Ferry from Paros to Anafi is a long but very scenic crossing that links one of the busiest Cycladic hubs with one of the most remote and peaceful islands in the Aegean. Most services on this line are operated by Blue Star Ferries with large conventional vessels that can carry both passengers and vehicles, and they usually run all year round with more crossings in the wider summer season. Ferries depart from Parikia, the main port of Paros, and arrive at Agios Nikolaos, the small port on the south coast of Anafi, which is about 3 kilometres from Chora and 1 kilometre from Klisidi beach. The travel time is quite substantial compared with many other island routes and you should expect the crossing to last around 5 hours 30 minutes, with most timetables giving a duration of about 5 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours 35 minutes depending on the exact vessel and any intermediate stops. In most recent schedules there are usually 2 weekly sailings on this route, particularly from June to September, and departures are often late at night so that you arrive in Anafi early in the morning ready to start your day. Ticket prices for foot passengers tend to start from about 33 euros, with vehicle prices higher, and because services are not daily it is important to book in advance and build your itinerary around the available days. Overall this ferry route is ideal for travellers who want to combine the convenience of Paros with the untouched charm of Anafi as part of a longer island hopping trip.
Key information for the Paros to Anafi ferry
Ferry duration
The Paros to Anafi ferry crossing normally takes around 5 hours 30 minutes, with many operators listing a typical duration of about 5 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours 35 minutes. This timing can vary slightly depending on the specific Blue Star vessel, weather conditions and whether the route includes stops at other islands such as Naxos or Santorini on the way to Anafi.
Ferry companies
The main company operating the Paros to Anafi ferry route is Blue Star Ferries, sometimes listed together with Anek Superfast in joint services. These conventional ferries form part of longer lines that connect Anafi with several Cycladic and Dodecanese destinations, including Naxos, Paros, Syros, Santorini and even Crete, which means that Paros to Anafi is usually one leg of a larger itinerary rather than a standalone shuttle. Other companies, such as Maistros Santorini and Aegeon Pelagos, also serve Anafi on different routes, but for this specific crossing Blue Star Ferries is the primary name to look for when booking.
Fast vs slow ferry
There are currently no high speed catamarans dedicated only to the Paros to Anafi route, so all standard services are operated by conventional ferries. These ships offer a stable and comfortable ride with indoor lounges, cabins and open decks, but their speed means the journey remains around 5 hours 30 minutes even on the “fastest” listings. If you are comparing options, the differences in total travel time are usually related to how many stops the ferry makes before reaching Anafi rather than a distinction between fast and slow vessel types.
Best time to travel
Ferries from Paros to Anafi operate all year round, but the easiest time to travel is from June to September when there are usually 2 crossings per week and timetables are more predictable. In the shoulder months you may still find weekly or slightly less frequent services, while in winter the focus of routes shifts more towards Piraeus and Santorini connections, which can affect the exact days and times from Paros. Because departures on this route are often at night, usually around 23:15 during summer according to some schedules, you can arrive in Anafi very early in the morning, which is convenient for starting your stay but requires you to plan your evening in Paros carefully.
Sea conditions and wind
The crossing from Paros to Anafi passes through open stretches of the central and southern Aegean, where the Meltemi winds can be strong, especially in July and August. These northerly winds can create choppy seas, and although the large Blue Star ferries handle rough water well, you may still feel some motion, particularly on the more exposed sections near Santorini and Anafi. If you are prone to seasickness, it is a good idea to book a seat in the middle of the ship, bring motion sickness tablets and avoid heavy meals before departure, especially on windy summer nights.
Port guide
On Paros, the ferry to Anafi departs from the port of Parikia, which is the main port on the island and sits right next to the town centre with its shops, restaurants and accommodation. The port area is compact but busy, so it is wise to arrive early, particularly on nights when several ferries depart around the same time, and to check the correct boarding lane for your Blue Star vessel. On Anafi, you arrive at the port of Agios Nikolaos on the south coast, which is the island’s only port, located about 3 kilometres from Chora and about 1 kilometre from Klisidi, with buses and taxis usually waiting when a ferry arrives to take passengers up to the main town.
Car rental advice
Blue Star Ferries usually allow cars, motorbikes and other vehicles on the Paros to Anafi route, but spaces on the vehicle deck are limited, so it is important to book early if you plan to bring a car. Vehicle ticket prices tend to start at around 21 euros for motorbikes and around 88 euros for cars, on top of passenger tickets, so the total can become quite high for families or long trips. Because Anafi is a small island with simple road networks, many travellers choose to travel as foot passengers and arrange car rental or scooter hire on the island, which can save money and reduce stress when boarding and disembarking.
