There are no direct charter flights to Ikaria. Good luck or bad luck? This is debatable. It is definitely one of the reasons why Ikaria has been spared from mass tourism. Getting there is a bit more complicated, but you can still experience authentic Greece in Ikaria!

However, there are various options for flying to Ikaria by domestic flight. You can find all the details here.

Travel via Athens

One variant is: you fly over Athens. Here you will find all the important information about Athens airport and how to get there if you want to take the ferry to the port of Piraeus or take a stroll into the center of Athens. If you’re planning a stopover in the big metropolis, I have lots of great tips on what you definitely shouldn’t miss in Athens: One day in Athens, what should I do?

Hotel near Athens airport

Here is a link for the best hotels around Athens Airport

Domestic flight Athens-Ikaria

From Athens you continue to Ikaria by ship or domestic flight. Personally, I prefer the domestic flight to the ship. The flight takes a good 40 minutes and since I make the trip often, I’m happy to get from A to B. Depending on the situation, you can travel through on the same day, saving time and not being as dependent on the weather as you would be by ship.

Of course, a ship trip also has its appeal if you have time and leisure, are on vacation and want to enjoy the busy atmosphere in the harbor and the leisurely journey at sea (past all the islands).

The domestic flights are done with fairly small planes, which is quite funny. You travel comfortably and quickly and see the Cyclades from above.

Experience has shown that a 90-minute stay at Athens airport is sufficient for the onward flight. But that is my limit. There’s no way I’m going under that. I hate stress! I’d rather have a cup of coffee in peace…

Flight information: Olympic Airlines: Athens-Ikaria (ATH-JIK)

Charter flights to Samos

There are some airlines that fly directly to Samos between April and October. Take a look at Momondo. I always find my flights very easy there.

If you have to stay overnight in Samos, I definitely recommend the cozy Remezzo in Pythagorion. It’s not far from the airport. The owners can even arrange a taxi to pick you up. You can find out what else is worth doing in Samos in this travel guide.

From Samos (Vathi or Karlovassi) you then take the ferry to Ikaria (Agios Kyrikos or Evdylos)

Flight connection Thessaloniki-Limnos-Ikaria-Heraklion (Crete)

Then there is another flight connection with Astra Airlines every day except Mondays from Thessaloniki to Ikaria, Kos and Samos and vice versa. So if you have the time and feel like island hopping, you can also try this option.