When we dreamed about island hopping in the Cyclades, we pictured smooth and effortless journeys with (high-speed) ferries or even short but picturesque flights between some of the bigger islands like Santorini, Syros, Mykonos, and Paros.
That is, until we saw the prices, especially in high season. If you’re traveling as a family, like we are, or simply trying to explore the Greek islands without blowing your budget, transport in the Cyclades can quickly become one of your biggest travel expenses.
But while we were living in Syros for a couple of months, we discovered the Artemis ferry by Hellenic Seaways. Locals started talking about it, and when we planned last-minute trips to other islands, we saw some days were really cheap to travel.
At first, we didn’t really understand how it works and weren’t even sure if it was the right choice. The Artemis only sails on certain days, and you can’t seem to find its schedule months in advance. It wasn’t flashy and didn’t receive nearly as much attention as the larger ferry companies.
But after stepping onboard and taking the Artemis ferry multiple times, we can confirm it is a fantastic way to explore the Cycladic islands, and all they say is true. Yes, it is slow but also incredibly cheap, and it’s the best way to immerse yourself in the local way of traveling.
So, if you’re willing to trade speed for authenticity (and save A LOT of money along the way), it might just become your favorite way to explore the Cyclades. And in this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know to island-hop around the Greek Cycladic Islands with the Artemis ferry.
Most popular ferry routes in the Cyclades
⛴️ Athens → Syros (2.5–4 hrs) — Search tickets
⛴️ Athens → Mykonos (2.5–5 hrs) — Search tickets
⛴️ Athens → Paros (3–5 hrs) — Search tickets
⛴️ Athens → Naxos (3.5–5.5 hrs) — Search tickets
⛴️ Athens → Santorini (4.5–8 hrs) — Search tickets
What do you need to know about island hopping around the Cyclades and the Greek Islands?
There are plenty of ways to island-hop around the Cyclades, and each option has its own advantages, depending on your budget, travel style, and itinerary. Here’s a short overview:
- High-speed ferries and catamarans: They’re fast, comfortable, and ideal if you’re trying to fit several islands into a shorter holiday. But they are probably the most expensive option and usually only go from April to October. One of the biggest examples is SeaJets.
- Conventional ferries: They are slower but often more affordable, and they sail year-round. You can usually find larger outdoor decks, more space to walk around, and a much more relaxed atmosphere. Many also carry cars, campervans, and motorcycles. Examples are Blue Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways with the Artemis Ferry.
- Domestic flights: Some of the larger Greek islands, such as Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, and Syros, have airports with domestic connections. However, the options are more limited, and often you have to fly to Athens first.
- Sailing trips: Of course, it’s the most expensive option, but if you’ve ever dreamed of dropping anchor in hidden bays, swimming in crystal-clear water, and discovering secluded beaches that ferries can’t reach, chartering a sailboat or catamaran is an unforgettable experience.
So, essentially, there are enough options. But we are writing this article about the Artemis Ferry because it stands out, offering something the others can’t: a very affordable, authentic, and relaxed way to explore the islands.
It’s not the fastest ferry in Greece, but if you’re looking to save money, adapt your itinerary and enjoy the journey as much as the destination, the Artemis Ferry is hard to beat.
Read more: Our complete guide on traveling around the Cyclades by ferry
What do you need to know about the Artemis Ferry?
The Artemis is a conventional passenger ferry operated by Hellenic Seaways, connecting many of the smaller and lesser-visited Cycladic islands that are often skipped by the larger high-speed ferries.
Unlike modern catamarans racing across the Aegean, the Artemis is an older vessel built in 1997 that takes its time. It sails at a relaxed pace, stopping at multiple islands along the route, giving passengers a glimpse of everyday life in the Cyclades rather than simply transporting tourists from one hotspot to another.
The Artemis is the most affordable ferry in the Cyclades because it is government-sponsored. This ferry is not out there for tourists. It’s there to give locals the option to still travel from island to island and connect communities year-round without having to pay the exorbitant prices charged by some other ferries. We love taking the Artemis ferry because it feels like traveling through the islands the old-fashioned Greek way.
