though, especially if you are following a specific diet.

As an indication, a coffee would cost 3-4 euro and a cheese pie or sandwich could be around 3 euro. A seated meal might be around 10 euro, though some ferries have more upmarket options. Water price is regulated by the government, so a small bottle costs 50 cents.

Related: Best Road Trips Snacks

Are there any toilets on Greek ferries?

Well of course! All ferries listed in this article have toilets. In our experience they are mostly clean, and in our trips in the past few years there was toilet paper at all times. However, this may change occasionally – and like anywhere in Greece, it doesn’t hurt to carry some tissue just in case.

Some ferries also have baby changing facilities and even showers. Cabins have their own private shower and toilet facilities.

Do Greek island ferries have Wi-Fi?

Many of the larger ferries have wi-fi services, though it’s not always free. It’s best to check the specific ferry you are interested in.

Also, remember that the ferries will occasionally be far from the mainland. Don’t expect the signal to be great. Even better, take the chance to unplug, sit on the deck and look at the beautiful blue sea!

Can I bring my car on a ferry in Greece?

All bigger ferries, as well as many of the high-speed ones, carry vehicles. The boarding and unboarding procedure can be quite chaotic, and perhaps even intimidating. There is generally lots of shouting, as the ferry employees try to get everyone on and off board as quickly as possible.

Cars being parked inside a Greece ferry

Note that if you are renting a car in Greece, it is not always possible to take it on a ferry. In fact, it’s not a good idea, as it would cost you a lot more. It’s best to rent a car in every island you travel to.

Related: Best time to go to Greece

Greek island ferry companies

If you have been to Greece before, you will know that there are dozens of companies operating in the country. We've included all of them in the list below, and most of the ferries can be booked online.

Anek Lines Kriti II

Within each company’s section, you will also find a brief description of the vessels they operate. This will help you decide which one to choose.

As you will see, in most cases we have not included the exact islands that these ferries cover. This is because the routes that the ferries operate on change from year to year.

In fact, sometimes, Greek ferries are sold to other Greek companies. In these cases, they are usually renamed and renovated. Occasionally, they are bought by foreign companies and sent abroad.

List of Greek ferry companies

The main ferry companies in Greece, in no particular order:

1. SeaJets – Athens to the Cyclades and Crete 2. Blue Star Ferries – Athens to the Cyclades and the Dodecanese 3. Hellenic Seaways – Athens to several groups of islands in the Aegean Sea 4. Golden Star Ferries – Athens to the Cyclades 5. Aegean Speed Lines – Ferry to the Cyclades 6. Fast Ferries – Athens to the Cyclades 7. Sea Speed Ferries – Athens to the Cyclades and Crete 8. Zante Ferries – Slow ferries to the Cyclades islands 9. Small Cyclades Lines – Naxos, Amorgos and the Small Cyclades 10. ANEK Lines – The Cyclades, Crete, the Dodecanese and Italy 11. Minoan Lines – Athens to Crete and the Cyclades, Greece – Italy routes 12. Superfast Ferries – Greece to Italy 13. Ventouris Ferries – Greece to Italy 14. Levante Ferries – Ionian islands 15. Kefalonian Lines – Ionian islands 16. Corfu Ferries, Kerkyra Seaways & Kerkyra Lines – Ionian islands, Corfu and Paxi 17. Anes Ferries – Local routes around Greece 18. Skyros Shipping Co – Evia and Sporades 19. Triton / Avlemonas Ferries – Kea and Kythira 20. Goutos Lines – Athens to Kea and Kythnos 21. Saronic ferries – Ferries to the Saronic islands 22. Aegean Flying Dolphins – Ferries to the Saronic islands and the Sporades 23. Panorama – Rafina to Marmari in Evia 24. ANE Kalymnou – Rhodes to Chalki in the Dodecanese 25. Dodekanisos Seaways – Dodecanese islands 26. Alco Ferries – Rhodes to Chalki in the Dodecanese 27. Sea Dreams – Rhodes to Symi and Turkey 28. Lafasi – Kos to Kalymnos and Turkey 29. Other ferries from Greece to Turkey

How to use this Greek ferries guide

If you know which ferry you are planning to travel with, you can hit “Control+F” on your browser. This will bring up a search box, where you can type the name of the ferry. Then you will be taken to a section with some information about it.

If you want to know more about a specific ferry company, you can search for its name in the same way. Alternatively, you can just click the links above.

1. SeaJets – Athens to the Cyclades and Crete

The SeaJets company run 15 highspeed vessels and 2 conventional ferries from Athens to the Cyclades and Crete. These ferries range from smaller boats with no vehicle capacity to a few that are over 100 metres long.

The highspeed SeaJets have no deck option, so you will be indoors for the duration of your trip. They all have different types of reserved seats, while none of them have cabins. Tickets tend to be on the expensive side, but if time is important they are a good option.

We are listing all of the highspeed SeaJet ferries below, starting from the largest one. Most of them are catamarans, which means that they have two parallel hulls, improving their stability. Tera Jet and Paros Jet, the two largest vessels, are monohulls.

1a. Highspeed SeaJets with vehicle capacity

You may not have your own vehicle, so you wouldn’t really care whether the ferry carries vehicles or not. However, the bigger the ferry, the steadier it will generally be when the weather gets windy.

Terajet Sea Jets Ferry in Greece

Tera Jet – Monohull Built: 1999, Italy Length: 145 metres Speed: 40 knots Passenger capacity: 2,000 Vehicle capacity: 500

Paros Jet – Monohull Built: 1996, Italy Length: 103 metres Speed: 37 knots Passenger capacity: 850 Vehicle capacity: 150

Worldchampionjet by Sea Jets in Greece

Worldchampion Jet Built: 2000, Australia Length: 87 metres Speed: 50 knots – this is 92 kms / 57.5 miles per hour! Passenger capacity: 1,310 Vehicle capacity: 222

Champion Jet 1 and Champion Jet 2 Built: 1997, Australia Length: 87 metres Speed: 40 knots Passenger capacity: 1,000 Vehicle capacity: 200

PowerJet Built: 1996, Australia Length: 82.30 metres Speed: 38 knots Passenger capacity: 800 Vehicle capacity: 150

MegaJet Built: 1996, Australia Length: 77.5 metres Speed: 33 knots Passenger capacity: 845 Vehicle capacity: 150

HSC CAT Built: 1990, Australia Length: 74 metres Speed: 37 knots Passenger capacity: 700 Vehicle capacity: 50

High Speed Jet (formerly Speedrunner I) Built: 1990, Australia Length: 74 metres Speed: 37 knots Passenger capacity: 600 Vehicle capacity: 75

Master Jet, also known as Caldera Vista Built: 1991, Australia Length: 74 metres Speed: 37 knots Passenger capacity: 700 Vehicle capacity: 85

Naxos Jet Built: 1991, Australia Length: 74 metres Speed: 37 knots Passenger capacity: 700 Vehicle capacity: 75

Andros Jet Built: 1997, Australia Length: 60 metres Speed: 36 knots Passenger capacity: 600 Vehicle capacity: 75

1b. Highspeed SeaJets without vehicle capacity

SeaJets also operates three smaller catamarans, that have no vehicle capacity. These ferries are better for shorter trips, as the ride can be a little bumpy. We would prefer to avoid them for longer trips, but they could be ok for shorter trips between the islands.

Sifnos Jet Greek Islands Travel

Sifnos Jet Built: 1999, Australia Length: 52.4 metres Speed: 38 knots Passenger capacity: 500

SuperJet Built: 1995, Finland Length: 42 metres Speed: 38 knots Passenger capacity: 394

SeaJet 2 Built: 1998, Norway Length: 42 metres Speed: 38 knots Passenger capacity: 386

1c. Conventional ferries run by the SeaJets company

SeaJets also operates two conventional ferries, that are ideal for people looking for budget options. These ferries also have cabins. If you are not in a hurry, you will enjoy your trip on these ferries.

Aqua Blue Greek Ferry

Aqua Blue Built: 1975, Japan, refurbished in 1995 and 2016. Length: 127.6 metres Speed: 23 knots Passenger capacity: 1300 Vehicle capacity: 400

We have actually travelled on this ferry a few times, even during very windy weather, and were quite happy with it. It used to belong to different companies in the past, and has been renamed a couple of times.

Aqua Jewel Built: 2002, Greece Length: 108 metres Speed: 20 knots Passenger capacity: 661 Vehicle capacity: 160

For more information and photos of these highspeed ferries, you can check out the SeaJets website .

2. Blue Star Ferries – Athens to the Cyclades and the Dodecanese

Blue Star Ferries are one of the most popular and well-known companies in Greece. They operate several large passenger / car ferries in the Aegean. They are part of the Attica Group of ferries , alongside Hellenic Seaways and Superfast Ferries. 

All of these ferries are big, conventional ferries, with plenty of deck space, cabins and large garages. There are many cafes and restaurants on board, and you can walk around most areas.

Blue Galaxy Vessel

Blue Galaxy Built: 1992, Japan Length: 192 metres Speed: 24 knots Passenger capacity: 1,790 Vehicle capacity: 780 Cabins: 176

Blue Horizon Built: 1987, Japan Length: 187.1 metres Speed: 24.5 knots Passenger capacity: 1,488 Vehicle capacity: 780 Cabins: 164

Blue Star 1 Built: 2000, Netherlands Length: 176.1 metres Speed: 28 knots Passenger capacity: 1,890 Vehicle capacity: 780 Cabins: 192

Blue Star 2 Built: 2000, Netherlands Length: 176.1 metres Speed: 28 knots Passenger capacity: 1,854 Vehicle capacity: 780 Cabins: 176

Blue Star Patmos Ferry

Blue Star Patmos Built: 2012, South Korea Length: 145.9 metres Speed: 25.5 knots Passenger capacity: 2,000 Vehicle capacity: 430 Cabins: 90

Blue Star Delos Built: 2011, South Korea Length: 145.9 metres Speed: 25.5 knots Passenger capacity: 2,400 Vehicle capacity: 430 Cabins: 32

Diagoras Built: 1989, Japan Length: 141.5 metres Speed: 21.1 knots Passenger capacity: 1,462 Vehicle capacity: 274 Cabins: 131

Blue Star Chios (formerly Nissos Chios) Built: 2007, Greece Length: 141 metres Speed: 27 knots Passenger capacity: summer 1,782, winter 1,213 Vehicle capacity: 418 Cabins: 72

Blue Star Mykonos (formerly Nissos Mykonos) Built: 2005, Greece Length: 141 metres Speed: 26.5 knots Passenger capacity: summer 1,915, winter 1,274 Vehicle capacity: 418 Cabins: 29

Blue Star Paros and Blue Star Naxos Built: 2002, South Korea Length: 124.2 metres Speed: 24.4 knots Passenger capacity: 1,474 Vehicle capacity: 240 Cabins: 26

More here: Bluestar Ferries

3. Hellenic Seaways – Athens to several groups of islands in the Aegean Sea

Like Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways is operated under the umbrella company called Attica Group. They run four types of ferries, travelling all around the Aegean.

For 2020, they travel to the Cyclades, the Sporades, the Argosaronic islands, Northeastern Aegean islands, Crete and the Dodecanese. Their ferries differ a lot between them, ranging from large conventional ferries to small vessels.

3a. Hellenic Seaways – Conventional ferries

This is a range of moderately priced ferries for visitors who like to take their time. They run on different routes around Greece. Facilities vary widely, as do seating arrangements and cabin options.

Hellenic Seaways Boat - Ariadne

Ariadne Built: 1995, Japan Length: 195.95 metres Speed: 24 knots Passenger capacity: 2,045 Vehicle capacity: 640 Cabins: 145

Nissos Samos Built: 1988, Japan Length: 192.9 metres Speed: 20.5 knots Passenger capacity: summer 2,202, winter 1,578 Vehicle capacity: 730 Cabins: 108

Nissos Rodos Built: 1987, Japan Length: 192.5 metres Speed: 22 knots Passenger capacity: summer 2,210, winter 1,683 Vehicle capacity: 748 Cabins: 98

Express Pegasus Built: 1977, Italy Length: 125.7 metres Speed: 19 knots Passenger capacity: summer 1,294, winter 1,092 Vehicle capacity: 185 Cabins: 8

Artemis Built: 1997, Greece Length: 89.8 metres Speed: 19.2 knots Passenger capacity: summer 748, winter 590 Vehicle capacity: 65

Express Skiathos Built: 1996, Greece Length: 77.9 metres Speed: 18.5 knots Passenger capacity: summer 1,013, winter 695 Vehicle capacity: 175

3b. Hellenic Seaways – Highspeed ferries

These vessels are much faster than the conventional ones. Like other high-speed ferries, they have no deck or cabin options.

