Iraklia FERRY

Flights to Iraklia
Iraklia does not have an airport. The nearest airports include Naxos, Paros and Syros. However these airports only offer domestic connections.

Ferries to Iraklia
International travelers to the island often travel to the island via Athens by first flying to Athens and then taking the ferry from Piraeus port.

Iraklia is served by the renowned Express Skopelitis iconic ferry boat, which makes sure people to supplies, medicines etc. They will reach the Small Cyclades from Naxos all year round.

Blue Star Ferries has daily departures from Piraeus, usually in the evening. This ferry will make stops at the other islands in the Cyclades on the way.

In addition, in the summer months you will find ferries from

SeaJets from various locations normally with high speed vessels.

Route Piraeus (Athens) to Iraklia
Average one-way cost per person traveling on foot in July: € 40.
Route Naxos to Iraklia
Average one-way cost per person travelling on foot in July: € 8.

On Iraklia everything is near the port, so is the travel agency where you can have your tickets printed. It is always open around the time of your departure. Depending on the ferry company you have tickets with, you may have to pay a small fee to get your ticket - normally one Euro per boarding pass.

Yes. If you travel with Blue Star Ferries you can travel with an e-ticket. We will give you a web page address where you just have to input your booking confirmation code. You can then either print your ticket or save it to your phone.

To get your ticket printed make sure you have a print out or a copy of your reservation on your phone and a valid form of photographic ID - for example your passport or ID card.

Our tips to get a cheap ticket to Iraklia:

• Book in advance
  Prices always go up the closer you book to your departure date.

• Compare ferry companies side by side using a service like Zas Ferries
• Don't take a fast ferry
  Fast ferries to Iraklia can save hours of your journey time, but if you want to take it easy and save money then avoid fast ferries.
• Choose an inside cabin
  If you want travel in a cabin and don't need a view, inside cabins are always cheaper.

You should go to Athens. Then, you can travel from Piraeus by conventional ferry that lasts 7.5 hours, while by speedboat it is 6 hours.

There are no busses or taxis on the island. Most people walk or cycle wherever they want to go. If your hotel is far from the port, it's likely they will arrange a transfer for you.

• On foot: Please arrive at least one hour before you travel.
• By car: Please arrive at least two hours before you travel and in July and August allow for traffic jams on your journey.

Yes, we accept PayPal and if your debit card is issued by Visa or MasterCard then you should have no issues paying by debit card.

Iraklia is most popular in the summer months but good weather normally lasts until the end of September and the first weeks of October. There are also plenty of places to visit in the winter.

Yes, you can take your dog or other pet on the ferry but it isn't possible to book a space in the kennel in advance. All Greek ships by law must have some kennel space.

• On conventional ferries

  If you are travelling on conventional ferry (not a fast ferry or catamaran) there is normally space available in the kennels and you should also be able to have your dog on all deck areas (but not inside) with you. Strictly speaking, this at the discretion of the ferry company but in general you should have no issues - though please take a muzzle with you just in case and keep your dog on a leash at all times. Small sized dogs and cats can travel in the ship as long as they stay inside a special travel box.

  The other option, for absolute peace of mind, is to book a pet cabin. These are like normal cabins but have linoleum flooring. They are also available for day crossings at reasonable prices. This way you don't have to worry about finding space in the kennels and you and your dog or cat can relax. In July and August ferries can get very busy with people and other dogs.

• On fast ferries or catamarans

  Fast ferries and catamarans will also have kennels but these will be limited in number. In addition, the majority of fast ferries (though there are exceptions) don't have open deck space accessible throughout the journey, so you will not be able to stay out with your pet during your crossing. However, if your pet is small and inside a travel box you will be able to keep him or her inside.

You can take your bike with you for free to or from Iraklia, if you travel on large ships such as those from the companies Blue Star Ferries and others. However, on ships without a garage, bicycles are normally not allowed inside. You'll see if the ship has a garage when making your reservation. Iraklia can be busy in the summer so it is a good idea to tell a member of the port staff that you have a bike in case you might need extra assistance.