Athens to Ikaria Ferry

Where it leaves from

Ferries to Ikaria depart from Piraeus, the main port of Athens (approximately 40 minutes from the city centre by metro). The island lies in the northeastern Aegean, between Samos and the Cyclades, and is served by Blue Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways on routes that also connect Samos and sometimes Mykonos or Paros.

The crossing

The voyage from Piraeus to Ikaria takes approximately 7 to 8 hours on a conventional ferry. There are no regular high-speed catamaran services — this is a route for the large conventional vessels, which carry cars and offer cabin accommodation. The eastern Aegean setting means the crossing can be breezy in summer, particularly in August when the meltemi is at its strongest.

Two ports: Agios Kirykos and Evdilos

Ikaria has two ferry ports, and services may call at one or both. Agios Kirykos, on the south coast, is the island's main town and administrative centre; Evdilos, on the north coast, is smaller and closer to some of the best beaches. Check your ticket carefully to know which port your ferry uses — and how you plan to travel between the two sides of the island (a spectacular mountain road connects them).

Ikaria: the island that forgets to hurry

Ikaria is one of the world's Blue Zones — five regions identified by researchers where people regularly live past 90 and beyond. The island's culture of late nights, communal festivals (panigyria), homegrown food and relaxed social bonds is cited as one of the contributing factors. The landscape is rugged and beautiful: dramatic ridgelines, thick forest, rushing streams and excellent beaches including Nas, Seychelles and Mesakti. It is one of the most rewarding and least commercial islands in the Aegean.