Getting from Astakos to Astypalaia

If you are heading to Astypalaia from Astakos you are making your way from a port town on the western coast of central 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 Astakos to Astypalaia. Astakos ferry connections are limited to Kefalonia and Ithaca. Getting to Astypalaia by sea means driving from Astakos to Athens, which takes around 3.5 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. Flying is considerably more practical for most travelers.

Getting there by air

Astypalaia has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Astakos has no airport either. Driving from Astakos to Athens and flying to Astypalaia takes around 1 hour on the second leg. 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

Drive from Astakos to Athens and fly to Astypalaia. It is the fastest and most practical approach. Check the schedule carefully as flights run a limited number of times per week. 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, drive from Astakos to Athens and continue to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Astypalaia ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.