Ferries on the Paros to Iraklia route offer comfortable travel with a full range of onboard amenities. Here's what to expect from each operator:

Blue Star Ferries

Blue Star Ferries is Greece's largest and most established conventional ferry operator, part of the Attica Group. With a modern fleet of large conventional vessels, Blue Star serves the most demanding Cyclades routes year-round, offering a complete onboard experience comparable to a short cruise.

Fleet on this route: Large conventional ferries (Blue Star Delos, Blue Star Paros, Blue Star Naxos, Diagoras) — carrying up to 2,400 passengers and 600 vehicles

Seat & Cabin Classes: Deck Class: Open-air deck seating (cheapest). Economy Seats: Numbered airplane-style seats indoors. Business Class Seats: Premium reclining seats in quieter lounge. 4-Bed Cabin: Shared inside cabin. 2-Bed Cabin: Semi-private inside cabin. Exterior Cabin: Cabin with porthole window. Deluxe Cabin: Premium cabin with exterior window and en-suite bathroom.

Luggage Policy: Up to 50 kg of luggage per passenger, free of charge. No formal check-in required — store bags in designated luggage racks near your cabin or seat. Bicycles accepted for an additional fee (€5–8).

Pets: Pets accepted free when included in booking. Animals under 10 kg may stay with their owner in a carrier in designated pet-friendly areas. Larger pets are accommodated in kennels on the open deck or in dedicated pet cabins. Pets must wear a leash and muzzle on open decks. Valid health certificate and EU pet passport required.

Vehicles: All Blue Star vessels have vehicle garages accepting cars, motorcycles, campervans, and buses. Cars from €75–130 depending on route and season. Motorbikes from €20–35. Arrive at the port 60–90 minutes before departure for vehicle boarding — vehicle lanes are in a separate area from passenger embarkation.

Small Cyclades Lines

Small Cyclades Lines is the lifeline ferry service for the Small Cyclades islands of Naxos, Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonisia, and Donousa. Without this operator, the Small Cyclades would be practically inaccessible to most visitors.

Fleet on this route: Small conventional ferries (Express Skopelitis) — perfectly sized for the intimate Small Cyclades harbours

Seat & Cabin Classes: Deck/Open Seating: The Express Skopelitis is a small boat with open deck seating — bring a jacket for the sea breeze! Basic indoor seating also available.

Luggage Policy: Limited luggage space on the small vessels — bring a compact bag rather than a large suitcase. Backpackers are the typical clientele.

Pets: Pets generally accepted with documentation. The small vessel size means pets travel in more intimate proximity to other passengers — check with the operator.

Vehicles: Very limited vehicle capacity (a few motorcycles maximum) — the Small Cyclades are best explored on foot or by rental scooter.

All ferries on this route have clean restrooms, luggage storage areas, and food and beverage service. In peak season (July–August), we recommend reserving a specific seat or cabin class rather than traveling on an open deck ticket.