Hellenic Seaways Highspeed Ferry

Hellenic Highspeed – Monohull Built: 1996, Italy Length: 100 metres Speed: 34 knots Passenger capacity: 724 Vehicle capacity: 175

Highspeed 4 – Catamaran Built: 2000, Australia Length: 92.4 metres Speed: 38 knots Passenger capacity: 1,010 Vehicle capacity: 188

3c. Hellenic Seaways – Flying Cats

The company operates four catamaran vessels in this category. They are called Flying Cat 3, 4, 5 and 6, which some people would think is slightly unimaginative.

All these vessels are fairly small, and have no deck options, cabins or vehicle capacity. We would prefer to avoid them on a long trip, as it could end up being a bumpy ride. If you like walking around ferries and enjoying the deck, or if you get seasick easily, you might prefer to avoid them as well.

The Flying Cat 6

Flying Cat 4 Built: 1999, England Length: 55.1 metres Speed: 42 knots Passenger capacity: 438

Flying Cat 3 Built: 1997, England Length: 47.7 metres Speed: 42 knots Passenger capacity: 342

Flying Cat 5 Built: 1996, Norway Length: 40 metres Speed: 28 knots Passenger capacity: 336

Flying Cat 6 Built: 1997, Singapore Length: 40 metres Speed: 28 knots Passenger capacity: 336

3d. Hellenic Seaways – Flying Dolphins

These are some of the smallest passenger catamarans in the Aegean, named Flying Dolphin 17 and 29. Who knows how many they were to begin with!

In our experience, they are not super pleasant to travel on when the seas are rough, but this may be your only option. Your trip is unlikely to be very long, so you should be fine.

Aegean Flying Dolphin

Flying Dolphin 17 Built: 1984, Russia Length: 34.50 metres Speed: 35 knots Passenger capacity: 130

Flying Dolphin 29 Built: 1991, Russia Length: 34.25 metres Speed: 35 knots Passenger capacity: 130

For more information: Hellenic Seaways

4. Golden Star Ferries – Athens to the Cyclades

Golden Star Ferries currently operate two conventional ferries, one of which has cabins. They also have four high-speed ferries, two of which can carry vehicles.

Golden Star Superferry

Superferry II Built: 1974, Belgium Length: 121.7 metres Speed: 21 knots Passenger capacity: 1,630 Vehicle capacity: 250 Cabins: Yes

Superferry Built: 1995, Japan Length: 121 metres Speed: 21 knots Passenger capacity: 1,760 Vehicle capacity: 280

Superrunner (formerly Speedrunner IV) Built: 1999, Italy Length: 100.4 metres Speed: 33 knots Passenger capacity: 810 Vehicle capacity: 180

Superexpress Built: 1998 Length: 91 metres Speed: 35 knots Passenger capacity: 1,070 Vehicle capacity: 200

Superspeed Built: 2002 Length: 54.5 metres Speed: 33 knots Passenger capacity: 400

Supercat Built: 2000 Length: 45.36 metres Speed: 35 knots Passenger capacity: 400

For more information on the Golden Star Ferries, visit their website .

5. Aegean Speed Lines – Ferry to the Cyclades

Aegean Speed Lines operate a large high-speed ferry, Speedrunner III, to the Cyclades. There is a range of seating arrangements, and no cabins.

Speedrunner 3 ferry

Speedrunner III Built: 1999, Italy Length: 100.4 metres Speed: 34 knots Passenger capacity: 800 Vehicle capacity: 170

You can find more information about the Speedrunner III here .

6. Fast Ferries – Athens to the Cyclades

Fast Ferries are a smaller company running a total four ferries. They are currently collaborating with Minoan lines on certain routes.

In 2023, they are running a highspeed vessel called Thunder, which connects Piraeus, certain Cyclades islands and Heraklion in Crete.

Thunder Built: 1998, Australia Length: 86.6 metres Speed: 38 knots Passenger capacity: 1,068 Vehicle capacity: 210

Fast Ferries also run three conventional ferries to the Cyclades. There are no cabin options, but there is availability for vehicles. They are a great budget option.

You will easily spot these photogenic ferries departing from Rafina port, as they are all bright red.

Fastferries Theologos

Ekaterini P. Built: 1990, Japan Length: 121.5 metres Speed: 21 knots Passenger capacity: 1,127 Vehicle capacity: 240

Theologos P. Built: 2000, Japan Length: 118.1 metres Speed: 22 knots Passenger capacity: 1,154 Vehicle capacity: 300

Fast Ferries Andros Built: 1989, Japan Length: 115 metres Speed: 19.5 knots Passenger capacity: 1,200 Vehicle capacity: 280

Check them out here .

7. Sea Speed Ferries – Athens to the Cyclades and Crete

Sea Speed Ferries currently operate one conventional passenger / car ferry called Olympus. It’s a reasonably priced alternative to some faster ferries.

For 2020, this ferry connects Milos, Santorini and Rethymno in Crete a few times per week.

Seaspeed Olympus Ferry

Olympus Built: 1976, Japan Length: 141.7 metres Speed: 16.5 knots Passenger capacity: 1,000 Vehicle capacity: 450 Cabins: Yes

8. Zante Ferries – Slow ferries to the Cyclades islands

You would have thought that Zante Ferries travel to the Ionian islands, but no. These two slow ferries connect several of the lesser visited Cyclades islands, including Kimolos, Sikinos and Folegandros .

They are a great budget option for people who are not in a hurry. We can’t wait to use them this summer!

DIONISIOS SOLOMOS FERRY

Dionysios Solomos Built: 1987, refurbished in 2012 Length: 121.5 metres Speed: 19.5 knots Passenger capacity: 1,030 Vehicle capacity: 300 Number of beds: 40

Adamantios Korais Built: 1987 Length: 100 metres Speed: 18.3 knots Passenger capacity: 1,100 Vehicle capacity: 390 Number of beds: 44

The company is also supposed to launch a ferry connecting Alexandroupolis port with the island of Samothraki. This ferry is called Proteas, currently operating by Anes ferries. Watch this space!

9. Small Cyclades Lines – Naxos, Amorgos and the Small Cyclades

This family company operates one of the most iconic ferries in the Aegean, Express Skopelitis . This small ferry connects Naxos with Amorgos and the Small Cyclades – Iraklia , Schinoussa , Koufonissi and Donoussa.

Small Cyclades Lines Ferry

It’s a basic little ferry, providing invaluable service for these off-the-beaten-track islands. For summer 2020, It also goes to Santorini and Ios once a week.

Express Skopelitis Built: 1986 Length: 45 metres Speed: 12.3 knots Passenger capacity: 340 Vehicle capacity: 11

10. ANEK Lines – The Cyclades, Crete, the Dodecanese and Italy

ANEK Lines operate some of the largest ferries in Greece. Their destinations include Crete and the Dodecanese. Some of their ferries go to Italy, connecting Patras, Igoumenitsa and Corfu with the Italian ports.

All their ferries are pretty massive, and they have capacity for many hundreds of visitors and vehicles. Some of them serve very long routes, and travelling on them can be quite an experience.

These are the ANEK ferries currently running in Greece.

Olympic Champion Ferry, Greece

Olympic Champion Built: 2000, Norway Length: 204 metres Speed: 30 knots Passenger capacity: 1,833 Vehicle capacity: 670 Number of beds: 808

Hellenic Spirit Built: 2001, Norway Length: 204 metres Speed: 30 knots Passenger capacity: 1,850 Vehicle capacity: 670 Number of beds: 710

Asterion II (also known as Grand Spring) Built: 1991, Japan Length: 192.5 metres Speed: 22 knots Passenger capacity: 1,020 Vehicle capacity: 840 Number of beds: 451

Elyros Built: 1998, Japan Length: 192 metres Speed: 24 knots Passenger capacity: 1,874 Vehicle capacity: 620 Number of beds: 776

Kriti II Built: 1979, Japan Length: 192 metres Speed: 23 knots Passenger capacity: 1,500 Vehicle capacity: 719 Number of beds: 468

Kriti I Built: 1979, Japan Length: 192 metres Speed: 22 knots Passenger capacity: 1,500 Vehicle capacity: 650 Number of beds: 468

El. Venizelos Built: 1992, Poland Length: 175.5 metres Speed: 21 knots Passenger capacity: 2,500 Vehicle capacity: 850 Number of beds: 1,606

Prevelis (ANEK / Aegeon Pelagos) Built: 1980, Japan Length: 142.5 metres Speed: 19 knots Passenger capacity: 927 Vehicle capacity: 310 Number of beds: 251

For more information, check out their website .

11. Minoan Lines – Athens to Crete and the Cyclades, Greece – Italy routes

Minoan Lines operate some of the most luxurious ferries in Greece. They also serve some Greece – Italy routes, connecting Patras, Igoumenitsa and Corfu with Venice and Ancona.

Within Greece, Minoan Lines travel to many of the Cyclades, and also Heraklion and Chania in Crete. They have three large, conventional ferries, and a faster catamaran.

The Festos Palace Boat

The bigger ferries are the most luxurious we have been on. There is plenty of space, and there are several cafes, restaurants and bars on board.

There are several seat options, as well as a range of cabins. On-board you can also find stores where you can buy a range of items, like souvenirs, clothes, cosmetics and books.

Cruise Europa Built: 2009, Italy Length: 225 metres Speed: 27.5 knots Passenger capacity: 2,850 Vehicle capacity: 963 Number of beds: 1,257

Cruise Olympia Built: 2010, Italy Length: 225 metres Speed: 27.5 knots Passenger capacity: 2,850 Vehicle capacity: 963 Number of beds: 1,257

Festos Palace Built: 2002, Italy Length: 214 metres Speed: 31.5 knots Passenger capacity: 2,184 in summer / 1,865 in winter Vehicle capacity: 821 Number of beds: 744

Knossos Palace Built: 2000, Italy Length: 214 metres Speed: 31.5 knots Passenger capacity: 2,500 in summer / 2,448 in winter Vehicle capacity: 700 Number of beds: 758

Kydon Palace Built: 2001, Italy Length: 214 metres Speed: 31.5 knots Passenger capacity: 2,500 in summer / 2,448 in winter Vehicle capacity: 700 Number of beds: 758

The Santorini Palace is a faster catamaran with no cabin or deck options. There are different types of seats you can choose from.

Santorini Palace / Catamaran Built: 2005, Australia, refurbished in 2016 Length: 85 metres Speed: 38 knots Passenger capacity: 1,160 Vehicle capacity: 117

For more information on these ferries, you can check the Minoan Lines website .

Look also at How to get from Athens to Crete

12. Superfast Ferries – Greece to Italy

Superfast Ferries are part of the Attica Group of ferries, alongside Hellenic Seaways and Blue Star Ferries. They connect Greece and Italy, and their Greek ports of call are Patras, Igoumenitsa and Corfu.

Superfast Ferries are currently running three large ferries with capacity for many hundreds of visitors and vehicles.

Superfast Ferry Greece

Superfast I Built: 2008, Italy Length: 199 metres Speed: 24.2 knots Passenger capacity: 938 Vehicle capacity: 170 Number of cabins: 102

Superfast II Built: 2009, Italy Length: 199 metres Speed: 24.2 knots Passenger capacity: 938 Vehicle capacity: 170 Number of cabins: 102

Superfast XI Built: 2002, Germany Length: 200 metres Speed: 29 knots Passenger capacity: 1,821 Vehicle capacity: 900 Number of cabins: 198

13. Ventouris Ferries – Greece to Italy

Ventouris Ferries operate a few large ferries between Greece, Italy and Albania. For 2020, their ferries Rigel I and Rigel VII will run the route Patras – Igoumenitsa on their way to Bari in Italy.

