If you’re planning a family adventure to the Greek islands, chances are you’ll find yourself boarding one of the many Greek ferries that connect the various islands across the Aegean Sea and Ionian islands. Once our time ended in Santorini, we decided to do some island hopping, which meant boarding our first ever Greek ferry. Trust me, ferry travel in Greece is more than just a way to get around. It’s a unique experience that we won’t soon forget, and I bet you won’t either!
But before you hop on board and sail into paradise, there are a few things you’ll want to know to make your ferry trip as smooth as possible, especially if you’re traveling with large families, kids, or even a rental car. If it’s your first time on a Greek ferry, here’s everything we think you’ll need to know!
Booking Your Greek Ferry Tickets
It’s best to book in advance so you don’t find yourself wandering around the ferry port trying to speak Greek. Keep these things in mind:
- Use online booking engines like Direct Ferries or Ferry Hopper to check real-time ferry schedules, routes, and latest offers.
- If you have time, look for online reservations early, especially during high season (June–August).
- Check the arrival port, some Greek islands have more than one!
- Most ferries have a ticket office at the ferry terminals in case you need to pick up printed tickets or ask for customer support.
- With a Eurail pass, some Greek ferry tickets may be discounted or even free, but be sure to check that in advance.
- Bringing a car rental? Not all ferry boats accommodate vehicles, so check first!
Book your ferry tickets here now.
Popular Ferry Companies to Look Out For
Here’s a quick cheat sheet of the ferry companies you’re most likely to book with:
- Blue Star Ferries: This is the one we took. It’s a favorite for families thanks to its size and comfort.
- Hellenic Seaways: Fast and reliable, great for shorter trips or day trips to the Saronic Gulf islands.
- Anek Lines / Superfast Ferries: Great for routes between the mainland and Crete or the Ionian islands.
- Minoan Lines: Also covers Italian ferries, if you’re mixing in some cruise ship vibes from Italy to Greece.
- Ventouris Ferries: A more budget-friendly option for certain routes.
Pro tip: Many of these operate under the Attica Group, which means you can book combined trips through one ferry company website.
What to Expect Onboard
Most Greek ferries feel a lot like mini cruise ships. Getting onto the ferry was very chaotic, and getting off was just as crazy. Everyone was pushing their way through for boarding, probably to make sure they got the seats they wanted. Disembarking was just as rushed. Once we found our seats, the trip was nice! Here are some things you can expect:
- Snack bars and cafes (some have mini restaurants!)
- Comfortable economy-class tickets
- Charging stations and kid-friendly areas
- Spacious lounges and secure areas
- Bathrooms
- Indoor and outdoor seating: Most ferries have an outdoor area, but it’s honestly so windy, we were happy to get a seat inside.
Popular Routes
Looking for the best way to experience the Greek island ferries? We left from Santorini and took the ferry to Naxos. Here are some other popular destinations worth considering:
- Port of Piraeus (Athens) to Santorini, Mykonos, or Paros: A classic starting point.
- Rafina or Lavrio to the Cyclades: A good idea for avoiding the chaos of Piraeus.
- Piraeus to Aegina, Poros, or Hydra: Perfect day trips to Saronic islands.
- Mainland Greece to Corfu or Zakynthos: For stunning views in the Ionian islands.
- Heraklion to Rhodes or other Dodecanese islands: Less crowded, more history.
Book your ferry tickets here now.
How Reliable are Greek Ferries?
Greek ferries are usually very reliable. The ferry system in Greece is really extensive and well-developed, with companies like Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, Anek Lines, and Superfast Ferries running on a daily basis, particularly during high season. Like any type of transportation you choose to use, sometimes things happen, but in general, you can rely on Greek Ferries consistently.
Do Greek Ferries Run Year Round?
Greek ferries do run year round, but the volume of their rides available will vary with the season. Always check real-time ferry schedules before heading out! Here’s what you can expect:
High Season (May–September)
This is when the ferry system is in full swing. You’ll find:
- Multiple daily departures to most popular destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Crete, and more.
- A wide choice of ferry companies: Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, Superfast Ferries, Anek Lines, Ventouris Ferries, and more.
- Lots of high-speed ferries and conventional ferries running between the Greek islands.
It’s a great time to go island hopping, and booking early is smart to secure the best prices.
Low Season (October–April)
This is where things slow way down. Ferries still operate, but:
- Routes are limited, especially to smaller or less touristy islands.
- There may be just a few sailings per week instead of daily.
- Highspeed ferries usually stop running altogether, conventional ferries take over.
- Weather-related cancellations are more likely due to strong winds and bad weather conditions.
That said, if you’re traveling to bigger islands like Crete, Rhodes, or the Saronic Islands (like Hydra and Aegina), you’ll still have decent options even in winter.
Book your ferry tickets here now.
Is it Better to Fly or Take the Ferry to the Greek Islands?
Taking one of the many Greek island ferries is hands-down the best way to soak in the views of the Aegean Sea and make the journey part of the adventure. If you’re traveling with large families, you’ll appreciate the flexibility of walking around the ferry, grabbing snacks, and letting the kids stretch their legs in the outdoor areas.
Other ferry perks:
- You can bring your car rental aboard a lot of the conventional ferries.
- No luggage weight limits (Well, sort of. Definitely less strict than airlines!).
- It’s a unique experience that costs less than flying, especially when you book economy tickets early.
That said, ferry travel can take anywhere from 2 to 10+ hours, depending on the ferry routes, the weather, and the island’s location. If you’re hopping to a windy island, bad weather can delay your plans or make for a bumpy ride. Not ideal if you’re tight on time or sensitive to motion sickness. Flying is usually faster, especially for long journeys to faraway islands like Rhodes, Crete, or Corfu. If you’re visiting just one or two islands and want to maximize beach time, flying might be the better call.
The only problem with flying is that flights to the islands are usually limited, book up fast during high season, and don’t always offer the best prices. Plus, island airports are small and can be chaotic during the summer months.
Book your ferry tickets here now.
Our Take on Flying Vs Greek Ferries
If you’re island hopping, go with Greek ferries. It’s more flexible, scenic, and fun for everyone. If you’re on a tight schedule, or you’re just heading to one island and back, a quick flight may be a good idea, especially if you’re coming straight from Athens International Airport.
Final Tips for a Smooth Greek Ferry Experience
With all of our traveling over the years, I know that being prepared can only get you so far, and sometimes things happen that are out of your control. Hopefully, all of these tips and simple steps will help you know what to expect. Make sure you:
- Arrive early: Some ports can be chaotic, especially during high season.
- Expect delays: Especially on windy days or in bad weather conditions. It’s all part of the ferry system.
- Pack light but smart: Bring snacks, water, and maybe a tablet with cartoons for the kids.
- If you’re prone to motion sickness, go with a conventional ferry and sit near the center.
- Check for useful information about your ferry on the operator’s website before heading out.
Book your ferry tickets here now.
