Ios – Kimolos
Ferries to Cyclades Islands
Ios – Kimolos
Ferries to Cyclades Islands
The Ios Kimolos ferry route connects Cyclades Islands with Cyclades Islands and is currently operated by 3 ferry companies. Zante Ferries operate their crossing up to 1 times per week, Blue Star Ferries 1 times per week & the Cyclades Fast Ferries service is available up to 1 times per week.
There are a combined 3 sailings available per week on the Ios Kimolos crossing between Cyclades Islands and Cyclades Islands and with 3 ferry companies on offer it is advisable to compare all to make sure you get the best fare at the time that you want to travel.
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Found deep within the huddle of Cyclades Isles that speckle the Aegean Sea to the south of Greece, is the cliff-edged island of Ios. This small stretch of land is hewn by long stretches of rugged mountains shaded by the earthy colours of rough Mediterranean scrubland. Nestled on the island’s eastern coast, where the rough shores of a glittering bay have taken a chunk out of the mainland, is the picturesque village of Chora. Much of the village is built upon the steep coastal hillsides; the dazzling white, Cycladic buildings rising in tiers towards the parched heartland. As well as being blessed with warm weather and effortless beauty, the village also possesses a rich history. Dig sites on the nearby Skarkos hill have uncovered evidence that prehistoric settlers once called the island home, with structures proving that the human history of Ios stretches back as far as the early bronze age. The port in Chora is found on the southern edge of the bay, just a short walk from the golden sands of Yialos Beach in the Ios district of the village. It is comprised of a wide, rectangular anchorage that juts into the sea from one corner of the local marina. There are no passenger facilities at the port itself, though a number of snack bars and restaurants selling hot food and drinks line the promenade. Due to the rough and largely remote nature of the island, travelling to the port can prove difficult. Only one road route leads into Chora, with the other lanes in the centre of the village far too steep and narrow for vehicles to negotiate. This road, which cuts across the inland mountains and offers lofty views across the rocky wilds of the lowland countryside, weaves all the way to the island’s southern tip and the small village of Magganari. The rest of the island can only be reached by braving the hills on foot, though no settlement is further than 6-miles away from Chora. A vast range of ferries currently run to and from the port in Ios, mainly on island-hopping trips across the Cyclades. Routes hosted by Blue Star Ferries, Seajets and Hellenic Seaways travel to a multitude of destinations including Naxos, Paros, Thira, Mykonos and the mainland city of Piraeus; a route also traversed by Zante Ferries. Other routes include a longer haul trip to Rafina, as well as to the other island ports of Sifnos, Milos, Kimolos, Kythnos, Serifos, Tinos, Folegandros and Heraklion. All of these voyages across the Aegean Sea routes operate at various times throughout the week.
Situated about 3km from the main village, Kimolos Port is found on the most southwestern island of the Cyclades Island group. With just under 1000 people, Kimolos is very small and is generally occupied by tourists, especially during the summer months, creating a lively atmosphere around the island. During the winter months the island is known to be particularly quiet, the only jobs available tend to be in hospitality, such as hotel concierges and restaurant staff. Considering the small size, the island still hosts a few attractions; a medieval castle, water spas and museums are all well worth a visit. The port itself is primarily used for connecting passengers to other islands of the Cyclades group, most of which are in relatively close proximity to each other. Hellenic Seaways and Zante Ferries provide the crossings, both of which are respected and reliable companies that are convenient for visitors to travel stress free. Whilst at the port, visitors can sample the local food at the café sitting right next to the ferry terminal. For travel to the port, a small bus service operates in the area, running to and from the port and travelling to popular beaches and resorts on the island.