Rigel Greek Ferry

Rigel VII Built: 1994, Japan Length: 163.5 metres Speed: 22.5 knots Passenger capacity: 775 Vehicle capacity: Yes Cabins: Yes

Rigel I Built: 1973 Length: 122 metres Speed: 19 knots Passenger capacity: 1,120 Vehicle capacity: 330 Number of beds: 550

14. Levante Ferries – Ionian islands

Levante Ferries currently operate four bright yellow ferries among the ports of Patras, Kyllini and the Ionian islands. Some of them have recently been bought from other shipping companies, and refurbished.

These ferries have no cabins, and they all have vehicle capacity. Interestingly, Fior di Levante can run on electric power.

Levante Ferries in Greece

Kefalonia (formerly known as Nisos Kefalonia) Built: 1975, Japan. Refurbished in 2019 Length: 120.8 metres Speed: 21 knots Passenger capacity: 1,134 Vehicle capacity: 324

Mare di Levante Built: 1984, Japan Length: 120.2 metres Speed: 19 knots Passenger capacity: 1,068 Vehicle capacity: 350

Fior di Levante Built: 1998 Length: 118.8 metres Speed: 19 knots Passenger capacity: 1,140 Vehicle capacity: 300

Andreas Kalvos Built: 1985, refurbished in 2019 Length: 98.6 metres Speed: 17.5 knots Passenger and vehicle ferry

This is their website .

15. Kefalonian Lines – Ionian islands

This small company is due to operate one ferry for summer 2020. Alexandra L will connect Patras, Killini and the Ionian islands. 

Alexandra L (formerly known as Mirtidiotissa) Built: 1975, Japan Length: 101.25 metres Speed: 19 knots Passenger capacity: 750 summer, 604 winter Vehicle capacity: 240

16. Corfu Ferries, Kerkyra Seaways & Kerkyra Lines – Igoumenitsa > Corfu > Paxi

These companies are running several routes a day between Igoumenitsa port in mainland Greece, Corfu (known in Greek as Kerkyra) and the small island of Paxi, also known or Paxos.

Guide here: How to get to Paxos island in Greece

At time of writing, the status of the companies is a little unclear, and they seem to be merging up. Here is a list of all the small ferries running these routes.

The ferries running the routes are all different in size and shape, but they all carry passengers and vehicles. For more information on what they look like, you can check the company websites.

KERKYRA EXPRESS

In some cases, online booking through Ferryhopper might not be available. You should be able to find passenger seats once you get there, or maybe book through the company websites.

Ionas Built: 1989 Length: 93.8 metres Speed: 10.8 knots Passenger and vehicle capacity

Agios Spyridon Built: 2000 Length: 81.5 metres Speed: 12 knots Passenger and vehicle capacity

Agia Irini Built: 1970 Length: 80.4 metres Speed: 11.6 knots Passenger and vehicle capacity

Eleni Built: 1970 Length: 77.8 metres Speed: 9.7 knots Passenger and vehicle capacity

Nanti Built: 1973 Length: 66 metres Speed: 11.1 knots Passenger and vehicle capacity

Ano Hora II Length: 104 metres Passenger capacity: 797 Vehicle capacity: 220

Nikolaos Length: 95.8 metres Passenger capacity: 650 Vehicle capacity: 160

Dorieus Length: 93.8 metres Passenger capacity: 585 Vehicle capacity: 150

Agia Theodora Length: 85 metres Passenger capacity: 732 Vehicle capacity: 160

Kerkyra Express Length: 76.6 metres Passenger capacity: 588 Vehicle capacity: 90

Alkinoos Length: 73.9 metres Passenger capacity: 590 Vehicle capacity: 100

Kerkyra Length: 72.4 metres Passenger capacity: 478 Vehicle capacity: 90

Menekratis Length: 70 metres Passenger capacity: 490 Vehicle capacity: 90

Evdokia Length: 44.4 metres Passenger capacity: 300 Vehicle capacity: 20

For more information, and to check out some of the ferry photos, you can visit the company websites: Corfu ferries  Kerkyra Seaways   Kerkyra Lines  

17. Anes Ferries – Local routes around Greece

Anes Ferries are a small company, running small and medium-sized ferries around Greece.

Anes Ferries Symi boat

Agios Nektarios This small ferry can carry up to 600 passengers and 90 vehicles from Piraeus to Aegina.

Proteas / Proteus This local ferry connects Volos port to the Sporades island and Evia. Proteas is 87 metres long and can carry up to 372 passengers and 110 vehicles. There is currently news that this ferry will be used in the Alexandroupoli – Samothraki route. Watch this space!

Symi Symi connects Agios Konstantinos Evia and Volos with the Sporades islands. It has a fairly large passenger capacity, at 780 people. There is also availability for 60 vehicles.

Sebeco Sebeco is a small, passenger-only vessel that can accommodate up to 200 passengers. It currently travels from Rhodes to the small island of Symi.

18. Skyros Shipping Co – Evia and Sporades

Skyros Lines operates a passenger / car ferry, Achilleas, from Kymi in Evia to Skyros, Skopelos and Alonnisos. This route might not always appear on Ferryhopper.

Achilleas Built: 1987, Japan, refurbished in 2004 Length: 96.6 metres Speed: 14.8 knots Passenger capacity: 600 summer / 520 winter Vehicle capacity: 160

19. Triton / Avlemonas Ferries – Kea and Kythira

Triton Ferries operate two small ferries. Ionis departs from Lavrio port, and goes to Kea (Tzia) and Kythnos. Porfyrousa connects Neapoli in the Peloponnese, Kythira and Antikythera.

Triton Ferries Greece

Ionis Built: 1977, Greece Length: 96.30 metres Speed: 19 knots Passenger capacity: 800 Vehicle capacity: 150

Porfyrousa Built: 1997, Turkey Length: 75.5 metres Speed: 13 knots Passenger capacity: 300 Vehicle capacity: 150

20. Goutos Lines – Athens to Kea and Kythnos

Goutos Lines run a passenger / car ferry from Lavrio port to the nearby island of Kea , or Tzia.

Goutos Lines Ferry Macedon

Macedon Built: 1972 Length: 90 metres Speed: 16 knots Passenger capacity: 457 Vehicle capacity: Yes

21. Saronic ferries – Ferries to the Saronic islands

Like the name suggests, this company operates four ferries to the Saronic islands of Aegina, Agistri, Methana and Poros.

Posidon Hellas Ferry

Phivos Built: 1980 Length: 100 metres Speed: 15.5 knots Passenger capacity: 1,200 Vehicle capacity: 120

Apollon Hellas Built: 1990 Length: 91.80 metres Speed: 14.7 knots Passenger capacity: 1,380 Vehicle capacity: 100

Achaeos Built: 2007 Length: 87.7 metres Speed: 14.3 knots Passenger capacity: 1,000 Vehicle capacity: 140

Posidon Hellas Built: 1998 Length: 86 metres Speed: 14.9 knots Passenger capacity: 1,300 Vehicle capacity: 74

22. Aegean Flying Dolphins – Ferries to the Saronic islands and the Sporades

These small vessels travel around the Saronic islands and the Sporades. At the time of writing, the company lists four similar flying dolphins , that are 35 metres each. They are all named after ancient Greek gods – Zeus, Hermes, Athena and Venus I.

23. Panorama – Rafina to Marmari in Evia

This company operates one ferry, called Panorama, from Rafina to Marmari in South Evia. It’s a fairly large (101 metres) ferry with passenger and vehicle capacity.

Panorama Ferry Greece

Schedules change from season to season. If you are not able to book tickets on ferryhopper, you will be able to get them directly at Rafina port. Just get there an hour earlier or so.

24. ANE Kalymnou – Rhodes to Chalki in the Dodecanese

This local company operates three vessels around the Dodecanese. It even connects some of the minor islands, though routes are not on a daily basis.

Nissos Kalymnos is a medium-sized ferry (62 metres), with passenger and vehicle capacity.

Kalymnos Star and Kalymnos Dolphin are small passenger vessels, for short trips.

For more information, check their website . 

25. Dodekanisos Seaways – Dodecanese islands

This company operates one ferry and two high-speed catamarans connecting the islands of the Dodecanese.

Panagia Skiadeni

Panagia Skiadeni Length: 83.7 metres Speed: 16 knots Passenger capacity: 700 summer, 590 winter Vehicle capacity: 115

Dodekanisos Express Length: 40 metres Speed: 31 knots Passenger capacity: 337 Vehicle capacity: 6

Dodekanisos Pride Length: 40 metres Speed: 32 knots Passenger capacity: 280 Vehicle capacity: 9

For more information, click here .

26. Alco Ferries – Rhodes to Chalki in the Dodecanese

Alco Ferries operate the Sebeco II, running the half-hour journey from Rhodes to nearby Chalki. This 29-metre long, passenger-only ferry was built in 2019.

The tiny Alko Ferries vessel

Check out their website (in Greek only) for a few photos. 

27. Sea Dreams – Rhodes to Symi and Turkey

Sea Dreams operate small passenger catamarans from Rhodes to Symi and nearby Turkey. As timetables and routes may change from season to season, it’s best to do some further research a few days before your trip.

King Saron Ferry

Aegean Cat Length: 37 metres Speed: 29 knots Passenger capacity: 403

King Saron Length: 36 metres Speed: 27 knots Passenger capacity: 510

Symi II Speed: 14 knots Passenger capacity: 480

28. Lafasi – Kos to Kalymnos and Turkey

This local company serves the routes from Kos to Kalymnos, as well as Kos to Bodrum in Turkey. They operate two small passenger ferries.

Apollon II Length: 28.9 metres Speed: 20 knots Passenger capacity: 223

Ilias T Length: 22.5 metres Speed: 20 knots Passenger capacity: 123

You can check out these small vessels here .

29. Other ferries from Greece to Turkey

The companies below only run ferries from Greece to Turkey. You can book tickets on Ferryhopper, and if you want more information on the vessels you can check their websites.

Rhodes to Fethiye – Makri Travel   Rhodes to Fethiye – Dodecanese Flying Dolphins   Rhodes to Marmaris – Yesil Marmaris Lines   Chios to Cesme – Sunrise Lines

Are there ferries from Greece to Egypt?

If you look at a map without taking into account distances, it seems like there should be a ferry from Greece to Egypt. In fact, in the past a ferry ran once or twice a week.

Updating this in 2020, there is currently no ferry running between Greece and Egypt.

Ferries in Greece

So this is it, a list of all ferries in Greece – who would have known they are so many. Hopefully it will come in handy when you are planning your next trip to Greece!

102 thoughts on “Ferries in Greece – The most ridiculously in-depth guide to Greek ferries”

As many on here have posted, I am prone to sea-sickness so I will take something ahead of time if needed. I would like to take the nicest ferry possible and it seems Seajets has the best options between Paros and Mykonos, but there are 2 choices: either Tera Jet c or Super Jet 2. The Tera Jet is much larger and allows for vehicles, so therefore accommodates a lot more passengers. We will not be traveling with a car and wonder if the Super Jet 2 is a better choice since we may have less tourists (and thus chaos)?? Both ferries last about 40 minutes. Your opinion is greatly appreciated.

Hi, Not much difference between them and it’s a short ferry journey between Paros and Mykonos. It would be better to take the slightly larger car carrying ferry overall if sea-sickness might be an issue. They are both likely to be as equally busy depending on what time they sail and time of year etc.

Thank you for such a helpful and informative blog on visiting Greece! I am taking my first solo trip out to the Island of Andros in May and will be departing from the port of Rafina.

I just wanted to know what the difference is between a standard seat and a deck-lounge seat? I want to be able to sit somewhere where I can keep my luggage with me (20kg suitcase) and I’m not sure which is best to book. Also if possible, do you have any recommendations for reliable taxi services which go between Rafina and Athens airport?

Many thanks in advance!

Hi Sophie, For your taxi from the Airport and Rafina, you can pre-book using Welcome Pickups . Slightly more expensive than the regular airport queue taxi (by 5 euros or so), but worth it as they will meet and greet.

