Boat and Ferry

Ferries between any of the Northern Aegean islands and Piraeus, Athens's port, take 8 to 11 hours (Piraeus–Samos, approximately €54).

There is usually one daily overnight ferry from Piraeus to Lesvos (€48, 17 hrs), which calls at Chios first (€43, 8–9 hrs).

Five to nine ferries travel each week from Piraeus to Samos, arriving in either Samos Town or Karlovassi (28 km [17 miles] northwest of Samos Town), some stopping at Syros, Mykonos, and Evdilos/Ikaria.

Ferries make a popular excursion from Samos (Pythagorio) to Patmos. At least once-a-day ferry service connects Chios with Çesme, one of Turkey's most popular resorts; the crossing takes less than a half hour. From Lesvos, a ferry runs at least once a week to and from Ayvalik, the Turkish port near the classical cities of Troy, Assos, and Pergamon; the crossing takes 1½ hours.

Service between the various Northern Aegean islands is not as frequent as one might wish, making island-hopping a bit of a challenge. There is regular service between Lesvos and Chios, costing €21 (3 hours). As many as three ferries per week run between Lesvos and Samos (5 to 7 hours, from €20) and up to three a week between Samos and Chios (3 to 4 hours, from €14). Bear in mind that you must collect your ticket from the ticket office prior to your journey. It's generally recommended to arrive at the port one hour before departure, and you must check in before you board.

Contacts

Chios Port Authority. 22710/44433; gtp.gr.

Mytilini Port Authority. 22510/24115; gtp.gr.

Piraeus Port Authority. 21045/50000; gtp.gr.

Samos Port Authority. 22730/27318; 22730/30888; 22730/61225; gtp.gr.