Our trip: August 9–19, 2024 · Last updated: November 2, 2026
We took four ferries in nine days: Santorini to Naxos, Naxos to Paros, a car ferry to Antiparos and back, and Paros back to Santorini. We booked the big crossings on Ferryhopper, and every one went smoothly. Here’s what to expect.
The ferries we took
| Route | Ferry | Time | What we paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santorini → Naxos | SeaJets, WorldChampion Jet | 12:15 to 1:40 p.m. | About $45 each |
| Naxos → Paros | Blue Star Ferries, Blue Star 1 | 9:30 to 10:20 a.m. | €30 for both of us, deck lounge seats |
| Paros (Pounta) ↔ Antiparos | Local car ferry | About 7 minutes, roughly every 30 minutes | A few euros |
| Paros → Santorini | SeaJets, Champion Jet 3 | 11:00 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. | €121.80 for both of us, numbered seats, with Ferryhopper’s flexible-change option |
Times and prices are from August 2024. Schedules change by season, so check current times before you plan around them.
Booking
- We used Ferryhopper for the main crossings. You can compare companies and times in one place and get your tickets by email.
- Book ahead in August. It’s peak season, and the popular sailings fill up.
- Fast vs. slow: the SeaJets catamarans are quicker; the big Blue Star ferries are slower but steadier, with more room to walk around.
What the ports are like
Island ferries are not for the weak. SO many people pile on, and the boats come into port fast, spin around and drop the ramp. It’s kind of hilarious. Have your ticket ready, keep your bags close and follow the crowd. Once we found our seats, we both took a nap and arrived feeling refreshed.
The Antiparos car ferry
The easiest ferry of the trip. It leaves from Pounta on Paros’ west coast. You just wait in line and drive (or ride) on. We took our rented moped across for the day. (Antiparos by moped)
Getting to and from the port
- Santorini: you can rent a car right at the ferry port and drop it at the airport. Perfect on a travel day, because your luggage stays in the trunk.
- Naxos: the port is right in Chora, a short walk from the town’s hotels and apartments.
- Paros: we arrived on August 15, a huge holiday in Greece, and there were almost no taxis. It took us about 30 minutes to get one. If you land on a holiday, arrange a transfer ahead.
Tips
- Build in a buffer: don’t book a ferry that lands an hour before your flight.
- Pack light enough to carry your bags up the ramp yourself.
- Bring snacks and water; the onboard cafés get busy.
- Download your tickets before you get to the port.