Iraklia Athens (Rafina) Ferry

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 (Rafina) Guide

The Greek town of Rafina lies on the east coast of the Attica region of mainland Greece, on the shores of the Aegean Sea. The town is close to the town's of Artemida and Nea Makri and also to the Greek capital, Athens, which is around 25 km to the west. because of its proximity to Athens Rafina is popular with many Athenians who visit to enjoy the town's many fish restaurants that can be found lining the harbour. It is not uncommon to see the day's catch lying on beds of ice outside each restaurant.

In ancient times Rafina was named Arafinidon Alon but its history dates back to prehistoric times, but more specifically to pre-Hellenic times. In Askitario, to the south of Rafina, archaeologists have found a unique vase with a dog painted on it which has been dated back to 2,800 BC. Another significant find was near the town's port where a bronze foundry was discovered and is thought to be one of the oldest in Europe, and dates back to 1800 BC.

After the Port of Piraeus, Rafina's port is the second largest in Attica. Ferry services operating from the port depart to the southern part of Euboea and to the Cyclades islands.