Travelling by ferry is one of the most practical ways to explore Greece, especially if your trip includes the islands. The ferries in Greece connect the mainland with hundreds of island destinations and also provide important connections between many islands themselves.
For first-time visitors, however, the ferry system can look more complicated than it actually is. Different ports, ferry companies, vessel types and seasonal schedules mean that a little planning before your trip can save both time and stress.
Here are the main things worth knowing before you travel.
Where Do Ferries in Greece Depart From?
Athens is the main starting point for many island routes, but there isn’t just one ferry port.
Piraeus is the largest and best-known port, with connections to destinations across the Aegean. Rafina, on the eastern side of Attica, is convenient for several Cycladic islands, while Lavrio also serves selected island routes.
Elsewhere in Greece, important ferry connections operate from ports including Thessaloniki, Volos, Igoumenitsa, Patras, Kavala and several smaller coastal towns.
The best departure port therefore depends entirely on your destination. Before booking accommodation or flights, it is worth checking which port actually serves the island you want to visit.
Conventional Ferries vs High-Speed Ferries
Not all Greek ferries offer the same experience.
Large conventional ferries are generally slower but often provide more outdoor space, lounges and facilities. They can also carry cars and motorcycles on many routes.
High-speed vessels can significantly reduce journey times, particularly between popular islands, but tickets can cost more and the experience can be different in rough weather.
The fastest option isn’t automatically the best one. Your choice may depend on price, departure time, whether you are travelling with a vehicle and how long the journey takes.
Should You Book Greek Ferry Tickets in Advance?
During quieter periods, booking shortly before departure may be possible on many routes. Summer is different.
July and August are extremely busy, particularly around weekends, major holidays and popular destinations. Vehicle spaces can be especially limited.
If your itinerary depends on travelling on a particular day — or you are taking a car or motorcycle — booking ahead is the safer option.
Outside peak season, schedules can also be less frequent, so check your connections carefully rather than assuming the same timetable operates throughout the year.
Taking a Car on Ferries in Greece
Bringing a car can make exploring larger islands much easier, but you need to include the vehicle when booking your ferry ticket.
Arrive at the port with enough time to find the correct boarding area and follow the crew’s instructions when entering the vehicle deck. Ports can become extremely busy shortly before departure during summer.
You normally leave the vehicle deck after parking and return shortly before arrival, so take anything you may need during the journey with you.
If you’re planning a larger Greek road trip, our guide to Driving in Greece can help with the road-travel side of your journey.
What Happens if the Weather Is Bad?
Strong winds are a reality of travelling through the Aegean, particularly during certain periods of summer.
Ferry schedules can occasionally be delayed, changed or cancelled because of weather conditions. High-speed vessels can sometimes be more affected than larger conventional ferries.
Passengers can also check the official information on ship passenger rights provided by the Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy.
For that reason, avoid building an extremely tight itinerary around a ferry connection when you have an important international flight immediately afterwards.
A little flexibility can make island travel considerably less stressful.
Arriving at the Port
Greek ports vary enormously.
Piraeus is huge and has multiple departure gates, while a small island port may consist of little more than a quay and a waiting area.
Always check your departure information and give yourself enough time to reach the correct location. If you are travelling from Athens to Piraeus, Rafina or Lavrio, remember to include the journey to the port in your planning.
During peak summer periods, arriving early is particularly sensible if you are travelling with a vehicle.
Ferry Travel Is Part of the Greek Experience
A ferry journey in Greece isn’t simply transportation between two points.
Leaving the mainland behind, watching islands appear on the horizon and arriving directly into a Greek island port can be one of the memorable parts of the trip itself.
The ferries in Greece make it possible to combine destinations that would otherwise require flights or complicated connections, and they open up far more possibilities than simply staying on one island.
The key is not to over-plan. Check schedules, allow some flexibility and treat the journey as part of the experience rather than time lost between destinations.