For your ferry crossing – just go for the cheapest ticket. In May, there will not be so many people on the ferry, so you can have your pick of the seats and sit in a more expensive one for free. Or sit in the cafe seating, which is what we sometimes do on shorter trips.

Your baggage is more complicated. Convention is that the heavy suitcase stays downstairs in the luggage area. If you try to carry it upstairs, you may be asked to leave it below. Rule of thumb is if you are confident enough and strong enough to carry all your luggage yourself up the stairs (there may not be elevators or moving staircases), then do it. However, if the crew thinks that it will slow boarding and disembarkation for everyone else, they will insist on you leaving it below. Mental experiment – if you were parked on the second or third floor of a car park, could you walk up the stairs easily with your luggage. If yes, you’ll be able to do it on the ferry 🙂

Hi Dave, Thanks for your post! I’m planning to travel Athens (Piraeus) to Paros return in early September. Do the ferries later in the afternoon/evening usually run on time or are they often delayed? Also, as someone who gets motion sickness, are the bigger Seajets ferries similar to the slower ferries in terms of bumpiness? Thanks, Emma

Hi Emma, Ferries leaving Piraeus almost always leave on time unless there is a major problem (and if they delay a ferry because of bad weather, you really don’t want to be on it anyway!). I get motion sickness as well – i take a ridiculous amount of ginger tablets, ginger tea, you name it! A conventional ferry as opposed to a catamaran type is better in the bad weather.

Thanks for this helpful info, from a first time Greece traveler. Is it really true that you need to be at the ferry dock a full hour before departure? We will likely be cruising from Piraeus to Naxos and then on to Santorini after 3 nights on Naxos. Thanks, in advance, for your thoughts.

Hi Brittnee, If you are leaving from Piraeus for the first time, then yes – it’s better to be there an hour before because things can be quite chaotic. It just allows you a little more time. From Naxos, you can aim to be there a half hour before. All this should allow for traffic problems, and let you get boarded without having to rush around.

Really useful information, I wish I’d found your page before!

We’re doing Athens – Milos – Santorini in late March/April but according to Ferryhopper there is only one sailing a day for each leg. Now we’re worried about cancellations, i.e. what do we do if the Milos – Santorini ferry is cancelled and we’re stuck without accommodation! What are the ferry company’s policies in this situation? Also do you think more crossings might be added later in the year?

Would really appreciate your advice in this!

Many thanks

Ferries are cancelled rarely – in bad weather delays might happen though. Each ferry company has their own policy, which would be to normally put you on the next ferry. At that time of year, there would be no issue picking up a hotel room for an extra night if needed. I doubt that extra ferries would be added to these routes at this time of year, but you never know! One other thought – all of these islands have airports, so it might be possible to get a flight back to Athens if needed.

Hi Dave, An amazing site thank you. There are three of us doing a walking tour of Serifos, Sifnos and Milos. We will be staying three days on each island. What issues can you see about ferries between islands. We are flying out of Milos to Athens.

On May 1st there is always a ferry strike, so that could be issue number 1 if traveling then. The main problem though, is that ferry schedules might not go live until February or March for those routes.

Hi there, I am in the early stages of planning a hopping trip next year. The ferry schedule is not released yet and I believe this does not happen until early in the year. My question is that do the schedules tend to stay fairly consistent from season to season? I am trying to put a rough plan together of timings and formulate an idea of costs based upon current schedules. Our those plans likely to be out the window when the new schedules come out in the New Year?

Hi, Routes (especially the most popular) tend to stay the same year after year. Schedules (by this we mean timetables in this case) themselves do change though.

I’m looking for your advice about timing my transportation. I land in Athens airport at 2:50pm on Saturday Sept 9th. I am trying to get to the Piraeus port to catch the last ferry at 5:30pm. Is this possible? I am interested in using the service you recommended, Welcome Taxi, as the pre-booked taxis service to transport me to the ferry port. So I guess I am wondering if Piraeus port is easy to get to from the airport. How far in advance do I need to arrive at the port to board the ferry (Can I arrive close to the departure time at 5:30 and still board the ferry easily or will they turn me away after a cut off time)? Is an hour a reasonable amount of time to leave the airport around 4:15pm and arrive at the ferry? If I took public transportation is there a drop off near the ferry or do you have to walk some distance to get to the ferry? Thanks for reading this. Im nervous for my first solo international trip.

Hi Sheryl, I think it’s probably pushing it for time. You’re relying on the flight landing on time, and then getting your baggage straight away – that’s really going to be out of your hands. An hour’s travel from airport to Piraeus by taxi is about right, and the driver can take you directly to the gate your ferry leaves from. There is no cut off for boarding – but the ferry won’t wait when it is time to sail. If everything goes well though, you could be at the port just as easily for 16.45 – it really depends how quick you can leaver the airport.

HI Dave, This is a great site – thank you.

We are travelling in Oct and one of our party has severe sea sickness and stays on deck. She has agreed to go on the high speed ferries, but I noticed that you made a comment that the high speed boats do not have an outside area. Did I read that correctly ? Any other suggestions ?

It will depend on the ferry route and the vessel being used, but typically the very highspeed ones do not have an outdoor area. The only thing you can really do is take a lot of motion sickness tablets and then hope for the best there’s access to outside the ferry when onboard.

Thanks for this, Dave! Appreciated the detailed info very much. I’m planning a trip in late March 2024. There are no timetables available yet and I’m concerned about the reduced schedule in low season. I’d like to book accommodations as far in advance as possible.

Can you tell me if these routes are possible/feasible during March? If so, do ferries run daily? On certain days of the week? I’m finding conflicting information online. Would appreciate your expert opinion. Many thanks! (also completely open to suggestions)

Rhodes to Santorini (cabin/berth for 2) – around March 29 Santorini to Naxos – around March 31 Naxos to Athens (fly or ferry) – around April 3

The ferry timetables for March 2024 might not be fully available until January. That said, there’s no danger of hotels booking out, as it’s the off season. This year there were only two ferries a week sailing from Rhodes to Santorini in March – and these took over 24 hours!! Consider flying back to Athens, and then out to Santorini. There’s normally one Santorini to Naxos ferry sailing a day in March There’s normally two ferries a day sailing from Naxos to Piraeus in April – and daily flights.

Hi Dave, Considering travelling to Herakleion by Ferry on the Blue Star Blue Horizon on 13th August instead of flying, which has become quite expensive this year. Did some research on this boat, apparently it has a pool. Would you know if that is accessable by the passengers on board? Could be one way to spend some of the time as its over 8 hours.

I haven’t heard that the Blue Star Horizon has a pool. As far as I know, no ferries sailing in Greece have pools. However, if you take this boat and it has one, let me know and I’ll update the guides!

Thank you so much for your detailed responses! I was just about to book with SeaJets to go from Santorini to Milos, however upon your responses I am rethinking. My husband and I would like to save time (2 hrs vs. 5.5 hrs) but am now concerned about cancellations with Seajets (this would be the Speedrunner Jet though). In general, do you advise the larger ferries always despite the time difference? We are travelling the first week of Sept, for reference. Thank you so much!!

Glad you’ve found some of the things here useful – including other readers questions and experiences using the ferry system in Greece! In general, if there are two ferries sailing in a day, and one of them is a fast ferry like SeaJets and one is a conventional ferry I prefer to take the conventional one. However, if time is a factor (and why not make the most of what you have on vacation!), then I’d take the faster one. I think the slower ferry you mention is the DIONISIOS SOLOMOS? It’s an old ferry, but reliable – just not as up to date as some of the others! A considerable saving in cost taking this one as well.

Hi, This is such helpful information! I am flying to Athens from July 12-July 18. We are trying to figure out the best way to structure the trip and whether to ferry or fly to a one or more of the islands. Other than not being able to travel on Saturday until after 2230, we are flexible. Do you know of any overnight, very late ferries to or from Athens? Considering Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, and open to other options. Thanks!

You can get overnight ferries to both Rhodes and Crete from Athens Piraeus Port. They are long journeys though, and best made in a cabin if you want to feel human at the end of the trip. Considering the travel time and cost, a flight might be a better option. These longer trip ferries are better suited to people traveling with a vehicle (unless you just want the experience of traveling overnight on a ferry to the Greek islands).

We are a family of 4 traveling from Mykonos to Santorini on Aug 24. 2023. We can’t decide between flying Aegean ( 2 ½ hrs connecting in Athens ) or taking a ferry Seajets Superjet at 10 am (direct – 2 hrs), Golden Star Ferries Express jet at 10:30 (2 stops – 3 hrs)) , Seajets Express jet at 12 ( 2 stops -2 ½ hrs).

I am most concerned with trip being cancelled and being stranded with no hotel and missing a day in Santorini. Ive read that there are high winds in August.

Hi, Difficult one to answer! Ferries are cancelled very, very rarely due to weather… But Murphy’s Law and all that! So, if you want absolute peace of mind, you could take the flights… you’ll lose a few hours getting to and from airports and check-in, baggage collection in Santorini. (Of course, nothing to say that on a freak weather day of 100kmh winds flights might not be delayed as well!). My preference for ferries sailing that day might be the later Minoan Lines ferry, but thinking about it, SeaJets makes the most sense, as if there are problems they could more easily bump you to a later sailing as they have multiple boats. An earlier ferry is better than a later one in my opinion (winds die down overnight, and pick up as the day progresses).

Hi Dave, We need to travel from Santorini to Mykonos on 5th August. I have a sickness phobia. I’m seeing mixed reviews about the Seajets World Champion, some sources saying it’s the fastest and smoothest option and others saying the speed makes people sick. What do you think?

I think the smoothness of the trip is less to do with the boat, and more to do with the weather. All of the ferries on the Santorini Mykonos route are high speed, and likely to experience wavy days the same way.

Thanks for your site. My husband and I are planning to island hop in late June/early July from Athens to Andros-Tinos-Naxos-Mykonos. We have a few days between each island. Should we pre-book tickets online rather than just turn up at the port? How far ahead should we book? Are the ferries between islands reliable and which ferry company would you recommend? Thanks so much.

Hi, For this year in particular, I strongly suggest booking ferry tickets as much in advance as you can. In the Cyclades, I prefer Blue Star Ferries (or any large ferry) over the high speed ferries such as SeaJets. The reliability for ferries is more to do with the wind conditions than anything else – the larger ferries do better in stronger winds.

Hi Dave, Thanks for all of the helpful information. My family will be on Naxos and we would like to ferry over to Paros for the day. In order to enjoy the whole day on Paros, we were thinking about taking the 11pm ferry back to Naxos. Is it ill-advised to book the last ferry back to Naxos?

Thanks, Suneeta

As long as you are there on time, I don’t see a problem. There’s no reason this ship would be cancelled – it’s one of the big ones and very reliable.

Hi, Dave! This was so helpful- thank you!

In late September, our group of 4 is staying in Paros for 4 nights before going to Santorini. We would like to take a day trip to Naxos while we are based in Paros, but our travel agent has strongly advised against this due to “lack of reliability” of the ferries. This seemed odd to us and I cannot find any reason to not pursue the day trip unless the weather is poor that day. Would you have any hesitations?

Hi Megan, I’m not sure why they would say that. there’s very few islands in Greece which are closer and have more ferry connections! These would also be the exact same ferry companies you’d take from paros to santorini – so really not sure what they mean. Only thing i can figure, is they don’t want you working out how to book the ferries yourself for the trip! Anyhow, you can find ferry timetables at: Ferryhopper Take the first ferry out to naxos in the morning. Perhaps not risk the last ferry back from Naxos to Paros (Murphy’s law and all that!), but second or third from last. Looks like you’ll have enough time in Naxos town – Unless it’s me that’s missing something!!

Hi Dave, great info here! My family will be in Greece in late July. On Ferryhopper there aren’t many options left for Santorini to Naxos on July 31st…just high speed Seajets which I am a little worried about the whole seasickness thing. Could additional trips be added by Bluestar (or other ferry lines) that day due to peak high season? Or do we just need to suck it up and book a Seajet at this point? Thanks in advance!

HI – I am seeing Blue Star Ferries on that route now… perhaps they were just added!

