Getting Around South Aegean 2025
Navigate South Aegean like a local with our transportation guide.
South Aegean is Greece's island paradise, encompassing the stunning Cyclades and Dodecanese archipelagos in the heart of the Mediterranean. From the iconic whitewashed clifftop villages of Santorini and the glamorous shores of Mykonos to the medieval walled city of Rhodes and the archaeological wonders of Delos, this region offers an unparalleled blend of ancient history, natural beauty, and vibrant island culture.
Transportation Overview
Quick comparison of transport options in South Aegean.
Public Transit
KTEL buses serve main towns and tourist beaches on larger islands (Rhodes, Kos, Naxos, Paros). On Santorini and Mykonos, public buses connect main points but taxis and rented vehicles are more practical.
Taxis
Taxis widely available, especially at ports and airports. Fixed rates often apply on smaller islands — always confirm before getting in.
Car Rental
Car, scooter, or ATV rental is the most popular way to explore South Aegean islands independently. Available on all major islands from the port or airport.
Walking
Town centers — especially Mykonos Town, Rhodes Old Town, and Naxos Town — are best explored on foot. The Santorini caldera walking path is one of the region's highlights.
Getting There
How to arrive in South Aegean.
✈️ By Air
Diagoras International Airport
The Dodecanese's main airport, serving 5+ million passengers annually. Receives direct international flights from across Europe from April to October. Year-round domestic connections to Athens.
Santorini (Thira) National Airport
A small but very busy airport receiving direct international and domestic flights. Congested in July-August — book transfers in advance. Closed during strong northerly winds (meltemi).
Mykonos Airport
Handles approximately 1.5 million passengers in a very short summer season. Receives direct European charter flights and domestic connections. Extremely busy in peak season.
Kos Hippocrates Airport
The main gateway to the Dodecanese for package tourists, with extensive charter flights from Europe in summer. Domestic connections to Athens year-round.
Paros National Airport
A small airport with domestic flights to Athens and limited inter-island routes. Seasonal summer operation primarily.
Naxos Airport
Small island airport with daily Athens connections and some inter-island flights in summer.
Milos Airport
A small airport with Athens connections and some domestic services. Ferry is often preferred as it connects directly to the harbor.
Airport Transfer Options
Complete Transportation Guide
Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.
Local Transportation
Getting around within South Aegean.
Each island is best explored by different means. Larger islands (Rhodes, Kos) have good bus networks; smaller islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Paros) are best by rented scooter, ATV, or car. Walking is excellent in towns and between caldera villages.
Ferry (inter-island)
Local bus (KTEL)
Taxi
Rental car
Scooter/ATV
Walking (town centers)
Bicycle (Kos is very flat)
Water taxi (seasonal)
🚌 Buses
KTEL buses serve major routes on all large islands for €1.50-5 per ride. Buses converge at central bus stations in main towns.
🛺 Local Alternatives
Taxis, rental cars, scooters, ATVs, bicycle (excellent on flat Kos), water taxis to beaches
Intercity Travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Ferry connections are the lifeblood of the South Aegean. The main ferry hub is Piraeus port in Athens. Within the Cyclades, Paros serves as a central hub connecting to most other islands. Within the Dodecanese, Rhodes is the central hub.
Long-Distance Buses
Inter-island buses don't exist — ferries are the intercity transport. Long-distance ferry journeys from Piraeus to Rhodes take 12-18 hours by conventional ferry.
Shared Taxis/Minivans
Shared taxis (taxi collectivo) available on some islands for airport and port runs
Domestic Flights
Domestic flights from Athens: Rhodes €50-120, Santorini €60-130, Mykonos €70-140, Kos €55-120
Private Car/Driver
Private car hire with driver from €80-150/day on major islands
Driving in South Aegean
Information for self-driving travelers.
Recommended?
Yes
Driving Side
Right
License Required
EU licenses fully valid; non-EU licenses need International Driving Permit technically but rarely checked. All major rental companies accept standard licenses.
Road Conditions
Roads on main islands are generally good; mountain roads on Naxos and Rhodes can be narrow and winding. Santorini roads are steep and narrow.
Driving Considerations
- Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
- Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
- Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
- Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
- Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)
Transportation Tips
Essential advice for getting around.
Book ferries and fast boats well in advance for July-August — they sell out
Check ferry schedules on ferries.gr or directferries.com — times change seasonally
Meltemi winds (July-August) can cancel or delay ferries — build buffer days into your itinerary
Santorini has a cable car (€6 return) from the old port up to Fira — far better than the famous donkey ride
Rhodes Old Town is best explored on foot — parking is impossible and cars are not allowed in some areas
Kos is famously flat — renting a bicycle (€5-10/day) is the most enjoyable way to get around
On small islands, the hotel or port agent usually handles scooter/ATV rentals
Night ferries are a great option for longer distances — they save a night's accommodation
Ferry tickets can often be bought at the port on the day, but pre-booking is safer in peak season
Useful Apps
Ferries.gr
Best app for booking all Greek ferry tickets in advance
DirectFerries
Compare ferry schedules and book inter-island routes
Aegean Airlines App
Book domestic flights with Greece's main domestic carrier
Google Maps
Works well for navigation on all Greek islands with offline download
Navigate South Aegean Like a Local
Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.
Download Transport Guide