Foot passenger tips
Foot passengers should aim to be at Parikia port at least 45 minutes before departure for the Paros to Anafi ferry, especially in summer when queues for ticket offices and boarding can be long. Some tickets booked online still need to be exchanged for printed boarding passes at a Blue Star kiosk or local travel agency, so check your confirmation carefully and allow time for this step. On board, you can choose between numbered economy seats, air seat lounges or, on some vessels, cabins for overnight comfort, and it is worth bringing a light jacket and water because air conditioning can feel cool and on deck it can be breezy during night crossings.
Is this route worth it?
The Paros to Anafi ferry route is very worthwhile if you are looking for a more adventurous island hopping experience and want to visit one of the least developed Cycladic islands without routing back through Piraeus. The journey time is long compared with more popular routes, but it offers a unique mix of big island convenience in Paros and remote island charm in Anafi, which appeals to travellers who enjoy quiet beaches, hiking and very relaxed villages. Because there are only a few sailings per week and no possibility of a simple day trip, this route is best for people who can commit to spending several nights on Anafi and who are happy to build their itinerary around the ferry schedule.
Alternative route if cancelled
If your Paros to Anafi ferry is cancelled, a common alternative is to travel via Santorini, as there are more frequent ferries between Paros and Santorini and also between Santorini and Anafi. Another option is to route via Piraeus, using the regular long haul services from the mainland to Anafi, which run several times per week, although this adds considerable travel time and cost. When disruptions occur, checking live updates on your booking platform and contacting Blue Star Ferries directly will help you find the next available combination of routes that still gets you to Anafi in a reasonable time.
Reverse route internal links
The reverse Anafi to Paros route is generally offered on the same line and by the same operator, with similar journey times of around 5 hours 30 minutes and a similar pattern of 2 weekly crossings in the high season. It is worth checking both directions when planning so that you can line up your arrival and departure dates for Anafi, especially because the return ferry may not always run on the same days as the outbound one. Booking both legs together where possible can give you better visibility of your overall itinerary and may make it easier to adjust plans if there are timetable changes.
Paros to Anafi ferry FAQs
How long does the Paros to Anafi ferry take and can it be done as a day trip?
The Paros to Anafi ferry usually takes about 5 hours 30 minutes, with most listings giving times in the range of 5 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours 35 minutes for the standard Blue Star crossings. Because of this long travel time and the fact that departures are often at night with no return ferry on the same day, it is not realistic to use this route as a simple day trip and you should plan to stay on Anafi for at least a few nights.
How often does the Paros to Anafi ferry run and at what time does it usually depart?
Recent schedules show that ferries from Paros to Anafi typically run around 2 times per week in the main summer season, with some routes continuing at a reduced frequency outside that period. Many of these departures are late at night, with sample timetables showing departures around 23:15 and arrival in Anafi just before dawn, so you should check your specific dates and be prepared for an overnight style journey even without a cabin.
Which company operates the Paros to Anafi route and what type of ferry is used?
The Paros to Anafi route is mainly operated by Blue Star Ferries, sometimes in partnership with Anek Superfast on broader lines that also serve other islands and even Crete. The vessels are conventional ferries rather than high speed catamarans, offering multiple decks, lounges and cabins, and they are designed to handle longer open sea crossings in the southern Aegean.
How much does the Paros to Anafi ferry cost?
Foot passenger tickets for the Paros to Anafi ferry generally start from around 33 euros for basic economy seats, with prices increasing if you choose reserved airplane style seats, business lounges or cabins. For vehicles, indicative prices begin at about 21 euros for motorbikes and around 88 euros for cars, and total costs can rise further in high season or when demand is strong, so it is wise to book early for the best combination of price and availability.
What should I do if my Paros to Anafi ferry is delayed or cancelled due to weather?
If your Paros to Anafi ferry is delayed or cancelled because of strong winds or other weather issues, Blue Star Ferries will usually offer to move your booking to the next available sailing or to provide a refund according to their terms and conditions. In practice, many travellers facing prolonged disruption choose to re route via Santorini or Piraeus using more frequent services, so it is helpful to know these alternatives in advance and to allow some flexibility in your itinerary, especially during the windy Meltemi season.