Dave, I am deciding if we should fly vs. ferry on July 6th from Athens to Crete. I noticed some ferries have a 2-4 hr connection in Santorini. Could we get off ferry and check out Santorini during the stop? It’s a long trip via ferry – and a bit concerned about winds and seasickness, but we’d love to travel by boat to see the islands from the water. Thanks for your input.

Hi Shannon, Whichever way you do it, it’s a long ride! I would advise against getting one with a connection (an indirect route). 2 hours in Santorini gives you no time at all, taking into account leaving the port and getting back there again. With 4 hours, you could at most spend 2 hours in Fira – but what would you do with your luggage? With the Athens to Crete ferry trip, it’s better to treat it as an overnight journey, and pay extra for a cabin so you can sleep on the way. This way you save a day of your vacation as opposed to traveling during the day. Ferry travel in Greece is fun, but this particular route doesn’t allow much island viewing.

Do ferries run from Crete to Santorini in the afternoons? We are looking at taking the ferry on July 24th as we will be flying out of Santorini the same day. As of today we can only find morning ferries.

Crete – Santorini is all morning ferries apart from a Blue Star that sails on Sundays at night. If you are able to move your travel days it might work for you but you’d need to spend the night in Santorini and you’d be checking in at 1 or 2 in the morning!

Hi Dave, Thank you for putting together this information, was really helpful. I just wanted to ask for some advice, I am travelling to Athens > Mykonos > Paros > Santorini in Aug/Sept. I am an anxious traveller when it comes to planes and boats, I don’t do well with high wind situations as well as being stuck in the same place for long, (sounds like a mess I know) but is there a fast ferry option that also isn’t prone to being bumpy or affected by winds as much? I know there is no magic wand but any advice would be greatly appreciated 🙂

Thank you in advance.

Hi Mary, There’s no other option unless taking the slower ferries (assuming these are the bigger conventional ones. However between Mykonos – Paros – Santorini i believe it’s all high speed ferries. Given your description, you could consider flying Athens to Mykonos, ferry from Mykonos to Paros, ferry from Paros to Santorini, fly from Santorini to Athens (I recommend leaving Athens until the end of your itinerary though so there’s no rush or panic about missing flights back home because of ferry delays.

Your site is incredibly helpful. Planning a trip for this August and my partner and I have laughed at how we’re just constantly finding ourselves on your page, thank you!

Quick question about a ferry connection. We’re planning on taking the Express Skopelitis from Iraklia to Naxos before we catch a flight out of Naxos. The Express Skopelitis will get us into Naxos at 1:05p, our flight leaves Naxos at 3:20p. Are we cutting it way too close? I realize that many delays are weather based, and I’m willing to gamble a little on that. However, you (and others) mention that ferries tend to get more delayed as the day goes on. Is this typical delays of 5-20 minutes per stop, or is it quite typical to see a ferry delayed by an hour+? I know these questions depend on so many things, but appreciate any thoughts you may have. I’m okay with a little risk but just want to make sure it’s not a ridiculous transfer to try and make in the first place.

Again, thanks for your site!

Glad you’ve found the site useful – I’m trying to be omnipresent before AI takes over haha! So to the Express Skopelitis – (and let’s not be fooled by the name, it’s not an express!!) For me I’d feel that was cutting it a little too close. Ferry delays happen for all kinds of reasons, and once it is delayed at one port, it can’t really catch back up on the time again. That said, the Skopelitis is less affected than others as the crew knows the ship well. My personal golden rule is to try an be at the place I am taking a flight from the previous night just in case. Probably not the answer you want, but might be the answer you need. Whatever you decide on, enjoy Greece!

Thank you for your insight and thorough information! I am in the middle of planning our honeymoon for September 2023 and was planning to fly into Athens on 9/7 (stay 2 nights) then ferry to Paros on 9/9 (4 nights) – Milos on 9/13 (3 nights) – Santorini on 9/16 (3 nights) – ferry back to Athens 9/19 (stay 1 night). Would this be an okay route to do? I was looking on Ferry Hopper and it looks like there is only 1 ferry from Paros to Milos and from Milos to Santorini which is a little worrisome in case something happens and the ferry is cancelled or delayed, we would not have another option to get to the next island. Do you have any thoughts?

Thanks, Alexa

The route looks good to me! Unfortunately, there’s always the possibility of delays or cancellations – the same as with air travel. You’ve done the right thing though by having many days on each island – if you are delayed, then you lose just a few hours. if something gets cancelled they will put you on the next boat. Boats are normally cancelled for bad weather (you really wouldn’t want to sail if the weather is bad enough for them to cancel), or strike action. My only suggestion would be to consider a flight back to Athens from Santorini, as that is the only possible weak spot in the itinerary where a cancelled ferry could hurt you.

Can the deck be enjoyed on Zante ferries?

We are travelling to Greece next month and are looking at booking a ferry for Thursday, May 18 from Santorini to Milos. The SeaJets option, for 94€, has been available since booking the trip in January. Sure enough, more ferry schedules are becoming available and our other option is a longer ferry, via Zante, for 16€. Weighing out the pros and cons and knowing if a deck can be enjoyed is one of those items we want to consider.

Many thanks 🙂

The Zante Ferries boat has a couple of small outdoor areas you can sit in – a couple down the sides and an area at the back. The inside is also quite comfortable. I’d take the Zante 🙂

This is amazing information thank you! We will be going from Santorini to Paros in September and have the choice between Seajets PowerJet and 10 am or the Blue star at 3:45 pm. Ideally we want the earlier one but have read that Seajets aren’t as reliable and my husband is prone to sea sickness. What would recommend? Thank you!

Seajets are more susceptible to stronger winds – so they end up delayed or cancelled more frequently than the bigger ones. That first Santorini to Paros ferry is pretty quick though – I’d take that if you want to make the most of your vacation time. No breakfast for hubby and plenty of ginger tablets!!

Hi Dave, Thanks for your very informative and very helpful guides. My wife and I are travelling this coming mid-May flying into Athens. We will be spending three nights here before making our way across to Santorini by ferries. We are looking to stop on the way there and back to break up the long journeys. Can you recommend which two islands to visit – I’m thinking of Naxos, Paros and/or Syros. As foot passengers would we need to book up early for these ferries at this time of the year? Also booking accommodation – apart from Santorini, do we need to book up in advance?

Hi Steve, For mid-May you don’t need to book hotels tremendously in advance and you don’t need to book ferries far in advance at all. Even the night before would be fine – the only thing with hotels, is that you might have less choice, normally on the more affordable places. Either Naxos or Paros are great – I prefer Naxos, but actually in mid-May Paros is very nice as well. As they are reasonably similar, you’d probably be better off going to just one of them. If you stop at Syros, you would only need one full day there really as Syros is all about the main town Ermoupoli (Naxos and Paros have way better beaches).

Thanks for great information!

Just wondering – where can I find the cancellation policies for the ferry companies? I checked on Seajets website – they have information dated 2020 and says that refunds are only given by the “issuing agency”. What does that mean? In your experience, do most ferry lines offer a flexible cancellation fare, or should I wait closer to my vacation in September to purchase a ticket?

Hi Barbara,

I always book through Ferryhopper. We had to cancel a ferry a week before and got a refund ok. If you are traveling in September, and you only need foot passenger tickets, you can wait a while until booking. We normally book ferries a couple of weeks before outside of August.

Hi Dave. I am struggling to find information on routes from Crete (all ports) to Rhodes. We are in Crete in early Oct and want to get to Rhodes. We ideally don’t want to fly as its quite expensive and takes the fun away from a ferry ride. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

In October I think only the Prevelis makes that journey – And it’s about 15 hours or something like that! They sailed Heraklion to Rhodes twice a week in October last year. Unfortunately, they haven’t put their schedules up this year for as far forward as October. Their schedules for October might not go live for several months yet.

ferryhopper shows a Santa Irini ferry going from Heraklion to Santorini in May. I gather it is operated by Panhellenic Lines or Horizon Sea Lines. I am, however, unable to find out from which part of the Heraklion Ferry Terminal they depart and where I would need to check-in etc.

As far as I know, all the ferries leave from the same area in Heraklion port. If you get there in plenty of time, it shouldn’t be an issue finding where you need to be, although if in doubt either email ferryhopper or the ferry company directly. You could perhaps also get a taxi ride down from your hotel and they will take you straight there. Assuming you get issued an e-ticket, no further check-in is needed. You just need to be there in plenty of time (at least half hour before departure for foot passengers).

First thank you for taking the time to provide this information. Very informative. Question, We will be traveling (4 adults) with a 2 yr old by ferry from Paros to Santorini (luggage and all). Does it make sense to take the Blue Star Ferry with cabins and take longer to get to Santorini versus taking the Seajet and save and hour? I considered getting VIP or Business Class seats so we could all be together and entertain her but it appears they prefer not to have such young children in these areas. I was not able to select a ticket for her with her real age and if I changed her age later it asked for everyone”s birthdays and caught the mismatch. Suggestions? I am looking for the most relaxing way given we will have all our bags and a toddler.

Hi, When boarding ferries, you leave your larger cases downstairs as you board – the reason is that hundreds of people trying to carry 3 pieces of luggage each up the stairs in the ferry would be chaos. So, plan to have what you need with you for the ferry trip in the equivalent of carry on baggage as you would for a plane. For the Paros to Santorini crossing, I don’t think it’s worth cabin or business for relatively short crossings like these. My advice – send two quick adults who’s mission it is to get on the ferry first, and claim a table in the cafe area so you have plenty of room to sit together! The Blue Star, while slower, will have more room on and will also be less affected by winds which could be good if any of your party have sea sickness.

We need to travel from Crete to Santorini on May 1. Do ferries run on this holiday? We have luggage that us bigger than a carryon and so concerned about u t flying.

Hi Stacey, This is traditionally a national strike day. I would advise against making travel plans in Greece on May 1st on ferries.

Hi there, Thanks for all this good info. We were planning on travelling from Kos to Santorini end of June but have seen that there is no longer a direct ferry- do you think they may recommence this route closer to the time or should we be finding an alternative route?

Thanks! Ella

Hi Ella, To the best of my knowledge this route no longer operates. You could see if going from Kos to Syros and then Syros to Santorini is worthwhile for you. Another alternative would be to fly Kos to Athens, and then fly or ferry Athens to Santorini.

Love your posts. One last question on Greek ferries: do I need to show my passport to board? If not, I can carry it in an underclothing pouch. If so, I cannot.

I’ve never been asked to show a passport on ferries (apart from 2020 during the first Covid months). All you need is the ferry ticket either physical or as a PDF on your phone and you’re good to go.

Huge task you’ve undertaken for us to benefit from! Thanks a million! I am trying to find out defintiive and reliable information on a silly return trip from Rafina to Andros in August. I have consulted three ferry search engines (Ferryhopper, Ferries in Greece and Greek Ferries) and they return very different results. The information does not match (ferries have different times, or do not appear at all in some engines). Is it because it’s too early? When will it be not too early? How can I know which ferries will go ahead as scheduled (by which engine)? Do you have any tips or recommendations? Thanks in advance!

Hi Luigi, From those sites I would only trust Ferryhopper. They only put live the schedules once they have officially been released. If you’re trying to put a day trip together for a return on the same day, it looks like it is possible using fast Ferries.

Thank you so much for this detailed wonderful information! We are trying to go from Crete to Santorini, in early April, but there’s no fast ferries available. Since we plan to be in Santorini for a short time, we wanted to take a fast ferry there. Do you know if they add ferries to the schedule closer to the dates?

Thank you so much!

Hi Selma, Unfortunately it looks like the faster ferries between Crete and Santorini don’t start until 12th April this year. I don’t expect there to be any others added based on last year’s schedules (then, it was also SeaJets onve a day but it start sailing around the 20th April, so this year it’s earlier) Potentially, a slower boat once per week might get added to the schedule. Prevelis usually sails on a Sunday but isn’t showing up yet for April. If you want to sail before the 12th and not in a Sunday, your options are pretty limited to getting back to Athens and then getting back out to Santorini using flights.

