Ferries in Greece
 

How reliable are the ferries in Greece in October?

I might expand on my original post. I'm travelling with my daughter to Mykonos by ferry from Athens in early October. We're spending three nights there, then off to Santorini by ferry for another three nights. I'm a little concerned as we're catching a flight to Rome from there. I don't want to miss my flight but also my stay in Santorini? Any advice would be welcomed!

On Santorini winds can be a flight delay/cancellation problem but if you are going to go from there to Rome directly it should be ok..Be flexible and don't gety stress..What is, is and what will be, will be!!

In October the only direct connections between Mykonos and Santorini are small catamarans, which occasionally are affected by weather. This is a rare occurrence, and shouldn't be something to worry about. In a worst case scenario you could take a car ferry back to Athens and another to Santorini, or delay your transfer by a day. Go ahead with your plans — everything should work out fine.

Thank you thats very helpful. When you say small catamarans, how many people do they hold approximately?

When we were in Greece in October 2012 we found the biggest problem was with strikes...we eventually learned to inquire daily about what strikes were forecast (they do seem to announce their strikes in advance but as tourists one usually doesn't think to inquire...until burned). When we arrived in Crete the taxis were on strike. When we were in Naxos there was a ferry strike which prevented us from seeing Samos. When we got to Athens the metro was on strike. The day before we were to fly out the air traffic controllers were on strike. Do you see a pattern here?
I would say go for it, as we did love Greece, BUT be prepared for possible disruptions...things always seem to work out but it helps to be proactive in thinking about alternative ways to do what you need/want to do. Maybe in the past year and a half things have improved and strikes are less of an issue!

el13207

I think you experienced withing a few days all the strikes that could affect traveling !!!
2012 was a year with quite some strikes indeed, 2013 was much more quiet and so will be 2014.... ( there were no major strikes so far)

To put things in perspective, I've been going to Greece for about 20 years and have only once been affected by a strike, and that was taxi drivers in Athens. Usually the air traffic controllers strikes are declared illegal and never go ahead. Occasionally there are 48 hour seamen's strikes, but not as many as a few years ago when austerity measures were being implemented in Greece.

The strikes are announced in advance, and every island hotel owner is aware of them. It's easy to keep informed by asking questions at your hotel and the ticket agencies. You can also be warned of impending strikes by checking http://livingingreece.gr/strikes/.

With regards to your question about catamarans, the two that operate the Mykonos - Santorini route in October are SeaJet 2 and Superjet. Both are 42 meter catamarans holding just under 400 passengers: http://www.seajets.gr/htm/Fleet

The Ferries in Greece are the main transportation for the Greek Islands. The only way for a ferry's itinerary to be canceled is because of the weather. And in many cases it might need a 8-9 BOFOR to cancel a itinerary.

In October the weather is still great in Greece so you are not going to have any problem at all

Wow, thanks everyone. Your information has been very helpful. We're really looking forward to our holiday.
Another question. Is it better to purchase our tickets on line now, or wait to buy them when we're in Greece? If so, where do we purchase our tickets?

There is no need to buy your tickets on line now, since you will be in Greece in October.
October is not a busy month, and the ferries will have plenty of availability.
You can buy your tickets upon your arrival at the Athens Airport from Amphitrion Holidays desk at the arrivals hall.

Amphitrion Holidays at the airport is very convenient, and that's where I usually buy my ferry tickets from Athens to the islands. For the Mykonos > Santorini tickets I would recommend waiting until you get to Mykonos and buying from an agent there. Reason: if there are any problems, it is easier getting your tickets changed with the same agent you bought them from.