There are four basic kinds of Greek ferries - hydrofoils, catamarans, ferries and caiques.

These are fastest but cost much more. A fast but pretty boring way to travel. Passengers sit inside in aircraft-type seats with small porthole windows. The only facility is a small toilet. Hydrofoils - often called 'Flying Dolphins' are old Russian-designed craft that cannot sail in bad weather so they only sail in summer and stay in port in high winds. There is a small outside deck at the rear where you can get fresh air and usually get drenched in sea spray.

These are super-sleek, super-fast and super-expensive ferries that ply the longer, more commercial routes. It's a sleek way to travel if you have the cash. They are fast and comfortable, with airplane seating, TV lounges, snack bars and other facilities. They usually take a small number of cars.

These can come in all shapes and sizes and are the workhorses of the Greeks islands, ferrying passengers, supplies and vehicles. There are 'high speed' ferries on the more popular inter-island routes that offer comfortable seats, TV, sun decks, toilets, cafes and so on.

The usual inter-island ferries are slower and more basic. Those used on shorter island routes are geared more towards shipping vehicles than passengers, so expect basic seating and just a small snack bar (if any). Every island will have a ferry service of some kind but winter services to smaller islands can be few. Statistically, you are very safe travelling on a Greek ferry but beware older boats, check the exits and life jacket points if you are concerned.

These are found in every port, lined up on the quayside touting island trips and visits to small offshore islets. There are usually no facilities on board so take your own food and drink. No toilets either, and be prepared for hard wooden seating - a small blow-up cushion in the rucksack can be a godsend. Boats can also sway about, even in a small swell, so beware of seasickness.