Ferries in Greece

Kinds of Ferries

Several kinds of ferries can take you to the Greek islands, and the kind you choose depends on the distance, availability and budget of your trip.

Fast Ferries

The newest members of the ferry breed are the "fast ferries" that sail to the islands in half the time of the conventional ferries, but they also cost twice as much.

The sight of the spilled water as these ferries speed on the surface is awe inspiring, and even thought there are signs that no one is allowed on open deck during sailing, many prefer to stay on the cramped open air back deck to the enclosed interior - although the wind of the speeding ferry and the sea spray it generates make staying there for prolonged periods of time uncomfortable.

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The fast ferries and catamarans come in several sizes. Tiny "flying dolphins" serve the short distances between neighboring islands (like the Saronic gulf islands), while larger ones serve the whole Aegean theater.

A ticket to the fast ferries buys you an airplane-type seat with ample room around to cross your legs and lay back in comfort. You can also choose seats with a table for a little extra, while "preferred" class is also available.

While these fast ferries take travelers to their destination fast, they offer none of the mystique of sailing. You can't feel the clean sea breeze, you can't feel the cool sea, and you can't sleep under the stars to the tune of some stranger's guitar.

They feel more like a very comfortable airplane on water.

They are the newest members of the Greek passenger fleet, and they are very safe, reliable, punctual, and clean. They also get in and out of ports very fast, and like the conventional ferries, they stop at several islands on a single trip.

The Open Type Flat Ferry (or 'pantofla')

For short distances, like between Pounta and Elafonisos, usually the flat ferries are available. They are generally very old and have been the workhorses of the passenger fleet for almost half century. They are usually reliable, but tend to rock a great deal in even moderate weather. Their schedules are subject to cancellations when the sea gets slightly rough.

The service onboard these ferries ranges from bare-bones to crude. Usually there is a small bar serving snacks and refreshments are inflated prices, and most of the passengers prefer to stay on the open deck benches for the short trips.

Boarding one of these ferries with a car can be a nightmare for novice and non-Greek drivers. The crew usually tries to pack the cars as tight as possible and a number of them direct drivers to back-up into the ship, and then they request that the driver abandons all control to their signals. It all works pretty well at the end assuming you can exit your vehicle before the next one is parked few inches from your door forcing you to stay in you car - which is not allowed - or to climb out your window.

Most Greek drivers are well acquainted with these ferries - mainly from their previous service in Rio/Antirio - and many have some interesting stories to tell about them.

Conventional Ferries

These ferries serve the majority of the Greek islands. They are reliable, and very punctual. Depending on the length of the trip and the owner company, the service aboard varies slightly from ferry to ferry.

They serve the long trips in the Aegean or between Greece and Italy. Onboard they offer cabins, restaurants, bars, arcades, and even personal DVD player and movie rentals.

They are usually very comfortable and can handle rough seas with grace. Parking in their bellows is usually a painless affair. Usually, the port police would direct all passengers to exit the vehicles before they enter the garage, although many times the passengers can ride into the garage with the vehicle.

With few exceptions, the ferries that serve the Aegean islands tend to stop at multiple destinations, making "island hopping' and easy affair. These stops are very short and efficient. It often takes only fifteen minutes to enter a port, disembark, and pick up more passengers before the ferry sails to the next island.

For long overnight trips most passengers prefer to reserve a cabin to sail in comfort. Those who travel on a budget opt for "deck" tickets which buys them a spot on the deck.

"Deck" ticket holders usually settle on a little spot on the deck or the lounge of the ship, and late at night the atmosphere can be festive when tourists unroll their sleeping bags and unpack their guitars for a romantic night under the stars. Most Greek island hoppers make this one of their central memories of their trips.

For long trips on these ferries it is best to board early and to mark a comfortable spot that would accommodate sitting and even sleeping for the long trip. Later in the day all the best spots will be taken, and there is nothing romantic about spending the whole night sitting on an uncomfortable chair.

Also see : Best of Greece, Prices in Greece