Helicopter on Villa Mylo's helipad, seen from above

Guide · Getting to Ios

Getting to Ios

Where to land

Ios has no airport. The two nearest international airports are Santorini and Mykonos, both with many direct flights from Europe in summer. Otherwise, fly to Athens and continue by sea.

By ferry from Athens

Two Athens ports serve Ios: Piraeus, all year round, and Rafina, mainly from June to October. Rafina is closer to Athens international airport; out of season, sailings leave mostly from Piraeus.

FromCrossing timeOperators
Piraeusfrom 4 h 15 to about 7 hSeajets, Blue Star Ferries, Fast Ferries
Rafinafrom 4 h 25 to 5 hGolden Star Ferries, Fast Ferries

Crossing times and operators checked in September 2026; they vary with the vessel (fast or conventional) and the season. Always check timetables when you book.

From Santorini

The shortest link from an international airport: 30 minutes to about an hour depending on the vessel, with sailings almost every day of the year. Flying into Santorini and taking the boat is often the simplest way to reach Ios from abroad.

From the other islands

IslandCrossing time
Sikinos10–20 min
Naxos25–40 min
Folegandros30–55 min
Paros50–55 min
Mykonosabout 1 h 25

By helicopter, to the villa

Villa Mylo has its own helipad. Private operators offer helicopter transfers to Ios from Athens or Santorini: the aircraft can then land directly on the property, bypassing the port. Conditions depend on the operator and the aircraft; if you are considering it, mention it in your booking enquiry.

Villa Mylo's private helipad seen from above
The property's helipad, from above.

From the port to the villa

The port of Ios lies at the head of Ormos bay, below Chora. From there it is 8.7 km — about twenty minutes — on a paved road: no need for a 4×4. The house has two gates, one on each side.

Other distances from the villa: Chora 3.7 km (15 minutes), Mylopotas beach 1.3 km (10 minutes). To pick your dates, see When to visit Ios.

Updated 22 September 2026

See also