You're standing on a caldera edge in Oia, sunset-dazzled, thinking about the next leg of the trip. You need to know about getting from Santorini to Mykonos without losing your mind or your luggage. Most travel blogs make it sound like a breeze. Just hop on a boat, right? Not exactly. If you don't account for the "Meltemi" winds or the chaotic reality of Athinios Port, your Greek island hopping dream can turn into a sweaty, delayed nightmare pretty fast.
Honestly, it’s only about 64 nautical miles. In theory, that's a short hop. In reality, the Aegean Sea is a temperamental beast, and the logistics of these two powerhouse islands are governed by a very specific seasonal rhythm that most first-timers completely ignore.
The Ferry Reality Check
Ferries are the lifeblood of the Cyclades. Forget flying; there are basically no direct flights between Santorini and Mykonos. If you try to fly, you'll likely have to lay over in Athens, which is a massive waste of time and money unless you actually want to see the Acropolis for three hours.
You’ve basically got two choices: the "Seajets" style high-speed cats or the massive, lumbering conventional ferries like Blue Star.
The high-speed boats are enticing. They’ll get you there in about 2 to 2.5 hours. They look like sleek spaceships. But here’s the kicker: they are light. When the north winds—the Meltemi—kick up in July and August, these boats bounce. If you’re prone to seasickness, a high-speed ferry in a Force 7 gale is basically a floating vomit comet. I’ve seen seasoned travelers go pale the moment we cleared the Santorini caldera.
On the flip side, the larger, slower conventional boats take closer to 3 or 4 hours, but they cut through the waves like butter. They’re also cheaper. If you have the time, taking a larger vessel like the Blue Star Delos (though it more commonly runs the Piraeus route, keep an eye on seasonal shifts) offers a much more "classic" Greek experience where you can actually stand on the deck and watch the islands go by.
Choosing Your Vessel
Seajets is the dominant player here. They run the WorldChampion Jet, which is legitimately one of the fastest ferries in the world. It’s got a literal Formula 1 car inside it for decor. It’s fast. It’s efficient. It’s also usually the first to get cancelled if the weather turns truly sour.
Golden Star Ferries is another big name. Their SuperExpress is a solid middle ground.
Then you have Hellenic Seaways (owned by Attica Group). Their Highspeed 4 is a fan favorite because it feels a bit more stable than the tiny catamarans.
Pricing isn't static. Expect to pay anywhere from €60 to €100 for a one-way ticket. Prices spike as the date approaches, and unlike trains in some parts of Europe, these do sell out, especially the morning departures.
The Athinios Port Factor
Santorini’s port, Athinios, is a disaster. There’s no nice way to say it. It’s a small ledge at the bottom of a massive cliff, connected to the rest of the island by a series of terrifying switchbacks.
Do not, under any circumstances, think you can roll up 20 minutes before departure.
The traffic down that cliffside road is legendary. If three ferries are departing at once, the road becomes a parking lot. Give yourself at least an hour. Most locals will tell you ninety minutes just to be safe. You’ll be standing in the heat, surrounded by hundreds of people and colorful luggage, waiting for a boat that might be 30 minutes late anyway.
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Pro tip: The "port" isn't the same as the "old port" where the cruise ships drop people off. If you show up at the cable car in Fira expecting to board your ferry to Mykonos, you’ve messed up. You need a car, a bus, or a transfer to Athinios.
Seasonal Windows and Booking
Timing is everything in the Aegean.
- April to June: The sweet spot. The weather is crisp, the ferries are running but not packed, and the "Meltemi" hasn't reached its peak strength.
- July and August: Peak madness. Boats are full, ports are humid, and the wind is a constant factor.
- September to October: The "Golden Hour" of Greek travel. The water is still warm, the crowds have thinned, and getting from Santorini to Mykonos becomes significantly more pleasant.
