Getting from Anafi to Kalymnos

If you are heading to Kalymnos from Anafi you are making your way from one of the most remote islands in the Cyclades to an island in the Dodecanese group, known above all for its sponge diving tradition and its status as one of the premier rock climbing destinations in Europe.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Anafi to Kalymnos 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 8 to 12 hours depending on the vessel and stops. It is a good option if you want to travel by sea and avoid going through Athens entirely.

Getting there by air

Kalymnos 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 Kalymnos takes around 1 hour in the air. Total journey time is around 5 to 6 hours. Alternatively, fly to Kos and take the short ferry from Mastichari to Kalymnos, which takes around 30 to 45 minutes. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Anafi to Santorini, fly to Athens and then fly to Kalymnos or Kos. If you fly to Kos, the Mastichari to Kalymnos ferry is a frequent and effortless connection. If you prefer to travel by sea, check whether the seasonal direct ferry from Anafi aligns with your dates. If you are traveling with a car, take the overnight ferry from Anafi to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Kalymnos ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.