Operator
Small Cyclades Lines
The small island ferry between Amorgos, the Small Cyclades and Santorini
- Katapola on Amorgos to Athinios once a week, on the Sunday round via Ios, about 3 hours 15 minutes
- Express Skopelitis, 45 metres, 340 passengers and 11 cars, sails winter and summer
- A family line in the Small Cyclades since 1956
About Small Cyclades Lines
Table of Contents
About Small Cyclades Lines
Small Cyclades Lines, in Greek Mikres Kyklades Lines, is the family company of the Skopelitis family from Amorgos. Captain Dimitris Skopelitis, known as Captain Mitsos, began linking Naxos and Amorgos with the Small Cyclades in 1956; his son Giannis followed him on the bridge, and today the grandson Dimitris Skopelitis runs the line with Captain Giannis Fostieris. Ten wooden boats and steel ships have come and gone in that time, and the company received a Lloyd's "Seaways of the Year" award along the way. The line's core job is the public-service route between Naxos, Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissi, Donoussa and the two Amorgos ports of Katapola and Aigiali, six services a week, winter and summer.
The ship
Express Skopelitis is the company's only vessel: 45 metres long, with room for 340 passengers and 11 to 12 cars. It is a small conventional island ferry that sails in weather that keeps larger ships in port, which is the reputation the Skopelitis name is built on, and it is not a high-speed craft. Expect a simple ship with open deck space rather than cabins or seat classes.
The route on this site
Once a week, on Sundays, Express Skopelitis leaves Katapola on Amorgos for Santorini and Ios and returns to Katapola the same day. The Katapola - Santorini leg takes about 3 hours 15 minutes, the Santorini - Ios leg about 1 hour 55 minutes. On the other days the same island pair is served by SeaJets with a passenger-only catamaran in about 1 hour 15 minutes, so the Sunday sailing is the choice for a slow crossing, for a car, or for a day trip that fits the round. The ship arrives at Athinios; the day for your date is in the timetable, and the whole network is on the route map.
Check-in, vehicle and pet
Express Skopelitis boards at the quay like the other Greek island ferries, with the ticket checked at the gangway. Vehicle space is limited to 11 to 12 cars, so book the car with the ticket and arrive with time to spare at Katapola; the company's agencies at Katapola and Naxos confirm vehicle check-in and the conditions for pets on your sailing. Bring the animal's health booklet, as on every Greek ferry.
Tickets
Tickets are sold online through the booking step on the route page and at the company's agencies on Amorgos and Naxos. The fare depends on the leg, the vehicle and the date; departures are in the timetable.
FAQ Small Cyclades Lines
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about Small Cyclades Lines and its Santorini sailing.
Which route does Small Cyclades Lines sail to Santorini? +
One sailing a week: on Sundays Express Skopelitis leaves Katapola on Amorgos for Santorini and Ios and returns the same day. The rest of the week the ship works the Small Cyclades line between Naxos, Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissi, Donoussa and Amorgos. The day and time for your date are in the timetable.
Which ship does Small Cyclades Lines use? +
Express Skopelitis, the company's only ship: 45 metres long, 340 passengers and 11 to 12 cars, sailing winter and summer. It is a small island ferry, not a high-speed craft, and the Katapola - Santorini leg takes about 3 hours 15 minutes.
How long does the crossing take? +
About 3 hours 15 minutes from Katapola to Santorini and about 1 hour 55 minutes between Santorini and Ios. SeaJets serves the Katapola - Santorini pair with a passenger-only catamaran in about 1 hour 15 minutes on other days; both appear in the timetable.
Can I take a car? +
The ship carries 11 to 12 cars, so space is tight and worth booking early. Whether a vehicle fare is offered for your sailing shows in the booking step; for the Sunday round to Santorini, ask the company's agency at Katapola or Naxos about vehicle check-in.
Are pets allowed on board? +
Pets travel with their owners on Express Skopelitis; the company's agencies at Katapola and Naxos confirm the conditions for your sailing. Bring the animal's health booklet, as on every Greek ferry.
Where do I find fares? +
Children and vehicle fares follow the company's tariff. Departures for your date are in the timetable.
Check your sailing
See when Express Skopelitis calls at Athinios on your travel date, then open the Katapola route.