Traveling to the Greek islands by ferry is a popular and enjoyable way to experience the beauty of the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Here's what you need to know:

Main Departure Ports from Athens:

• Piraeus Port: The largest port in Greece and the primary gateway to the majority of Greek islands, especially the Cyclades, Crete, the Dodecanese, and islands in the North Aegean.
• Rafina Port: A smaller port mainly serving the Cyclades Islands (like Andros, Tinos, and Mykonos) and located closer to the Athens International Airport.
• Lavrio Port: Serves certain islands, including Kythnos and Kea, and also has some routes to the North Aegean islands like Lemnos.

Ferry Services and Companies:

• Diverse Options: A range of ferry companies operate in Greece, offering both conventional and high-speed ferries.
• Major Operators: Some of the major ferry companies include Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets, Golden Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, and Minoan Lines.
• Varying Frequencies: Ferry schedules and frequencies vary depending on the destination and the time of year. Sailings generally increase during the high season (June to mid-September).
• Overnight Ferries: Overnight ferries are available for longer journeys, such as to Crete or the Dodecanese islands like Rhodes and Kos.

Booking Ferry Tickets:

• Online Booking: Booking ferry tickets online is highly recommended, especially during the high season, to secure your desired routes and potentially find better prices.
• Ferry Booking Websites: Several reliable websites facilitate online ferry bookings, including Ferryhopper.com, Directferries.com, and FerriesinGreece.com. These platforms allow you to compare prices and schedules from different companies.
• Booking in Advance: For popular islands like Santorini or Mykonos, it's advisable to book tickets 3-4 months in advance, especially during peak season. For most other islands, booking 2 months in advance is generally sufficient.

Types of Ferries:

• Conventional Ferries: These are larger, slower ferries suitable for longer journeys. They typically offer more space and amenities like car decks.
• High-Speed Ferries: These smaller, faster ferries are ideal for shorter trips and enable quicker island hopping.

Generally Reliable: Greek ferries are generally reliable, especially the routes from major ports like Piraeus.

Weather Considerations: Ferries may experience delays or cancellations due to adverse weather conditions, particularly during the winter months.

Summer Crowds: During peak season, expect higher passenger traffic and potential delays at the ports.

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Athens International Airport (AIA), officially known as Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos, is the main international airport serving Athens, Greece, and the surrounding region of Attica. It is the largest and busiest airport in Greece.

Key Information:

• Location: Situated between the towns of Markopoulo, Koropi, Spata, and Loutsa, approximately 20 km (12 miles) east of central Athens (30 km or 19 miles by road).
• Opening Date: Began operations on March 28, 2001, replacing the old Ellinikon International Airport.
• Terminals: Two terminals, the main terminal and a satellite terminal, connected by an underground link.
• Accessibility: Equipped with features like escalators, lifts, and ramps for passengers with mobility challenges.
• Transportation Options: Several options to get to and from the airport:
  • Metro: Line 3 (Blue Line) connects the airport to the city center and Piraeus Port.
  • Suburban Railway: Connects the airport with the Athens Central Railway Station (Larissis Station).
  • Express Buses: Four express bus lines connect the airport to various locations including Syntagma Square (X95), Piraeus Port (X96), Kifissos Bus Terminal (X93), and Elliniko Metro Station (X97).
  • Taxis: Available 24/7 with fixed fares for trips to the city center.
  • Car Rentals: Offices are located in the main terminal.
• Reliability: Generally considered a modern and efficient airport with good services and facilities. The Metro and Suburban Railway are reliable public transport options for reaching the city center.

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Network and Coverage:

• Three Lines: The Metro system consists of three distinct lines, identifiable by their colors:
  • Line 1 (Green): The oldest line, predominantly overground, running from the northern suburb of Kifissia to Piraeus Port.
  • Line 2 (Red): An underground line extending from Anthoupoli in the northwest to Elliniko in the south.
  • Line 3 (Blue): This underground line serves Athens International Airport, traversing through the city center.
• Extensive Network: The Metro network connects numerous neighborhoods throughout Athens, serving key areas like the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, Monastiraki, and Piraeus Port.
• Interchanges: Interchanges at specific stations allow passengers to seamlessly switch between lines, as well as connect with the Athens Suburban Railway and the Athens Tram.

Reliability:

• Generally Reliable: The Athens Metro is generally considered a modern and reliable transportation system, especially the newer lines (2 and 3).
• Efficient: It provides a fast and efficient way to travel around Athens, helping to alleviate traffic congestion and improve air quality.
• Frequent Service: During peak hours, trains run approximately every 5-6 minutes, ensuring frequent service.

Accessibility and Amenities:

• Accessible: Stations are modern and equipped with escalators, lifts, and ramps to accommodate passengers with mobility challenges.
• Air-conditioned: Most trains are air-conditioned, providing comfortable travel, especially during warmer months.
• Archaeological Exhibits: Many central stations display archaeological artifacts discovered during the Metro's construction, offering a unique blend of transportation and cultural experience.

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Operating Hours:

• Daily Operation: The Athens Metro operates daily from approximately 5:30 am to midnight.
• Extended Weekend Hours: On Fridays and Saturdays, Lines 2 and 3 operate until 2:00 am to cater to those enjoying the city's nightlife.
• Future Extensions: A pilot program for 24-hour weekend service is being explored for the future.

Ticketing and Fares:

• Integrated Ticketing: A single ticket is generally valid for use across all modes of public transport in Athens, including the Metro, buses, trolleys, and the Athens Tram.
• Standard Fares:
  • Single Ticket: A standard 90-minute single ticket costs €1.20.
  • Day Pass: A daily pass is available for unlimited travel within a 24-hour period (excluding airport services).
  • 5-Day Ticket: A 5-day ticket allows unlimited travel on all modes of transport (except airport services) for 5 days.
• Airport Tickets:
  • Airport Metro: A special ticket is required for travel to and from the airport on the Metro, costing €9.
  • 3-Day Tourist Ticket: A 3-day tourist ticket includes unlimited local travel and a round trip to/from the airport.
• Contactless Payment: As of January 15, 2025, you can use your bank card for contactless payment by tapping it on the validation machines at stations and on buses.
• Paper Tickets: Traditional Athena tickets and cards are still available for purchase from machines and ticket booths.

Important Notes:

• Pickpocketing: As in any major city, it's wise to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings to protect your belongings, particularly in crowded stations and trains.
• Airport Train Termination: When traveling to the airport via Metro Line 3, be sure to board a train specifically designated for the airport, as some trains on this line terminate at Doukissis Plakentias Station.

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Uber in Athens operates differently than in many other cities:

• Uber Taxi only: Uber in Athens exclusively operates through licensed taxis. You won't find the budget-friendly UberX option with private drivers.
• Pricing: Uber Taxi fares are based on the standard taxi rates set by the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Greece. You can see an estimated cost in the app, but the final fare is determined by the taximeter.
• Convenience: Using the Uber app allows you to easily book a taxi, track your ride, and pay online, which can be a significant advantage, especially since not all taxis in Athens accept card payments.

Uber Taxi: Since Uber in Athens works with licensed taxi drivers, safety concerns are minimal. The app provides access to driver and car information for added peace of mind.

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