The ferries in Greece are some of the most efficient and busiest in the world. During summer there are hundreds of them connecting between the Greek Islands and mainland ports at any given time. The boats are well maintained and have an excellent safety record.
People Also Ask
I have travelled by ferry many times in Greece and delays of an hour or two are commonplace. Only once have I experienced a cancellation and that was due to rough seas.
Ferries aren't cancelled with regular frequency, i.e. one a day, every day, but there may be a lot of cancellations once or twice or three times during the summer months when it's extremely windy, and not at all during the rest of the season.
Not all Greek ferries sell out fast but if you're planning to take your vehicle aboard, book a cabin or get an early booking offer, it's better to book your ferry tickets in advance. Also, you should note that some Greek island ferries are seasonal with limited onboard seating.
That said, some ferries sell out, or require you to reserve a spot in advance (especially if you bring a vehicle). Tickets are often more expensive when purchased at the last minute, so by planning ahead and buying your tickets online you can likely save some money.
There is 14,5% tax levied on each ticket and then 13% VAT. One of the ferries' major cost is fuel. and its price doubled since last year. There are 74 long distance ferries in Greece, 53 “conventional” and 21 “fast” (ie catamarans) ferries.
You can book your ferry in Greece online (through a website or a mobile app) or buy them from a ticket office at the port. However, it's better to book your ferry tickets online as you avoid the long queues while also getting the best ferry price.
Most ferries don't sell out, but if you're trying to plan, you can go ahead and book 2 to 3 months in advance. Keep in mind that some ferries are seasonal and don't run all year long.
Most ferries don't sell out, but if you're trying to plan, you can go ahead and book 2 to 3 months in advance. Keep in mind that some ferries are seasonal and don't run all year long. For those who are island hopping, Eurail offers a ferry pass for the Greek Islands.
Chances are high of getting seasick; come preparedPeople who don't typically suffer from motion sickness often get seasick on ferries. The water gets seriously choppy and very uncomfortable at times. You have nothing to lose! Come prepared; take Dramamine at least 30 minutes before your trip.
Most ferry companies issue their schedules for the summer season in March of that year. Seajets issue their schedule towards the end of the year prior to the summer season.
If you have not been notified about the cancellation prior to your departure, then the ferry company usually provides an alternative trip to the same destination at no extra cost.
Getting Around the Greek IslandsKeep in mind that sailings can be cancelled because of bad weather (more likely off-season). To save time, consider flying. Compared with boats, flights are less likely to be delayed or cancelled, tend to offer more frequent connections, and are much faster — but often more expensive.
If you book your return trip at the same time as your outbound trip you are entitled to a discount (usually between 20%-30%) on the return trip tickets (not the entire reservation). If you book your outbound tickets and return later to book your return separately, you are not entitled to the return trip discount.
How much should I budget for a trip to the Greek Islands? You can plan a week-long trip around the Greek Islands for between $1,000 to $1,500. This is why the Greek Islands offer some of the best low-budget destinations in Europe.