Arkioi Ferries

Unlock your adventure to Greece at the incredible port of Arkioi! It's your essential gateway to the stunning nearby islands. Imagine seamless connections and breath-taking scenic journeys – that's what awaits you.

As a bustling hub for both passengers and freight, Arkioi boasts an impressive 14 ferry routes operated by 2 top-tier ferry companies. Get ready for a convenient sailing experience from Arkioi, with schedules perfectly tailored to the seasons, ensuring you always find your ideal departure, no matter the demand, weather, or tourism buzz. Your unforgettable escape begins here!

Arkioi offers wonderful connections to popular routes like Pythagorio - Arkioi, Kalymnos - Arkioi, Leros - Arkioi. You can customize your trip by choosing between a swift high-speed ferry to get there in a flash or a classic vessel for a more scenic, relaxing journey. From quick local hops to leisurely overnight voyages, your island adventure starts here.

Getting to your destination is a breeze with several excellent ferry operators departing regularly from Arkioi. You'll find companies like Dodekanisos Seaways, Anem Ferries ready to whisk you away.

Each offers a variety of onboard amenities to make your journey pleasant, from comfortable seating and delicious food and drink options to private cabins and even vehicle transport.

With a range of ticket options available depending on the company and vessel, there's something to suit everyone, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a business trip.

Whether you're dreaming of an exhilarating island-hopping escape, making your way back to the comfort of home, or embarking on a brand-new journey, your perfect voyage begins right here with Arkioi.

Arkioi is accessible exclusively by ferry services that connect it to larger nearby islands in the Dodecanese. Regular ferry connections operate from Patmos, Lipsi, and Samos, with journey times ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your departure point. From Athens, travelers typically take a ferry to Patmos or Samos first, then connect to Arkioi. The small harbor welcomes visitors directly into the heart of the main settlement, with no need for additional transport once you arrive. During summer months, ferry services increase in frequency, though advance booking is recommended.

Nestled in the Dodecanese archipelago, Arkioi (or Arki) offers an authentic Greek island experience far from the tourist crowds. This tiny island with fewer than 50 permanent residents provides a peaceful haven of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and simple village life. As a ferry destination, Arkioi represents the perfect escape for travelers seeking to experience the unhurried rhythm of traditional Aegean life.

The ideal time to visit Arkioi is during the warm months from May to October when temperatures are pleasant and the sea is perfect for swimming. July and August bring the warmest weather with temperatures averaging 30°C (86°F), though these months also see slightly more visitors to this otherwise quiet island. June and September offer a wonderful balance of warm weather and tranquility, with fewer fellow travelers and more available accommodations. Ferry connections are most frequent during the summer season, while winter sees reduced service and some local businesses may close, making off-season visits better suited for those seeking complete solitude.

Arkioi serves as a peaceful base for exploring the surrounding Dodecanese islands. From here, you can easily reach Patmos (30 minutes by ferry), home to the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Saint John and its spiritual significance. The neighboring island of Lipsi is just a short 20-minute ferry ride away, offering charming beaches and traditional tavernas. More adventurous travelers can continue to Leros (1 hour), with its Italian architecture and rich maritime history. The ferry routes between these islands are particularly scenic, passing numerous uninhabited islets and revealing the raw beauty of this lesser-visited corner of the Aegean.

Despite its small size, Arkioi offers authentic experiences centered around natural beauty and traditional island life. Explore the handful of pristine beaches like Tiganakia and Limnari, where turquoise waters meet untouched shorelines perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The main village invites leisurely walks among white-washed houses and the charming port area. Sample fresh seafood and local specialties at family-run tavernas, where the catch of the day is truly fresh from the surrounding waters. Hiking enthusiasts can traverse the island's paths to discover panoramic viewpoints, ancient ruins, and the small chapel of Panagia Pantanassa, offering spectacular views across to neighboring islands.

Arkioi holds the distinction of being one of Greece's smallest permanently inhabited islands, with its population sometimes dipping below 40 residents during winter months. The island's school once made headlines as the smallest in Europe, occasionally operating with just one student. In ancient times, Arkioi served as a base for pirates who would hide their ships in the island's concealed coves. Local tradition claims the island's name derives from 'arktos' (bear), though no bears have ever inhabited this tiny Aegean outpost, the name likely refers to the island's shape when viewed from certain angles.