Hi Dave. Thank-you for this incredibly detailed account of the ferries for Greece! Lots of great information here to help with planning. We are looking at a slow ferry trip to Folegandros and it seems that Zante ferries is the option (I am prone to motion sickness, so a large, slow ferry is what we need to take). We cold possibly go to Milos first, but unsure of how much time needed to then catch another ferry over to Folegandros, as we don’t really want to arrange accommodations on Milos for a night. Any thoughts? Also, I am hoping you can answer a question regarding passports – do you have to surrender your passport to the crew on each ferry trip? I have seen various posts out there, that passports are taken by a crew member and then in order to get it back, tourists are charged money (a scam). What actually happens with your passport? Thanks so much for your time.

Hi Jo-Ann, So dealing with the passport issue first. You never have to give your passport to anyone on the ferry when traveling within Greece. Not sure where you read that, perhaps it was for a ferry between Italy and Greece where it may have been the case. Once you have been on one ferry, you will instantly see how impossible and impractical it would be – it’s organized chaos getting on and off the ferries! In short – no, don’t give your passport to anyone on the ferry. You won’t even asked to show it now there are no Covid restrictions. Regarding Folegandros – a popular travel option is to fly Athens to Santorini, and then take a ferry to Folegandros in order to save time. You could also fly to Milos first, and then take a ferry from Milos to Folegandros. The Zante ferry from Athens (I think that’s where you mean to start?) to Folegandros would be around 8 hours – it’s quite a long time, so to cut it down by flying part of the route would give you more vacation time perhaps.

Hi Dave. We are planning to Island hop mid September to October in the less frequented Cyclades. We fly into Santorini but the price of the ferries to get off to Folegandros or Milos seems high at 64 euros per foot passenger. Will there be cheaper ferries published later in the season? I thought that there was a standard price per distance.

The price for ferries is set by the company unless it is a subsidized route. So, SeaJets will typically have the most expensive tickets (they only operate in the tourist season). On this Santorini to Folegandros route, Zante Ferries are also likely to run twice a week and their fare is typically cheaper (it may be subsidized – not quite sure). The only problem is that Zante Ferries never put their routes up very far in advance. I wouldn’t expect it to go live until after Greek Easter for the period you want to travel.

Hi Dave I find your insight great as we prepare form our first trip to Greece this June. I have seen your replies for those with seasickness concerns. I was considering the SeaJet World Champion 1 since it looks larger. However, I am concerned still. We are flying for most other islands but thought about ferry from Santorini to Mykonos. What are your thoughts?

Hi Melanie,

Unfortunately there’s no other way to get between Santorini and Mykonos, and none of the ferries on that route have outside decks I believe. All I can suggest is a light breakfast, eat plenty of ginger, don’t look at the phone, eyes closed and meditate – at least that’s how I get through some of the ferry trips as I am the world’s worst sailor!!!

Hi Dave. Excellent site! I’ve read conflicting information about the availability of ferries in March. We will be in Greece next month and plan to go from Athens to Crete, Crete to Santorini and Santorini back to Athens. Will we be able to book a ferry in March? It looks like the various sites such as go-ferry.com allows us to book, but I want to make sure there will actually be a ferry to take. Any help would be appreciated!

Hi Troy, Glad you’ve found the site useful! Ferries from Crete to Santorini are questionable in March. Athens to Crete is no problem, but it might be easier to fly. In the summer, variations of the Athens – Santorini – Crete island hopping itinerary are possible, but before April it is much more difficult. You might find yourself flying Athens to Crete, flying back to Athens, then getting a ferry or flight to Santorini and then back again. Personally, I would only book a ferry when they appear on either Ferryhopper or Ferryscanner . The other sites are not as good or as reliable in my opinion.

Dear Dave, We are travelling from Rafina to Andros on 4th August. My main concern is sea sickness after a very bad experience on a smallish, enclosed, fast catamaran. The options for this journey are Golden Star Superferry, Fast Ferries Andros, Fast Ferries Theologos P or Seajets Tera Jet. I am thinking that the slowest – Fast Ferries Andros – is probably my best bet. What do you think?

Either that or the Golden Star would be my choice! Those smaller faster ferries are horrible in strong winds – and August can certainly have them! Recommend eating lots of dried ginger before you board!

Great guide thank you! My husband and I will be coming to Greece and plan to go to Santorini, then Syros, then Hydra. SeaJet, which operates Santorini-Syros and Syros-Piraeus looks like it gets a lot of complaints and is delayed often. A delay isn’t problematic when going from Santorini to Syros but for going Syros-Piraeus-Hydra, a delay from Syros-Piraeus would be problematic. There is a SeaJet that goes Syros-Piraeus from 3 pm to 5 pm but a Fast Ferries from Syros-Piraeus from 1:35 pm to 4:20 pm. (The SeaJet is not only quicker but actually 10 euros cheaper.) Our next ferry, from Piraeus to Hydra would be 6:30 pm-8:30 pm. I had thought 1.5 hours would be enough time for the connection in Piraeus and so would could take SeaJets (which is quicker and cheaper), but now I am worried about the delays with that line. Do you have insight/experience with SeaJets in terms of delays/cancellations, vs. Fast Ferries? Thank you!

Hi Stacey, I would say that most of the delays are to do with weather – which is really out of everyone’s hands! I think SeaJets seem to have more complaints mainly because it is visitors to Greece using them in the majority. Personally, I would say that leaving just 1.5 hours between ferries is a little tight. I would take the earlier ferry. Another note: It might be worth researching where your Hydra ferry leaves from. It may be in a different area in Piraeus port, and the port is a big place, so you might have additional transfer time between gates.

Hello Dave — This is so helpful. I have a very specific question. We will be traveling from Rafina to Paros in late June. Our choices are: Golden Star Ferry SuperExpress at 7:15am (4 hr ride), FastFerries Andros at 7:30am (6 hr 20 min ride), or Sea Jets Tera JetC at 2:50pm (4 hr ride). Our first choice would be the SuperExpress due to the timetable, but it looks like a fully enclosed and maybe kind of small boat? I’m worried about seasickness for my kids (but probably curable with some Dramamine) and comfort for my 70-something parents and aunt. Any advice on which boat will be most comfortable, and/or offer the ability to be outside on a deck? Thank you!!!

I’d personally go for the quickest and best timed ride just to get the ferry trip out of the way! These are all large boats and also carry vehicles, but not all of them you can go outside. I think only Fast Ferries Andros you can go outside on as it has a small outdoor area.

Thanks for this really informative article!

I’m travelling between Athens and Santorini in May this year. I’m debating whether to get the seajets ferry which is 4hr45 or the longer blue star one which is 8 hours? For such a long trip would you recommend blue star as it’ll be smoother? I’m a little worried about sea sickness – though at this time of year will the waters be rough? I’m also tempted by the fact that the longer ferry allows walking out on the deck which might be nicer than being cramped indoors for 5 hours. Any advice would be much appreciated!

With the Blue Star you can go out on to the deck. With the SeaJets I don’t think you can go out at all so perhaps something to keep in mind. There’s no predicating the wind, but generally, the Meltemi winds (very strong winds!) start July/August so you should be ok. If you only have limited time, and seasickness is an issue, it might be worth considering flying from Athens to Santorini – it would be a lot quicker!

Hi Dave. We are planning a trip in August. We are flying to Rhodes. From there I would like to go to Patmos. I would also like to go to Santorini after Patmos. What would be the best way to get there?

It’s an unfortunate combination of islands that looks like it’s not possible to do at this stage. There’s at least one ferry a day from Rhodes to Patmos – it takes about 5 hours. You can find the schedule and get tickets here: Ferryscanner Getting to Santorini from Patmos is more of a problem – there’s nothing scheduled and no easy way to do it. In fact, it looks like you’d have to go all the way back to Piraeus in Athens and then back out again to Santorini!

Hi Dave. My husband (also Dave 😉 and I are traveling to Greece in September 2023. I am looking at high speed ferry options from Piraeus to Naxos. A couple of questions: 1) Aside from a 30-min time difference, is there any advantage of one over the other with SeaJet WorldChampion versus Hellenic HighSpeed 4? 2) VIP seating on the HighSpeed 4 is about 30 Euro less per person…. Is there a reason? 3) When I go to book the HighSpeed 4, it says we may not be sitting together in the VIP area. Is this nothing to be concerned about? 4) I was looking at VIP assuming we would have more elbow room and a better view. Is that an accurate assumption? 5) If I needed to make a change, is it easier if I book direct through the Ferry line vice on FerryHopper? 6) Do both Seajet and Hellenic offer etickets now?

There’s not really much between them in terms of service, so it probably makes sense to go with the one who’s schedule is best for you. Personally I prefer the Hellenic Seaways 🙂 The VIP area may not have numbered seating, which is why they put that they can not guarantee you sitting together. The other seating is numbered though. VIP is definitely less crowded and more comfortable. The view is a ‘depends’ answer! Both offer e-tickets so when you book online you’ll be given a QR card which you can print off or keep on your phone as a pdf

Hi, thanks for the write-up. Very informative and very helpful. My only question comes as to booking for two people – could I book a ‘Cabin bed with window’ for myself and an economy seat ticket for the other person and then have them join me in the cabin the whole ride? Or… do both need the tix to explicitly say ‘Cabin with Window’ ticket?

Thanks in advance!

It’s unclear what might happen – if you book just the one bed, you might have the cabin to yourself. Or, you might end up sharing – I’m really not sure! If you did end up in the cabin by yourself, yes the other person can easily join you.

Traveling from Santorini to Paros why would I want to take the slower ferry vs one of the high speed I understand the slower ferry is larger and would be smoother ride aside from that are there reason to take the slower ferry

A smoother ride in rougher weather – also the slower ferries are normally cheaper as well. In this case, just checking a random date, 20 Euros a ticket cheaper. So if you are a family of 4 travelling, the saving could be worth it for just an hour difference in travel time.

Hi Dave, myself and my family (4 people) are travelling to Athens-Paros-Crete-Naxos on the 14th August. When I went to book ferries online via ferry scanner, for all 4 of us, they came up as 1200 euros all in – this seems very expensive. do you think it is better to book them in person when we get there?

Wow – That’s a lot! Were these all on high speed boats by SeaJets? If so it sounds likely. You would average as 100 Euro per person per ferry ride using SeaJets. However if you tried the route you just mentioned you are going back on yourself which might be bumping the cost up – the better route Athens-Paros-Naxos-Crete. It might reduce the cost a little. Try also Ferryhopper , but I think you’ll find the prices will be the same. Wherever possible, use Blue Star Ferries who tend to have the cheaper prices. As far as I am aware, there is no advantage in terms of cheaper tickets to buying in person. There’s only the risk you might find a boat is sold out. You could also try going to the SeaJets site directly to see if there are any discounts or reward cards that might compensate for some of the cost.

Great wrap-up, Dave. You don’t say anything here about reliability. I know it’s popular on the forums to recommend returning to the mainland a day before a flight. I’m planning on taking a conventional ferry. from Tinos to Rafina, first week of October, not for a flight, but to meet my friends who are arriving on a flight. I’m really torn between returning a day early for security, or enjoying another night on Tinos and hoping for the best. What are the odds of a conventional ferry not sailing in October, do you think? Thanks!

For the ferries from Tinos to Rafina to be cancelled it would have to be very strong winds. I would say ferries get cancelled due to strong winds like this a couple of times a year. Winds blow strongest in August. In general, if you monitor the weather a few days before you are due to sail, you’ll work out if it would be cancelled or not. I recommend https://www.meteo.gr/ for more localized weather forecasts.

Hi Jenny – I’d say booking in advance is best where possible for ferries to or from Santorini in July. It will save a lot of chaos at the port trying to buy a ticket. Looks at the moment that the last ferry each day is the Blue Star leaving at 15.30. You can pre-book tickets at: Ferryscanner

Hi! We would like to take a ferries from Italy to Greece, preferably Ancona to Patras, with our dog in the cabin. In your experience, what are the cabins like on the Minoan and Suerfast ferries? I have read some dreadful reviews saying people don’t get the cabin they booked, that the ferries are often extremely late arriving for boarding, cabins are dirty. I am now worried, because of our large hound!

