Getting from Agios Efstratios to Astypalaia

If you are heading to Astypalaia from Agios Efstratios you are making your way from a small island in the northern Aegean to a butterfly-shaped island sitting between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, on the opposite side of the Aegean. It has a Chora topped by a Venetian castle that is one of the finest in the Aegean.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Agios Efstratios to Astypalaia. Getting there means taking the ferry from Agios Efstratios to Lemnos, which runs 4 times a week in summer and takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, flying to Athens and then taking the Piraeus to Astypalaia ferry, which runs around 5 times a week and takes around 8 to 12 hours depending on the route and vessel.

Getting there by air

Astypalaia has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Taking the ferry from Agios Efstratios to Lemnos, flying to Athens and then Athens to Astypalaia takes around 1 hour in the air. Total travel time is around 4 to 5 hours. Check the schedule carefully as flights run a limited number of times per week. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Agios Efstratios to Lemnos and fly to Astypalaia via Athens. It is the fastest and most practical approach. If you are traveling with a car, fly to Athens and take the overnight Piraeus to Astypalaia ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning. Give yourself at least three nights on Astypalaia as the island rewards those who stay long enough to explore both its Cycladic and Dodecanese sides.