How much are greek ferries around islands?

nellocono

Hi guys, I need some help from anyone who has travelled around the greek islands (Paros, Mykonos, Ios, Santorini).I am planning a trip with my girlfriend and would like to do a round trip around the islands. On the greek ferries website I tried booking a multi trip ticket round the 4 islands but it wont work as it says each leg of the trip has to be with the same ferry company.Anyway, does anyone have some suggestions on the best way to book the ferries and what the cost is of each?Also, I am planning to go in early September, is this a good time?Thanks

kingofburt

There is really no need to book ferries in advance if you are only a foot passenger, especially if travelling in Sept. We did a bit of island hopping at that time of year and had no probs getting standard foot passenger tickets and in some cases the local ticket office will give you current offers, I got a car and two passenger ticket which included a free berth for less than two foot passnegers on one ferry. Generally a single fare between islands will be between €10 and €20, you can be as well getting overnight ferries to make better use of time on the islands.

September is a good time to go, the weather is still very nice but it may be a bit quiet on the smaller islands, I'd imagine that Santorini will be in starting to close for the season but Mykonos and Ios should be lively.

shelly2

Hi there,

I went island hopping with a few friends back in 2007.
We did Naxos, Paros, Anti Paros, Mykonos, Ios and Santarini. All of which I would recommend except Naxos.

We flew to athens and got a bus to the ferry port.. I think it was the 95X or something like that but just ask someone in the airport.

We hadnt really decided which island we wanted to do first as we werent sure of availability on the night of arrival.

There are ticket booths just at the port, we found out which was the earliest cheapest island to go to and started with Naxos.. from there we went to paros and followed the chain really..

Each of the islands have ticket stores so you don't have to book online and can take it as it comes. If you dont like an island you can leave the next day or stay on the ones you like a bit longer. The tickets do sell out though so I would recommend booking a day or two in advance when you are on the island.

Not sure what you are doing for accomodation, but when you come off the ferrys there are loads of people scouting for business, and you can bargain with them. We got some lovely places for very cheap.

Most of the islands are quite small, you can drive around them in two or three hours. My ratings on the islands.

Naxos: pretty but boring.. mostly older people and locals
Paros: Great - nice island, really friendly people
anti-paros - nothing major on this really a few nice restaurants and scuba diving courses. Its a small ferry ride from paros (10 mins).
Mykonos: Island of the rich, famous - good nightlife but very expensive in the bars.. bottles of corona €9 when i was there. Although food and accomodation are fine. There are beaches here called Paradise Beach and Super Paradise where there is parties all day on these seculded beaches.
Santarini: Good nightlife and less expenses than Mykonos. Great beaches with black sand and red sand which is cool to see.
Ios: this is the "party" island where most of the younger crowd go.. again good fun and great if watersports are you thing..

Could go on forever - loved it. Enjoy

ubheire

I also think you would be better off holding off buying your ferry tickets until you are there. To put your mind at ease you could book your initial outgoing ticket from Pireaus. I think it may give you more freedom if you really like somewhere you could stay longer and if not leave quicker. I also agree with the above post about accomodation, have your research done for each island and maybe book a couple of days in advance or when there esp for that time of year. If i remember correctly a ferry ticket was about 30 Euro, not sure can you get multitrip tickets for hopping. Its so beautiful there, the food is great and affordable (a souvlaki from a street venor after few drinks is savage!)
I've been to Ios peak season and it was completely deranged, lots of irish and irish bars. Had a wild time, if thats what you fancy. Went to Naxos (Agia Anna) then last year and yes its quiet, but beautiful, if you fancy a few days of completely getting away from it all this is it. We stayed in the Castello Studios right on the beach, divine.
Just one little thing i do want to say but not to put you off. When we landed back to Pireaus off the Ferry we got on the tube(its not policed) and got robbed! I saw a guy eying us up before gettin on but never thought much of it as i'm quite aware but the feckers (five) managed to seperate us and get my wallet very slickly. These guys are expert. Anyway totally rambling here. Just check out the trip advisor forum on it for more info.
Totally don't let that put you off one bit though, felt very safe everywhere we went and i can't exaggerate that enough. We cruised around Athens (Great) for three days before heading off to the islands. Cannot wait to go back again! Have a great time!

starfish12

i was there for 5 weeks and ended in mid sept...id get to ios at the start of your trip tbh i was there until sept 14th and the vast majority of the nightclubs were closing that weekend

RubyK

The Blue Star ferry that operates around the cyclade islands, costs approx €15 each way. High-speed catamarans are more expensive, but not worth it, as you will be stuck inside. It's lovely to sit outside, enjoying the warm breeze.

Unshelved

It depends on the time of year that you're travelling. If it's June or September then you can pretty much buy your ticket as you go. If you're travelling in July or especially August then you must buy your ticket in advance. Ferries are cheaper than catamarans (you can go on deck in the bigger catamarans btw) and you can upgrade your ferry ticket for a more comfortable seat, or to the first class lounge if you want.

You'll find ferry offices all over the place in Athens and in every town that you go to on the islands. It's best to book a day or two in advance - even in low season - you'll get an idea of the prices at www.greekferries.gr .

Just to reiterate, BEWARE of pickpockets on the tube line between Piraeus and Athens - saw them in action last year and they are slick. They look just like tourists and blend right in - they seem to pounce getting on or off the metro at Piraeus, brush right against you and hey presto! your wallet is gone. Keep your wits about you.

Would recommend any of the islands mentioned already. Crete is also fantastic, especially the less touristy, south-western side of the island. Do the Samaria Gorge, try Loutro or Paleochora. If you're on Santorini, Kamari or Perissa are cheaper alternatives to the more expensive towns of Fira or Oia (don't miss the sunset in Oia though). Naoussa in Paros is a great spot. Ios is strictly for the under 30's! Don't rule out spending a couple of days in Athens - the Plaka area is great and the archaeological sites are spectacular.

Keep an eye on the news for strikes this Summer - you could end up stranded on an island and missing your flight home if there is a ferry strike. Allow yourself plenty of time to get back to Athens or wherever you're flying home from.