Greek ferries are essential for island-hopping travel. For Muslim families, ferry travel comes with unique considerations: prayer logistics, halal food access, family seating, and efficient scheduling. Some ferries work better than others for Muslim travelers.
After years of taking Greek ferries with our family — including overnight crossings and 6-hour day trips — here’s the practical guide.
Greek Ferry Operators
Multiple operators run Greek ferries:
Major operators:
– Blue Star Ferries
– Hellenic Seaways
– Anek Lines
– Minoan Lines
– Aegean Speed Lines
– Sea Jets (high-speed)
– Cyclades Fast Ferries
Each varies in:
– Family amenities
– Food options
– Schedule reliability
– Pricing
Best Routes for Muslim Families
Athens (Piraeus) to Crete
Route: Piraeus to Heraklion or Chania
Duration: 8-9 hours (overnight ferry common)
Price: €40-90 per person, €40-70 per car
Operators: Blue Star, Anek, Minoan
For Muslim families:
– Overnight ferry option (sleep in cabin)
– Cabin allows prayer privacy
– Bring halal food (limited on board)
– Crete has growing halal infrastructure
My family’s choice: Anek overnight ferry — comfortable cabins, family-friendly atmosphere
Athens (Piraeus) to Cyclades (Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos, Paros)
Routes: Piraeus to multiple Cycladic islands
Duration: 3-7 hours depending on speed and destination
Price: €40-80 per person
Operators: Sea Jets (fast), Blue Star (regular)
For Muslim families:
– High-speed ferries: Faster but cramped
– Regular ferries: More comfortable, longer
– Family seating areas available
– Snack bar food limited halal options
Athens (Piraeus) to Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos)
Routes: Piraeus to Rhodes/Kos
Duration: 11-15 hours (overnight)
Price: €60-150 per person
Operators: Blue Star, Anek
For Muslim families:
– Overnight ferry preferred
– Cabin comfortable for family
– Rhodes and Kos have halal infrastructure (good destination)
Crete to Cyclades (Hopping)
Routes: Heraklion to Santorini, Mykonos
Duration: 2-3 hours (high-speed)
Price: €40-70 per person
Operators: Sea Jets, Aegean Speed
For Muslim families:
– Faster but more turbulent
– Family seating limited
– Plan around feeding times
Athens to Sporades (Skiathos, Skopelos)
Routes: Volos or Agios Konstantinos to Skiathos
Duration: 2-3 hours
Price: €30-60 per person
Operators: Hellenic Seaways
For Muslim families:
– Day trip practical
– Family-friendly day trip option
– Limited halal food on board
Ferry Types Comparison
Conventional Ferries (Slow but Comfortable)
Pros:
– Larger family seating areas
– Better food options
– Cabin availability for overnight trips
– Less seasickness
– Outdoor deck space
Cons:
– Longer travel time
– Lower frequency
Best for: Long routes, families with young kids, multi-night travel
High-Speed Ferries (Sea Jets, etc.)
Pros:
– Faster travel
– Modern facilities
– More frequent
Cons:
– More cramped seating
– Limited deck access
– More expensive
– Higher seasickness risk
Best for: Day trips, quick island hops
Catamaran Ferries
Hybrid options between conventional and high-speed.
Halal Food on Greek Ferries
Honest reality: Greek ferries have very limited halal options.
