Posted by All ports, connections, prices & tips 2026 ⚓
Santorini is one of the most famous and frequently visited Greek islands – and a dream destination for many travelers. Its white houses, blue domes, spectacular volcanic landscapes, and legendary sunsets attract millions of visitors every year.
Most vacationers reach Santorini by ferry – because that way, the vacation begins the moment you arrive: You watch the islands drift by, feel the Aegean breeze, and enjoy a relaxing journey. Plus, ferries are often cheaper than flights and allow you to bring more luggage or go island hopping. 🚢
Here you’ll find all the important information about ferries to Santorini – from ports and schedules to prices, tips, and the best routes for 2025.
➔ For booking ferries within Greece, we recommend the reputable website Ferryscanner.com
⚓ 1. Why take the ferry to Santorini?
The ferry trip to Santorini isn’t just a convenient way to get there, it’s a truly memorable experience. Unlike flying, you’re flexible, can go island hopping, or even take your car.
⚓ ✅ Advantages of a ferry trip:
🌊 Flexibility: Multiple daily departures from Athens and other islands
🚗 Car & motorcycle allowed: Perfect if you want to explore Santorini independently
🏝️ Island hopping: Combine Santorini with Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, or Crete
🧳 More luggage: No strict restrictions like on airplanes
🛥️ Holiday feeling: Even the crossing is a highlight [wp-osm id=24]
⚓ 2. The port of Santorini: Athinios
All ferries to Santorini dock at the main port of Athinios. The port is located on the west coast of the island, about 8 km from the capital, Fira. Taxis, shuttle buses, and car rental agencies are available directly at the port.
💡 Tip: The port is very busy, especially during peak season – arrive at least 45 minutes before departure and allow extra time for onward transportation upon arrival.
Buses from Santorini run from the port to the capital, Thira, where you can transfer to buses to all other destinations.
All about marine life around Santorini: dolphins, fish, sharks, etc.
🛳️ 3. Ferries from Athens (Piraeus & Rafina) to Santorini
Most travelers begin their ferry trip to Santorini in Athens. Departures are from two ports:
Piraeus (main and largest port)
-
Rafina (smaller, often shorter journey from the airport)
| Shipping company | Harbor | Travel time | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Star Ferries | Piraeus | 7 – 8 hours | 40 – 60 € | large, comfortable ferries with vehicle transport |
| Seajets | Piraeus | 4,5 – 5 hours | 70 – 110 € | Fast ferries, significantly more expensive |
| Golden Star Ferries | Rafina | 5 – 7 hours | 45 – 65 € | classic ferries with stopovers |
📆 Timetables:
April – October: 2–4 sailings daily
November – March: 3–5 sailings per week
💡 Tip: For a comfortable and affordable option, choose Blue Star Ferries. Seajets fast ferries are ideal for those looking to save time.
🚢 4. Ferries from other Cyclades islands to Santorini
Santorini is a central hub in the Cyclades ferry network and therefore excellently connected to other islands. Ferries depart most frequently from:
🏝️ Paros → Santorini
⏱️ Travel time: 2.5 – 4 hours
💶 Price: from €35
🚢 1–2 sailings daily (April – October)
🏝️ Naxos → Santorini
⏱️ Travel time: 1.5 – 3 hours
💶 Price: from €30
🚢 2–3 sailings daily in summer
💡 Tip: Naxos–Santorini is one of the most popular routes for island hopping. The journey is short and inexpensive.
🏝️ Mykonos → Santorini
⏱️ Travel time: 2–3 hours
💶 Price: from €40
🚢 Several times daily in summer
💡 Tip: Book early – this route is very popular during peak season.
🏝️ Milos → Santorini
⏱️ Travel time: 2.5–5 hours
💶 Price: from €40
🏝️ Ios → Santorini
⏱️ Travel time: 45–75 minutes
💶 Price: from €20
💡 Tip: Perfect for a day trip – many travelers combine Ios and Santorini.
