Pet-Friendly Ferries in Greece: The Complete 2026 Guide
Every ferry company, rules by dog size, pet cabins, prices and practical tips — updated for 2026.
Greek ferries are the backbone of island travel — and the good news is that almost every major operator now accepts pets. The bad news is that rules differ by company, route, and even ship class. This 2026 guide breaks down exactly what to expect from each operator, what it costs, and how to make the crossing comfortable for your dog or cat.
The Universal Rules
Across every Greek ferry operator, a few rules apply: - Pets must be declared at booking — not at the port. - Dogs must be leashed AND muzzled when on open decks. - Dogs are not allowed inside indoor lounges, bars, restaurants or seating areas (only assistance dogs). - Small pets (under 10kg) can usually stay with the owner in a carrier on the open deck. - Larger dogs (over 10kg) travel in onboard kennels or in a pet-friendly cabin. - EU Pet Passport (or Animal Health Certificate for non-EU residents) is mandatory.
Blue Star Ferries
The most large-dog-friendly operator. Accepts dogs of all sizes on every route in the Aegean. - **Pet cabins:** Available on most overnight routes (Piraeus–Crete, Piraeus–Rhodes, Piraeus–Santorini long routes). Book 4–8 weeks ahead in summer — they sell out. - **Kennels:** Climate-controlled onboard kennels for larger dogs. You can visit your dog on deck. - **Deck area:** Designated pet zones on open deck. - **Price:** €10–30 depending on route and size.
Attica Group (Superfast Ferries & Hellenic Seaways)
Operates Patras–Italy, Adriatic routes and Saronic / Cyclades lines. - **Pet cabins** on Patras–Ancona, Patras–Bari, Patras–Venice — the standard for international travel with a large dog. - Hellenic Seaways accepts pets on all Cyclades and Saronic routes, mostly in deck areas. - **Price:** €15–60 international, €5–20 domestic.
Minoan Lines
The gold standard for crossing to Crete and Italy. - Dedicated **pet cabins** on all Heraklion–Piraeus and Heraklion–Italy routes. - Pets allowed in private cabins (with a cleaning surcharge of ~€30). - Excellent kennels for larger dogs. - **Price:** €20–80 depending on route.
ANEK Lines
Merged operations with Attica Group. Pet cabins on long Crete and Adriatic routes. Reliable, traditional service — good for nervous dogs on overnight crossings.
Seajets
The largest high-speed operator. **The most restrictive** for pet travel. - Only small pets in a carrier are accepted, on the outdoor deck only. - No access to indoor lounges — including for the owner if accompanying the pet. - Crossings are short (1–4 hours) but uncomfortable in heat or rough seas. - **Avoid for large dogs** — they will spend the entire trip in a small kennel on a windy deck. - **Price:** €8–25.
Levante Ferries (Ionian Sea)
Serves Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Ithaca. - **Free transport** for small pets in carriers — one of the few operators with no pet fee. - Open-deck areas for larger dogs. - Short crossings (1–2 hours), perfect for first-time ferry travel with a pet.
Golden Star Ferries
Cyclades-focused conventional ferries (Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros). - Accepts pets on all routes. - Deck area for large dogs, carrier on deck for small ones. - **Price:** €5–15.
Saronic Ferries & Hellenic Seaways (Argo-Saronic)
For Aegina, Hydra, Spetses, Poros — the easiest day-trip islands from Athens. - Small pets free in carrier. - Large dogs on deck with leash and muzzle. - Frequency: every 1–2 hours in summer.
What to Bring on the Ferry
- EU Pet Passport (or Animal Health Certificate) - Leash AND muzzle (mandatory on deck, even if your dog is gentle) - Water bowl and bottled water - Absorbent pee pads (for longer crossings) - A blanket or piece of clothing that smells like home - Cooling mat for summer crossings - Treats and a favourite toy
How to Choose the Right Ferry
- **Short trips (1–4h):** Any conventional ferry is fine. Avoid high-speed catamarans for large dogs. - **Overnight trips (8–14h):** Always book a pet cabin if available. Stress and dehydration are the biggest risks. - **Patras–Italy (24–36h):** Minoan or Attica Group pet cabins are essential. - **High season (July–August):** Book 6–8 weeks ahead. Pet cabins sell out first.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- **Not declaring the pet:** You may be denied boarding, even with a valid ticket. - **Booking a high-speed catamaran with a large dog:** Hours in a small kennel below deck. - **Forgetting the muzzle:** Port police can issue fines. - **Skipping the pet passport:** No valid ID = no boarding. No exceptions.
Booking with Ferryhopper
Ferryhopper now supports online pet ticket booking for Blue Star, ANEK, and an expanding list of operators. For other companies, you book the ferry online and add the pet separately at the port counter (always do this at least 30 minutes before boarding).
Quick Reference Table
- **Most large-dog-friendly:** Minoan Lines, Blue Star - **Best for budget travel:** Levante Ferries (free for small pets) - **Best for long international routes:** Minoan, Attica Group - **Avoid for large dogs:** Seajets and other high-speed catamarans - **Mandatory everywhere:** Leash + muzzle on deck, EU Pet Passport, declaration at booking