Common Mistakes Travellers Make with Ferries in Greece & How to Avoid Them

If you're considering your first trip around Greece by ferry, be assured that they're an essential and wonderfully authentic part of the Greek island experience. Just picture yourself hopping across those sparkling Aegean waters, basking in the Mediterranean breeze as you glide between picturesque harbours. However, like any adventure, a little insider knowledge goes a long way.

Think of Openferry as your friendly guide to navigating the Greek ferry system. We'll steer you clear of those little hiccups, from booking the wrong port to thinking you can make an overnight trip without a cabin. So, settle in and let's make sure your island-hopping dreams become a blissful reality!

Mistake #1: Arriving Too Late at the Port

So, you're picturing a leisurely stroll onto the ferry just before it sets sail? It's a common thought, perhaps influenced by experiences with trains or buses back home. However, a little extra time at the port is your best friend when it comes to ferries in Greece.

Why It’s a Problem: Boarding often commences a good 30 to 60 minutes before the scheduled departure, particularly on the larger vessels or if you're travelling with a car. The crew adheres to a strict schedule, and unfortunately, the ferry won't linger if you arrive late.

How to Avoid It:

• To ensure a smooth start to your island adventure, aim to arrive at the port at least 60 minutes before departure – allow even more time, such as 90 minutes, if you have a vehicle to load.
• Use Openferry's helpful live ticket reminders and alerts – they're a fantastic way to stay on track and avoid any last-minute rushes.

Mistake #2: Packing Heavy or Poorly

Navigating the ferries in Greece often involves a bit of manoeuvring, so how you pack can significantly impact your journey.

Why It’s a Problem: It's tempting to bring everything, including the kitchen sink, yet hauling a large, cumbersome suitcase up gangways and narrow stairwells can quickly become tiresome. Similarly, checking all your luggage might leave you without essential items during the ferry ride itself.

How to Avoid It:

• To make your travels more comfortable, aim to pack light.
• Consider bringing a smaller day bag containing necessities such as snacks, a portable charger, a light jumper for air-conditioned interiors or breezy decks, and your identification documents.
• A helpful tip is to store larger luggage near the ferry entrance. This area is generally safe and keeps your belongings accessible while also freeing up valuable space around your seating area.

Mistake #3: Booking the Wrong Port or Route

Planning your ferry journey around the Greek islands requires careful attention to detail, especially when it comes to ports and routes.

Why It’s a Problem: It's surprisingly easy to mix up departure points, for instance, confusing the bustling port of Piraeus with the more laid-back Rafina, both of which serve Athens. Similarly, some islands have multiple ports. Mykonos, for example, has two ports. Unfortunately, a simple oversight in your booking can lead you on an unexpected voyage in the wrong direction.

Avoid It:

• To prevent such travel mishaps, always take a moment to double-check the specific name of your departure port and the precise spelling of your intended island destination.
• Openferry is incredibly useful here, offering maps and route visualisations to ensure your chosen path aligns perfectly with your desired destination.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Weather and Cancellations

When planning your island-hopping itinerary, it's wise to monitor the weather closely, particularly if your schedule involves tight connections.

Why It’s a Problem: Greece experiences seasonal winds, most notably the meltemi, which can be pretty intense, especially in the Cyclades region. These winds can sometimes lead to delays or even cancellations of ferry services, potentially disrupting your onward travel plans, such as catching a flight.

Avoid It:

• To mitigate the risk of weather-related disruptions, consider building some buffer days into your travel itinerary, especially if you have subsequent flights to catch.
• Staying informed about real-time ferry updates is also crucial. Openferry provides timely notifications.
• For greater stability during potentially windy conditions, consider opting for larger ferries, as they tend to handle rougher seas more effectively.

Mistake #5: Skipping Cabins on Overnight Trips

Embarking on an overnight ferry journey or a lengthy daytime crossing is a straightforward way to reach your next island paradise. However, opting for a simple deck seat for an extended period, such as ten hours, can sometimes lead to discomfort that you might later regret.

Why It’s a Problem: Trying to sleep in public lounges can be challenging, with potential drafts and limited opportunities to truly rest. Waking up with a stiff back isn't the most ideal way to begin your island escape.

Avoid It:

• Consider booking a cabin for a significantly more comfortable experience on overnight ferries or long daytime routes.
• While it represents a small additional expense, having a proper night's sleep or a private space to relax significantly boosts your overall well-being and enjoyment of your trip.
• Think of it as a worthwhile investment in ensuring you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore.

Mistake #6: Not Booking Ahead in Peak Season

During the vibrant peak season, particularly in July and August, the allure of popular islands such as Santorini, Naxos, and Paros draws many visitors. It's a time when ferries connecting these sought-after destinations can become quite busy.

Why It’s a Problem: Arriving at the port expecting to easily purchase a ticket on the day of travel might lead to disappointment, as services often sell out well in advance.

Avoid It:

• To ensure your island-hopping plans proceed smoothly during these busier months, it's highly recommended that you book your ferry tickets ahead of time.
• With Openferry, you can secure your passage around three to four weeks in advance, which is a prudent approach.
• Even during the quieter off-season, booking your tickets at least a few days in advance of your intended travel can provide valuable peace of mind and help you avoid any last-minute uncertainties.

Mistake #6: Relying only on the Ferry Café

It's worth considering your refreshment options when embarking on your ferry journey. While most ferries have onboard cafés, it's perhaps best not to rely solely on them for a quick, affordable, or gourmet meal.

Why It’s a Problem: During busy periods, queues can become quite lengthy, and the selection of food and drinks available might be somewhat basic, with prices that aren't always the most budget-friendly.

Avoid It:

• To ensure you have your favourite snacks and stay hydrated throughout your voyage, bring a supply of water and nibbles.
• Additionally, many ports offer delightful local treats, such as fresh koulouri (a sesame-seed ring bread) or a savoury pie. Purchasing one of these from a portside vendor before boarding can be a tasty and convenient way to enhance your ferry experience.

Travel Smart with Openferry

Exploring the captivating Greek islands by ferry is an experience many travellers cherish, and with a bit of preparation, your journey can be smooth and enjoyable.

Openferry is a valuable companion throughout this process, helping you navigate everything from initial booking to stepping aboard your chosen vessel. By utilising its features, you can easily compare various routes, stay informed with live updates regarding your ferry's schedule, and ultimately select the option that best aligns with your travel plans.

Embracing a mindful approach to your ferry travel can help you avoid some common pitfalls. With the right tools and a touch of foresight, you can confidently embark on your island-hopping adventure, ready to create lasting memories.

Let Openferry assist you in booking like a seasoned traveller, ensuring a seamless and delightful exploration of the beautiful Greek archipelago!