Ferry from Ikaria to Dodecanese Islands

About Ikaria

Ikaria is a Greek island situated in the Aegean Sea. The nearest major island to Ikaria is Samos, which is about 13 miles to the west at its nearest point while to the east lie the islands of Mykonos, Tinos and Andros. Named after Ikarus, who flew too close to the sun and plunged into the sea here, the island of Ikaria is around 25 miles long, and five wide. Ikaria has two main ferry terminals, Agios Kirikos on the southern coast and Evdilos on the northern side of the island. Ferries operate from the mainland as well as from a number of ports on the surrounding islands of Samos, Lesbos, the Aegean and Cyclades islands. If you’re travelling from the mainland then Piraeus (Athens), also the hub for onward travel to many of the Greek islands, is the main port of departure and sails daily (in peak periods) to both ports on Ikaria with crossing durations ranging from seven to ten hours. You can also get travel from Kavala in the North east of Greece though crossings take longer and are less frequent. Ikaria has several coastal and mountain roads which offer spectacular drives. In the summer holiday season, daily bus services connect the capital with Therma, Faros, Evdilos, Armenistis and Raches, calling at many small villages along the route. Ikaria is home to some beautiful and picturesque beaches, and one of the most famous on the island is Seychelles beach on the southern coast. Other popular beaches include Yaliskari, Nas, Kampos and Mileopo. Naturally, sailing is a popular activity on the island, and there are many opportunities for day trips, swimming, snorkelling and tours of nearby islands. For visitors interested in the rich and varied history of the island, there are several ancient ruins including the Castle of Koskina, the Temple of Artemis at Nas, and the remains of the Roman baths at Therma. Ikaria also has several museums dedicated to the history of the island and the culture of its inhabitants. These include the Folk and Historical Museum, the Archaeological Museum of Kampos, and museums of folklore at Perdiki and Vrakades.

About Dodecanese Islands

The Greek Dodecanese Islands are situated in the South-Eastern Aegean Sea, between the Cyclades and the coast of Turkey. Comprising of twelve large islands and numerous smaller ones, the island complex is renowned for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear sea, stunning architecture and a relaxed ambience that is steeped in history. Each island has an individual spirit of its own. Tourists who are seeking tranquillity and relaxation will find an island to suit, whilst those preferring a more vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere will also discover a perfect holiday destination. Getting to the islands from the mainland, other island groups and travelling between the islands themselves is inevitably by ferry and with a huge selection of ports, routes and ferry companies on offer, the journey is all but guaranteed to be a stress free experience. The Dodecanese islands can be reached from the Greek mainland port of Piraeus, Turkey, the island of Crete and the Cyclades Islands. Approaching a Greek island from a ferry, witnessing the houses tucked into the coastline amid a shimmering turquoise sea, is a wonderful and memorable experience. Rhodes is the largest and most populated of the Dodecanese. With a main road that runs around the outskirts of the island the pinnacle is at Rhodes Town, the capital. Here, the architecture is predominantly medieval, and the spectacular Old Town is home to the Palace of the Grand Master. Boasting sandy beaches and lush vegetation, Kos also has a heritage of mythology and history. Hippocrates, the father of medicine was born on the island around 460 BC, and founded the Great School of Medicine of Kos. Kalymnos has a global reputation for its sponge fishing divers. This activity has a long tradition on the island and makes a significant impact on the local economy. Many other islands in the Dodecanese exhibit unique charms and whatever your expectations of a Greek Island vacation they will be met and exceeded in the Dodecanese Islands.