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I booked a $50 ticket on an 8-hour ferry from Athens to Santorini. The views were great, but I don't think I'd do it again.

Katie SilcoxMar 15, 2024, 00:22 IST

I took a ferry from my city of Athens to the Greek Island of Santorini.Katie Silcox

I often take ferries around the Greek Islands, but Athen to Santorini was my longest journey yet.
I traveled on a gray, rainy day, but the ferry was smooth and the views were still good.

I live in Athens, Greece, and often take ferries to explore the Greek Islands.

I recently booked an economy-class ticket on a Blue Star ferry from Athens to Santorini for 45 euros, or about $50. The nearly eight-hour journey was set to be my longest ferry ride to date.

Some smaller ferry services from Athens to Santorini are quicker — the fastest sailing time is around five hours — but they can be choppy and some don't have any outdoor space.

Here's how my long journey went.

Finding my gate at the port wasn't easy.

My ferry left from Piraeus Port in Athens. Katie Silcox

I'm glad I got there early.

The economy seating was first-come, first-served. Katie Silcox

There wasn’t much entertainment on board.

If you didn't bring a book, there were some for sale on the ship. Katie Silcox

Food options were also limited.

I ended up with a fast-food lunch on the ferry. Katie Silcox

The journey was scenic.

Even though it was stormy, the Greek Islands still looked beautiful. Katie Silcox

It was too cold and windy to spend much time on the decks.

I only stayed outside for a couple of minutes because of the weather. Katie Silcox

It was a smooth sail and disembarking in Santorini was easy — even in the rain.

I was impressed by how efficient the disembarkation was. Katie Silcox

The ferry ride wasn't bad, but next time, I'd take a flight.

The ferry ride was very long. Katie Silcox

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