Getting from Mykonos to Fournoi

Fournoi is a small archipelago of islands in the eastern Aegean sitting between Samos, Ikaria and the Turkish coast, and it is one of the best kept secrets in Greece. The main island has a working fishing harbour that supplies much of the seafood eaten across the Aegean, which means the fish tavernas here are as good as anywhere in Greece and considerably cheaper than on the more visited islands nearby. The coastline is indented with dozens of small coves and beaches, many only reachable by boat, and the pace of life is set entirely by the fishing fleet rather than the tourist calendar. It is an island that rewards the curious traveller who has moved beyond the obvious choices.

Take the ferry

Fournoi is connected to the wider Aegean ferry network through Ikaria and Samos, with local ferries running between the islands regularly through the summer season. There is no direct ferry from Mykonos to Fournoi but the route via Ikaria is straightforward given that Mykonos and Ikaria have a direct ferry connection. From Ikaria the crossing to Fournoi takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. Check the schedule carefully as connections between the smaller islands in this part of the Aegean can be infrequent outside of peak season.

What about flying?

Fournoi does not have an airport so flying directly to the island is not an option. The nearest airports are Ikaria and Samos, both of which have onward ferry connections to Fournoi. The journey from Mykonos goes Mykonos to Athens, Athens to either Ikaria or Samos, and then the ferry across to Fournoi. It is worth knowing that in Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights. Almost all island to island travel goes through Athens.

Your best option

Take the direct ferry from Mykonos to Ikaria and then hop across to Fournoi from there. It is the most straightforward approach and turns the journey into a natural part of an eastern Aegean itinerary. Give Fournoi at least two or three days, eat at the harbour tavernas every evening and hire a small boat if you can to reach the more remote coves on the southern coast. The seafood alone justifies the trip.