How to get from Paros to Santorini
Santorini is one of Greece’s most iconic landscapes – a rugged island shaped by a massive volcanic eruption way back in the 16th century. Its cliff edges are dotted with white buildings, now a Greek trademark. What’s most amazing though is that the island sits on a still very active volcano, whose crater is hidden under the sea.
Volcanic-sand beaches dot its coasts. Some black, some red, others even multi-coloured. However, they all open up to alluring turquoise waters that will make you want to take a dip. Make sure that you spend at least one sunset in Oia. It will be one of the most picturesque views you’ll ever see!
Ferry from Paros to Santorini
The only way to travel the 80 km distance from Paros to Santorini is to take a direct ferry. The total travel time ranges from 2 – 5.5 hours, depending on the ferry you choose. Fares start from €31.50 ($34).
You can choose between 2 types of ferries for the Paros to Santorini route. High-speed ferries are faster but bumpier, while regular ferries are slower but calmer.
The option that is best for you depends on your budget, time, and capacity to travel on rough seas.
Paros to Santorini by Ferry
A direct ferry is your only option if you’re travelling from Paros to Santorini.
Ferries operate on this route all year round, but there are fewer ferry trips on the off-peak season from November to April.
For the latest schedules, we recommend checking BookAway prior to your trip. It’s also best to buy your tickets online beforehand to secure good seats!
Step 1: Paros to Santorini by Ferry
There are 2 kinds of ferries you can take from Paros to Santorini: high-speed ferries and regular ferries.
High-speed ferries are faster with only 1.5-hour travel time. However, we don’t recommend these ferries if you’re prone to motion-sickness, as the ride can get really bumpy.
On the other hand, regular ferries offer a slow and steady ferry trip from Paros to Santorini. Travel time can take 3-5 hours.
The ferry tickets vary, but prices range from €29.00 ($31.50) to €49.00 ($53).
Ferry schedule from Paros to Santorini
Ferries depart from Paros Port in the island’s capital Parikia. These ferries dock at Santorini New Harbour, which is about 8 km south of Fira.
Step 2: Santorini Harbour to Fira by Bus or Taxi
Most travellers visiting Santorini stay in Fira, the island’s city capital. This town is easy to reach by bus from Santorini Harbour. Buses are usually parked near the port, waiting for ferry arrivals.
You can buy your bus ticket from the driver for €2.50 ($2.70). Travel time to Fira Bus Stop is around 30 minutes.
Keep in mind, though, that there are often not enough buses for all passengers. If you miss the bus, you might have to wait a few hours for the next trip.
Another option to travel to Fira is by taxi. Rates start from €29.00 ($31.50), and travel time can be around 20 minutes. If you’re travelling alone and on a budget, you can ask around for tourists willing to share a taxi ride to Fira.
Heading to other destinations in Santorini, like Oia or Imerovigli? It will be easiest to take a direct taxi, but this option would be a bit expensive. You can also take a bus to Fira, where there are buses bound for almost every town on the island.
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
