Lavrio sits on the southeastern tip of Attica, a working port town well away from the crush of Piraeus, and the short hop across to Kythnos makes this one of the easiest ways to reach the Cyclades without going near central Athens. Kythnos itself is a quieter island, better known for its thermal springs at Loutra than for nightlife, and this crossing tends to draw travellers who want an easy first or last island of a trip rather than a big transport hub. Depending on which operator you book with, you will either be on a fast catamaran skipping across in a little over an hour, or on a slower conventional ferry that takes the scenic route and calls in on the way -- worth checking the specific sailing time before you buy.
Sailings run most frequently at the height of summer, with a handful of departures spread across the day, and taper off a little once the shoulder season arrives. Rather than lock in a fixed pattern here, use the schedule box above and the month-by-month table below for the current picture, since operators file their timetables in stages through the year.
Useful Resources for Your Greek Island Trip
- Find accommodation in Greece – hotels, apartments and villas on Booking.com
- Book tours and activities in Greece via Viator
- Find guided experiences and day trips via GetYourGuide
- Compare car hire prices in Greece via DiscoverCars
Exploring Athens?
If you have time before or after your ferry, there is plenty to see near the capital. Browse our complete guide to the best day trips from Athens – from ancient ruins and mountain villages to coastal escapes and island hops.