Navigating Greece is a breeze with these essential tips

When you think of traveling in Greece, you might picture ferries sailing across the crystal-clear Aegean Sea.

If you’re island-hopping, taking to the water is crucial, but there are many other ways to explore Greece’s stunning landscapes, including planes, trains, buses, and, for the adventurous, bicycles. Here’s your guide to getting around in Greece.

Sail to the Greek islands by boat in both summer and winter

Nothing captures the essence of traveling in Greece like standing on the deck of an inter-island ferry, basking in the warm sun. Ferries are the quintessential way to navigate Greece's 227 islands, with numerous connections linking them to the mainland throughout the summer. The Greek ferry system is extensive, making island-hopping a breeze.

The boats connecting the islands range from speedy car ferries and traditional slower vessels to sleek catamarans and agile hydrofoils known as 'flying dolphins.' Larger overnight ferries offer cabins of various sizes, and almost all boats, except the smallest, provide food service. Spacious dining areas are typical on the major car ferries.

Safety protocols mean that ferries may be delayed or canceled due to high winds and storms, with occasional strikes causing disruptions. During the summer, ferries operate frequently on most routes, allowing for easy island-hopping.

In winter, ferry schedules become significantly more limited, though services to Athens (and its port at Piraeus) generally run year-round, along with some boats to major islands. From November to April, connections between smaller Aegean islands may be nonexistent.

Tips for snagging the best ferry fares in Greece

Ferry prices are generally reasonable. It's beneficial to compare options on popular routes where multiple companies compete; slower vessels tend to be less expensive. Explore general ferry booking platforms like Ferryhopper and individual ferry company websites for special offers.

On larger vessels, your ticket may only ensure access to deck space or a crowded public lounge. During peak times, it can be worthwhile to pay extra for a guaranteed seat (typically akin to a spacious airline seat), entry to a separate lounge with enhanced amenities, or an overnight cabin.

Ferry services and the companies that provide them can vary significantly each year, with summer schedules usually revealed just before the peak travel season kicks off. Key operators include Anek Lines, Blue Star Ferries, Golden Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, and Minoan Lines.

Local tip: High-speed car ferries often have limited or no outdoor deck space, so if lounging on deck while passing enchanting islands is part of your Greek dream, opt for the slower, traditional boats.

Look for discounts when flying domestically within Greece

The primary national airline, Aegean Airlines, along with its regional partner, Olympic Air, operates the majority of domestic flights. Several smaller airlines, such as Sky Express, also compete on major routes and provide essential connections between smaller islands.

While domestic fares are usually affordable, the cheapest tickets can sell out quickly, particularly on weekends when many Greeks flock from Athens to the islands. Due to peculiarities in government subsidies, it may often be cheaper to book each leg of your journey separately rather than purchasing a single ticket for all connections.

Travel across the Greek mainland by train

Greece's railway network is managed by Hellenic Train (renamed from OSE in 2021). Although the network is somewhat limited, taking the train offers a pleasant and leisurely way to see key areas of the Greek mainland.

There are two types of train services in Greece: regular (slower) trains that stop at all stations, and faster intercity (IC) trains that connect major cities. Train fares are on par with other European countries, and intercity carriages are quite comfortable, featuring an onboard cafe-bar.

The main line from Athens to Thessaloniki has seen significant upgrades after extensive renovations. Several daily high-speed train services connect the two cities in just over four hours. This line extends north to Alexandroupoli and Dikea in the northeast, with links to Florina and the Pelion Peninsula. Another route heads north across the border into North Macedonia, reaching Belgrade and central Europe.

The Peloponnese rail network from Athens only extends to Kiato, with bus connections to Plata for ferry access. There are a few minor services on the peninsula, including a short line from Pyrgos to Olympia.

Explore far and wide with Greece's extensive bus network

Greek buses are affordable and convenient, with a wide-reaching network. Most services on the mainland and islands are managed by regional collectives under the KTEL umbrella. Each KTEL collective runs its operations independently, providing connections to major towns in other prefectures.

Larger towns typically have daily routes to nearby cities, as well as a daily connection to Athens on the mainland. Smaller towns and villages generally offer some form of daily bus service, although remote areas may see only one or two buses each week. These buses primarily cater to locals shopping in town rather than tourists, often departing villages early in the morning and returning in the early afternoon.

Major cities like Athens, Iraklio, Patra, and Thessaloniki often have multiple bus stations, each serving different regions. It's important to locate the correct station for your journey. In smaller towns and villages, the 'bus station' might simply be a bus stop outside a kafeneio (coffee house) or taverna (restaurant) that also functions as a booking office.

KTEL buses are modern and air-conditioned. You can board without a ticket and pay onboard, but this does not guarantee a seat. During busy routes or peak seasons, you may need to stand. Planning tip: Aim to arrive about 20 minutes before your bus's departure time.

Explore off the beaten path by car, but watch out for traffic

Owning a car provides the freedom to venture off the main roads and discover Greece at your own pace. The road network is quite good, although few highways exist, which can lead to slower travel. Regular car-ferry services connect to almost all islands, so taking a car won’t hinder your island-hopping plans.

In urban areas and on popular islands, summer traffic can be a major issue. Parking and congestion can quickly turn a relaxed vacation into a stressful experience. Additionally, some remote attractions and beaches are accessible only via rough, unpaved roads. Be aware that standard car rental policies may not cover damages incurred on dirt roads.

When choosing a car rental service, major multinational agencies are available in Athens, other key towns, and most airports. On the islands, local companies may provide more competitive rates. You can opt to rent a car for just a day of adventure, eliminating the need to manage a vehicle for your entire trip.

Local tip: Similar to flight prices, rental costs are lowest when booked well in advance. In August, it's not uncommon for the entire inventory of rental cars on some islands to be fully booked.

Enhance your leg strength with a bike ride through Greece

Cycling in Greece is increasingly popular, ideally undertaken in spring or autumn instead of the peak summer months. Strong leg muscles are essential for conquering mountainous terrain, or you can opt for the flatter coastal routes. Islands like Kos are more bike-friendly, whereas places like Santorini feature steep and challenging roads, making cycling less advisable (or enjoyable).

In general, Greece's cycling infrastructure is lacking. Dedicated bike lanes are few and far between, and there’s a significant risk from speeding vehicles driven by both locals and tourists.

Some ferries allow bicycles to be transported for free, while others may charge a fee or prohibit them entirely due to limited space on board.

Bicycles can be rented in most tourist hotspots, though they are not as readily available as cars and motorcycles. Daily rental prices range from €10 to €20, depending on the type of bike. Always verify that the rental price includes a helmet.

Transportation accessibility in Greece

Athens offers the best access for travelers with disabilities, featuring numerous accessible attractions, hotels, and restaurants. However, much of the rest of Greece, with its uneven stones, worn marble, slippery cobblestones, and stepped alleyways, poses challenges for those with reduced mobility.

That said, many modern resorts are fully accessible, and certain public beaches provide ramps for wheelchair users. The government plans to improve beach accessibility in the coming years. Flights, ferries, and trains generally strive to accommodate accessibility needs, although buses often fall short.

Valuable resources for accessible travel in Greece include Travel Guide to Greece and Accessible Greece, both of which offer links to local information, resorts, and tours designed for travelers with physical disabilities. For more details, consider downloading Dinogo Planet’s Accessible Travel guide.