Paros to Santorini is the classic second leg of a Cyclades trip: a few relaxed days on Paros, then south to the caldera for sunsets and cliff-top hotels. It is also one of the best-served crossings in the group, with boats every day of the year and a wide choice of fast and slow sailings in summer.
You set off from Parikia, the capital and main port of Paros, where the quay is a short walk from the old town, and you arrive at Athinios, Santorini's ferry port on the south-west coast, about 8 km south of Fira. Athinios is a port rather than a town, so the last part of your journey is by bus, taxi or transfer, not on foot.
Timing matters on this route. The quickest boats reach Santorini in about an hour and a half, but some sailings take much longer: on our 12 August 2026 sample one Seajets departure took 4 hr 45 min. On the same day Blue Star 1 left at 22:15 and arrived at 02:40; if you take a late sailing like that, confirm late check-in with your hotel and book your transfer.
If you plan to drive, note that most catamarans and all the conventional ferries on this route carry cars, but Ferryhopper says the Super Jet and Super Jet 2 catamarans do not. Book car space early for July and August. Athinios is small and gets crowded in high season, so book your ride from the port in advance.