⛴️ 5. Ferries from Crete to Santorini
Many vacationers combine a trip to Santorini with a stay in Crete. Several fast ferries operate daily between Heraklion and Santorini during the summer.
⏱️ Travel time: 2–2.5 hours
💶 Price: €50–80
💡 Tip: This route is ideal for island hopping between the Cyclades and Crete—especially if you arrive in Crete by plane.
🗺️ 6. Island Hopping with Santorini – Popular Route Suggestions
Santorini can be perfectly combined with other Cycladic islands. Here are some classic routes:
✈️ Athens → Paros → Naxos → Santorini
🏝️ Mykonos → Ios → Santorini → Crete
🌊 Milos → Folegandros → Santorini → Amorgos
💡 Tip: Plan at least 3–4 days for each island to allow enough time for exploration.
📆 Season & Timetables 2025
The number of ferry connections varies depending on the season:
| season | Connections | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Apr – May) | 2–4 per day | Pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun – Sep) | bis zu 15 per day | Best selection & flexibility |
| 🍂 Autumn (Oct – Nov) | 1–3 per day | Quieter, still a good selection |
| ❄️ Winter (Dec – Mar) | 2–3 per week | Fewer tourists, weather dependent |
💡 Tip: Book early in the summer – especially fast ferries are often sold out weeks in advance.
➔ For booking ferries within Greece, we recommend the reputable website Ferryscanner.com
💶 8. Prices & Booking – What you need to know
| route | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Athens – Santorini | 4,5 – 8 hours | 40 – 110 € |
| Naxos – Santorini | 1,5 – 3 hours | 30 – 60 € |
| Mykonos – Santorini | 2 – 3 hours | 40 – 70 € |
| Paros – Santorini | 2,5 – 4 hours | 35 – 60 € |
| Crete – Santorini | 2 – 2,5 hours | 50 – 80 € |
💡 Booking Tips:
📱 Compare online: Platforms like Ferryhopper, DirectFerries, or Let’s Ferry clearly display all connections.
🪑 Book early: Especially important in July and August.
🚗 Take your car: Spaces for vehicles are limited – reserve in advance.
🧳 Luggage: Usually free up to 20 kg.
🚗 9. Ferry with Car or Motorcycle
If you want to explore Santorini independently, taking a vehicle is worthwhile. This gives you flexibility and allows you to visit secluded beaches or viewpoints.
🚘 Car: €80–120
🏍️ Motorcycle: €35–50
📄 Vehicle registration required
🕐 Boarding: At least 45–60 minutes before departure
💡 Tip: Alternatively, you can easily rent a vehicle at the port or in Fira.
🧭 10 Tips for a Relaxing Ferry Trip to Santorini
🕐 Arrive early: At least 45 minutes before departure at the port.
☀️ Sun protection: It’s often very sunny on the outer deck.
🍉 Snacks & water: Available on board, but cheaper if you bring your own.
🪑 Seats: Choose outside seats with a view or air-conditioned interior seats.
📦 Backpack instead of suitcase: More practical upon arrival.
🏁 Conclusion: Ferries to Santorini – The most beautiful way to island paradise 🌊
A trip to Santorini is an experience in itself. Whether you’re coming from Athens or island hopping, the ferry offers a unique perspective of the Aegean Sea.
Sights on Santorini Santorini Beaches
The excellent connections, numerous routes, and flexible schedules make it easy to reach the island by ship. And as soon as you arrive at the port of Athinios and see the dramatic cliffs of Santorini rising before you, you’ll know: Your dream vacation has begun.
Ferries in Greece
| Ferries in Greece | Island hopping Greece |
| Ferries Crete | Ferries Santorini |
| Ferries Corfu | Ferries Sifnos |
| Ferries Karpathos | Port Piraeus |
| Transportb´Greek islands | Buses Greece |
Santorini – all articles
| Santorini overview | Thira |
| Oia | Perissa |
| Kamari | Akrotiri |
| Beaches Santorini | Sights Santorini |
| Marine life Santorini | Ferries Santorini |