Travelling from Santorini to Anafi: ports and practical information
The Santorini to Anafi ferry route links the busy volcanic island of Santorini with the tiny and very quiet island of Anafi in the south eastern Cyclades. Ferries on this route depart from Athinios, the main ferry port of Santorini, which lies on the west coast of the island below the caldera cliffs. Athinios is about eight kilometres from Fira and around twenty kilometres from the village of Oia, so you should allow enough time to get down the winding road to the harbour, especially in summer when traffic can be heavy. You can reach the port by local bus from Fira bus station, by taxi, private transfer or hire car, and it is wise to be at the quayside at least one hour before your scheduled departure in high season. On arrival, the ferry docks at Agios Nikolaos, the only port of Anafi, which is on the south coast of the island. From Agios Nikolaos it is a short drive to Chora, the main village, and to the nearest beaches around Klisidi, with small buses, taxis and pre arranged accommodation transfers usually meeting the ferries. The crossing is relatively short and many passengers choose simple numbered seats rather than cabins, although larger conventional ships also offer cabins for extra comfort.
Timetables, travel times and seasons on the Santorini to Anafi ferry route
The Santorini to Anafi ferry route operates all year, but the timetable changes a lot between winter and summer. The sailing time is usually between one hour ten minutes and one hour thirty five minutes, depending on the type of vessel and the weather conditions, as the two islands are only a short distance apart. Conventional ferries from companies such as Blue Star Ferries and Maistros Santorini serve the route regularly, and in the busier months you may also find additional sailings from high speed operators such as Seajets, as well as other Greek companies that sometimes add seasonal crossings. In high summer there can be as many as eleven crossings per week, which often works out as one or two departures on many days, while in spring and autumn the route usually runs four or five days a week, and in winter there may be only weekly or occasional sailings when the weather allows. Many conventional ferries leave Santorini in the very late evening or in the early hours of the morning, while some seasonal high speed services sail in the afternoon or early evening, so it is important to check the live timetable for your exact dates. Because schedules are often finalised only a few months before departure, travellers planning for July and August sometimes do not see all summer sailings until closer to the season. For this reason, it is sensible to book your tickets in advance once the timetable appears, and to keep an eye on your booking in case strong summer winds or rare strikes affect your chosen sailing.
How long does the Santorini to Anafi ferry route usually take and what is the journey like
The Santorini to Anafi ferry route normally takes between one hour ten minutes and one hour thirty five minutes depending on the vessel and sea conditions. Conventional ferries are steady and have indoor lounges and open decks, while high speed vessels are faster but can feel a little more lively if there is wind. In summer the sea is often calm, but during the meltemi wind period some people prefer to bring motion sickness tablets for extra comfort.
How often does the Santorini to Anafi ferry route run in different months of the year
The Santorini to Anafi ferry route runs all year but with very different frequencies by season. In July, August and early September there can be up to eleven crossings per week, often with one or two sailings on many days. In late spring and autumn there are usually ferries on about four or five days each week, while in winter there may only be weekly or occasional departures, and they are more dependent on weather conditions.
Why are many sailings on the Santorini to Anafi ferry route at night and are there any daytime options
Many conventional ferries on the Santorini to Anafi ferry route are part of longer lines that start in Piraeus or other islands, so they reach Santorini and Anafi in the small hours of the morning, often around two o clock. However, in the high season additional services, including some high speed ferries, can offer daytime crossings, usually in the afternoon or early evening. If you prefer to avoid very late or very early departures, it is best to search across several days and to book as soon as a daytime option appears.
Is it safe to plan a flight from Santorini after arriving on the Santorini to Anafi ferry route the same day
Many travellers do combine the Santorini to Anafi ferry route with a flight from Santorini on the same day, and the crossing is normally reliable. However, there are two main risks to consider. Strong meltemi winds in the Cyclades can sometimes delay or cancel ferries, and very occasionally there are nationwide ferry strikes which are usually announced a few days in advance. If you have an important international flight, it is safer to arrive in Santorini at least one day earlier and spend a night there rather than planning a tight same day connection.
Can I take a car or motorbike on the Santorini to Anafi ferry route
On the Santorini to Anafi ferry route, the large conventional ships such as those of Blue Star Ferries usually have garages for cars, motorbikes and sometimes campervans, while smaller or high speed vessels may have more limited vehicle space. If you plan to bring a vehicle, you should select the appropriate ticket type when you book and reserve as early as possible, especially for peak season departures, because the vehicle spaces can sell out even when there are still foot passenger seats available.