Getting from Antikythera to Astypalaia

If you are heading to Astypalaia from Antikythera you are making your way from one of the most remote islands in Greece to a butterfly-shaped island sitting between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, on the opposite side of the country. 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 Antikythera to Astypalaia. Antikythera's ferry connections are limited to Kythira, Piraeus, Kissamos in Crete and occasional ports on the southern Peloponnese. Getting to Astypalaia means taking the ferry from Antikythera to Piraeus, which takes around 9 hours, and then boarding 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. Antikythera has no airport, only a helipad. Taking the ferry from Antikythera to Kythira, 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 ferry from Antikythera to Kythira, fly to Athens and then fly to Astypalaia. It is the fastest and most practical approach. 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. If you are traveling with a car, take the overnight ferry from Antikythera to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Astypalaia ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.