Ferry from Santorini to Paros

The ferry from Santorini to Paros is one of the main island hopping routes in the Cyclades, with frequent sailings, a mix of fast and slow boats and year round service. Ferries depart from Athinios Port in Santorini and arrive at Parikia, the main port of Paros, with departures spread across the morning, midday and afternoon during the summer season. Journey times range from about 1 hour 45 minutes on the fastest high speed ferries to around 4 hours 5 minutes or a little longer on conventional ferries that may stop at other islands on the way. In peak months there can be up to 8 sailings per day and around 90 to 100 weekly crossings across all companies, while in the quieter months there are still daily ferries, though with fewer departures. Ticket prices for foot passengers usually start from about €33 on conventional ferries and can reach €60 or a little more on high speed catamarans, with higher fares for premium seats and for cars. This route is a very reliable and flexible way to combine Santorini’s dramatic caldera views with Paros’s beaches, villages and connections to many other Cycladic islands.

Key Information

Ferry duration

The ferry duration from Santorini (Athinios) to Paros (Parikia) usually ranges from about 1 hour 45 minutes to roughly 4 hours 5 minutes. High speed catamarans often complete the journey in around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes, while larger conventional ferries such as Blue Star may take between 3 hours and just over 4 hours, especially if they call at other islands.

Ferry companies

The Santorini to Paros route is served by several companies, mainly Blue Star Ferries, Seajets and Golden Star Ferries, with some seasons also showing Anek Superfast or Minoan Lines. Together these operators provide daily service all year round and a very high number of weekly crossings in summer, so you have a wide choice of times and vessel types.

Fast vs slow ferry

Fast ferries on this route, mostly Seajets and Golden Star Ferries, generally cover the Santorini to Paros crossing in about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes and are ideal if you want to minimise time at sea. Slower conventional ferries such as Blue Star Ferries usually take around 3 hours to 4 hours 5 minutes, but they often have cheaper tickets, more space, large decks and a more stable ride in windy conditions.

Best time to travel

You can travel from Santorini to Paros throughout the year, but the best period for frequent options and smooth travel is from May to October. In July and August there can be up to 8 crossings per day, while in spring and autumn there are still several daily departures, and in winter at least 1 ferry per day usually operates on most days of the week.

Sea conditions/wind

The sea between Santorini and Paros can be affected by the strong summer meltemi wind, which can make high speed catamarans feel bumpy even though the crossing is not very long. Larger conventional ferries like Blue Star Ferries tend to feel more stable in these conditions, so many travellers who are prone to seasickness choose them, sit near the centre of the ship and bring motion sickness tablets.

Port guide

In Santorini, ferries to Paros depart from Athinios Port, which is the main ferry harbour reached by a steep road from the caldera, with buses, taxis and hotel transfers running to Fira, Oia and other resorts. In Paros, you will arrive at Parikia Port, right in the main town, where you can find car rentals, buses to Naoussa and the beaches, taxi stands, cafés and tavernas within a short walk of the ferry pier.

Car rental advice

Most Santorini to Paros ferries can carry vehicles, including Blue Star and many Seajets and Golden Star Ferries routes, with car fares that vary depending on the season and vehicle type. However, because both islands have many local car rental options, travellers often recommend returning a hire car in Santorini and renting a new one in Paros to avoid higher ferry charges for vehicles and to keep your plans flexible.

Foot passenger tips

Foot passengers should aim to arrive at Athinios Port at least 1 hour before departure in high season, as traffic on the road and queues for multiple ferries can slow things down. When you arrive in Paros, the port is very central and many hotels in Parikia are within walking distance, while buses for Naoussa and other areas leave from stops close to where the ferry docks.

“Is this route worth it?”

The Santorini to Paros ferry route is definitely worth considering if you want to combine Santorini with another major Cycladic island that offers beaches, traditional villages and easy connections to Mykonos, Naxos and the Small Cyclades. Travellers often say that the crossing feels like a natural step in an island hopping itinerary and that Paros provides a more relaxed base after the intensity of Santorini.

Alternative route if canceled

If your direct Santorini to Paros ferry is cancelled, there are often alternative same day connections, such as travelling later with another company or routing via Naxos, as Naxos has frequent ferries to both Santorini and Paros. In very bad weather, services across the central Cyclades may be paused, so the usual advice is to stay flexible and be prepared to add an extra night on your current island if strong winds are forecast.

Reverse route internal links

The reverse route from Paros to Santorini is just as well served, with up to 8 daily ferries in summer and a similar mix of high speed and conventional vessels. Journey times and fares are broadly the same in both directions, so you can easily use Paros as a hub and then head back to Santorini at the end of your trip.

FAQs about the Santorini to Paros ferry route