Ferry from Karpathos (Pigadia) to Santorini (Athinios)

Karpathos to Santorini is a long westbound run with Blue Star Ferries aboard the Blue Star Chios, and the time varies widely with the routing, from about six and a half hours direct to around eleven and a half when the ship calls via Crete and other islands. It is a conventional ferry with a restaurant, indoor lounges and open deck. Worth checking which routing you are booked on, as the two are very different journeys.

Ferries dock at Athinios, the working port beneath Santorini's caldera cliffs, rather than the old port below Fira. Athinios has no town of its own, so plan for a bus or transfer up the switchback road on arrival. Once up top there are the caldera villages of Fira and Oia, the clifftop sunset views and the volcanic beaches on the east coast.

Sailings run around three times a week in season. The current timetable and fares are shown in the table below. Santorini is one of the busiest hubs in the Cyclades, with frequent high-speed and conventional links to Piraeus, Crete and the rest of the Cyclades, so onward options from here are wide open.

Weekly Karpathos to Santorini Ferry Schedule

What each ferry company has published for the four weeks from 14 November 2026 to 11 December 2026: the days it sails and its departure times from Karpathos.

Things to do when you arrive: Best Santorini tours on Viator

Karpathos to Santorini Ferry Fares

Hiring a car

Is it worth hiring a car on Santorini?

Yes. The ferry port at Athinios sits about 7.5km below Fira up a steep, winding road; the bus takes about 25 minutes and a taxi costs many times the fare. A car lets you reach Oia, Akrotiri and the red and black beaches at your own pace without waiting for infrequent buses; rental desks operate near the port, and you can compare prices across local suppliers at Discover Cars.

Can you rent a car in Karpathos?

Yes, with desks in Pigadia near the port. It's worth it if you're staying several days: the drive north to Olympos, about 58km, runs along narrow, winding cliff roads that can turn genuinely windy, and buses only cover the main routes. For a short stay, buses and boat trips to the beaches are enough. Compare hire options at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Karpathos to Santorini between 14 November 2026 and 27 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Karpathos to Santorini ferry

• On a sunny day, the sheltered lee side of the vessel (the side facing away from the wind) is the most comfortable spot on the outer deck.
• On routes operated by a single company, focus on choosing the right class of service rather than comparing operators.
• Pets travel in a dedicated area on most Greek ferries; book your pet's space when you book your own ticket as places are limited.
• In Santorini, the clifftop villages of Oia and Fira offer the famous caldera views over the submerged volcanic crater, best seen at sunset from Oia's castle. The 214 steps down to Amoudi Bay lead to some of the best seafood tavernas on the island, and local wine tours offer a taste of Assyrtiko, the volcanic-soil white grape unique to the island.

Plan a journey

Search for a connection between any two Greek ports, including journeys that need a change.