Island-hoppers planning a trip to Greece this summer will for the first time be able to book local ferry journeys before they arrive, with the launch of a new online ticket service.

In peak season it can be difficult to get a seat on the most popular ferry routes when the only way to secure one is to turn up at the port as early as possible. But next month routes such as Athens to Rhodes, Crete or Santorini will be bookable months in advance with the ferry companies Blue Star Ferries, Anek and Minoan Lines, with ViaMare (087 0410 6040; www.viamare.com).

'Most importantly you can plan your trip before you go, because you can see what services are available,' said managing director Zachary Yannakoudakis.

However, travellers on a budget may balk at the £20 booking fee being levied by the company, especially as some of the cheaper crossings cost just £10 each way.

But Yannakoudakis said the service was most useful for those wanting to book multiple journeys. The fee is waived altogether for bookings worth over £100, he added. 'Most people are travelling together so it's not difficult to reach this.'

He said the company would advise travellers wanting to book just one or two crossings to buy tickets on arrival in Greece.