Santorini is one of the most romantic Greek islands and a travel destination for those looking for gorgeous sunrises and incredible volcano views. But if you visit the island right during the high season you’ll soon realize that you could use a break and head to one of the not-so-crowded islands near-by.
And what better way to do that than on a ferry. Ferries in Greece have always been a great way to do some island hopping on a low budget. Of course, you can always choose a domestic flight but that surely takes away from the charm of island hopping in a ferry full with fellow budget travelers and locals.
Santorini is connected to the following ports:
Anafi
This small island can be reached by ferry from Santorini in about 1h 30 min. There are connections between the two islands on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. A ticket (one way) costs €8,80 per person if you choose the economy class.
Anafi is often ignored by holidaymakers but it’s a great place to relax and do some walking. You can visit the ruins of an old citadel, several churches or even go snorkeling.
Chalki
There’s a regular ferry connecting the islands which departs Santorini each Wednesday and Saturday. The journey takes about 11h 30 min and a deck seat costs €26,70 per person (one way).
Chalki (Halki) is a tiny Dodecanese Island located west of Rhodes . Tourism is the most important industry although the island is still not very crowded. The beaches are among the highlights.
Heraklio (Crete)
The high speed ferry linking Santorini to Crete takes only 1 h 40 min, but the regular ferries take up to 5 h. There are connections daily between the two ports. An economy seat on the high speed ferry costs €42,00 per person (one way).
>>read more about Ferries from Santorini to Crete (and return)
Ios
There are daily departures between the two islands and the journey takes between 35 min and 1 h 45 min depending on the type of ferry you are taking. An economy seat costs €18,00 per person (one way).
Ios is part of the Cyclades and is one of the Greek party islands. It’s also a lovely place to play water sports or just enjoy the beaches.
Karpathos
There’s a ferry linking Santorini to the port of Diafani on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The journey takes about 10 h and a deck seat costs €25,00 per person (one way). There’s also a ferry linking Santorini to the other port (called Karpathos) and it also departs on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The journey takes 8 h and a deck seat also costs €25,00 per person (one way).
Karpathos is the second largest island of the Dodecanese mostly popular for the natural sponges. There are plenty of incredible beaches, as well as interesting Greek villages to visit.
>> more information on Ferries from Santorini to Karpathos
Kasos
The islands are connected by ferries on Wednesday and Saturday. The journey takes about 6 h. A deck seat costs € 25,00 per person (one way).
Kasos is located between Crete and Karpathos and is an island of rocky terrain. There are beaches to enjoy and countless churches to visit.
Kos
There are ferries between the two islands on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The journey takes 4 h 15 min and an economy ticket costs €28,50 per person (one way).
Kos is the third largest island of the Dodecanese and is located very close to Turkey. It is also the birthplace of Hippocrates. Make sure to visit of the Castles of the Knights of the Order of St. John (the remains still exist in the mountains).
Milos
There is a daily ferry linking the two islands (starting from mid-June). The journey takes 2 h.
Milos is popular for the beautiful beaches but also offers interesting caves to check out and picturesque villages.
Mykonos
The journey between the two islands takes 2 h 35 min. There is one ferry per day (during the high season) and a ticket (one way) costs €38,00 per person if you choose the economy seat.
>>read more about Ferries from Santorini to Mykonos (and return)
Naxos
The journey between the two islands takes between 1 h 25 min and 2 h 10 min, depending on what ferry you are choosing. There are several ferries departing each day (during the high season) and an economy class ticket (one way) costs €15,50 per person.
>>read more about Ferries from Santorini to Naxos (and return)
Paros
There are daily connections between the two islands and the journey takes 2 h 15 min. An economy ticket costs €36,00 per person (one way).
Paros is located close to Naxos and is the third in popularity after Mykonos and Santorini. Hence, it can get crowded during the high season. Don’t miss visiting the old town of Parikia and of course, make sure to check out the beaches.
>>more information on Ferries from Santorini to Paros
Piraeus (Athens)
The journey between Athens and Santorini takes between 5 h and 8 h depending on what ferry you choose. There are several connections each day and a ticket costs €33,50 per person (one way) on a regular ferry if you choose the economy class.
>>read more about Ferries from Athens to Santorini (and return)
Rodos (Rhodes)
There are connections from Santorini to Rhodes on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The fastest ferry takes only 7 h 20 min to complete the journey. An economy ticket on such a ferry costs €30,00 per person (one way).
Rhodes is by far one of the most visited Greek islands thanks to the Medieval castle, the beaches and the architectural sites.
>>read more about Ferries from Santorini to Rhodes
Syros
The islands are connected by ferry each Wednesday and Saturday. The journey takes 8 h 20 m and an economy ticket costs €21,70 per person (one way).
Syros is located off the tourist track so it’s a lovely destination if you look for some peace and quiet. Spend your time enjoying some walks here.
>>more information about Ferries from Santorini to Syros
More information about ferries in Greece
>>Ferries from Athens
>> Ferries to and from Mykonos
>> Ferries from Alonissos to Skopelos
>>Ferries from Thessaloniki to Lesvos
>> Ferries from Athens to Lesvos (Lesbos)