Use a site like FerryHopper or Paleologos to book. Don't bother with the individual ferry line websites; they are often clunky and don't show you the full picture. These aggregators let you see all the boats from different companies on one screen.
Also, get the e-ticket. Most major lines now allow QR code check-in. In the old days, you had to find a physical kiosk in town to print a paper ticket. Some smaller lines still require this, so check your confirmation email carefully. If it says "Boarding Card," you're good. If it says "Reservation Confirmation," you still have to go to a ticket office.
Why You Shouldn't Take a Helicopter
Look, if you’re a high roller, you might consider a private helicopter transfer. It’s a 40-minute flight. It’s gorgeous. It also costs about €3,000.
The problem? Luggage. Helicopters have strict weight limits. If you’ve been shopping in Oia, your bags might not make the flight. Plus, if it’s too windy for a ferry, it’s often too windy for a light chopper. You’ll end up back on the boat anyway, just several thousand dollars poorer.
Luggage and Logistics on Board
When you finally board, it’s a mad dash. There is a specific etiquette—or lack thereof—on Greek ferries.
Large suitcases go in the racks on the car deck. You generally do not take big bags up to the seating area. You’ll see racks labeled by destination. Look for "MYKONOS." Drop your bag and move. Don’t worry; it’s generally very safe, but keep your valuables (passport, camera, cash) in a small backpack that stays with you.
Once you’re in the cabin, find your seat. If you booked "Economy," it might be unassigned "deck" seating, which actually means any of the plastic chairs or lounge seats in the common areas. If you booked "Numbered Seats" or "Business," you’ll have a specific spot. On a two-hour Seajet ride, Business class is worth the extra €15 just for the air conditioning and the lack of chaos.
Arriving in Mykonos: New Port vs. Old Port
Mykonos has two ports. Almost every ferry from Santorini arrives at the New Port (Tourlos).
The New Port is about 2km away from Mykonos Town (Chora). Do not try to walk it. The road is narrow, has no sidewalk, and is frequented by distracted tourists in ATVs.
You have three options once you hit the pier:
- The SeaBus: This is the best-kept secret. It’s a small boat that runs from the New Port to the Old Port (right in the heart of town) every 30 minutes. It costs about €2 and saves you a lot of hassle.
- A Taxi: Good luck. There are only about 30-40 taxis on the whole island. During ferry arrivals, the line is a mile long.
- Pre-arranged Transfer: If your hotel offers a shuttle, take it. Even if they charge €20, it’s worth avoiding the logistics of the New Port arrival terminal.
Actionable Steps for a Seamless Trip
If you want to handle getting from Santorini to Mykonos like a pro, follow this checklist.
- Book 2-3 months in advance if you’re traveling in July or August. The morning high-speed boats sell out first.
- Download the FerryHopper app to track your boat in real-time. Ferries are like buses; they stop at other islands (like Ios, Naxos, or Paros) along the way, and delays ripple through the schedule.
- Book a transfer to Athinios Port through your hotel the night before. Don't rely on "finding a taxi" in the morning.
- Pack a light jacket. Even if it's 90 degrees outside, the industrial-strength air conditioning on the high-speed ferries will turn you into an icicle within 20 minutes.
- Check the wind forecast. Use an app like Windy.com. If the wind is above 6 or 7 on the Beaufort scale, expect delays or a bumpy ride. If you're a nervous sailor, consider switching to a larger boat if the forecast looks gnarly.
- Identify your arrival port. Double-check that your accommodation knows you are arriving at Tourlos (New Port) so they don't go to the wrong place.
The transit is a part of the experience. Grab a spanakopita from a bakery before you hit the port, find a seat by the window, and watch the blue of the Aegean. It's messy, it's loud, and it's quintessentially Greek.
Once you see the windmills of Mykonos appearing on the horizon, the stress of Athinios Port will be a distant memory. Just make sure you’re ready to jump off the boat fast—they don't wait around for long once the ramp drops.