Greek ferries to Santorini guide

General Information about Santorini

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The island of Santorini, also known as Thera, is one of the most popular Greek destinations. It is the southernmost member of the Cyclades group of islands, 130 nautical miles South East from the main port of Athens, Piraeus. It’s area is approximately 73 km² (28 mi²). It’s population in 2001 was 13,670.

The Capital of Santorini is Fira. Other major settlements include Oia, Emporio, Kamari, Imerovigli, Pyrgos, and Therasia. A major archaeological site with ruins from the Minoan era is Akrotiri.

Interesting information about Santorini you can find through the Greek Travel Pages (GTP) and Wikipedia.

Santorini Map

The Port of Santorini

The port of Santorini is called Athinios. It’s coordinates are: 36°23'09.11" N - 25°25'45.75” E.

It is only a few kilometers away from the Capital Fira. There are taxi’s and buses connecting the Port to the Capital. Near the main square of Fira is the Bus Depot from where one can take a bus to most settlements. The main taxi stand is also by the main Fira square.

Travel times

A. Ferry from Piraeus to Santorini

• Catamarans & Hydrofoils: Approx 4-5 hours
• Conventional ferries: Minimum 5½ hours – max 15 hours depending on the vessel and the route.

B. Transportation between the Port of Santorini & main Settlements

Note: By bus the travel times are longer. Also the road to/from the port is narrow, which means that when ferries arrive, there is traffic to/from the port.

Useful info: Santorini Port authority tel. (+30) 22860 22239, Greek Tourist police

Santorini ferries schedule announcement

There are four, so called, "ferry schedule seasons":

• Winter ferry season 1st of November until 31 st of March.
• Spring ferry season 1st April – beginning of June.
• Summer ferry season beginning of June – mid September.
• Autumn ferry season rest of September – 31st of October.

Ferry connections and schedules for domestic routes, like Santorini, are usually announced by most shipping companies, a couple of weeks before the beginning of each season. There are some exceptions though, like Blue Star ferries, which announces schedules in the beginning of the year.

Athens to Santorini ferry schedule frequency during summer

• Morning: Daily 1 conventional ferry and at least 2 Hydrofoils.
• Afternoon: 3 times a week a conventional ferry.
• Night: Some days of the week

Ferry types operating routes to Santorini

Conventional car ferries

These vessels can be divided into two categories: the old ones and the modern ones.

The main differences between them are

• their cruising speed
• the quality of accommodation and services provided and
• the prices

They are usually very big vessels, which also carry vehicles. Their advantages compared to the High Speed vessels, like the catamarans, are that they are more seaworthy, offer more "relaxed" accommodation and cabins and the passengers have the possibility to sit outside and enjoy their cruise around the Greek islands.

Catamarans & Hydrofoils

These vessels are smaller and much faster than conventional ones. Only a few of them can carry vehicles. Their main advantage is that they go twice as fast.
Passengers are usually not allowed to sit outside even though there is some space on some of them. The accommodation inside is a little like a very wide airplane. The better the class, the wider the seat. There are no cabins.
Smoking is not allowed in any inside area of any ship.

Ferry connections to & from Santorini

• Piraeus (Athens main port) - click here for port information
• Lavrio (Athens secondary port - East Attica coast) - click here for port information
• Cyclades Islands: Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios, Amorgos, Anafi, Folegandros, Kea (Tzia), Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Syros (capital of the Cyclades), Tinos, Therasia
• Dodekanissos Islands: Chalki, Karpathos, Kassos, Kos, Rhodes (Rodos)
• Northern Sporades: Alonissos, Skiathos, Skopelos
• Crete: Heraklio, Lasithi
• Thessaloniki: Thessaloniki port

Note: Not all above connections operate throughout the year.

Ferry to Santorini prices

Prices quoted below concern 2008, for the most popular routes, in economy class and are indicative. Same prices apply v.v. These prices are subject to change without prior notice.

*Note: Hydrofoils/Catamarans usually operate between May and October.