How cheap and affordable is the Artemis?
We keep saying the Artemis ferry is so cheap and the most budget-friendly way to travel around the Cycladic islands. But how affordable are we actually talking?
Here’s a comparison between some prices (in 2026) on popular routes to give you an idea:
| Route | Artemis (2026) | Blue Star Ferry (2026) | SeaJets (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens → Syros | €18 | €37 – €46.5 | €59.7 |
| Syros → Paros | €7 | €19.5 | €64.7 – €78.4 |
| Paros → Naxos | €5.5 | €15.5 | €27.8 – €37.8 |
| Syros → Santorini | €17.5 | €44.5 | €74.4 – €92.1 |
| Paros → Milos | €12 | – | €89.7 |
As you can see, the Artemis ferry is incredibly cheap! This makes the Artemis ferry perfect for budget travelers, backpackers, digital nomads, families, or anyone who wants to save money on transport and travel the local way.
If you’re bringing a rental car or motorcycle, vehicle fares are extra. But even with a car, the Artemis is often one of the most economical ferry options in the Cyclades.
We quickly realized that, for our family, by choosing the Artemis for a few of our island transfers, we saved enough money to enjoy several extra dinners at local tavernas. An easy trade-off if you ask us!
Read more: Best time to visit the Cyclades
TIP: Don’t be fooled by these data. The Artemis doesn’t sail these routes daily but usually only once or twice a week. And it goes slow. So you will have to adapt your island hopping itinerary if you want to use the Artemis ferry and make sure you have enough time.
Artemis ferry timetable (2026 – 2027)
One of the most important things to know about the Artemis is that its schedule usually doesn’t change throughout the year and has even been the same for the past few years.
Unlike the large ferry companies that operate multiple daily departures, the Artemis follows a rotating timetable between the different (smaller) islands it serves.
Syros Island can be considered its ‘home’ port, and it sails all the way from Athens (Lavrio) to Milos and even Santorini (the most affordable way to get there), stopping at all the lesser-known Cycladic islands on its way. Not every sailing includes every island, and some destinations are only served on specific days of the week. You can check the 2026 – 2027 Artemis Ferry Timetable below.
TIP: The Artemis schedule usually only comes online on ferry booking sites a month upfront, which can be very frustrating. Because if you are planning your island-hopping travels back home, chances are real that you won’t see the Artemis among the different ferry options. But it will go, trust us!
How to book your Artemis ferry tickets
Booking an Artemis ticket is straightforward, but it does require a little more planning than some of the larger ferry companies. You have several options:
- Book online (recommended): the easiest way is to book your ferry online before your trip so you can board the ship without worries. However, as mentioned before, you can usually only book around a month in advance before your sailing date. If you’re traveling in July or August, we’d definitely recommend booking ahead, especially if you’re taking a vehicle.
- Buy tickets at a local ferry agency: almost every port town in the Cyclades has one or more travel agencies selling ferry tickets. You can buy your tickets there, especially handy because the staff often know about schedule changes, weather conditions, and the best travel options.
- Buy at the port: depending on availability, you can also purchase tickets at the port before departure. This works well during the quieter months but can be risky during peak summer when sailings may sell out. And not all ports will offer this option. If your itinerary is fixed, we wouldn’t leave it until the last minute.
Our experience onboard the Artemis ferry
One of the first times we left Syros on the Artemis was right at sunrise. So, we grabbed a seat on the outside deck and watched all the beauty while cars were still loading and passengers embarking on the ship.
And those outside seats are honestly some of our favorites. If you’ve never crossed the Aegean while sitting outside with the sea breeze in your face and one Greek island slowly disappearing behind you as another comes into view, you’re missing one of the best parts of traveling in Greece.
Because the ferry makes several stops, there’s always something happening. Watching cars unload, supplies being delivered, locals boarding with groceries, and fishermen returning home gave us a small glimpse into everyday island life that we would have completely missed on a direct high-speed ferry.
