Ferry from Ios to Athens (Rafina)

Ios Guide

Forming one of the Cyclades group of islands, the Greek island of Ios is located in the Aegean Sea and lies around mid way between the island of Naxos and the island of Santorini. The island's terrain is characterised by hills and cliffs that lead down to the sea on most sides of the island. Located on the north west coast is the island's port which is only a short distance from the village of Chora. The trip between Chora and the port can be made on foot which will take you along a steep donkey path, and takes around 15 minutes. The village is characterised by narrow paths and streets most of which have now been taken over by bars, restaurants, shops and night clubs to cater for tourists.

There are ferries from the island's port to Piraeus and Rafina with a crossing time of between 4 1/2 hours and 8 hours, depending on ferry type, route and destination. During the summer months Ios is also connected by ferry to the other islands of the Cyclades.

Athens (Rafina) Guide

The Greek town of Rafina lies on the east coast of the Attica region of mainland Greece, on the shores of the Aegean Sea. The town is close to the town's of Artemida and Nea Makri and also to the Greek capital, Athens, which is around 25 km to the west. because of its proximity to Athens Rafina is popular with many Athenians who visit to enjoy the town's many fish restaurants that can be found lining the harbour. It is not uncommon to see the day's catch lying on beds of ice outside each restaurant.

In ancient times Rafina was named Arafinidon Alon but its history dates back to prehistoric times, but more specifically to pre-Hellenic times. In Askitario, to the south of Rafina, archaeologists have found a unique vase with a dog painted on it which has been dated back to 2,800 BC. Another significant find was near the town's port where a bronze foundry was discovered and is thought to be one of the oldest in Europe, and dates back to 1800 BC.

After the Port of Piraeus, Rafina's port is the second largest in Attica. Ferry services operating from the port depart to the southern part of Euboea and to the Cyclades islands.