What’s typically available:
– Sandwiches (verify ingredients)
– Salads (vegetable-based)
– Pastries (often non-halal)
– Snacks
– Coffee, tea
– Bottled water and juices
What you should bring:
For day ferries:
– Halal sandwiches/wraps from Athens
– Fresh fruit
– Halal snacks (energy bars, dates)
– Bottled water
– Halal-friendly chips/snacks for kids
For overnight ferries:
– More substantial food (halal pre-cooked meals)
– Insulated bag for cold items
– Tea/coffee supplies
– Snacks for in-between
Prayer Logistics on Ferries
Day Ferries
Strategies:
– Pray before boarding
– Pray after arrival
– For long trips: small private space on deck
– Prayer mat in carry-on
For multi-prayer journey:
– Combine Maghrib and Isha (jamaa wa qasr — traveler’s mercy)
– Combine Dhuhr and Asr similarly
– Verify with your madhab
Overnight Ferries
Cabin prayer:
– Private cabin essential for overnight
– Adequate space for prayer mat
– Wudu in cabin bathroom
– Qibla direction: Use phone compass (interference possible on metal ferry — calibrate first)
Open seating ferry overnight:
– Limited prayer privacy
– Find quiet deck area
– Pray briefly between sleep periods
Booking Ferry Tickets
Best Practices
Booking timing:
– Summer season (June-August): Book 4-8 weeks ahead
– Spring/Fall (April-May, September-October): 2-4 weeks ahead
– Winter: Often book closer to date (verify ferry runs)
Where to book:
– Direct operator websites: Best prices typically
– FerryHopper.com — Aggregator, easy comparison
– Direct ticket offices at ports: Possible but limited availability
– Travel agencies: Sometimes package deals
Family Booking Tips
Family seating:
– Some ferries offer family lounges
– Reserve seats together
– Verify food court access
– Stroller-friendly areas
Family pricing:
– Children 4-12 typically half-price
– Children under 4 free (without seat)
– Family packs sometimes available
Deck class vs. cabins:
– Deck class: Cheaper, less comfortable for long trips
– Cabin: Recommended for trips 5+ hours
– Premium cabins: Upgraded amenities
What to Pack for Greek Ferries
Essentials:
– Halal food and snacks
– Water (more than you think)
– Travel prayer mat
– Phone with apps (Muslim Pro, ferry tracker)
– Power bank
– Modest clothing
– Sunscreen, hat (if outdoor seating)
– Light jacket (sea breeze cool)
For overnight trips:
– Sleeping kit (eye mask, ear plugs)
– Toiletries
– Travel pillow and blanket (cabin or deck class)
– Halal prepared meals
For families with kids:
– Activities for kids (books, tablets)
– Snacks (lots of them)
– Wipes, diapers if applicable
– Comfort items
Common Issues
Seasickness:
– Affect 20-30% of travelers
– Take seasickness medication 30 minutes before departure
– Sit in middle of boat, lower deck
– Avoid heavy meals before ferry
– Stay hydrated
Delays:
– Greek ferries occasionally delayed (weather)
– Plan buffer time between connections
– Track ferry status via app
Booking errors:
– Verify ticket dates and times
– Print ticket confirmation
– Save digital copy on phone
Family-Friendly Ferry Schedules
Best timing for families:
Morning departures (8-10 AM):
– Less seasickness (calmer seas)
– Time to settle on board
– Arrival in afternoon for hotel check-in
Avoid:
– Late evening departures (kids tired)
– Mid-day in summer (hot, crowded)
– High-wind days (rougher seas)
Cost Comparison
Sample family of four to Mykonos:
– High-speed Sea Jets: €280 round trip + €60-80 cabin charge
– Conventional ferry: €240 round trip
– Drive + ferry: €120 ferry + €200 fuel/tolls (only if multiple destinations)
Sample family to Crete:
– Overnight Anek ferry: €240 + €120 cabin (round trip for 4)
– Flight: €600 round trip for 4 (faster but more expensive)
Best value: Conventional overnight ferry for distant islands.
Special Routes
Italy Ferry from Patras
For Muslim families wanting Italy add-on:
- Patras to Ancona: 22 hours, €60-150 per person
- Patras to Brindisi: 16 hours, €50-130
- Best routes for cars and families
Day Cruise Ferries
- Athens to Saronic Islands (Aegina, Hydra, Poros): Day cruises
- 1-day round trips: €80-150 per person including lunch
- Family-friendly with halal lunch arrangements possible
For more travel content, see our Greek phrases Muslim travelers guide and day trips from Athens guide.
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Sail Greek waters comfortably with your family.
Last verified: April 2026 | Written by Amira | Halal Greece Editorial Team