Traveling on the Artemis is all about the local, authentic feeling, which also translates to the interior. Don’t expect luxury, fancy restaurants, or airline-style seating. The ferry is comfortable enough, but it’s designed for practical transportation rather than premium travel. Here’s what you can expect on board:
- Indoor lounges with comfortable 70s-style sofas, which we love!
- An outdoor deck with seating.
- A bar with basic drinks and snack options, enough to make sure you aren’t hungry or thirsty during your travels with the Artemis.
- Restrooms.
TIP: Unfortunately, sometimes the Aegean Sea is rough, and as the Artemis is a slower, smaller ship, it goes up and down a lot. So, if you see the staff take out the bags, you know what’s coming. In our experience, take some seasickness pills, eat something salty, and try to close your eyes.
Practical tips for your budget itinerary with the Artemis ferry
- How to start your island-hopping itinerary from Athens: if you want to use the Artemis ferry to create a budget-friendly itinerary around the Cycladic Islands, we advise you to either take the Artemis on Mondays or Fridays from Athens (Lavrio Port) or take another ferry, such as the Blue Star Ferry, from Athens (Piraeus Port) to Syros, and start planning your route from Syros to the other Cycladic islands.
- How to plan your itinerary: plan your itinerary around the Artemis timetable, not the other way around. That way you’ll enjoy a stress-free island-hopping adventure instead of trying to force connections that don’t exist. Check the Artemis schedule first before booking accommodation on each island. Adjusting your plans by just one day can sometimes make island-hopping a lot cheaper.
- Consider the smaller, lesser-known islands: rather than connecting only the most famous destinations, the Artemis links a fascinating mix of popular islands and hidden gems. So, if you only want to do Paros, Milos, Santorini and Mykonos, the Artemis ferry is probably not your best choice. Not only because it doesn’t even sail to Mykonos, but also because it doesn’t connect these islands directly. Choosing some of the lesser-known islands will make your itinerary easier and a lot more interesting!
- Be aware of the travel time between the islands: the Artemis travels slowly, so it can take a while before you reach your destination. For example, we took the Artemis ferry from Syros to Mykonos, and it took us 7.5 hours! We would advise stopping at another island in the middle to break the journey up, especially if you have less time.
We found that treating the Artemis schedule as part of the adventure rather than an inconvenience made the whole experience much more enjoyable. After all, slow travel is about embracing the journey, not racing through it.
Read more: Best Cycladic islands to visit
Budget itineraries through the Cyclades with the Artemis ferry
The Cyclades have a reputation for being expensive, and if you stick to Santorini, Mykonos and Paros, using high-speed ferries or flights to get there, that reputation is entirely earned. But the Cycladic archipelago stretches across dozens of islands, and with the right choices, you can explore Greece’s iconic scenery on a budget.
Here is a list of the Cycladic islands that are served by the Artemis ferry: Syros, Kythnos, Kea (Tzia), Andros, Tinos, Paros, Naxos, Ios, Sikinos, Folegandros, Milos, Kimolos, Sifnos, Serifos, and Santorini.
Why should you add Syros to your itinerary?
If you consider using the Artemis ferry for your itinerary around the Cyclades, you almost have to pass Syros, as it is considered the home base for the Artemis ferry and the only island the Artemis sails to daily. So adding Syros to your itinerary will help you a lot to craft a budget-friendly itinerary.
And, since you’re here, we highly advise you to get off for a couple of days, not only because it will allow you to take the Artemis to another island a couple of days later, but also because Syros island is absolutely worth visiting and one of our favorite islands in the Cyclades.
Syros is one of the best-kept secrets in the Cyclades and a natural hub for island-hopping. Unlike its glamorous neighbours, Syros’ capital Ermoupoli functions as a real, lived-in Greek city, with a theater, neoclassical mansions, and a working harbour that isn’t overrun with tourists.
Read more: Where to stay in Syros
A 1 or 2 week budget island-hopping itinerary starting from Syros
For this itinerary, we start and end on Syros Island. If you are wondering how to get to Syros, you can either get here on Friday by Artemis ferry from Lavrio Port, or take the conventional ferry from Piraeus Port in Athens to Syros, or take the flight from Athens to Syros.
