Greek Islands: Ferry Guide

This is the part of every trip across the Greek islands that nobody talks about. It's not glorious, but if you want to spend the airfare money on island experiences instead, read these tips to maximize your experience:

1. Use Ferryhopper to book all your tickets before you fly to Greece. This platform offers tickets for all available ferry lines at cost. Preferred ferry line is Golden Star Ferries. Buying tickets during the trip decreases time spent enjoying and increases risk of fully booked ferries (some days, there is only one ferry total from one island to another).

2. Schedule the first available ferry of the day. Ferries leave the first port of the day on time, then may run 1+ hours late the rest of the day. Check the Ferryhopper app for live updates on the estimated arrival time.

3. Arrange a driver with the hotel to pick you up and drop you off at the ferry port.

4. Pack motion sickness bracelets or medicine. Rolling waves are large and all ferries are impacted, despite weather or size.

5. Download tickets and check in prior to your ferry ride using the Ferryhopper mobile app. Note: The following ferry lines do not offer e-tickets: SeaJet, Blue Star, Hellenic Seaways.

6. Arrive to the port one hour before your scheduled departure. Once the ferry arrives (could be slightly early), everybody boards and the ferry leaves within 10 minutes.

7. The name of the ferry on your ticket may not match the name on the side of the ferry that is yours. Ask the people in line with you to confirm which ferry you should get on. This may sound crazy, but it is not uncommon.

8. When you board the ferry, ask an employee in what section of the belly of the ship your luggage should be stored in (each section corresponds to an island - each ferry stops at multiple islands). Suitcases are not allowed upstairs in the seating area; storing your bags with others is safe but ensure to keep valuables with you.