Sifnos and Ios sit at opposite ends of the western Cyclades, and the crossing between them runs across a good stretch of open Aegean water rather than hopping between sheltered channels. Ferries leave Sifnos from Kamares, a low-rise harbour town wrapped around a deep bay, with the island's capital, Apollonia, a short drive up into the hills behind it. On Ios you arrive at the port below Chora, where the old whitewashed town climbs a steep hillside above the water -- worth bearing in mind if you're carrying luggage, as it's uphill work from the quay. Because the route crosses exposed sea rather than staying in the lee of other islands, a stiff meltemi in July and August can make for a lively ride, so it's worth checking conditions if you're prone to seasickness. Exact departure dates and fares shift from year to year as operators file their schedules, so treat the panel above as the live word on what's actually running and use this page for the general shape of the crossing.
This is a route best suited to travellers island-hopping through the western Cyclades who want to link Sifnos's quieter, food-and-pottery pace with Ios's livelier beach-and-nightlife scene, or vice versa, without doubling back through Piraeus.
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