Island-hopping in the Cyclades sounds dreamy—but how do you actually do it with kids?
We spent two weeks in Greece using the Greek Island Pass by Eurail, travelling from Athens to three Cycladic islands before eventually catching a ferry to Venice, Italy.
Our time on the islands was incredible, but navigating the ferry system was challenging. Schedules and booking procedures were confusing, boarding often felt chaotic, and some of the longer rides demanded serious stamina from our kids (and us!).
Still, Greek ferries are a fantastic way to explore this country—and with a little planning, they’re family-friendly too. Here’s how we made it work, which islands we visited, and how to plan a smoother trip.
Our Route
We used a 6-trip Greek Island Pass through Blue Star and Hellenic Seaways, which covered all domestic ferries plus one international route to Italy.
We started and ended in Athens, and visited three Cycladic islands before taking a bus to Patras for the long-haul ferry to Venice. Here’s a quick look at the three islands we chose:
Naxos: Best All-Rounder for Families
Naxos was our first stop, and it delivered everything we wanted: relaxing beach days, famous ruins (Temple of Apollo), and fun hikes (Mount Zas to Zeus’ Cave).
Learn More: Fun Things to Do in Naxos with Kids
Milos: Beautiful Beaches
We were drawn to Milos for its natural beauty and hidden gems like the moonlike Sarakiniko Beach, the secluded Tsigrado Beach, and the dramatic Kleftiko Caves.
Learn More: Kleftiko Cave Boat tour
Paros: Laid-back Charm
Paros is charming and walkable, with a vibrant old town, kid-friendly adventures like windsurfing, and scenic beaches.
Overview of the Ferry System
Greece has an extensive network of domestic ferries connecting major ports, such as Piraeus (Athens) and Rafina, with the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and beyond. Most scenic to ride and reliable, especially in high season.
There are dozens of ferry companies in Greece, ranging from high-speed catamarans to slower, larger vessels. Some sail direct routes, while others make multiple stops. We encountered both types, including what locals referred to as the “milk run” ferry, which loops around the Cyclades, making frequent stops.
Pros & Cons of Ferry Choice
• High-speed ferries are faster but more expensive, and rougher on the stomach.
• Blue Star ferries are slower, cheaper, and more spacious.
What to Expect at the Port
Expect Delays: Not every ferry runs on time. While some were punctual, we had delays of up to 2 hours, especially the afternoon sailings. Be flexible and build in buffer time if you have connections.
Boarding can feel chaotic: Passengers line up along the dock and walk onto the ferry when the gate opens. There’s little signage or guidance—just follow the crowd.
Move Fast on Arrival: Once the ferry docks, things move quickly. Attendants are efficient, and you may have only minutes to disembark before the next boarding begins.
Pack Light & Be Mobile: Lower-deck luggage racks are not supervised and can get wet from sea spray. We always brought our bags upstairs—up steep stairs, with no elevator access—so be prepared to carry them yourself.
On the Boat
Understand Seating Expectations
- Read your ticket carefully: Ferries often divide passengers by class (economy, first class, etc.).
- Open vs. assigned seating: Some ferries allow open seating within your class, while others assign specific seats. On our ferry from Naxos to Milos, our class was assigned to the top deck outside (with only hard plastic seats) for a 6-hour crossing. It would have been a cold and uncomfortable ride by the time we arrived at 1:30 a.m. Luckily, we snuck inside and found a space the boys could stretch out.
- Freedom Onboard: Some ferries allow movement between decks. Others are strict. On our way to Naxos, signs lit up airplane-style, requiring all passengers to remain seated the entire journey.
Amenities Onboard
• Cafés and snacks are available on board, but are pricey.
• Most ferry bathrooms are clean and stocked, but bring tissues just in case.
• Charging stations are available in some areas.
Prepare for Rough Seas
- The sea can be choppy, and walking around the boat isn’t always easy. If you or your kids are prone to motion sickness, bring anti-nausea meds.
Renting A Car? Time It Right
Many travellers rent cars on larger islands, such as Naxos. Just be careful with ferry arrival times—delays can make it tricky.
When we arrived in Paros (departing two hours late), we had just five minutes to find the rental office before it closed. Derek ended up sprinting through the port to reach the clerk before he locked up. Made it—barely!
Is the Greek Island Ferry Pass Worth It?
Yes—if you’re flexible. These passes can be a great deal for multi-island or international travel, but be prepared for a few hoops to jump through. Here’s what we learned along the way:
Ordering Eurail Passes
Order well in advance: You need physical paper tickets, mailed to your address. As we were travelling, we had ours sent to family back home, who then read the info to us over the phone. The mailing took six weeks
Booking Ferries
There is no booking online: Once you have the tickets in hand, you must call a ferry agent to make reservations. We had to make multiple calls to finalize the routes.
Book in advance in high season: Especially in July and August, ferries can fill up.
Be Prepared When Calling: Ticket agents are busy, and the process is old-school. If you’re not ready with exact dates and destinations, they will tell you to call back—and hang up.
Some routes don’t run daily. You might not be able to visit the islands in your ideal order or at all. Use a site like Ferryhopper to check options.
Have Backup Routes: The ferry network is limited, and popular routes sell out quickly. We missed visiting Santorini because no tickets were available from Naxos, and we had to adjust our return to Athens by detouring to Paros first. Flexibility is key.
Even with the hassle and extra steps, the Greek Island Pass by Eurail is well worth it—if you’re flexible with your travel dates and choice of islands. We used the pass to book four domestic ferry routes and one international journey. At $608 CAD for two adults (with kids travelling free), the cost savings were undeniable.
Tips for Ferry Travel in Greece with Kids
• Arrive early: Especially when seats are unassigned, getting there early helps ensure you can sit together.
• Expect crowds: Summer ports are busy and boarding can feel chaotic—have patience and keep kids close.
• Pack snacks and water: Delays are common. Ferry food can be limited and pricey.
• Bring entertainment: Reading/activity books, playing cards, and a downloaded movie can be lifesavers.
• Dress in layers: It gets chilly both outside and indoors thanks to aggressive air conditioning.
• Book a cabin: For overnight journeys, a private cabin is absolutely worth it with young kids.
Taking the Ferry from Greece to Italy
After island-hopping, we used our Eurail pass to catch a 36-hour ferry from Patras, Greece to Venice, Italy. Yes, 36 hours! For tips on long-haul ferries, see our full post, From Greece to Italy by Ferry: What It’s Really Like Adventure
Island Hopping in Greece
The Greek Island ferry system isn’t perfect, but it’s also part of the adventure. If you can roll with the delays, plan your bookings well in advance, and pack light, it’s a fun and scenic way to explore these beautiful islands.
Ready to Explore Greece?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
- 3-Day Itinerary in Athens with Kids
- Getting Into Greek Mythology: Visiting Poseidon’s Temple
- From Greece to Italy by Ferry: What It’s Really Like
- Fun Things to Do in Naxos with Kids
