Getting from Astypalaia to Ios

If you are heading to Ios from Astypalaia you are making your way from a butterfly-shaped island between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese to an island in the southern Cyclades, relatively close in geographic terms. 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 Astypalaia to Ios running in summer on the wider Blue Star and Seajets routes that connect Astypalaia with the southern Cyclades. The service runs a limited number of times per week and takes around 3 to 6 hours with stops along the way. It is one of the more natural connections from Astypalaia into the Cyclades and avoids going through Athens entirely. Alternatively take the ferry from Astypalaia to Santorini and then the short ferry from Santorini to Ios, which takes around 35 minutes.

Getting there by air

Ios has no airport. The nearest airport is Santorini. Astypalaia has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Astypalaia to Athens and then Athens to Santorini, followed by the short ferry to Ios, gives a total journey time of around 5 to 6 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the seasonal direct ferry from Astypalaia to Ios when the schedule works for your dates. It is the most enjoyable approach and avoids Athens entirely. If the timing does not align, fly from Astypalaia to Athens and then fly to Santorini and take the short ferry across to Ios. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Astypalaia to Piraeus and board the conventional Piraeus to Ios ferry, which takes your vehicle directly to the island.