There are both ship (ferry) and plane connections between many of the Greek islands. Depending on the islands you want to visit, one option may be more convenient than the other. Here’s a breakdown of how to travel between the Greek islands by both ferries and flights.
1. Ferries Between Greek Islands
Ferries are the most common and traditional way to travel between Greek islands, offering frequent connections, especially in popular island groups like the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Ionian, and Saronic islands.
Ferry Routes Between Islands
- Cyclades Islands: This is one of the best-connected island groups. Ferries run frequently between islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, and Syros. Ferries also connect to Athens (Piraeus or Rafina port).
- Dodecanese Islands: Ferries connect islands like Rhodes, Kos, Patmos, and Symi. Many ferries also connect the Dodecanese islands with islands in the Cyclades and Crete.
- Saronic Islands: Islands close to Athens, like Hydra, Aegina, Poros, and Spetses, are well connected by regular ferries.
- Ionian Islands: Islands like Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and Lefkada have ferry connections with each other and with the mainland.
- Crete: While Crete is farther south, ferries connect it with the Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, etc.), Dodecanese (Rhodes), and Athens.
Types of Ferries:
- High-Speed Ferries: These are fast and convenient, significantly cutting down travel time between islands. However, they are often more expensive than conventional ferries and may offer limited outdoor space.
- Conventional Ferries: These are slower but offer a more relaxed experience, often with larger outdoor decks. They are ideal if you prefer a scenic journey and want to save on costs.
Popular Ferry Companies:
- Blue Star Ferries
- SeaJets
- Hellenic Seaways
- Anek Lines
- Minoan Lines
Ferry Booking Tips:
- You can easily book ferry tickets online through platforms like Ferryhopper or Direct Ferries, or buy tickets at the ports.
- During the high season (July-August), it’s advisable to book ferries in advance due to high demand.
- Ferry schedules can be affected by weather, especially in the windy Meltemi season in the Aegean, so always check schedules beforehand.
2. Flights Between Greek Islands
While ferries are the most common way to travel between the islands, there are also direct flights between certain islands. Flying can save time if you’re traveling long distances, such as between Crete and Santorini, or Rhodes and Mykonos.
Airlines Operating Flights Between Islands:
- Aegean Airlines and its subsidiary Olympic Air are the primary carriers offering domestic flights between islands.
- Sky Express is another airline that connects several Greek islands.
Popular Flight Routes Between Islands:
- Santorini – Mykonos
- Santorini – Crete (Heraklion)
- Rhodes – Crete (Heraklion)
- Rhodes – Santorini
- Kos – Rhodes
- Corfu – Zakynthos
- Rhodes – Karpathos
These flights are generally short, often less than an hour, making them a fast way to cover larger distances between islands.
Booking Flights:
- It’s recommended to book flights in advance, especially in the summer season, as seats can fill up quickly.
- Use airline websites or travel platforms like Skyscanner or Expedia to compare prices and schedules.
3. Combination of Ferries and Flights
For some itineraries, you might find it most efficient to combine ferries and flights. For example:
- Fly to a major island like Santorini or Rhodes and then use ferries to hop between nearby islands.
- For longer routes, such as between Crete and Corfu, flying is often the best option, while for shorter routes, ferries provide more flexibility and scenic value.
4. Tips for Island Hopping
- Plan your route: Some islands are better connected by ferry than others, so research the ferry and flight connections between the specific islands you want to visit. Cyclades and Dodecanese islands are generally well-connected.
- Book ahead: Especially during the high season, ferries and flights can fill up quickly. Booking early is recommended.
- Allow for flexibility: Greek ferries can sometimes be delayed due to weather conditions, so leave some flexibility in your schedule, especially if you have tight connections or flights.
- Check for seasonal schedules: Ferry and flight schedules can change based on the season, with more frequent connections during the summer months (May to September).
Conclusion
- Ferries are the most common and flexible way to travel between the Greek islands, especially in the Cyclades and Dodecanese.
- Flights are faster and are available for some major island connections, ideal for covering longer distances.
- For a well-rounded experience, you can combine ferries for shorter trips and flights for longer distances between islands.
Depending on your itinerary and preferences, either method or a combination of both can make for a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the Greek islands!
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