Think of travel in Greece, and your mind may wander to images of ferries cruising across the turquoise Aegean Sea. Taking to the water is essential if you plan to hop between the Greek islands, but there are plenty of other ways to traverse Greece’s amazing landscapes, including planes, trains, buses, and – if you have the leg power – bicycles. Here’s our guide to getting around in Greece.
Cruise to Greek Islands by Boat in Summer (and Winter)
Nothing says traveling in Greece quite like standing on the deck of an inter-island ferry with the warm sun on your face. Ferries are the classic way to traverse Greece’s 227 islands, with myriad connections linking islands and the mainland during the summer months. The comprehensive Greek ferry network makes it easy to island-hop almost at will.
The boats going between the islands include fast car ferries, slower traditional boats, sleek catamarans, and spidery hydrofoils known as “flying dolphins.” Larger boats on overnight services have cabins in various sizes, and all but the very smallest boats serve food. Large restaurants are common on the big car ferries.
Moreover, safety precautions may delay or postpone boats due to high winds and storms. Occasionally, worker strikes can also cause havoc. Fortunately, during the summer months, ferries run frequently on most routes, allowing for easy hops from one island to another.
In winter, however, schedules are much more limited. Services to Athens (and its port at Piraeus) usually run year-round, and boats to major islands are often available. From November to April, services between the smaller islands in the Aegean can be nonexistent.
How to Find the Best Ferry Fares in Greece
Fares are usually affordable, yet it’s worth shopping around on popular routes where various companies compete; slower boats are generally cheaper. Checking general ferry booking websites such as Ferryhopper can help you discover the best deals.
On larger boats, your fare may only guarantee space on deck or inside a crowded public lounge. During busy times, it’s advisable to pay extra for a guaranteed seat (similar to a large airline-style seat), access to a separate lounge with upgraded comforts, or an overnight cabin.
Consequently, the level of services and the companies running them can change greatly each year, with summer timetables announced just before the start of the peak travel season. Major companies include Anek Lines, Blue Star Ferries, Golden Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, and Minoan Lines.
Local tip: High-speed car ferries often have limited outside deck space or none at all, so if sunning yourself on deck while gliding past beguiling islands is part of your Greek fantasy, consider choosing the slower, traditional boats.
Check for Deals When Flying Domestically in Greece
The country’s de facto national carrier, Aegean Airlines, and its regional subsidiary, Olympic Air, handle the vast majority of domestic flights. Greece also has several smaller airlines, including Sky Express, offering competition on major routes and vital links between smaller islands.
Fares for domestic routes tend to be cheap; however, the cheapest seats sell out early, especially on weekends when Greeks travel en masse from Athens to the islands. Interestingly, due to quirks in government subsidies, it can be significantly cheaper to book each segment of your itinerary separately rather than building a single ticket covering all your connections.
Take the Train to Get Across the Greek Mainland
The railway network in Greece is operated by Hellenic Train, and while the network is limited, trains offer an enjoyable way to explore important portions of the Greek mainland.
Greece has two types of train service: regular (slow) trains that stop at all stations and faster intercity (IC) trains that connect major cities. Train fares are comparable with the rest of Europe, and carriages on intercity trains are quite comfortable, with a cafe-bar on board.
The main line from Athens to Thessaloniki has been greatly improved after years of work, offering several daily high-speed trains linking the two cities in a little over four hours. This line continues north to Alexandroupoli and Dikea, with connections to other regions.
Travel Far on Greece’s Wide-Ranging Bus Network
Greek buses are cheap and convenient, with a comprehensive network extending across the mainland and the islands. Most buses are operated by KTEL regional collectives, which run services to main towns and nearby cities.
Major towns typically have daily services to nearby cities, and on the mainland, daily service to Athens is common. Smaller towns usually have some form of daily bus service, although remote areas may see only one or two buses a week. These buses generally cater to locals rather than tourists, often operating early in the morning.
Go Off the Beaten Track in a Car, but Be Wary of Traffic
Having your own car provides the freedom to explore Greece at your own pace. The road network is decent, although there are few highways, resulting in slower travel times. Regular car-ferry services go to almost all islands, making it convenient to island-hop.
Nonetheless, in cities and popular islands, summertime congestion presents a significant issue. Parking and traffic challenges can quickly diminish a carefree vacation. Additionally, some rural sights and beaches may only be accessible via rough, dirt tracks.
Build Up Your Leg Muscles on a Bike Ride Around Greece
Cycling in Greece is gaining popularity, particularly in spring or fall rather than during the height of summer. Strong leg muscles are essential for tackling mountainous routes; alternatively, cyclists can stick to flatter coastal paths. Some islands, like Kos, are bicycle-friendly, while others, like Santorini, have steep and perilous roads which make cycling less enjoyable.
Unfortunately, cycling infrastructure in Greece is lacking, with rare bike lanes and a real danger from speeding cars. Bicycles may be carried for free on certain ferries, but others may charge a fee or not allow them at all due to space constraints.
Accessible Transportation in Greece
Access for travelers with disabilities is best in Athens, where there are many accessible sights, hotels, and restaurants. However, much of the rest of Greece remains challenging due to uneven stones, worn marble, slippery cobbles, and stepped alleys.
That being said, many modern resorts are fully accessible, and some public beaches now offer ramps for wheelchair users. The government is committed to making many more beaches accessible in the coming years. Transportation options such as flights, ferries, and trains strive to accommodate people with accessibility needs, although buses often do not.
Good resources for accessible travel in Greece include Travel Guide to Greece and Accessible Greece, which provide valuable links to local information and resorts catering to tourists with physical disabilities.
