Getting from Anafi to Astypalaia

If you are heading to Astypalaia from Anafi you are making your way from one of the most remote islands in the Cyclades to a butterfly-shaped island sitting between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, relatively close in geographic terms. It has a Chora topped by a Venetian castle that is one of the finest in the Aegean.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Anafi to Astypalaia running in summer on the wider Blue Star route that connects the Cyclades with the Dodecanese. The service runs a limited number of times per week and takes around 4 to 7 hours depending on the vessel and stops. It is one of the most natural sea connections between the two islands and keeps the journey within the island network without going through Athens.

Getting there by air

Astypalaia has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Anafi has no airport. Taking the ferry from Anafi to Santorini, flying to Athens and then Athens to Astypalaia takes around 1 hour in the air. Total journey time is around 5 to 6 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 direct seasonal ferry from Anafi to Astypalaia when the schedule works for your dates. It is the most enjoyable approach and keeps the journey within the island network entirely. If the timing does not align, take the ferry from Anafi to Santorini, fly to Athens and then fly to Astypalaia. 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.