Complete Guide to Greek Island Ferries 2026
Quick Facts: Crete Ferry Travel
Athens Ferry Ports: Piraeus, Rafina & Lavrio
Athens has three ferry ports serving Crete. Piraeus is the main port located 15km from Athens center, offering the most connections to all Crete including Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros. Rafina is 30 minutes from Athens Airport and serves Andros, Tinos, and Mykonos with faster connections. Lavrio serves Kea and Kythnos, ideal for quick weekend escapes. For route-by-route schedules, pricing bands and booking windows, read our complete Crete ferry guide.
Getting to Piraeus from Athens Airport:
- X96 Express Bus: €6, runs 24/7, takes 60-90 minutes
- Metro: €10, change at Monastiraki, takes 60 minutes
- Taxi: €50-70, takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic
Ferry Prices to Crete 2026
Greek ferry prices vary by route, operator, and season. Here are current ticket prices from Athens (Piraeus) to popular Crete:
| Route | Economy From | High-Speed From | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens → Santorini | €46.50 | €89 | 4h 50m - 8h |
| Athens → Mykonos | €37 | €65 | 2h 30m - 5h |
| Athens → Naxos | €35 | €60 | 3h 45m - 6h |
| Athens → Paros | €35 | €58 | 3h - 4h 30m |
| Athens → Milos | €42 | €75 | 4h - 7h |
| Athens → Ios | €40 | €70 | 4h - 7h |
| Mykonos → Santorini | €74 | €89 | 1h 55m - 3h |
| Ios → Santorini | €6.50 | €15 | 20m - 55m |
Greek Ferry Companies Comparison
Eight major ferry companies operate routes to Crete. Each has different strengths:
Blue Star Ferries (Conventional)
Greece's largest ferry company. Modern vessels with cabins, restaurants, open decks. Best for overnight trips and vehicle transport. Piraeus to Santorini from €46.50.
SeaJets (High-Speed)
Fastest ferries in Greece with catamarans reaching 35+ knots. Athens to Santorini in under 5 hours. Business class available. Best for time-conscious travelers.
Golden Star Ferries (High-Speed)
Modern high-speed catamarans from Piraeus and Rafina. Excellent service quality. Popular for Mykonos, Paros, Naxos routes.
Best Time for Ferry Travel in Greece
Best: May-June & Sept-Oct
Calm seas, pleasant weather, lower prices, fewer crowds. Best overall conditions for ferry travel.
Peak: July-August
Most frequent services but Meltemi winds can cause delays. Highest prices, book 2-4 weeks ahead.
Low: Nov-April
Limited schedules, fewer routes. Blue Star maintains year-round service to major islands.
Island Hopping Itineraries
The Crete offer excellent inter-island connections. Popular island hopping routes: