Ferry from Iraklia to Athens (Piraeus)

Iraklia Guide

The small Greek island of Iraklia is one of the Cyclades group of islands and is located in the Aegean Sea. It measures around 18 sq. km and lies between the island of Naxos and the island of Ios, and is close to the islands of Schoinoussa, Koufonisi, Donoussa and Keros which together for the Small Cyclades group of islands. The island has many artefacts that have been found confirming that ancient settlements and tomb were located on the island. Finds include evidence of the Early Cycladic civilisation (3rd millennium BC) and the ruins of the temples of the Goddess Luck and the Goddess Zeus, dating back to the 4th - 2nd century BC. The islands coastal terrain, characterised by coves and naturally formed caves, were good hiding places for pirates and smugglers during the Turkish Occupation.

Agios Georgios is the island's port from which ferries operate to Piraeus with a crossing time of between 8 and 10 hours, depending on route. Ferry services are also available to the other islands of the Small Cyclades and also to Naxos and Amorgos.

Athens (Piraeus) Guide

The Greek city and port of Piraeus is one of the largest ports in the whole of the Mediterranean, and the third largest in the world, and has become a major hub for the ferry network that spans the Aegean Sea. Piraeus is an important city in its own right despite the fact that it is frequently considered to be a suburb of Athens, the Greek capital, which is only a very short distance away. Despite its proximity to Athens, Piraeus' waterfront has its own distinct appearance and visitors will see that the most appealing parts of the city are located around its eastern quarter, alongside both Mikrolimano Harbour and Zea Marina. A popular event in Piraeus is the Ecocinema International Film Festival which is held annually in late February and is where a number of films are screened at the Atticon Cinema and the Cineac Cinema, which are both located in the city's Town Hall Square.

Full of restaurants, bars and nightclubs, the waterfront district was greatly redeveloped in time for the Athens Olympics and as a result a new harbour front promenade was created that is lined with trees and passes the medieval city walls. The walls serve as a reminder and as an insight into the city's rich past.