The Santorini to Folegandros ferry is a short hop of just 45 minutes to 3 hours, with daily summer sailings from around 7 euros, linking Santorini with one of the Cyclades’ most unspoilt small islands. This guide covers the journey time, the prices, the operators, the schedule and tips for the crossing.
Folegandros is a quiet, beautiful neighbour in the wider Santorini travel guide. It lies just to the west. The sections below cover the ferry.
How long is the Santorini to Folegandros ferry?
The Santorini to Folegandros ferry takes just 50 minutes on a high-speed boat or around 2.5 to 3 hours on a conventional ferry. Folegandros lies a short way west of Santorini, making it one of the quickest and easiest island-hopping hops, ideal for a day trip or a quiet second-island stop.
The crossing to Folegandros is short and simple. High-speed vessels make the run in as little as 50 minutes, while the slower conventional ferries take roughly two and a half to three hours, both heading a short distance west from Santorini to its tranquil neighbour. Folegandros is one of the smallest and least spoilt of the Cyclades, famous for its spectacular cliff-top Chora, dramatic coastline and complete lack of mass tourism, a striking contrast to busy Santorini. The brief crossing puts this peaceful, beautiful island within easy reach, whether for a day trip or a longer escape, set within the wider how to get to Santorini. The fares are very low.
How much does the ferry cost?
The Santorini to Folegandros ferry is inexpensive, with one-way fares from around 7 euros on a conventional sailing up to about 80 euros for premium seats on a fast boat, averaging roughly 30 to 45 euros. The short distance keeps even fast tickets reasonable, with prices rising in peak July and August.
Thanks to the short distance, this is one of the cheaper Cyclades crossings. A one-way foot-passenger ticket starts from as little as around 7 euros on a basic conventional sailing, rising to roughly 80 euros for a premium seat on a high-speed boat, with most fares falling comfortably in between, averaging about 30 to 45 euros depending on the operator, season and class. Taking a vehicle averages around 35 euros. Because the hop is so brief, even the fast-boat tickets stay relatively affordable. As always, prices climb in the peak July and August season and as boats fill, so booking ahead secures both a place and the best fare, set out alongside the guide to a Santorini itinerary. The schedule suits a day trip.
What is the schedule and operators?
The route runs year-round with up to two daily departures, served by SeaJets, Fast Ferries and the local Maistros Santorini boat. The first ferry leaves Santorini around 9am and the last about 7.30pm, so the short crossing leaves time for a day trip to explore Folegandros and return.
The route is reliable and runs all year. Several operators serve it, including SeaJets and Fast Ferries with high-speed and conventional vessels, and the local Maistros Santorini boat, giving up to two departures a day. The first ferry typically leaves Santorini’s Athinios port around 9am and the last returns around 7.30pm, which with the short crossing time leaves a comfortable window for a day trip. Folegandros rewards the visit with its dramatic clifftop Chora, one of the prettiest in the Cyclades, the hilltop church of Panagia, and quiet beaches reached on foot or by boat. For more than a taste, though, the island is worth a longer, peaceful stay, set out alongside the guide to Santorini day trips. A few tips help.
What tips help for the crossing?
The tips are to check the outbound and return times carefully for a day trip, book ahead in peak summer, arrive at Athinios port at least an hour before departure, and allow flexibility for the meltemi wind, which can delay high-speed boats. The early ferry makes a full day on Folegandros possible.
A little planning makes the Folegandros hop seamless. For a day trip, the key step is to check both the outbound and return ferry times before you go, ensuring an early enough departure and a late enough return for a worthwhile day, and to book ahead in the busy summer months when sailings fill. On the day, arrive at the busy Athinios port at least an hour before departure, as queues and port traffic build in season, and allow some flexibility, since the high-speed boats can be delayed by the strong meltemi wind in midsummer. With the early ferry, a full day exploring Folegandros’s Chora and coastline is easily possible, set out alongside the guide to the best time to visit Santorini. The questions below cover the points travellers ask most.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Santorini to Folegandros crossing?
The Santorini to Folegandros ferry takes just 50 minutes on a high-speed boat or around 2.5 to 3 hours on a conventional ferry. Folegandros lies a short way west of Santorini, making it one of the quickest island-hopping hops, ideal for a day trip or a quiet second-island stop.
How much is the Santorini to Folegandros ferry?
The ferry is inexpensive, with one-way fares from around 7 euros on a conventional sailing up to about 80 euros for premium seats on a fast boat, averaging roughly 30 to 45 euros. The short distance keeps even fast tickets reasonable, with prices rising in peak July and August.
Is a day trip to Folegandros possible from Santorini?
You can easily make a day trip to Folegandros, with the route running year-round and up to two departures a day. The first ferry leaves around 9am and the last returns about 7.30pm, so the short crossing leaves time to explore the clifftop Chora and coastline before returning.