Mykonos serves as a major ferry hub in the Cyclades, offering excellent connections to Athens and neighboring islands. This guide covers all major routes, booking strategies, and insider tips for seamless island hopping.
Mykonos Ferry Hub: Your Gateway to the Cyclades
Mykonos has two ports: the Old Port in Mykonos Town for smaller ferries and inter-island connections, and the New Port (Tourlos) for larger vessels and Athens routes. Check your ticket carefully to confirm which port your ferry departs from – they're 3km apart.
Major Ferry Routes from Mykonos
Athens (Piraeus/Rafina) to Mykonos: - High-speed ferries: 2.5-3.5 hours from Rafina (closer to Athens Airport) - Conventional ferries: 5-6 hours from Piraeus - Multiple daily departures: 6-12 sailings per day in summer - Price range: €40-85 depending on ferry type and season
Mykonos to Santorini Ferry: One of the most popular routes in Greece. The ferry journey takes 2-3 hours on high-speed vessels or 4-5 hours on conventional ferries. Perfect for combining two iconic islands in one trip.
- Daily departures: 3-5 ferries per day (summer season) - Morning departures recommended: Arrive in Santorini in time for sunset - Average price: €55-75 per person - Best operators: SeaJets, Minoan Lines, Golden Star Ferries
Mykonos to Paros and Naxos: These short hops are ideal for island hopping. Paros is just 30-45 minutes away, while Naxos takes 45-90 minutes depending on the ferry.
- Paros connection: Up to 8 daily ferries in summer - Naxos connection: 5-6 daily departures - Budget-friendly: €20-40 per route - Perfect for multi-island itineraries
Mykonos to Tinos: The shortest ferry route from Mykonos takes just 20-35 minutes. Tinos offers authentic Greek culture without the crowds.
- Frequent departures: Every 1-2 hours in summer - Very affordable: €10-20 per person - Great day trip option or authentic island alternative
Mykonos to Crete Ferry: While not as frequent, this route connects Mykonos to Heraklion, Crete's capital.
- Duration: 4-6 hours depending on route - Frequency: 2-4 times per week (summer season) - Price: €45-65 per person
Best Ferry Companies Operating from Mykonos
SeaJets: The largest high-speed ferry operator in Greece. Modern vessels with excellent amenities: - Fleet includes Champion Jet 1, Superjet, Worldchampion Jet - Premium comfort with air-conditioning - Reliable schedules and good on-time performance - Slightly higher prices but worth it for speed and comfort
Golden Star Ferries: Excellent balance of speed and value: - Operates Superexpress and Superferry vessels - Competitive pricing - Good reputation for punctuality - Comfortable seating and modern amenities
Minoan Lines: High-speed catamarans with premium service: - Highspeed vessel series - Excellent onboard service - Premium pricing tier - Popular with tourists seeking comfort
Blue Star Ferries: Best for conventional ferry service: - Larger vessels with vehicle capacity - Most economical option - Slower but very comfortable - Multiple deck areas and facilities
Fast Ferries: Budget-friendly conventional service: - Lower prices than competitors - Reliable service - Basic but adequate facilities
Strategic Island Hopping Itineraries from Mykonos
The Classic Triangle (7-10 days): Athens → Mykonos (2-3 nights) → Santorini (2-3 nights) → Athens Book Athens-Mykonos and Mykonos-Santorini ferries in advance. This is the most popular itinerary, so early booking is essential.
The Authentic Experience (10-14 days): Athens → Tinos (2 nights) → Mykonos (2 nights) → Paros (2 nights) → Naxos (3 nights) → Santorini (2 nights) → Athens Excellent for experiencing both popular and authentic islands. Ferries are frequent and booking is flexible except for the Santorini leg.
The Beach Hopper (7 days): Athens → Mykonos (2 nights) → Paros (2 nights) → Naxos (2 nights) → Athens Perfect for beach lovers on a moderate budget. All routes have frequent connections.
Booking Tips for Mykonos Ferry Routes
1. Book Athens-Mykonos ferries 2-3 months ahead for July-August 2. Inter-island routes (Mykonos-Paros-Naxos) can be booked 2-4 weeks ahead 3. Always book Mykonos-Santorini at least 6 weeks in advance 4. Compare prices across multiple booking platforms 5. Check if your hotel offers port transfers – taxis can be expensive in Mykonos 6. Download your e-tickets and have them available offline 7. Consider travel insurance for ferry cancellations due to weather
Getting to Mykonos Ports
Old Port (Hora): - Walking distance from Mykonos Town center (10-15 minutes) - Taxi from hotels: €8-15 - Shuttle buses available from major hotels - Very crowded in summer – arrive early
New Port (Tourlos): - 3km north of Mykonos Town - Taxi required: €10-18 - Some hotels offer free shuttle service - More organized and less crowded than Old Port - Check your ticket carefully – many tourists miss ferries by going to wrong port
Weather Considerations for Mykonos Ferry Travel
The Meltemi winds peak in July-August, creating choppy seas. Morning departures typically offer calmer conditions. Ferry cancellations are rare but possible during strong winds (force 8+).
Always check: - Weather forecast 24 hours before departure - Ferry company website for schedule changes - Your email for notifications - Port authority announcements
Alternative Travel Options from Mykonos
Domestic Flights: Mykonos Airport offers connections to Athens, Thessaloniki, and seasonal European cities. Consider flying if: - Ferries are fully booked - You have limited time - Sea conditions are poor - Prices are competitive (sometimes flights are cheaper than high-speed ferries)
Private Boat Charters: For groups or special occasions: - Flexible schedules - Direct routes to smaller islands - Premium experience - Significantly more expensive (€500-2000+)
Money-Saving Strategies
1. Travel on weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) for 10-15% lower fares 2. Book conventional ferries instead of high-speed when time permits 3. Look for early-bird discounts (book 60+ days ahead) 4. Compare Rafina vs Piraeus departures from Athens – Rafina is often cheaper 5. Consider open return tickets for better rates 6. Skip vehicle transport – rent on each island instead 7. Travel in shoulder season (May-June, September-October) for 20-30% savings
What to Pack for Your Ferry Journey
- Motion sickness medication (even if you don't typically get seasick) - Light jacket (air conditioning can be cold) - Snacks and water (onboard cafeteria prices are high) - Entertainment (books, tablets – WiFi is unreliable) - Sunscreen and hat for deck time - Comfortable clothes and shoes - Power bank for devices
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my ferry ticket? Most ferry companies allow changes for a fee (€10-20) if done 24+ hours before departure. Some promotional tickets are non-refundable.
What happens if my ferry is cancelled? Ferry companies will rebook you on the next available service or provide a full refund. Travel insurance can cover additional accommodation costs.
Can I bring luggage on ferries? Yes, most ferries allow up to 50kg per passenger. Large bags should be stored in designated areas. Keep valuables with you.
Are ferries wheelchair accessible? Major ferry companies offer wheelchair accessibility on most vessels. Contact the ferry company in advance to arrange assistance.
Start Planning Your Mykonos Island Hopping Adventure
Mykonos's strategic location makes it perfect for exploring multiple Greek islands. Whether you're heading to glamorous Santorini, authentic Naxos, or charming Paros, booking your ferry tickets early ensures the best prices and peace of mind. Start planning your perfect Greek island itinerary today and experience the magic of the Cyclades.