Paros to Santorini Ferry
Paros to Santorini — At a Glance
- Season: Year-round, with reduced service in winter.
- Frequency: Typically 1 ferry per day in winter, increasing to multiple daily departures (8 per day) in summer.
- Sailing days: Daily service.
- Journey time: 2 hours 5 minutes to 4 hours 40 minutes.
- Operators: Seajets, Minoan Lines, Golden Star Ferries.
- Tickets from: €21 – €70 per person.
The Paros to Santorini ferry is one of the most travelled routes in the Cyclades, linking two islands that sit at the heart of any Greek island itinerary. Whether you are crossing for the first time or returning for another summer, the journey across the deep Aegean is a fine way to arrive — sea air, blue water, and the anticipation of Santorini’s volcanic cliffs coming into view.
Throughout the year there are 5 ferries per day on average. In summer (June–August), this increases to 8 per day, while winter sees around 1 per day.
Monthly Schedule Overview
Here is a month-by-month overview of ferry service from Paros to Santorini:
| Month | Available | Avg. Ferries/Day |
|---|---|---|
| January | No | – |
| February | Yes | 1.1 (1–2) |
| March | Yes | 1.3 (1–3) |
| April | Yes | 3.0 (2–4) |
| May | Yes | 5.6 (4–8) |
| June | Yes | 7.8 (7–8) |
| July | Yes | 8.0 |
| August | Yes | 8.0 |
| September | Yes | 7.3 (6–8) |
| October | Yes | 4.5 (4–6) |
| November | Yes | 2.0 |
| December | No | – |
Ferry Companies
Three operators serve the Paros–Santorini route, with crossing times that vary considerably depending on which you choose:
- Seajets – approximately 4 hours 40 minutes
- Minoan Lines – approximately 2 hours 15 minutes
- Golden Star Ferries – approximately 2 hours 5 minutes
Tips for the Paros–Santorini Ferry
- If your itinerary is too ambitious for the ferry schedule, it is better to cut an island than to rush – island-hopping is meant to be relaxed.
- The Ionian Sea (western Greece: Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos) has a different weather pattern to the Aegean – it is wetter in autumn and winter but calmer in summer.
- In Santorini, the clifftop villages of Oia and Fira offer the famous caldera views over the submerged volcanic crater, best seen at sunset from Oia’s castle. The 214 steps down to Amoudi Bay lead to some of the best seafood tavernas on the island, and local wine tours offer a taste of Assyrtiko, the volcanic-soil white grape unique to the island.
Useful Resources for Your Greek Island Trip
- Find accommodation in Greece – hotels, apartments and villas on Booking.com
- Book tours and activities in Greece via Viator
- Find guided experiences and day trips via GetYourGuide
- Compare car hire prices in Greece via DiscoverCars
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do ferries run from Paros to Santorini?
Service runs year-round, though the frequency changes significantly by season. Expect around one departure per day in winter, rising to as many as 8 per day during the summer peak.
How long is the ferry from Paros to Santorini?
Journey times range from 2 hours 5 minutes on the fastest crossing to 4 hours 40 minutes on the slowest. The difference comes down to the operator and vessel type you choose.
How much does the Paros to Santorini ferry cost?
Ticket prices start from €21 per person for a standard seat. Prices can go up to €70 depending on the company, seat class, and time of year.
Which ferry companies operate the Paros–Santorini route?
The route is served by Seajets, Minoan Lines, Golden Star Ferries.