Getting from Astakos to Kalymnos

If you are heading to Kalymnos from Astakos you are making your way from a port town on the western coast of central Greece 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 no direct ferry from Astakos to Kalymnos. Astakos ferry connections are limited to Kefalonia and Ithaca. Getting to Kalymnos by sea means driving from Astakos to Athens, which takes around 3.5 hours, and then boarding the overnight Piraeus to Kalymnos ferry, which runs around 5 times a week and takes around 9 to 11 hours. Flying is considerably more practical for most travelers.

Getting there by air

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

Drive from Astakos to Athens and fly to Kalymnos or Kos. If you fly to Kos, the Mastichari to Kalymnos ferry is a frequent and effortless connection. If you are traveling with a car, drive from Astakos to Athens and continue to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Kalymnos ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.