Whichever way, you will have to add 2 or 3 days to this itinerary to come from and get to Athens. But that allows you to visit Syros as well, which we think you absolutely should, of course!
- Day 1 – Sunday: Syros – Paros: leave Syros at 7 am and arrive in Paros around 9 am. Stay in Paros for 2 nights.
- Day 2 – Monday: Paros (read more about the best things to do in Paros in our full guide)
- Day 3 – Tuesday: Paros – Kimolos: leave Paros around 9 am and arrive in Kimolos around 1:30 pm. Stay in Kimolos for 2 nights.
- Day 4 – Wednesday: Kimolos (read more about the best things to do in Kimolos in our full guide)
- Day 5 – Thursday: Kimolos – Milos: take the local ferry, called Osia Methodia, from Psathi to Pollonia, which costs less than €5 per adult (get more info here on how to get to Milos from Kimolos). Stay in Milos for 3 nights.
- Day 6 – Friday: Milos (read more about the best things to do in Milos in our full guide)
- Day 7 – Saturday: Milos
- Day 8 – Sunday: Milos – Syros: leave Milos around 2:30 pm and arrive back in Syros around 10:30 pm. Yes, that is 8 hours on the ferry, but we’ve done it, and it goes by surprisingly fast.
To leave Syros, you can take the Artemis ferry on Monday to Lavrio or again take the conventional ferry or flight to Athens.
If you have almost 2 weeks, you could also add Sifnos and Serifos to your itinerary by stopping there on Sunday and leaving for Syros again by Artemis on Tuesday.
TIP: This itinerary is entirely following the Artemis ferry timetable, but is just an example. The Artemis also stops at many other (smaller) Cycladic islands. So, you can adjust the itinerary according to your interests and dates. And if it’s hard to follow the Artemis schedule, don’t forget to check the schedule of other ferries. If you have to take one or two, it will still be more affordable than doing the entire route by fast ferry.
Our honest opinion on the Artemis ferry
The biggest advantages of the Artemis ferry
After using the Artemis several times ourselves, these were the things we appreciated most:
- It’s incredibly affordable: especially if you’re traveling with children or planning to visit multiple islands, the savings are significant, and almost too good to be true in these expensive times.
- You experience more of the Cyclades: instead of rushing past islands at 35 knots, you actually get to enjoy the journey. The changing landscapes, harbors, and coastlines become part of the adventure.
- It reaches smaller islands: some islands have limited ferry connections, making the Artemis one of the easiest and most affordable ways to include them in your itinerary.
- A more authentic experience: you’ll share the ferry with locals, students, workers, and island residents, not just tourists.
Read more: What to wear in the Cyclades
The downsides (because there are some)
As much as we enjoyed the Artemis, it’s not perfect. If you’re considering it, it’s worth knowing the disadvantages too:
- It’s slow. There’s no way around it. A journey that takes two hours on a high-speed ferry may take four, five, or even longer on the Artemis. If you’re in a hurry, this probably isn’t the right choice.
- Delays can happen. Because the ferry visits multiple islands, even small delays can add up during the day. Weather can also affect the schedule, particularly when the Meltemi winds are strong in summer. If you have an international flight to catch, we’d avoid relying on the Artemis (or any other ferry) on the same day.
- Fewer departures. Unlike the major ferry operators, the Artemis doesn’t sail every route every day. Some islands are only served on specific days of the week. Planning ahead is essential.
- Basic onboard facilities.
Is the Artemis worth it?
If your holiday is all about relaxing, experiencing local life, and enjoying the journey just as much as the destination, you’ll probably love it. If you’re trying to squeeze five islands into one week, you’re probably better off paying extra for the faster ferries.
So, for us, the Artemis ferry is absolutely worth it. It is slow and not luxurious, but it gave us something that many modern ferries don’t. Time to enjoy the sea. Time to experience everyday life in the Cyclades instead of racing past it. And it forces you to consider visiting lesser-known islands.
But perhaps best of all, it allowed us to explore more islands without stretching our travel budget. If you are looking for a budget-friendly and affordable Cyclades island-hopping adventure, then the Artemis ferry is your best (and maybe only) option.