Ios facts
The Greek Island of Ios is located between the islands of Naxos and Santorini, in the South East part of the Cyclades island complex. The island covers approximately 109 km2 (42 mi2) and in 2001 its population was 1.838. It is a mountainous island. The largest town and Capital is Chora, a white and very picturesque Cycladic village, full of narrow paths and stairs which make it inaccessible to vehicles. Ios has beautiful beaches, Mylopotas being the most famous and popular one. The island is very popular amongst the younger crowds.
Legend has it that Homers mother was from Ios and that Homer himself died on the island.
Interesting information about Ios can be found through the Greek Travel Pages (GTP), Wikipedia and the Ios municipality website www.ios.gr
The island has one port:
- Ios port, which is situated on the Western side of the island.
Coordinates: 36º 43’ 22,81” N - 25º 16’ 22,42” EChora is only 1/2 km away and is connected by bus (tel. +30 22860 92015) and taxis with the port. The access by foot is not easy because the road going uphill is very steep (there is also a path with steps going up.)
Useful info: Ios port authority tel.: +30 22860 91264, Greek Tourist Police: +30 22890 22482 (in Mykonos)
Travel times
Ferry from Piraeus to Ios
- Hydrofoils: 3h 45min
- Conventional ferries: Approx 9 hours - max. 14 hours
Ios ferries schedule announcement
There are four, so called, "ferry schedule seasons":
- Winter ferry season 1st of November until 31st of March.
- Spring ferry season 1st April - beginning of June.
- Summer ferry season beginning of June - mid September.
- Autumn ferry season rest of September - 31st of October.
Ferry connections and schedules for domestic routes, like Ios, are usually announced by most shipping companies, a couple of weeks before the beginning of each season. There are some exceptions though, like Blue Star ferries, which announces schedules in the beginning of the year.
Athens to Ios ferry schedule frequency during summer
- Morning: Daily at least 1 Hydrofoil.
- Afternoon: Daily 1 conventional ferry.
Information concerning Athens ports serving routes to Ios can be found further down.
Ferry types operating routes to Ios
Conventional car ferries
These vessels can be divided into two categories: the old ones and the modern ones.
The main differences between them are
- their cruising speed
- the quality of accommodation and services provided and
- the prices
They are usually very big vessels, which also carry vehicles. Their advantages compared to the High Speed vessels, like the catamarans, are that they are more seaworthy, offer more "relaxed" accommodation and cabins and the passengers have the possibility to sit outside and enjoy their cruise around the Greek islands.
Catamarans & Hydrofoils
These vessels are smaller and much faster than conventional ones. Only a few of them can carry vehicles. Their main advantage is that they go twice as fast.
Passengers are usually not allowed to sit outside even though there is some space on some of them. The accommodation inside is a little like a very wide airplane. The better the class, the wider the seat. There are no cabins.
Smoking is not allowed in any inside area of any ship.
Ferry connections to & from Ios
- Piraeus (Athens main port) - click here for port information
- Lavrio (Athens secondary port - East Attica coast) - click here for port information
- Rafina (Athens secondary port - North East Attica coast) - click here for port information
- Crete: Heraklio
Note: Not all above connections operate throughout the year.
Ferry to Ios prices
Prices quoted below concern 2017, for the most popular routes, in economy class and are indicative. Same prices apply v.v. These prices are subject to change without prior notice.
| Athens - Ios ferries | Ferry types | |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional ferry | Hydrofoil/Catamaran* | |
| Piraeus - Ios ferry | approx. 40€/adult | approx. 60€/adult |
| Cyclades - Ios ferries | ||
| Santorini - Ios ferry | between 8 and 15€/adult | approx. 32€/adult |
| Mykonos - Ios ferry | between 8 and 15€/adult | approx. 55€/adult |
*Note: Hydrofoils/Catamarans usually operate between May and October.
