- Ferry routes and schedules for Summer 2025 announced, covering Cyclades, Crete, Ionian, and Italy.
- Popular routes include connections to Paros, Naxos, Crete, and the North Aegean islands.
- Options for short escapes near Athens and international routes to Italy.
- Key routes feature multiple daily trips and varying travel times.
- Booking early ensures better prices and availability for prime dates.
The ferry companies in Greece spoil us again, unveiling their spring and summer 2025 schedules. Whether you’re island-hopping through the Cyclades, chasing sunsets in Crete, or eyeing those international crossings to Italy, the choices are endless. Here’s the breakdown for travellers who want to avoid scrambling for last-minute tickets during the high season.
Cyclades Routes: Because They Know You’re Obsessed
- Piraeus to Paros and Naxos: Yes, people still flock to these islands like seagulls to a beach picnic. Departures are available up to nine times daily during peak summer months. Travel time ranges between three to six and a half hours, depending on how fancy (or fast) your chosen vessel dares to be.
- Rafina to Tinos: Would you prefer a quieter departure point? Leave from Rafina instead of Athens’ busy port. This route connects you with Tinos, running up to eight times a day. Trips last roughly two to four hours so that you can daydream uninterrupted en route.
For the Spontaneous Types: Quick Escapes Near Athens
- Piraeus to Aegina: Short on time? This route is all snacks and short naps, with travel lasting from 40 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on whether you’re speeding across or taking it slow. It runs over ten times daily, offering plenty of excuses to pretend you’re melting into a simpler life on Aegina’s shores.
Long-Haul Voyages: Crete & Beyond
- Piraeus to Chania and Heraklion (Crete): Ready for the big leagues? Daily routes take around nine to nine and a half hours. Bring snacks, or plan an existential crisis to fill the time (your call).
- Piraeus to Mytilene (North Aegean): Need more distance to feel like you’re truly escaping? This route offers up to two daily trips that last anywhere from 12 to 17 hours. Think of it less like transportation and more like a commitment.
Ionian Hues: Because Green Is Everyone’s Color
- Igoumenitsa to Corfu: The Ionian Sea is here to provide shade from the Cyclades fanfare. Ferries to Corfu’s town take about an hour and a half, while those headed for Lefkimmi cut that down to around 50 minutes. It’s a casual, picture-perfect ride served daily.
Crossing Borders: Hello, Italy!
For the overachievers out there, ferry routes from Greece to Italy remain essential for both tourists and trade:
- Ancona to Igoumenitsa: The marathon of ferry rides, taking between 17.5 to 21.5 hours.
- Igoumenitsa to Brindisi: At 7.5 to 9 hours, this is the “express” lane for hopping over to Italy.
- Patras to Bari: If you’re feeling fancy, this 16.5-hour trip offers more onboard creature comforts – but hey, you’re still on a boat, so manage expectations.
Pro Fail-Avoidance: Book Early
Summer equals chaos when it comes to ferry bookings. Travellers are encouraged—no, commanded—to secure their tickets in advance to dodge heartbreak. Online platforms make it easy to compare ferry routes, times, and prices. See? Planning doesn’t have to ruin your spontaneous traveller aesthetic (but let’s face it, you’re not fooling anyone).