The Ultimate Guide for Getting Around Greece by Ferry

Waiting at the ferry terminal in the early morning, munching on a cheese pie, carrying way too much luggage on board, sipping a coffee-on-the-go… it's all part of the experience! For travelers looking to explore the Greek islands, here's a comprehensive guide with essential tips to help you have an enjoyable, easy, and smooth ferry trip across the magnificent Aegean and Ionian seas.

Ferry travel tips to get around the Greek islands

Not sure how to get ready for your ferry trip in Greece? Let's walk through all the steps to plan your journey, from searching for ferry schedules and securing the best ferry prices to ensuring you have a smooth crossing across the beautiful blue waters connecting the Greek archipelago.
 

Preparing for your trip to the Greek islands by ferry

Getting around the Greek islands by ferry starts with proper preparation. By following some simple travel recommendations and expert ferry travel tips, you can optimize your vacation experience in the Greek islands.

Here's how to get ready:

• Bring all necessary documents (passport, ferry tickets, identification) to board your ferry and check your departure gate when travelling from a large port, such as Piraeus in Athens.
• Having up-to-date health insurance can be really helpful if you're travelling to Greece from outside the European Union. Residents of the EU can make use of their European Health Insurance Card.
• Don't forget to pack a jacket! Yes, it's Greece, we know it's hot in the summer, but outdoor and indoor ferry spaces get quite chilly even when the temperature reaches 40°C during the day.
• If you're traveling with a vehicle, it's recommended to arrive at the port around 1.5 hours in advance to allow time for loading.
• For passengers without vehicles, arriving about 30 minutes before departure is usually sufficient for boarding, though this may vary depending on the port size.

Booking your tickets

Travelling to the Greek islands by boat is one of the most popular ways of getting around in summer. It helps to check ferry schedules for Greece and book your tickets early on to find the best ferry ticket prices, as well as pick the best itinerary and ferry accommodation.

Here are some useful tips for booking your ferry tickets to the Greek islands:

• Consider booking a private cabin, particularly for longer ferry routes in Greece, such as from Piraeus to Crete. You can share a cabin with your fellow travellers to have a comfortable crossing, especially for overnight journeys.
• Check the announced Greek ferry schedules. The ferry timetable for Greek islands is normally finalized before the summer season, so you can choose the ferry route that suits you.
• Find out whether you can bring a car or motorcycle on board. Larger ferries have car decks, but some smaller vessels and certain high-speed boats cannot accommodate vehicles.
• Most ferries don't sell out, but for popular routes and travel during peak season (June to September), it's advisable to book tickets 2 to 3 months in advance for peace of mind.
• The best way to book your ferry tickets is on a real-time fare search engine like FerryHopper. You can find the latest schedules and ferry prices for the Greek islands online, access a useful map of ferry routes, and easily book ferry tickets to the Greek islands.
   

On board the ferry

Once you're on board, there are several ways to make your journey as pleasant as possible:

• You can spend most of your time on the outdoor ferry deck if the weather's good. The open-air space offers amazing views, and you'll be able to enjoy island-spotting as you sail the Greek seas.
• If you get seasick while travelling by ferry, you can ask the staff for an aspirin or pack your own anti-nausea pills. Larger vessels are better for passengers who tend to get seasick.
• Consider preparing your own homemade snacks for the crossing. Make something that is easily stored in your bag or suitcase and won't spill or stain other items. Also, carrying cold water is always a good idea.
• Ferry trips can be long, so bring playing cards, table games, and books. It's also advisable to download movies or series on your tablet or laptop in advance, as Wi-Fi may be limited or unavailable during the crossing.
• Remember to bring a power bank, as there might not be enough power sockets available when you need them.
• According to ferry company policies, passengers are entitled to carry hand luggage up to 50kg or 1 cubic meter free of charge.

Most popular ferry routes 

With such an extensive network of ferry routes to Greek islands, it couldn't be easier to get planning and start your holiday. From Athens, the islands of the Saronic Gulf, Cyclades, Dodecanese, North Aegean, and Crete become yours with regular connections from Piraeus port (and seasonal itineraries from the ports of Rafina and Lavrio). And there are routes from Thessaloniki and other mainland ports, such as Volos. To reach Ionian Island gems like Corfu, Kefalonia, and Ithaca, you head to the ports of Igoumenitsa or Kyllini on the west coast of Greece. And if you're planning an island-hopping holiday, it couldn't be easier.

Athens ports 

Piraeus: Mykonos, Santorini, Tinos, Milos, Naxos, Syros, Paros, Rhodes, Kos, Patmos, Crete (all ports: Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Sitia), Gavdos (Crete), Karpathos, Astypalea, Kalymnos, Koufonisia, Ios, Folegandros, Serifos, Sifnos, Amorgos, Lemnos, Lesvos (Mytilini), Ikaria, Fourni (Ikaria), Samos, Chios, Nysiros, Anafi, Spetses, Aegina, Angistri, Hydra, Poros, Schinoussa, Donoussa, Iraklia, and many more

Rafina: Heraklion, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Syros, Andros, Tinos and more. Rafina is particularly convenient for travelers headed to the northern Cyclades islands.

Lavrio: Ios, Kea/Tzia, Kavala, Kimolos, Kythnos, Lemnos, Milos, Naxos, Paros, Sikinos, Syros, Folegandros, Chios and others.

Island-to-Island Connections

The Greek ferry system also offers extensive connections between islands, allowing for flexible island-hopping itineraries without returning to the mainland:

Crete

Connections from Heraklion to several Cycladic islands including Santorini and Mykonos

Cyclades 

Numerous inter-island connections: 
Milos:  Kimolos, Kythnos, Santorini, Serifos, Sifnos, Folegandros
Mykonos: Naxos, Paros, Santorini
Santorini: Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros
Paros: Ios, Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Tinos
Tinos: Andros, Kea, Kythnos, Mykonos, Paros, Syros
Naxos: Amorgos, Astypalea, Donoussa, Heraklion, Koufonisia, Paros, Syros 

Dodecanese 

Routes connecting Rhodes with smaller islands such as Kos, Patmos, and others
Rhodes: Astypalea, Kastellorizo, Kos, Patmos

Ionian Islands 

Routes connecting Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, and other Ionian gems:
Corfu: Igoumenitsa, Paxoi, Kefalonia, Zakynthos
Zakynthos: Kefalonia, Kyllini
Kefalonia: Corfu, Ithaca
Lefkada: Kefalonia, Ithaca

Ferry Travel: Final Tips

• Ferries from major ports like Piraeus typically depart on time in the morning but may run progressively later throughout the day at subsequent ports of call.
• Some ferry companies offer online check-in up to 48 hours before departure, allowing you to download your boarding pass to your phone for a smoother boarding experience.
• During peak season, especially July and August, ports can become very crowded and chaotic. Allow extra time to navigate larger ports like Piraeus.
• Be aware that the Greek ferry system is affected by seasonal changes, with far fewer routes operating in the winter months. Always check current schedules when planning off-season travel.
• Most ferry tickets are electronic, but if your ticket doesn't have a barcode, you may need to pick up a physical ticket at the port 30-45 minutes before departure.
• You can track your ferry in real-time using apps like Ferryhopper or MarineTraffic to avoid unnecessary waiting time at the port.

By following these tips and guidelines, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy the quintessential Greek island-hopping experience. From the moment you step on board until you reach your destination, ferry travel offers a unique opportunity to soak in the beautiful seascapes and experience the authentic charm of Greek maritime culture.