The Folegandros to Paros ferry links the cliff-edged south-western Cyclades to the central hub of Paros in about 4 hours, with summer sailings from as little as €8. The crossing connects quiet, dramatic Folegandros to the islands’ crossroads. This guide covers the ferry times, prices, operators and how to plan the trip.
The route is a useful island-hopping link to the island, set out alongside the connections in the guide to how to get to Paros. Folegandros lies to the south-west. The sections below cover the crossing in detail and how to use it.
How long is the crossing?
The crossing takes about 4 hours on most ferries, ranging from around 4 hours on a Seajets catamaran to nearly 5 hours on a conventional Blue Star boat, with some multi-stop services longer. The time depends on the operator and any islands called at on the way.
The journey is a longer open-sea crossing. Most boats take around 4 hours, with the Seajets catamaran averaging near 4 hours and the conventional Blue Star ferries about 4 hours 55, while some multi-stop services that call at Sifnos, Milos or Sikinos stretch the trip toward 6 hours 35. The boats are modern vessels that ride the open Aegean well, though the summer meltemi can lengthen a crossing. Folegandros lies south-west of Paros in the quieter Cyclades, so this links a remote island to the central hub. The route suits travellers hopping north-east. Knowing the schedule helps with planning.
What is the ferry schedule?
The route runs several times a week in summer, around fifteen weekly connections, with the first boat from Folegandros about 09:30 and the last near 12:25. The frequency drops in winter on this longer south-western line.
The timetable is concentrated in the high season. From June to September Blue Star Ferries, Golden Star Ferries and Seajets combine for around fifteen weekly crossings, with departures clustered in the late morning and midday, which supports an onward connection the same day. Schedules shift week to week and depend on the wider Cyclades line each boat runs, so confirming the exact time when booking is wise. Summer sailings fill quickly around the August peak. From late autumn the high-speed services thin out. Fares start very low at the budget end.
How much does the trip cost?
A standard seat costs from around €8 to €54 each way, depending on the operator and the speed of the boat, with premium seats higher. Carrying a car costs much more, and children, students and residents receive reduced fares.
The crossing is among the cheaper routes at the budget end. A foot-passenger seat runs from around €8 on a conventional sailing booked ahead to about €54 on a fast catamaran, with premium seats higher, for an average foot-passenger fare near €19. Carrying a car costs considerably more, averaging well over €100. The low entry fare makes a two-island split between Folegandros and Paros easy and affordable. Booking early secures both the lowest price and a guaranteed place in summer, as the guide to the best time to visit Paros notes. Several operators run the route.
Which companies run the route?
Blue Star Ferries, Golden Star Ferries and Seajets run the route, with conventional and high-speed vessels. The crossing forms part of the lines that link the south-western Cyclades of Folegandros, Sikinos and Milos to Paros.
Several operators share the route. Blue Star Ferries and Golden Star Ferries run conventional boats that carry vehicles and often call at Sikinos, Milos or Sifnos, while Seajets adds fast catamaran services across the western Cyclades. Their combined departures give the route its summer frequency. A single ticket along the line often allows island-hopping, with stops at the south-western islands, or onward from Paros to Naxos and Mykonos. Comparing operators on a booking platform shows the fastest and cheapest option for a date. The ports themselves are simple to use.
Where do the ferries depart and arrive?
Boats leave from Karavostasi, the port of Folegandros, and arrive at Parikia, the main port of Paros. Both ports serve their island, though Folegandros’s town sits above its harbour, so allow time to reach the port.
The ports are simple to use at each end. Ferries depart from Karavostasi, the small harbour of Folegandros, below the cliff-top main town, so travellers allow time to come down to the port by bus or taxi. On arrival, Parikia sits in the heart of the island’s capital, so the marble old town, the Church of 100 Doors and the bus terminal are all within a short walk, with no onward transfer. This central docking makes the arrival efficient, a pattern the guide to how to get to Paros describes. Bringing a vehicle depends on the boat.
Can you take a car on the ferry?
You can take a car on the conventional Blue Star and Golden Star ferries, while the high-speed catamarans are mostly foot-passenger only. Check the boat type when booking a vehicle, and reserve a space early in peak season.
Carrying a vehicle depends on the boat. The conventional ferries on the route have car decks and take vehicles across, useful for travellers touring the western and central Cyclades by car, while the fast catamarans focus on foot passengers and rarely carry cars. Confirming the vessel type is essential when booking a vehicle, and spaces sell out fastest in the August peak, so reserving ahead is wise, as the guide to Paros car rental notes. The longer crossing depends on the wind.
Is the crossing rough?
The crossing can be choppy when the summer meltemi blows, since it crosses open sea on a longer route. Morning conditions are often calmer, and the conventional ferries ride the swell more steadily than the fast catamarans.
The long open-water route is wind-dependent. The meltemi, strongest from mid-July to mid-August, can raise a swell across the western Cyclades, giving the fast catamarans a livelier ride over the four-hour crossing, while the heavier conventional ferries absorb it better. A morning departure, before the wind builds, tends to be calmer, and those prone to seasickness may prefer the larger boats on this longer route. Planning for the conditions on a four-hour trip is wise, as the guide to the best time to visit Paros reflects. Booking tickets is simple.
Why combine Folegandros and Paros?
You combine Folegandros and Paros to pair Folegandros’s dramatic clifftop Chora and quiet, unspoilt charm with Paros’s golden beaches, harbour towns and nightlife. The two offer wild calm and lively variety in one Cyclades trip.
The two islands offer contrasting experiences. Folegandros is small, dramatic and unspoilt, famed for its cliff-edge Chora high above the sea and a deep, romantic calm, a favourite of couples and those seeking quiet, while Paros brings golden beaches, whitewashed harbour towns, watersports and a lively food and nightlife scene. Hopping north-east from peaceful Folegandros to the central hub of Paros adds energy and variety to a trip, with the highlights set out in the guide to things to do in Paros. The route makes a fine two-island pairing. The questions below cover the points travellers ask most.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Folegandros to Paros crossing take?
The crossing takes about 4 hours on most ferries, from around 4 hours on a Seajets catamaran to nearly 5 hours on a conventional Blue Star boat, with some multi-stop services longer. The time depends on the operator and any stops.
How much is the Folegandros to Paros ferry?
A standard seat costs from around €8 to €54 each way, depending on the operator and the speed of the boat, with premium seats higher. Carrying a car costs much more, and children, students and residents receive discounts.
How often does the ferry run from Folegandros to Paros?
The ferry runs several times a week in summer, around fifteen weekly connections, with the first boat about 09:30 and the last near 12:25. The frequency drops in winter on this longer south-western line.
Which companies run the Folegandros to Paros ferry?
Blue Star Ferries, Golden Star Ferries and Seajets run the route, with conventional and high-speed vessels. The conventional ferries take longer but carry vehicles and often call at the south-western islands en route.