While some islands are now reachable by plane or are connected to the mainland with a bridge, ferries remain the only way to reach some of the most beautiful and amazing islands, hidden beaches, or other seaside destinations. Larger and slower car ferries carry vehicles and passengers around the world, but in certain cases, you will need to opt for a smaller yet faster express high speedboat or catamaran to reach your destination. While the latter does save you time, caution should be taken if you are prone to seasickness. When the sea is, rough high-speed boats which actually cut the waves are a better option than catamarans that ride the waves instead hence turning your journey into a rock-and-roll trip. To prevent or beat motion sickness, we recommend taking a special medication – consult your doctor prior to the journey. While on board, grab a seat on an open-air deck wherever possible.
Ferry trips offered by Hoper can be booked online – in an easy and hassle-free manner, without wasting your time visiting the booking office.
Hoper Main Piers
Here is a list of some of the main piers you can reach with Hoper ferries. Check the complete station guide before you go:
- Thira Santorini Port
- Milos Port
- Folegandros Port
- Mykonos New Port
- Sifnos Port
- Syros Port
- Patmos Heliport
- Ios Port
- Folegandros Heliport
- Ios Heliport
- Porto Cheli Heliport
- Antiparos Heliport
- Athens International Airport
- Hoper Santorini Heliport
- Milos Airport
- Mykonos Airport
- Oia Heliport
- Sifnos Heliport
- Syros Airport
- Tinos Heliport
Hoper Popular Destinations
The most popular shipping routes covered by Hoper include but are not limited to:
Hoper Ferry Types & Tickets Prices
High-speed fast ferries always hit the hardest on your pocket. If you need to save money, check whether some slower options are available on your route – usually the rates are much more affordable. It is a rule of thumb to check the length of the trip before booking. On longer routes, the difference in travel time can be huge. Note that not all ticket fares or classes are always available on any route. During peak seasons it is a good idea to make your booking in advance as the availability of more expensive private cabins is often limited. Opting for walk-in tickets on the most popular routes during these periods can result in long waiting queues. Some destinations have more than one pier or different piers for different ferry companies hence goes the recommendation to check the pier you leave from/dock at before your trip. Leave enough time before the departure to find your boat and check in. These procedures may take up to a couple of hours on international routes. Last but not least, some piers impose their own ‘pier fee’ on all arriving passengers. This fee is normally not included in your ticket price – keep this in mind.
Travel by Ferry: Pros & Cons
Pros of Ferry Travel
- Taking a ship allows you to get to some of the islands, beaches, or seaside destinations which otherwise cannot be reached. While ferry travels can be time-consuming and sometimes make you suffer from sea sickness, the possibility of visiting the most paradise, secret, off-the-beaten-track destinations they bring you to usually compensates.
- Ferry tickets can be booked online. It saves you time and secures your travel itinerary goes as planned. The advanced booking option is especially convenient when travelling during peak season periods, national holidays, or long weekends when there is high demand for tickets and on routes served by a limited number of vessels.
- On some routes, you are able to choose the class of the ticket or cabin. There are private compartments or standard cabins with a number of extras included or not. Always check the conditions of your fare to take most of your trip.
- Ferry travel is always fun. It allows you to see the places you visit or just pass by from a different angle. The majority of places look terrific – and totally different! – when viewed from the water. Sailing provides a great opportunity to shoot nice and unique pics and videos – do jump at it!
Cons of Ferry Travel
- The major concern while travelling by water is motion sickness, which is a very annoying and unpleasant thing. Even if you have never experienced it before, there is no guarantee that the next ferry trip will run smoothly as well. Rough seas and speedboat journeys can make even the strongest stomachs beg for mercy. Follow our recommendations above and take your medicine half an hour prior to your trip. Taking a light meal before travel also helps – more chances to get seasick with an empty stomach.
- Delays and cancellations are common for ferry trips as they highly depend on weather and sea conditions. It especially concerns travel during shoulder months or off-season. Rains, mossy seas, and stormy weather may interfere with your travel itinerary – try to keep it flexible and do not plan tight flight connections even during the ‘usually-good-weather’ season.