Getting Around
Ferries in Greece
Ferries are the backbone of Greek island travel. Understand the system before you book — and never treat a schedule as a permanent fact.
The system, in brief
Greece has one of the largest ferry networks in the world, running from Piraeus (Athens) and Rafina to dozens of islands across the Aegean, and from Igoumenitsa and Patras to the Ionian islands and Italy. The Cyclades, Dodecanese, Sporades and North Aegean are all served by multiple operators. Routes, frequencies and operators change by season — summer has far more sailings than winter.
Never trust a fixed schedule
Ferry schedules change frequently. New timetables often appear only weeks before a season starts, sailings are cancelled for weather (especially the meltemi wind in July and August), and routes are sometimes dropped entirely. Treat any specific departure time as something to confirm close to your travel date, not as a permanent fact. Use the operators and aggregator sites for current schedules, and always leave slack in island-hopping itineraries.
How to book
Book the long, popular routes (Piraeus to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Crete, Rhodes) ahead in peak season — they sell out. Short inter-island hops can often be bought a day or two before. High-speed ferries cut travel time but cost more and are cancelled more often in wind. Conventional ferries are slower, cheaper and more weather-reliable. If you are island-hopping, build in a buffer day before any flight home.
Booking links
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