What is the best way to travel within the Greek islands?
The best method of Greek island hopping is by ferry. The travel time between them ranges from 45 minutes – 2 hours. Ferry tickets need to be bought in advance, at least 24 hours before departure.
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Getting Around the Greek IslandsTraveling by ferry makes island hopping simple, especially if you're staying within one archipelago. In the Cyclades Islands, Seajets is the high-speed ferry, though travelers can find all options (including less expensive ferries) via Greek Ferries.
Ferries are the classic way to traverse Greece's 227 islands, with myriad connections linking islands and the mainland during the summer months. The Greek ferry network is comprehensive, so it's easy to island-hop almost at will.
Getting around the Greek IslandsThe easiest – and cheapest – way to get around the Greek Islands is by taking the Greek ferries, which can cost as little as 7 Euros. What is this? There are multiple ferry companies offering passenger services around the Greek Islands.
Ferry Rides:If you plan to travel between islands in Greece, ferries are a popular and affordable option. Here are some average costs for ferry rides: Short ferry ride (1-2 hours): 5-20 euros per person. Longer ferry ride (3-5 hours): 15-40 euros per person.
How much are ferries in Greece? The ferry ticket price for the Greek islands can range from €10 to €150 for a single ticket depending on the season, type of vessel and distance. For example, a ferry ticket to Mykonos from Athens for a foot passenger costs between €38 and €85 during the high season.
Are the Greek ferries expensive? Greek ferry tickets are more on the steep side. A return ticket to the Cyclades won't cost less than 80 euros; sometimes, it exceeds the 100 euros margin. Therefore, it's definitely a cost to consider before visiting a Greek island or embarking on an island-hopping vacation.
Expectedly, in Greek cities, public transport is more frequent, with many more stops and a much further reach. Across cities, the buses provide a more efficient way to travel around the city while the railway network follows, as does the Athens Metro system, which is exclusive to the Greek capital.
Gavdos. Gavdos is the ideal destination for freedom and relaxation. You can explore the island by bike or on foot. Trails connect beaches and settlements, while in Tripiti, the southernmost tip of Europe with the famous chair, you can reach by hiking for about an hour or by boat.
The port of Piraeus serves ferry connections between Athens and the islands of the group, such as Donousa or Koufonisia. The most popular islands of the Cyclades, such as Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, and Milos are connected with the ports of Athens with multiple crossings per day during the summer season.
Hydra. Hydra is a popular destination for island day trips from Athens. Access to the island is easy with daily ferry routes from the port of Piraeus and regular routes from the ports of eastern Peloponnese. Hydra is a vehicle-free island, so there are no roads, no cars and no motorbikes!
Fast Ferries sails from the port of Rafina on the Greek mainland to the Cyclades, calling at Andros, Tinos, Mykonos and Naxos daily during high season.
The port of Piraeus serves ferry connections between Athens and the islands of the group, such as Donousa or Koufonisia. The most popular islands of the Cyclades, such as Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, and Milos are connected with the ports of Athens with multiple crossings per day during the summer season.
Take your pick of Greek island jewelsMost first-timers choose the Cyclades, homing in on Santorini for its cliffs dripping with whitewashed cubic buildings, and Mykonos for its charismatic appeal. Once you've had your fill of Mykonos, take the ferry to nearby Tinos.
Mykonos and Santorini may be the obvious stars of the show, but the scattered isles of Greece play host to plenty of other headline acts. From the Cyclades to the Dodecanese and across to the Ionian, each and every island group has standout attractions to put it on any must-visit list.
Getting Around the Greek IslandsMany passenger boats crisscross the Aegean Sea, making it quick and fairly easy to reach your island getaway. Be warned, however, that gathering ferry information takes some work, as routes can be covered by multiple companies and schedules change often.
Travel Using Urban Travel OptionsTaxis remain the most accessible option for traveling around cities and islands. Buses can also be alternatives to a private driver when visiting larger islands like Crete on Athens, Santorini, and Crete Itineraries.
The ideal number of days to spend in Greece depends on your travel preferences, interests, and the specific destinations you wish to visit. To explore multiple regions and get a taste of different aspects of Greece, a recommended duration would be around 7 to 10 days.
It really isn't standard to tip your cab driver in Greece unless you have had exceptional service. Typically, you can just round up the amount or give the driver an extra euro or two if you really want to. Sometimes this can be nice as a number of BEAT drivers really do go above and beyond.
The most affordable Greek Islands to visit include Crete, Andros, Tinos, Corfu and Naxos. These cheap Greek Islands don't get nearly as many visitors as others, making everything from transportation to food and accommodations more affordable. And often, they're not even very far from the more popular islands.
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.