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Ferries to Cyclades Islands

The Cyclades are a group of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, south east of mainland Greece. Positioned between Athens and Crete, they are easily accessible and because of this and their quintessential Greek character they are the most popular.

As you’d expect with a Greek region, ferries are one of the best modes of transport for travelling to or between the Cyclades. The mainland ports of Piraeus (Athens), Rafina and Lavrio connect you with the islands with most of the islands directly; Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Ios and Milos featuring the most frequent crossings.

Though a lot of ferry travellers in Greece heading off to the Cyclades arrive as foot passengers, the major Islands have good roads and exploring them by car is a good option especially to reach the more remote beaches.

Each of the Cyclades islands has its own characteristics and most are compact enough to explore within a few days. Consequently, they are ideal for those planning to spend their holiday island-hopping because of the great ferry links.

Mykonos is one of the two most popular islands and is the one to head for if you want a high-energy nightlife centred on Mykonos Town. It is also home to fine beaches and is also a paradise for water sports such as surfing, windsurfing and sailing. If you are after quieter beaches, visiting the north of the island is recommended.

Santorini is the second most popular island and curves around a lagoon created by a still active volcano. The island’s villages are perched on spectacular cliffs overlooking the sea. Santorini, thought by some to be the site of Atlantis, is home to the ruins of the city of Akotiri, a mini Pompeii but much older.

Ios attracts more under-25’s than any other Greek island, no doubt drawn by a relentlessly hectic nightlife.

Close by is Naxos. Big, green and mountainous, the island has long sandy beaches, the ruins of a Byzantine castle and fortified Venetian mansions.

Paros offers a far less dramatic landscape and is home to typical fishing villages, good beaches and lively nightlife.

Milos, also formed by ancient volcanic activity, has spectacular caves which make for great snorkelling and diving. It has fine sandy beaches, hot springs, beautiful old churches, early Christian catacombs and the remains of a prehistoric settlement.

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Cyclades Islands reviews

  • "Blue Star Ferries"

    As with all ferries in the Greek Islands it's an organised scramble getting on however it is fairly easy and straightforward. There is a space to put your cases but this is a little chaotic with everyone looking for a spot. Once inside Delis felt more like a cruise ship than any of the others I travelled with. Great facilities and food options, clean toilets and friendly staff. I travelled in Business Class, which had comfier seats, and was a little quieter. Lovely waiter service and decent food options. Food is not included in your ticket. Disembarking was hot standing in line but again quick and easy. Overall travelling on Delos was a good experience.

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  • "Piraeus to Patmos return"

    Excellent except the trip from Piraeus where we wee given a bunk bed ! Very difficult ladder to climb up and quie dangerous for mature people ! The return was very good with twin beds ,,,very clean cabin and lovely crisp sheets...clean bathroom and everything we needed !

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  • "Expirience onboard"

    Excellent experience.

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  • "Very nice"

    One of My best sealing trip on ferry. Betteer way than airplane, to see Cyclades

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Onboard the ferries

Find out what it's like onboard the ferries before you travel.

Ship guides, videos & reviews

Routes and Ports in Cyclades Islands