Boat and Ferry Travel

Boat travel in Greece is common and relatively inexpensive. Every weekend thousands of Athenians set off on one- and two-hour trips to islands like Aegina, Hydra, and Andros, while in summer ferries are weighed down with merrymakers on their way to Mykonos, Rhodes, and Santorini. Cruise ships, ferries, and hydrofoils from the Aegean and most other Greek islands dock and depart every day from Athens's main port, Piraeus, 10 km (6 mi) southwest of Athens. Ships for Corfu sail from ports nearer to it, such as Patras and Igoumenitsa. Connections from Piraeus to the main island groups are good, while connections from main islands to smaller ones within a group less so.

Travel agents and ship offices in Athens and Piraeus have details. Boat schedules are published in Kathimerini, inserted in the International Herald Tribune. Check also the useful travel Web site www.openseas.gr. You can also call a daily Greek recording for ferry departure times. Timetables change according to seasonal demand, and boats may be delayed by weather conditions, so your plans should be flexible. Buy your tickets two or three days in advance, especially if you are traveling in summer or taking a car. Reserve your return journey or continuation soon after you arrive.

Contacts

Piraeus boat departures/arrivals (14541 or 14944.)

Piraeus Port Authority (Piraeus Port Authority, 10 Akti Miaouli, Piraeus, 18510. 210/455-0000 through 210/455-0100. www.olp.gr.)

Rafina KTEL Buses (22940/23440. www.ktelattikis.gr.)