Greece is a true paradise for those who love to travel by sea. With more than 200 inhabited islands, ferry travel is often the only way to explore its wonders. But where to start from? What are the main ports? In this article we guide you through the archipelagos of Greece to help you find your way around and choose the most convenient and attractive ferries to reach all the islands.
Cyclades islands the most touristy archipelago in Greece
Main port: Piraeus (Athens)
Piraeus is the largest and busiest port in Greece. From here dozens of ferries depart daily for the islands of the Cyclades, such as Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos, Paros, and Ios. Connections are frequent, with both cheap (traditional ferries) and fast (high-speed hydrofoils) options.
Alternative ports: Rafina e Lavrio
Smaller and closer to Athens airport, Rafina and Lavrio offer less crowded routes to islands such as Andros, Tinos, Kea, and Kythnos.
Dodecanese: ferries to the eastern Greek archipelago.
Main port: Rhodes
The beautiful island of Rhodes is the nerve center for exploring the Dodecanese. Ferries leave from here for Patmos, Leros, Kalymnos, Kos, and even Kastellorizo, the easternmost island of Greece, very close to the Turkish coast.
Secondary port: Kos
Kos is a strategic hub for domestic routes and for those who want to combine travel with excursions to Turkey.
Ionian Islands ferries to western green Greece
Main port: Igoumenitsa
Located on the Greek west coast, Igoumenitsa is the gateway to the Ionian Islands. From here ferries depart for Corfu, Paxos and Lefkada. It is also an important port of call for Italian travelers arriving by ship from Ancona, Bari or Brindisi.
Secondary port: Patras
Further south than Igoumenitsa, Patras also offers connections to Italy and is useful for reaching Kefalonia e Zakynthos.
Sporades, ferries to islands in Greece’s crystal clear sea
Main port: Volos
Ferries leave from the port of Volos in Thessaly for Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos. These islands, famous for their fine sandy beaches and turquoise waters, are a favorite among Greek tourists.
Other departure ports: Agios Konstantinos and Mantoudi (Euboea), excellent alternatives for those traveling by car from mainland Greece.
Northeast Aegean: the islands of Greek myth.
Main port: Mytilene (Lesvos)
Mytilene is the hub of connections in the Northeast Aegean. Ferries from here reach Chios, Samos, Ikaria, Limnos, and even Thessaloniki. It is a less touristy but fascinating area, rich in tradition and authenticity.
Links with Kavala and Thessaloniki
For those arriving from Greek Macedonia, the ports of Kavala and Thessaloniki are ideal for sailing to the northernmost islands.
Towards Crete: the largest island in Greece
Main ports: Heraklion e Chania
Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, has two main ports. Heraklion and Chania are connected daily with Piraeus, including by overnight ferries. In summer, there are also direct routes with the Cyclades.
Secondary port: Sitia
On the east coast, Sitia is a lesser-known but useful option for reaching Karpathos, Kassos , and Rhodes.
Getting to the Saronic Islands from Athens Piraeus
Main Port: Athens Piraeus
Ferries also depart from Piraeus for the Saronic Gulf islands of Aegina, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses. The routes are short and frequent, ideal for a day trip or a romantic weekend away from Athens.
Practical tips for traveling by ferry between the islands of Greece
- Online booking: in high season and on weekends, ferries fill up fast. Booking in advance on Ferryfinder guarantees you the place and the best price.
- Ferries or hydrofoils?Traditional ferries are cheaper, but slower. Hydrofoils are perfect for those with limited time, but beware: in rough seas, they may be more prone to cancellations.
- Overnight ferries: a great solution for long routes (such as Athens-Crete), saving a night in a hotel and waking up already on the island.
Choose the most beautiful islands in Greece and book ferries
Sailing among the Greek islands is a unique experience. Choosing the right departure port can make all the difference between a stressful trip and a memorable one. Whether you want to explore the beaches of the Cyclades, discover the monasteries of Patmos, or relax in Corfu, Ferryfinder is your ideal ally for easy and secure booking.
Traveling by Camper? Also read our article on Camping on Board On ferries to Greece!
