Getting from Antiparos to Astypalaia

If you are heading to Astypalaia from Antiparos you are making your way from a small quiet island in the Cyclades to a butterfly-shaped island sitting between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese. 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 Antiparos 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 5 to 8 hours with stops along the way. The more practical approach is to take the short ferry from Antiparos to Paros, make your way to Piraeus and board 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. Antiparos has no airport either. Taking the short ferry from Antiparos to Paros, making your way to Piraeus and flying to Astypalaia via Athens takes around 1 hour in the air. Total journey time is around 6 to 7 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 short ferry from Antiparos to Paros, make your way to Piraeus and fly to Astypalaia via Athens. 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 short ferry from Antiparos to Paros, drive to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Astypalaia ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.