12/07/2025
✈️🚢🛵 Must Save Transport Tips for the Greek Islands - what to do and what not to..
From Ferries to Quad bikes, buses to speedboats and donkeys on Hydra - Greece isn’t just planes, trains & automobiles (though we did those too).
My daughter Gala and I criss-crossed Athens–Mykonos–Paros–Athens–Hydra (for a day trip)–Athens–Sifnos–Athens, chasing friends, sunsets and the perfect beach… and yes, it was probably too much so I’d tweak our itinerary for next time (drop a 🙏🏼🇬🇷 in the comments if you’d like me to DM you this).
Ferries beat flights for charm, but add in 2 hours in total for the longer haul trips of bag-dragging, port taxis and good old Mediterranean phaffing about.
⚓ Book ferries in advance to sync with hotel check-in/out, and check in online at least two hours before so you have your barcode ready to board.
🕰 Get to the port 40 mins before departure time. Expect delays, half ours ran 10–30 mins late; use an app to track live times and ask your hotel to arrange transport to you at the port with a sign (if it’s Piraeus, ask them to park near the exit to beat traffic).
📶 Onboard Wi-Fi is about €3 and worth it.
🥶 It can also get chilly on the longer ferries like flights so bring something warm for the ride.
🧳 Your suitcases will be secured even if they don’t fit on the luggage racks, but do remember where you left them.
🚫Do not get on the wrong ferry there are many different companies so read the signs carefully.
Paros: hire a car or quad (thrilling but occasionally terrifying in high winds, and sunsets on winding roads are not for the faint-hearted).
Sifnos: a car is essential, book ahead or risk the last manual on the island (which, yes, I drove).
Mykonos: skip the car, brace for €40 taxis; or hop the air‑con shuttle buses into town.
Athens to Piraeus: if you pack light, the €2.50 train is quick, but no lifts, so big suitcases beware.
🚕 Always ask the taxi price first. Most drivers are honest, but some will test your holiday mood. Uber works on some islands, not all.
Getting around Greece is an adventure all its own, part ferry timetable, part quad bike thrill ride, part heat‑dazed luggage Tetris but it’s so worth it. 🇬🇷✨
