Getting from Astakos to Ios

If you are heading to Ios from Astakos you are making your way from a port town on the western coast of central Greece to an island in the southern Cyclades, on the opposite side of the country. Ios 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 no direct ferry from Astakos to Ios. Astakos ferry connections are limited to Kefalonia and Ithaca, operated by Ionion Pelagos. Getting to Ios means driving from Astakos to Athens, which takes around 3.5 hours, and then taking the Piraeus to Ios ferry, which runs multiple times daily in summer and takes around 4 to 7 hours depending on the vessel. Alternatively drive to Athens and fly to Santorini, then take the short ferry from Santorini to Ios taking around 35 minutes.

Getting there by air

Ios has no airport. The nearest airport is Santorini. Astakos has no airport either. Driving from Astakos to Athens and flying to Santorini, then taking the short ferry to Ios gives a total journey time of around 6 to 7 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Drive from Astakos to Athens and take the Piraeus to Ios ferry. The fast catamaran takes around 4 hours and runs multiple times daily in summer making it a straightforward connection. If you are in a hurry, drive to Athens, fly to Santorini and take the short ferry across to Ios. If you are traveling with a car, the Piraeus to Ios conventional ferry takes your vehicle directly to the island.