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[2023] Hydrofoil Catamaran: The Ultimate Guide to Foiling on Water

Review Team

  • November 1, 2023
  • Hydrofoil Basics

Experience the thrill of flying above the water with a hydrofoil catamaran!

Are you ready to take your hydrofoil boarding to the next level? Look no further than the hydrofoil catamaran. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of hydrofoil catamarans, exploring their history, how they work, their benefits and drawbacks, and everything else you need to know to make an informed decision. So, buckle up and get ready to soar above the waves!

Table of Contents

Quick answer, quick tips and facts, how does a hydrofoil catamaran work, benefits of hydrofoil catamarans, drawbacks of hydrofoil catamarans, choosing the right hydrofoil catamaran, maintenance and care, recommended links, reference links.

A hydrofoil catamaran is a type of watercraft that combines the stability of a catamaran with the lift and speed of hydrofoils. It uses specially designed foils to lift the hulls out of the water, reducing drag and allowing for faster and smoother sailing. Hydrofoil catamarans are popular among sailors and water sports enthusiasts for their incredible speed, maneuverability, and thrilling foiling experience.

Shopping Links: Hydrofoil Catamarans on Amazon | Hydrofoil Catamarans on Walmart | Hydrofoil Catamarans on Etsy

  • Hydrofoil catamarans can reach speeds of up to 40 knots (46 mph) or more, depending on the design and conditions.
  • The foils on a hydrofoil catamaran can lift the hulls out of the water, reducing drag and allowing for a smoother and faster ride.
  • Hydrofoil catamarans are used for various purposes, including racing, recreational sailing, and even transportation.
  • Foiling on a hydrofoil catamaran requires some skill and practice, but it’s an exhilarating experience once you get the hang of it.
  • Hydrofoil catamarans come in different sizes and designs, catering to different skill levels and preferences.

Hydrofoil catamarans have a fascinating history that dates back to the early 20th century. The concept of using hydrofoils to lift boats out of the water and reduce drag was first explored by Italian engineer Enrico Forlanini in the late 1800s. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that hydrofoil technology started to gain traction in the boating world.

The first hydrofoil catamaran, known as the “Aquavion,” was developed by the French engineer René Guilbaud in the 1950s. This innovative design combined the stability of a catamaran with the lift of hydrofoils, revolutionizing the world of sailing. Since then, hydrofoil catamarans have evolved and become more advanced, offering incredible speed, maneuverability, and stability on the water.

A hydrofoil catamaran works by utilizing hydrofoils, which are wing-like structures mounted underneath the hulls of the boat. These foils generate lift as the boat gains speed, lifting the hulls out of the water and reducing drag. This lift allows the hydrofoil catamaran to achieve higher speeds and a smoother ride compared to traditional boats.

The hydrofoils on a catamaran are typically designed with a curved shape, similar to an airplane wing. This shape creates a pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the foil, generating lift. The foils are usually adjustable, allowing the sailor to fine-tune the performance of the catamaran based on the sailing conditions.

To control the hydrofoil catamaran, sailors use a combination of steering and sail trim. By adjusting the angle of the foils and the sails, they can optimize the lift and balance of the boat, ensuring a stable and efficient ride. It takes some practice to master the art of foiling on a hydrofoil catamaran, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

Hydrofoil catamarans offer a range of benefits that make them a popular choice among sailors and water sports enthusiasts. Here are some of the key advantages of hydrofoil catamarans:

Speed : Hydrofoil catamarans are known for their incredible speed. By lifting the hulls out of the water, hydrofoils reduce drag and allow the boat to glide smoothly above the waves. This enables hydrofoil catamarans to reach impressive speeds, making them a thrilling choice for racing and high-performance sailing.

Maneuverability : The lift generated by hydrofoils enhances the maneuverability of catamarans. With reduced drag, hydrofoil catamarans can make sharp turns and quick maneuvers with ease. This agility is particularly useful in racing scenarios, where every second counts.

Stability : The dual-hull design of catamarans provides inherent stability, even at high speeds. When combined with hydrofoils, the stability of hydrofoil catamarans is further enhanced. This stability makes them suitable for sailors of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced professionals.

Efficiency : Hydrofoil catamarans are more efficient than traditional boats. By reducing drag, hydrofoils allow the boat to sail faster while using less power. This increased efficiency translates to longer sailing distances and reduced fuel consumption, making hydrofoil catamarans an environmentally friendly choice.

Versatility : Hydrofoil catamarans are versatile watercraft that can be used for various purposes. Whether you’re looking for a high-performance racing catamaran or a recreational sailboat for family outings, there’s a hydrofoil catamaran to suit your needs. Some models even offer the option to switch between foiling and non-foiling modes, providing flexibility on the water.

While hydrofoil catamarans offer numerous benefits, it’s important to consider their drawbacks as well. Here are a few potential downsides to keep in mind:

Cost : Hydrofoil catamarans tend to be more expensive than traditional boats. The advanced technology and materials used in their construction contribute to the higher price tag. Additionally, maintenance and repairs can also be costly, especially if specialized parts or services are required.

Learning Curve : Foiling on a hydrofoil catamaran requires some skill and practice. It can take time to learn how to control the boat effectively and maintain stability while flying above the water. Beginners may find the learning curve steep, but with dedication and proper instruction, anyone can master the art of hydrofoil catamaran sailing.

Weather Conditions : Hydrofoil catamarans are sensitive to weather conditions. While they excel in flat water and moderate winds, rough seas and strong gusts can pose challenges. It’s important to be aware of the weather forecast and choose suitable sailing conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Transportation and Storage : Hydrofoil catamarans can be larger and bulkier than traditional boats, making transportation and storage more challenging. Specialized trailers or racks may be required to transport the catamaran, and adequate storage space is needed to protect it when not in use.

Despite these drawbacks, the thrill and excitement of foiling on a hydrofoil catamaran outweigh the challenges for many sailing enthusiasts.

When it comes to choosing the right hydrofoil catamaran, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Skill Level : Consider your skill level and experience as a sailor. Some hydrofoil catamarans are designed for advanced sailors, while others are more beginner-friendly. Choose a catamaran that matches your skill level to ensure a safe and enjoyable sailing experience.

Intended Use : Determine how you plan to use the hydrofoil catamaran. Are you looking for a racing catamaran, a recreational sailboat, or something in between? Different models offer varying features and performance characteristics, so it’s essential to choose a catamaran that aligns with your intended use.

Budget : Set a budget for your hydrofoil catamaran purchase. Prices can vary significantly depending on the brand, model, and features. Consider both the upfront cost and the long-term maintenance expenses when determining your budget.

Brand and Reputation : Research different brands and their reputation in the hydrofoil catamaran industry. Look for brands with a track record of producing high-quality, reliable catamarans. Reading customer reviews and seeking recommendations from experienced sailors can also provide valuable insights.

Demo and Test Sails : Whenever possible, try out different hydrofoil catamarans before making a final decision. Many manufacturers and dealers offer demo and test sails, allowing you to experience the performance and handling of the catamaran firsthand. This hands-on experience can help you make an informed choice.

Remember, choosing the right hydrofoil catamaran is a personal decision that depends on your individual preferences and needs. Take your time, do your research, and consult with experts to find the perfect catamaran for your hydrofoil adventures.

Proper maintenance and care are essential to keep your hydrofoil catamaran in top shape and ensure its longevity. Here are some maintenance tips to help you keep your catamaran performing at its best:

Rinse with Fresh Water : After each sailing session, rinse your hydrofoil catamaran with fresh water to remove salt and debris. Pay special attention to the foils, as saltwater can cause corrosion over time.

Inspect for Damage : Regularly inspect your catamaran for any signs of damage or wear. Check the foils, hulls, rigging, and sails for any cracks, dents, or loose fittings. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.

Store Properly : When not in use, store your hydrofoil catamaran in a dry and secure location. If possible, keep it covered to protect it from the elements. Consider using a boat cover or storing it in a boat shed or garage.

Follow Manufacturer’s Guidelines : Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and care. Each catamaran may have specific recommendations for cleaning, lubrication, and other maintenance tasks. Adhering to these guidelines will help prolong the life of your catamaran.

Seek Professional Assistance : If you’re unsure about any maintenance tasks or need assistance, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Local boatyards, sailing clubs, or authorized dealers can provide expert advice and services to keep your catamaran in optimal condition.

By following these maintenance tips and caring for your hydrofoil catamaran, you can enjoy many years of thrilling foiling adventures on the water.

Keppel Bay from Above

How fast is the hydrofoil catamaran?

Hydrofoil catamarans can reach impressive speeds, depending on various factors such as the design, wind conditions, and skill of the sailor. Some high-performance hydrofoil catamarans can exceed 40 knots (46 mph) or more. However, the exact speed will vary based on these factors.

How does a foil catamaran work?

A foil catamaran, also known as a hydrofoil catamaran, works by utilizing hydrofoils to lift the hulls out of the water. These foils generate lift as the boat gains speed, reducing drag and allowing for faster and smoother sailing. The lift created by the foils enables the catamaran to “fly” above the water, resulting in increased speed and improved performance.

What happened to hydrofoils?

Hydrofoils have a rich history and have been used in various applications, including passenger ferries, military vessels, and recreational boats. While hydrofoils experienced a surge in popularity in the mid-20th century, their use declined in some sectors due to factors such as high costs, maintenance challenges, and the development of alternative technologies. However, hydrofoils continue to be used in niche markets, including high-performance sailing and racing.

Read more about “… What is the World’s Largest Hydrofoil Boat?”

Are hydrofoil boats more efficient?

Yes, hydrofoil boats are generally more efficient than traditional boats. By lifting the hulls out of the water, hydrofoils reduce drag and allow the boat to sail faster while using less power. This increased efficiency translates to longer sailing distances and reduced fuel consumption. However, it’s important to note that the efficiency gains may vary depending on factors such as the design, sailing conditions, and skill of the sailor.

Hydrofoil catamarans offer an exhilarating and thrilling experience on the water. With their incredible speed, maneuverability, and stability, they have become a favorite among sailors and water sports enthusiasts. While they may come with a higher price tag and require some skill to master, the rewards of foiling on a hydrofoil catamaran are well worth it.

When choosing a hydrofoil catamaran, consider factors such as your skill level, intended use, budget, and the reputation of the brand. Take the time to research and test different models to find the perfect catamaran for your needs.

So, are you ready to take flight on a hydrofoil catamaran? Embrace the thrill, experience the freedom, and enjoy the incredible sensation of soaring above the water. Happy foiling!

  • Hydrofoil History
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Review Team

Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

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Bodrum Travel Guide Turkey

Tourist Information for the Independent Traveller

Bodrum Peninsula to Greek Islands: Ferry Companies

hydrofoil catamaran greece

Take a Ferry, Catamaran or Hydrofoil from the Bodrum Peninsula to a Greek Island

If you want to swap Turkish hospitality for Greek – there are numerous options to visit a Greek island during your stay on the Bodrum Peninsula.

Below is a grid for the different Greek island destinations from Bodrum and Turgutreis, with hyperlinks to the boat companies offering the service.

One of the closest, and easiest to reach is the island of Kos – which is close enough for a day trip, from either Bodrum and Turgutreis.  The ferry takes a couple of hours, but there’s also catamarans or hydrofoils which take about 20 minutes.

Ferry Reference Websites:

I found a couple of good Ferry reference sites:

ferries-turkey.com .  You can make on-line bookings via Aegean Tour’s Ferry Booking website.

Ferrybodrum.com .  has fully details of the bodrum>kos routes, availability and pricing..

Both of these sites have advertised the new 2011 catamaran route between Bodrum and Kos:    New in 2011, there is now a fast catamaran ferry service between Bodrum and Kos – just 20 minutes.

