Ikaria sits in the northeastern Aegean, between Samos and Mykonos, and it’s not the kind of island you stumble upon by accident. Getting there takes a little planning, but once you know your options, it’s straightforward. There are three main routes: by ferry from Piraeus, by plane from Athens, or — a lesser-known but very useful option for international travelers — via Samos.

By Ferry from Piraeus

Ikaria lies roughly 124 nautical miles (about 230 km) from Piraeus, and the crossing takes between 6 and 8.5 hours depending on the ship, the company, and any intermediate stops. The route is mainly served by Blue Star Ferries, whose ships arrive at either Agios Kirykos or Evdilos, and Seajets, which typically departs in the evening and sails to Evdilos. The fastest direct sailings take around 6 hours, while routes stopping at Mykonos or Syros can take 7 to 8 hours.

Ships on this route offer air-conditioned lounges, a café-bar, airline-style seating, and cabins (single to quadruple) starting at around €60–84. Ferry companies often offer discounts of up to 50% for students (including ISIC holders) and children, and pet transport is free. Sailings are far more frequent in summer, sometimes 2–3 a day, while in winter they drop to just a few times a week, so it’s worth checking the schedule early if you’re traveling off-season.

By Plane from Athens

Ikaria has its own airport (IATA code: JIK), operating since 1995, with a 1,000 sq.m. terminal and a 1,381-meter runway — it’s the 27th busiest airport in Greece. The flight from Athens takes only 50 to 55 minutes and is operated by Olympic Air and Sky Express, with more than 30 flights a week during the summer season. Fares vary widely by season and how far ahead you book: promotional one-way tickets can drop to around €15–20, though the typical fare usually falls between €40 and €90.

There are no car rental desks at the airport itself, but that’s not a problem. Through RentFast, our car rental partner platform, you can book the right vehicle online in advance and have it ready and waiting the moment you land. If you’d rather take a taxi, just get in touch with us once you’ve booked your stay at Kastro Hotel — we’ll have a taxi waiting for you at the airport, so there’s nothing to search for or worry about on arrival.

The Samos Alternative (Ideal for International Visitors)

If you’re traveling from abroad — especially from Italy, Germany, Austria, or the Netherlands — there’s a route many travelers overlook: flying into Samos. Samos International Airport “Aristarchos” receives seasonal direct flights (typically May/June through September/October) from numerous European cities, including Milan Malpensa (Neos, July–September), Düsseldorf and Frankfurt (Condor, Eurowings), Munich (Discover Airlines), Vienna (Austrian), Amsterdam (Transavia, TUI fly), Zürich (Edelweiss), Brussels, Prague, and several UK cities via Jet2.

From Samos, Ikaria is just 31 nautical miles away (about 58 km). The fastest connection (Karlovasi–Evdilos) takes only 1 hour 10–12 minutes, while other routes (such as Karlovasi–Agios Kirykos or Vathy–Evdilos) take between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. The crossing is mainly operated by Blue Star Ferries, with additional vehicle-ferry sailings by Dodekanisos Seaways. For travelers from Central Europe, this route is often quicker and cheaper than routing through Athens first.

Agios Kirykos or Evdilos? What to Know Before Booking

Ikaria has two ports, and the choice matters. The island is mountainous, and the drive between Agios Kirykos (southeast) and Evdilos (north) takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours on a winding road. If you’re staying in Agios Kirykos, try to book a ferry or flight that arrives there directly, so you can skip a long transfer on arrival.

Arriving at Kastro Hotel

Kastro Hotel is located right in Agios Kirykos, just a few minutes’ walk from the main square and the harbor. If your ferry arrives at Agios Kirykos, you’re practically at our doorstep. If you fly in instead, the airport is only 11 km away — under 15 minutes by taxi.

Practical Tips

In July and August, both ferries and flights fill up fast — book at least 3–4 weeks ahead.
Always double-check which port your ferry arrives at (Agios Kirykos or Evdilos) before booking.
Strong seasonal winds (meltemi), common in July and August, can delay or cancel sailings — avoid scheduling tight connections on arrival or departure days.
Flying in? Let us know ahead of time and we’ll arrange a taxi to meet you at the airport, or book a car through our partner RentFast and pick it up right there.
Need help planning your route? Just get in touch — we’re happy to suggest the best option for your travel dates.