Getting from Anafi to Rhodes

If you are heading to Rhodes from Anafi you are making your way from one of the most remote islands in the Cyclades to the largest island in the Dodecanese group. It has a medieval walled city built by the Knights of Saint John that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe.

Take the ferry

There is a direct seasonal ferry from Anafi to Rhodes 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 12 to 15 hours depending on the vessel and stops along the way. It is a long sea journey but keeps the route within the island network without going through Athens.

Getting there by air

Rhodes has an international airport with daily connections from Athens. Anafi has no airport. Taking the ferry from Anafi to Santorini, flying to Athens and then Athens to Rhodes takes around 55 minutes on the second leg. Total journey time is around 5 to 6 hours. 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 Rhodes. It is the fastest and most practical approach. If you prefer to travel by sea, check whether the seasonal direct ferry from Anafi aligns with your dates as it avoids Athens entirely. If you are traveling with a car, take the overnight ferry from Anafi to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Rhodes ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.