* Not a good website

** Also has a service to Datca, TR

Bodrum Peninsula Route Maps: (c) Aegeantourtravel.com

Visit my Bodrum Ferry, Hydrofoil & Catamaran Home Page

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8 thoughts on “ Bodrum Peninsula to Greek Islands: Ferry Companies ”

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Hi Jay, I enjoyed viewing your website. Thanks. I am thinking of trying the Zanadu Island hotel at the end of August, do you know anything about it? also what is the weather usually like at that time of the year? I would like to go sailing round the area for the day and go on a ferry to Kos, what do you think? Elle

Here’s my Ferry Index Page. The closest place for you would be to get a boat from Turgutreis to Kos. It takes less than 15 minutes to get to Kos:

https://www.bodrumpeninsulatravelguide.co.uk/ferry-boat-home-page/

Here’s my post about the average weather temperatures in the Bodrum area:

https://www.bodrumpeninsulatravelguide.co.uk/weather-averages-bodrum-beach/

Unfortunately I haven’t been to the Zanadu hotel – but you should check Trip Advisor for their reviews.

Good day We are group of 5 females from South Africa visiting Turkey in July 2015.

We would like to visit a Greek island for a day or 2 . From Bodrum would it be imperative Too get visa

Please give some advise

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Ferries, Hydrofoils, and Sea Sickness - Greece Forum

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' class=

I keep hearing all these nightmarish stories of people getting sea sick between islands.... just how rocky are these waters and how likely are we to get sea sick? I'm taking lots of dramamine no matter what! Thanks!

' class=

you should not have any problem unless the seas are really rough..the smaller inter-island hydrofoils will ride like a speed boat..bumpy..but quick and fun..when the seas are really rough they get canceled..If you are traveling in a very small craft..sit somewhere you can get fresh air..if its a large craft with outside deck space..get out into the air. One of my travel partners is prone to motion sickness..we were on a very small hydrofoil during rough seas and it was pretty "bouncy" but she got through it ok..she was well fortified with dramamine! The Greeks are excellent sailors, so relax and have a great time (and pray for calm weather!).

sorry, the dolphins are a form of hydrofoil..the ones that were bouncy were quite small..the Sea Jet which is much larger is pretty comfortable. hope this helps..maybe Nick Arch can shed some knowledge.

Thanks... the FDolphins were what we had scheduled to ride. Do you know where i can get a Sea Jet schedule?

hydrofoil catamaran greece

There are three types of vessels routing in Greek seas. a.Ferries, b.catamarans or sea jets ( big hydrofoils ) and c. flying dolphins ( small hydrofoils ). The first ones are slower but with a calmer ride. The flying dolphins are the quickest but noisier with a somewhat rougher ride, especially when winds are high. Catamarans are somewhere in the middle.

Sea sickness is a matter of personal sensitivity and bad weather both.

As for bad weather, most of the days are good. Worst areas are far from the Cycladic islands area many people travel to and are specifically: Middle East Aegean ( beetween Myconos and Samos ), Southwestern Aegean ( beetween Kithira and Crete ) and some Central Aegean areas ( beetween Evia and Skiros ).

But, unfortunately there are some rare bad summer days, especially in August when local winds are at their high. These days is prefferable to use a bigger and more stable ferrie than a cat or flying dolhpine except perhaps the case of Aegina , when a short rough but easy forgettable 30 min ride is prefferable than something else.

Generally if i cannot predict what the weather is going to be when i 'll be tavelling from Athens, my best choice is a big ferry ( Hellas Ferries or Blue Star Ferries ) and secondly a sea jet. When i am arranging my trip for the same week or the same day, so i am in knowledge of the weather i prefer the quicker sea jets.

As for personal sensitivity, i' d propose you some practical measures i usually take when travelling in a rough weather. Water and beverages or alcohol are a real no no. The best way of keeping you ok is having your stomach filled with something dry and a little salty. I usually find very useful the ham and cheese sandwiches they sell on the ferries, although i totally dislike their taste. They are perfect to keep your stomach stuffed. I also prefer to use a seat at the middle of the ship and somewhat at lower decks, where the bouncing is significantly reduced. As for dramamines, keep in mind that you should receive them at least 45 min before your trip, but taking many of them is not a good idea, since they will make you sleepy.

Sorry for the lengh of the post. I hope all these were not tiresome!

' class=

Meant to explicitly state that there are windows but they become a bit grimey from the sea water. Good for knowing where you are, but not ideal for picture taking. Either way, until you dock, the islands look distant and hazy. The ferry, although popular is not worth the time it takes. Your time is better spent on an island rather than floating on the sea!

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Flying Cat 3 Routes

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COMMENTS

  1. Greek Island Hopping by Hydrofoil

    Travel the Greek islands by hydrofoil, the fast flying dolphins zooming between the Greek islands and the mainland of Greece. ... and Raphia/Rafina, a short trip from Athens. Remember that hydrofoils and catamarans don't run in late fall or winter. Generally, the pace of life in Greece is languid, with few people, other than the occasional taxi ...

  2. Hellenic Seaways travel to Hydra Island Greece

    Hellenic Seaways (part of the Blue Ferries group) operate their hydrofoils (Flying Dolphins) and Catamarans (Cats - bigger than dolphins) out of Piraeus and have a regular timetable throughout the year. ... This is because the Greek Ministry of Transport has to approve the routes and timetables, but they always leave it until the last minute ...

  3. Corfu

    Kerkyra Lines is synonymous with fast, comfortable and safe maritime transportation across the Ionian Sea.With its latest high-speed vessel, Paxos Island, Kerkyra Lines provides travelers with a faster way of traveling between the Ionian Islands of Corfu and Paxi.. Learn all about traveling between Corfu and Paxi by hydrofoil on Ferryhopper, and book ferry tickets to the Ionian Sea online ...

  4. Hydrofoils or fast catamarans to the Greek Islands

    Hellenic Seaways: Hydrofoils or fast catamarans to the Greek Islands - See 1,046 traveler reviews, 494 candid photos, and great deals for Piraeus, Greece, at Tripadvisor. Skip to main content. ... After hearing a lot of bad reviews of all the Greek ferries we decided to go with Hellenic because it seemed to have the least bad reviews. All in ...

  5. Seajets

    Seajets operates the fastest ferries in Cyclades. Check the routes for your holidays and visit the best Greek islands with our fleet. ... Greece; Tel: +30 210 4121001, daily 09:00 - 17:00; Email: [email protected] Central Agency; 16, Akti Poseidonos str., 18531 Piraeus, Greece; Monday- Friday: 09:00 - 17:00, Saturday: 09:00 - 14:00 & Sunday ...

  6. HELLENIC SEAWAYS "Highspeed" Heraklion Crete, Santorini, Ios ...

    Hellenic Seaways Highspeed ferries departures from/to Heraklion Crete, Santorini Thira island, Ios, Paros, Mykonos. Flyingcat 4 departures from/to Heraklion Crete, Santorini Thira island, Ios, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos. Greek ferries sea travel to Greek islands. Travel to Greek islands with the Hellas Flying Dolphins, Hellas ferries, Saronikos Ferries, Sporades Ferries.

  7. Greece: Island Hopping 101

    Here's everything you need to know - including island hopping routes and itineraries, ticket info and some island inspiration. It's been a time-honoured travel tradition since the 1960s. But Greece has so many islands it can be overwhelming to plan and difficult to know where to start. Well - start right here.

  8. Charter a Catamaran in Greece

    Sailing on a catamaran in Greece will give you the opportunity to plan you island hopping to your liking while enjoying the ultimate comfort this vessel can offer. In fact, you will be able to taste a little bit of everything. Experience the cosmopolitan life of Mykonos or the deserted beaches of the Small Cyclades islands, all in the same week.

  9. New Highspeed Catamarans by Hellenic Seaways

    New Hellenic Seaways ferries: services, tickets and prices. In August 2022, Hellenic Seaways launched its 3 new-built Aero highspeed catamarans on the Saronic routes. The three new Aero vessels, Aero Highspeed 1, Aero Highspeed 2 and Aero Highspeed 3, can accommodate up to 150 passengers each. They connect the port of Piraeus with the islands ...

  10. Using Ferries and Hydrofoils in Greece

    Travel by ferry or hydrofoil in Greece can be a great way to trim your travel budget and make the most of a trip to the country. And, although in the past booking ferry and hydrofoil tickets ahead of time was difficult, fortunately, the Greek ferry industry has made travel safer, routes and schedules easier to find, and reservations faster to book.

  11. Hellenic Seaways

    By subscribing to the newsletter, Hellenic Seaways will use your email to send you its corporate news, information about the provided services and special offers. In addition, you will be informed about services and offers about itineraries that can be also operated by the cooperating companies of Attica Group, Blue Star Ferries, Superfast ...

  12. Ferries in Greece

    Within Greece, Minoan Lines travel to many of the Cyclades, and also Heraklion and Chania in Crete. They have three large, conventional ferries, and a faster catamaran. The bigger ferries are the most luxurious we have been on. There is plenty of space, and there are several cafes, restaurants and bars on board.

  13. Greece's Beloved Hydrofoil Fleet Set to Retire

    January 31, 2021. Credit: Aegean Flying Dolphins. Greece 's beloved hydrofoil vessels, better known in the country as "flying dolphins," will no longer be actively used by Hellenic Seaways. The news was recently made public by the Hellenic Seaways company, which operates sea routes between Athens and the islands of the Saronic Gulf.

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    Book Online your Ferry Tickets with Passenger Catamaran Flying Cat 4 - Hellenic Seaways-To Piraeus - Poros - Hydra - Hermioni - Spetses - Porto Heli Information for: Routes, Prices, Discounts, Offers. ... Car Rental in Greece; Ferry Affiliate Program; Get in touch. Paleologos S.A 5, 25th August Street, Heraklion-Crete, 71202, Greece +30 2810 ...

  15. Review: SeaJets Ferries Greece

    SeaJets Naxos Jet from Crete to Santorini. Our ferry from Heraklion, Crete, to Thira, Santorini, was operated by SeaJets' Naxos Jet. This is a ship that was built in 1991, that can accommodate 700 passengers and 75 vehicles, and that's 243 feet long. The ferry was supposed to depart at 8:00AM and arrive at 9:50AM.

  16. [2023] Hydrofoil Catamaran: The Ultimate Guide to Foiling on Water

    Hydrofoil catamarans can reach speeds of up to 40 knots (46 mph) or more, depending on the design and conditions. The foils on a hydrofoil catamaran can lift the hulls out of the water, reducing drag and allowing for a smoother and faster ride. Hydrofoil catamarans are used for various purposes, including racing, recreational sailing, and even ...

  17. Greece Islands

    Turkey reservation service for hydrofoils, fast catamarans and ferries from Marmaris, Turkey and Rhodes, Greece. Rhodes lines and from Bodrum (Turkey) and Kos (Greece) Kos lines online means that once you have booked and paid you will receive an immediate confirmation number via email with full details of your booking plus our customer support telephone number., learn prices ,schedules and ...

  18. Bodrum Peninsula to Greek Islands: Ferry Companies

    The ferry takes a couple of hours, but there's also catamarans or hydrofoils which take about 20 minutes. Ferry Reference Websites: I found a couple of good Ferry reference sites: ferries-turkey.com. You can make on-line bookings via Aegean Tour's Ferry Booking website. ferrybodrum.com. Has fully details of the Bodrum>Kos Routes ...

  19. Ferry, Catamaran, or Hydrofoil?

    I don't think any hydrofoils run to Paros. They're small craft, generally suited more to sheltered waters. There are fast car-carrying catamarans and slower car ferries. Fares are higher for the ...

  20. Ferries, Hydrofoils, and Sea Sickness

    Save. There are three types of vessels routing in Greek seas. a.Ferries, b.catamarans or sea jets ( big hydrofoils ) and c. flying dolphins ( small hydrofoils ). The first ones are slower but with a calmer ride. The flying dolphins are the quickest but noisier with a somewhat rougher ride, especially when winds are high.

  21. FoilCat: The Foiling Power Catamarans Elevating Center Console Boats

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  22. Ferries.gr

    Book Online your Ferry Tickets with Passenger Catamaran Flying Cat 3 - Hellenic Seaways-To Rafina - Tinos - Mykonos - Naxos Information for: Routes, Prices, Discounts, Offers ... Car Rental in Greece; Ferry Affiliate Program; Get in touch. Paleologos S.A 5, 25th August Street, Heraklion-Crete, 71202, Greece +30 2810 346185 ...

  23. The Flying Phantom: US$40k sailboat levitates two feet above the waves

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