Ios, Greece is famous for its beaches, sunsets, and legendary nightlife — but if you’ve started searching for flights to Ios, you’ve probably noticed one thing: there’s no airport on the island itself. Don’t worry — reaching Ios is still easy, thanks to several nearby airports with frequent connections from Athens and across Europe. Here’s your complete guide to flying your way to paradise.
🛬 Is There an Airport in Ios?
No — there’s no airport on Ios. The island is small and hilly, which keeps its charm intact (and the parties going late without airport noise!).
Instead, most travellers fly into Santorini, Mykonos, or Athens, and then take a short and scenic ferry to Ios.
✈️ The Best Airports for Reaching Ios
1. Santorini (JTR) – Closest Airport to Ios
Santorini is your best gateway to Ios.
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Direct flights from Athens (Aegean, Sky Express) take just 45 minutes.
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International flights from Dublin, London, Rome, and Paris operate daily in summer.
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From Santorini’s Athinios Port, hop on a 35–60 minute ferry to Ios.
💡 Tip: Choose an early morning flight to Santorini and catch a midday ferry — you’ll be on Mylopotas Beach by the afternoon.
2. Mykonos (JMK) – For Island-Hopping Adventures
Mykonos also has an international airport with plenty of summer routes.
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Great if you want to explore multiple islands.
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Ferries to Ios take 2–3 hours.
3. Athens (ATH) – Year-Round and Budget-Friendly
Athens International Airport connects to Ios via ferry from Piraeus Port.
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Ferries take 4–6 hours depending on the route.
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Ideal for travellers visiting Greece outside of summer or on a tighter budget.
🧭 How to Plan Your Route
Here’s the most popular and time-efficient travel combo:
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Fly Dublin → Santorini (direct)
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Ferry Santorini → Ios (Seajets or Golden Star)
Total journey time: approx. 5–6 hours, including flight and ferry transfer — not bad for a trip to one of the best party islands in the world!
🏝️ Why It’s Worth It
The slightly longer journey to Ios is part of its magic. Fewer crowds, no busy airport, and a more relaxed vibe than some of its neighbours. Once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with epic beach days, legendary bar crawls, and sunsets that rival Santorini’s.