Getting from Aegina to Ikaria

If you are heading to Ikaria from Aegina you are making your way to one of the world's Blue Zones, a mountainous island in the northeastern Aegean where people live measurably longer than almost anywhere else on earth and the local explanation tends to involve sleeping late, eating well and ignoring schedules.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Aegina to Ikaria. The most practical ferry approach is to take the Saronic ferry from Aegina to Piraeus, which takes around 40 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, and then board the Piraeus to Ikaria ferry, which runs around 3 times a week and takes around 7 to 11 hours depending on the vessel and the route. Ikaria has two ports, Agios Kirikos in the south and Evdilos in the north, so check which port your ferry arrives at before booking accommodation as the mountain road between them takes well over an hour.

Getting there by air

Ikaria has its own small airport with connections from Athens running around 3 times a week. Taking the Saronic ferry from Aegina to Piraeus, the metro to Athens Airport and flying to Ikaria takes around 50 minutes in the air. Total travel time is around 4 to 5 hours. Check the schedule carefully as flights are limited.

Your best option

Take the Saronic ferry from Aegina to Piraeus and fly to Ikaria. It is the most practical approach. If you are travelling with a car, take the Saronic ferry from Aegina to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Ikaria ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning. Build flexibility into your plans once you arrive. Ikaria runs on its own schedule and that is entirely the point.