Summary
Tips for Traveling Around Greece by Ferry
Traveling by ferry or hydrofoil in Greece can be a fantastic way to save on travel expenses and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Thankfully, the Greek ferry industry has streamlined processes, making travel safer and more convenient, with routes and schedules readily accessible.
Greek Ferry Basics
While the Greek ferry industry has made considerable improvements, it’s important to keep a few essential tips in mind. First and foremost, arriving at the port early is crucial, as ferries can leave ahead of schedule. Furthermore, there is always a risk of cancellations, especially for the last ferry of the day, particularly with hydrofoils.
Getting prepared will enhance your travel experience, so purchasing your ticket in advance is advisable. Generally, tickets must be acquired before boarding, and the ticket office may not be located in close proximity to the boat. On board, food options tend to be the basics, so bringing a snack is wise. Larger hydrofoils offer better amenities compared to their smaller counterparts, which often have limited facilities.
Ferry companies usually operate within specific island groups and may not provide direct routes between neighboring islands, which can lead to complicated travel itineraries.
Usability Hints for Booking Ferries
When searching for ferry schedules, be aware that some websites have strict criteria regarding spelling and Greek grammar. For instance, searching for ferries from Heraklion may yield no results, while entering “Crete” returns correct schedules from Heraklio (an alternative spelling). Additionally, the city’s port may appear under different names like Iraklio or Iraklion. Using the island name rather than a specific town often improves search success. Take care to note that “Chora” refers to main towns across various islands—ensure you select the correct island for your journey. If you’re still having difficulty, don’t hesitate to try alternate spellings.
Finding the Right Ferry Company for You
Even the most comprehensive websites may only feature a limited number of Greek ferry lines. If your initial search yields no results, consider using a different site.
- GTP is a premier resource for discovering ferry routes within Greece.
- Greek Ferries tends to focus on routes to and from Greece, rather than inter-island services.
- Paleologus Shipping provides online booking, but be mindful that you might need time for ticket delivery. They also assist in finding spots on tramp steamers for the more daring traveler.
- Ferries in Greece has a solid range of options and features extensive customer reviews. Additionally, they send out alerts via text for ferry delays.
Dear Guide,
My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Greece at the start of September. As it is our first visit, we are working with a travel agent. Our itinerary includes flying from Athens to Crete, then back to Athens to proceed to Santorini.
Could we possibly take a ferry from Crete late in the day or at night directly to Santorini instead of flying back to Athens first?
If a ferry is an option, could you recommend a website for checking departure times and prices?
We aim to minimize extra costs like airfare while maximizing our limited time in Greece, as our trip is only ten days long.
Thanks,
N.S.C.
Dear N.S.C.,
Thank you for your inquiry.
With just ten days in Greece, many travelers prefer not to extend their time on ferries over flying, but in your case, a ferry may indeed save both time and money. I conducted a search for ferry schedules for a random day in September using the Greek Ferries website and found a Minoan ferry departing from Heraklion around 5 PM, arriving in Santorini by 9 PM.
This option exemplifies a hassle-free and economical alternative to navigating the airport. Traveling by ferry may be quicker than the combined time needed to fly back to Athens and then to Santorini.
Note: Reader letter has been edited for length and clarity.
