By on 04-02-2016
We frequently get emails asking whether it is preferable to travel by ferry to the Greek islands instead of taking the plane. Obviously our preference is to travel by ferry… always by ferry! Here are our reasons why.
# Ferry goes to all the islands
The most convenient thing about the Greek ferries is that they go to all the Greek islands. In particular, there are many islands which do not have an airport or whose airport works few times per week. But ferries give a convenient alternative to go there. In fact, they give the only alternative! Most ferries to Aegean islands depart from the ports of Athens (Piraeus, Rafina or Lavrion), while ferries to Ionian islands depart from a mainland port in Western Greece, usually Killini or Igoumenitsa.
# Ferry ticket cheaper than plane
In many cases, it is cheaper to travel by ferry to the Greek islands than by plane. For example, an economy ferry ticket from Athens to Crete (port Chania or Heraklion) is about 35 euros per person, which is much cheaper than the normal ticket rate.
# More space
Isn’t it more convenient to sit at the large living room of the ferry or stay at the privacy of your cabin than traveling in the narrow air seats? On the ferry you can do everything: walk at the deck, enjoy your meal or coffee, read your book with the open sea around you, use your laptop or tablet. If you have booked a cabin, you can even sleep or take a shower.
# More inter island connections
If you want to hop from one Greek island to another, then you will find that the ferry is the most convenient way to travel. In fact, there are not many inter island air connections in Greece, so the ferry seems to be the first (and most times the only) option to travel from one island to the other.
# Live the experience
Here in Greece we find it strange when we receive messages from people who have never traveled by ferry before! It seems so usual for us with all these islands and the vast sea around us… but obviously this is not the case for tourists from other countries. So take our advice: if you have not traveled by ferry before, just do it! This is a must thing to do in Greece. Feel the fresh air against your face, see the large sea around you, read your book on the deck, feel the warm sun rays… It will be one of the strongest experiences of your Greek holidays! Visitors can feel free to check all available ferry routes and book online online!
