ATHENS PORTS: YOUR GUIDE TO THE ISLANDS
Feb 14, 2023
Greece is known for its stunning islands and pristine beaches, and Athens is the gateway to many of these destinations. The city is home to several ports that offer ferry services to various Greek islands. Below we will provide you with all the information you need to catch a ferry from Athens to your desired island destination.
Booking Ferries
There are a wide range of ferry companies in Greece you can book your ferries from. Some companies websites look like they have not been updated since the mid 1990's. For this reason, we like to book ferries through Ferry Scanner
Port of Piraeus
The Port of Piraeus is the largest and most important port in Greece. It is located 11 kilometers from the center of Athens and is the main hub for ferry services to the Greek islands. The port is well-connected to the city, and it is easy to reach by bus, taxi, or metro. From the Port of Piraeus, you can catch a ferry to the following destinations:
- Cyclades Islands (Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Ios, etc.)
- Saronic Gulf Islands (Aegina, Agistri, Hydra, etc.)
- Dodecanese Islands (Rhodes, Kos, etc.) Crete
- The Northeastern Aegean Islands (Lesvos, Chios, Samos, etc.)
Ferry companies that operate from the Port of Piraeus include Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, and SeaJets.
Port of Rafina
The Port of Rafina is another important port in Athens. It is 25 kilometers from Athens and is located on the east coast of Attica. It is a popular choice for travelers heading to the Cyclades Islands, as it is closer to these destinations compared to the Port of Piraeus. From the Port of Rafina, you can catch a ferry to the following destinations:
- Cyclades Islands (Mykonos, Andros, Tinos, Paros, Naxos, etc.)
- Evia Island
Ferry companies that operate from the Port of Rafina include Hellenic Seaways, SeaJets, and Aegean Speed Lines.
Port of Lavrion
The Port of Lavrion is a smaller port located southeast of Athens. It is 60 kilometers from Athens and is mainly used for ferry services to the nearby Cyclades Islands. From the Port of Lavrion, you can catch a ferry to the following destinations:
- Cyclades Islands (Kea, Kythnos, Syros, etc.)
- Ferry companies that operate from the Port of Lavrion include
SeaJets and NEL Lines.
When booking a ferry, it is best to check each companies booking website for their ferry schedules.