By on 25-11-2023
Want to know all the pro tips for traveling by ferry from Athens to Santorini? Then, you’re reading the right text!
Traveling to Santorini is a dream coming true for many. But, it can also become complicated, if you don’t know all the tips that will make your trip smooth.
Well, we’re here to offer our help!
Stay with us and we’ll make you the master of traveling by ferry from Athens to Santorini.
The best part?
Traveling by ferry from Athens to Santorini will be a piece of cake for you, after reading this!
Why Santorini?
Well, this might be a rhetorical question. This is because there are a bunch of reasons why Santorini is on the bucket list of many people!
Its volcanic landscape, its romantic sunsets, and its breathtaking views are just some of them. Not to mention the amphitheatrically built villages of Oia and Fira. Pure perfection!
You might actually need to pinch yourself to know that you are not dreaming!
One of the best things in Santorini is its houses! They are small and white, built according to Cycladic architecture, making a contrast with the blue surrounding.
Tip: The best way to enjoy the breathtaking view of Santorini is to have a coffee or a drink at one of the many balconies around the island.
On a ferry from Athens to Santorini
Wondering if getting from Athens to Santorini is easy?
Of course, it is!
There are more than 6 ferry crossings daily, during summer from Athens to Santorini. Well, this is not a surprise, as Santorini is such a popular destination.
As for the price, a ferry from Athens to Santorini costs around 50€ to 164 €. What’s more, it will take you to Santorini in 4 to 10 hours, depending on its type (regular or high speed).
Ferries to Santorini depart both from the ports of Piraeus and Rafina, in Athens. You can choose which one serves you better, depending on ferry routes from every port.
As for the ferry companies traveling to Santorini, Sea Jets, Golden Star Ferries, and Minoan Lines are the main ones.
But let’s see the itineraries they serve in detail!
Blue Star Ferries
Blue Star Ferries is one of the leading ferry companies in Greece. It serves itineraries from Athens to the Cyclades islands and the Dodecanese islands.
Blue Star ferries have a morning route to Santorini all year round. This may be a lifesaver for you if you’re planning to travel to Santorini off-season!
The ferry departs from Piraeus Port at 7.25 and arrives at Santorini, 7 hours and 245 minutes later, at 14.50. It may also make stops to Paros, Naxos, and Ios, before reaching Santorini.
Blue Star Ferries are conventional vessels with huge indoor and outdoor spaces, restaurants, cafes, and shops. Due to their size, they do not get affected by strong winds and offer a long but pleasant trip.
Note, that traveling with Blue Star Ferries is the cheapest option and tickets begin from 58€
SeaJets
Every morning, at 7.00 and 9:00, two SeaJets high-speed vessels depart from Piraeus port and reach Santorini port, within less than 5 hours, at 11.45 and 14.15. Note, that they are both Catamaran with limited facilities onboard but with a shorter trip length. Due to their size and speed, strong winds might affect them. Ferry delays and seasickness to passengers might occur.
Ticket prices begin from 89.70€.
Golden Star Ferries
Are you planning to travel to Santorini from Rafina port in Athens?
Then, Golden Star Ferries company is the ideal option for you!
Golden Star Ferries has a daily ferry to Santorini, departing every morning at 7.15 and arriving at Santorini at 12.40. This ferry company has high-speed, passengers-only vessels.
The ticket cost begins from 79€.
Other ferries
Fast Ferries, Minoan Lines, Zante Ferries and Aegeon Pelagos Ferries also serve itineraries to Santorini from Piraeus port. Not daily, though.
How to book your ferry tickets from Athens to Santorini
Santorini is the most popular island in Greece during the summer months and especially in July and August, ferries get overbooked. If you are travelling during that period, it is strongly recommended to pre-book your ferry tickets online 2 -3 months in advance.
After booking your ferry tickets online, you will receive an e-ticket (if you are traveling with SeaJets, Blue Star, Minoan Lines, Fast Ferries or Golden Star Ferries) or a voucher (if you are traveling with Zante ferries or Aegeon Pelagos) The voucher will be indicating the specific ticket pick-up point which is in Piraeus Port, at each company’s kiosk which is right in front of the vessel.
Easy, isn’t it?
An alternative is to buy your ferry tickets at a travel agency. You can simply walk into a travel agency during your stay in Athens, ask for information about the routes and select the one that serves you. Unfortunately, if you are travelling high-season it is very likely that vessels will be overbooked and no available tickets left.
Arriving at Santorini Port
Traveling by ferry to Santorini means you’ll arrive at Athinios, the new port of Santorini in Thira. Buses from the port will take you to Fira and all the villages of Santorini. Bus schedules are set depending on the arriving times and departing times of the ferries.
An alternative to getting to your hotel in Santorini is by taxi. There are many taxis in Santorini and at the port but it is recommended that you book in advance as in high season you may not find availability.. Taxi rates are set every year, depending on the destination and the touristic season.
Tip: The best option to get to your hotel fast, in the most convenient way possible, is to book your transfer. This way, you won’t have to worry about finding a taxi!
So, it all adds up to this: Getting a ferry to the magical Santorini island is just the beginning of the adventure!
With all the info you have in hand now, it should be one of the easiest trips of your life.
So, book your ferry tickets to Santorini and prepare to live your best holidays ever!
Read next: How to get from Mykonos to Santorini
