Getting from Anafi to Ios

If you are heading to Ios from Anafi you are making your way from one of the most remote islands in the Cyclades to an island in the southern part of the group, a short hop to the northwest. It has some of the finest beaches in the Cyclades on its south coast and a Chora above the port that comes alive in the evening.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Anafi to Ios running in summer, with both the Blue Star and Maistros Santorini vessels serving the route. The crossing takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours and runs several times a week in peak season. It is one of the most natural connections from Anafi and keeps the journey entirely within the Cyclades.

Getting there by air

Ios has no airport. The nearest airport is Santorini. Anafi has no airport either. Taking the ferry from Anafi to Santorini and then the short ferry from Santorini to Ios, which takes around 35 minutes, is considerably more practical than flying for this Cyclades connection. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the direct seasonal ferry from Anafi to Ios when the schedule works for your dates. It is the most natural and enjoyable connection and keeps the journey entirely within the Cyclades. If the direct service does not align, take the ferry from Anafi to Santorini and cross to Ios from there. If you are traveling with a car, take the overnight ferry from Anafi to Piraeus and board the conventional Piraeus to Ios ferry, which takes your vehicle directly to the island.