Ferry from Ios to Folegandros (Karavostasis)

Ios to Folegandros takes between about an hour and a quarter and an hour and forty minutes, depending on whether the boat runs direct or calls at Sikinos on the way. Fast Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, Seajets and the local Maistros Santorini service all work the route, with vessels ranging from the conventional Artemis to the high-speed Olympic Champion Jet. Fares start around €5 on the slower boats.

Folegandros is a rugged island between Milos and Santorini, quieter and more understated than either. Ferries dock at Karavostasis, a small harbour on the east coast, from where a short bus or taxi ride climbs to the Chora above. That clifftop main town, with its main square sitting at the edge of a sheer drop to the sea, is the reason most people come, along with the walking trails and small beaches.

Sailings run once or twice a day in season, tailing off considerably outside it. The current timetable, operators and fares are listed below. Folegandros connects onward to Milos, Santorini, Sikinos and Piraeus, so it slots neatly into a western Cyclades island-hop.

Ios to Folegandros Ferry Fares

Weekly Ios to Folegandros Ferry Schedule

The repeating pattern behind the dated timetable, without dates. Each row is one scheduled departure and the days it runs.

Hiring a car

Do you need a car on Folegandros?

Not essential. Folegandros is small, and the bus that meets every ferry runs the 3.5km from the port at Karavostasis up to Chora in about ten minutes for a couple of euros. A car or scooter becomes useful once you want to reach the beaches below Ano Meria or Agali, which the bus does not serve directly. Rental desks operate in Chora, Karavostasis and Ano Meria; compare prices at Discover Cars.

Can you rent a car in Ios?

Yes. The port sits about 2km from Chora, with rental desks at both. A car isn't essential for the Chora to Mylopotas stretch, which is walkable and bus-served, but it's worth having to reach quieter spots like Manganari beach, roughly 19km to the south. Check current rates at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Ios to Folegandros between 24 August 2026 and 6 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Ios to Folegandros ferry

• The port at Ormos sits about 2km below Chora – roughly a five-minute drive, a 20-minute walk, or a short bus ride from the stop just along the road from the ferry quay.
• Arrive at Ormos port at least an hour before departure in summer – traffic builds up around the port and you'll want time to secure a good deck or lounge seat before boarding.
• Ormos port has its own supermarkets, cafes, ATMs and car or motorbike hire outlets, so you can wait comfortably, withdraw cash or pick up rental transport without leaving the harbour area.
• Booking a summer return to Athens a week or two before departure gives you flexibility while still securing a ticket before the final-week rush.
• In Folegandros, the distinctive hilltop Kastro village and the rugged, sun-bleached landscape give the island a wild character unlike most of the Cyclades. A scenic walk from Ano Meria leads to the lighthouse on the southeastern tip, standing watch over the Aegean since 1919.

Plan a journey

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