Ferry Tips for Beginners (Tested and True)
If you’ve never taken a ferry to the Cyclades before, read carefully (and stay calm). I’ve experienced it all: meltemi winds, long routes with four stops before your island, decks without shade, and late-night arrivals. If you’re heading to Koufonisia and want a smooth ride, these are real tips that work.
Deck or cabin?
The classic question. If you booked the “slow” ferry, the one that takes 8–9 hours, think twice. Yes, cabins cost more, but having a bed, clean sheets and air conditioning (with no kids running up and down) is worth every euro. Traveling on a budget or with friends? The deck has its charm too, as long as you bring a travel pillow and a good mood for meeting half the passengers onboard.
What to wear on board
Inside big ferries it can feel like a fridge on water. Don’t board wearing just shorts and flip-flops thinking “it’s summer.” Bring a hoodie or light jacket, and if you’re traveling overnight, even a windbreaker. Wear shoes and socks, yes, socks, because the air conditioning comes from every direction. Also, if you carry a 10,000mAh powerbank, charge your phone and let yourself nap guilt-free.
Meltemi winds, delays & staying zen
In summer, the meltemi can turn the Aegean into a washing machine. Ferries get delayed, but they do arrive. Bring ginger-based motion sickness bands or patches, they truly save lives (and stomachs).
How to choose the right route
For beginners, start with FerryScanner. You’ll see all routes to Koufonisia, from Piraeus, Paros, Naxos or Amorgos, and you can compare prices, schedules and companies. Want to hop from beach to beach? Check out the local boat routes, it’s the most “island life” experience you can have.
Mini survival kit for the ferry
✔ Travel pillow: see here, saves your neck on long deck hours.
✔ Motion sickness bands: see here — better have them than search for a pharmacy in the middle of the Aegean.
✔ Powerbank: see here, because arriving with a dead phone is the saddest story of all.
Before disembarking
When the ferry arrives, don’t stand by the car exit, that’s for drivers only. Passengers on foot usually exit from the opposite side. Ask the crew to avoid the chaos, especially if you’re carrying a backpack or (worse) wearing flip-flops.
Once you’re on the island…
Before heading to your hotel, take a swim at Fanos or Ammos. If you have time, catch the small boat to Pori, you’ll instantly know why the trip was worth it.
