Getting from Astakos to Koufonisia

If you are heading to Koufonisia from Astakos you are making your way from a port town on the western coast of central Greece to one of the Small Cyclades, on the opposite side of the country. It has some of the finest beaches in the Cyclades and a lively summer atmosphere that punches well above its size.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Astakos to Koufonisia. Astakos ferry connections are limited to Kefalonia and Ithaca. Getting to Koufonisia means driving from Astakos to Athens, which takes around 3.5 hours, and then either flying to Naxos and taking the local Express Skopelitis ferry to Koufonisia, which takes around 45 minutes and runs almost daily in summer, or taking the Piraeus to Koufonisia ferry, which runs daily in summer and takes around 5 to 9 hours.

Getting there by air

Koufonisia has no airport. The nearest airport is Naxos. Astakos has no airport either. Driving from Astakos to Athens and flying to Naxos, followed by the short ferry to Koufonisia, gives a total journey time of around 6 to 7 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Drive from Astakos to Athens, fly to Naxos and take the short ferry across to Koufonisia. It is the most practical approach. Book ahead in summer as Koufonisia has very limited accommodation and the island fills up fast. If you are traveling with a car, drive from Astakos to Athens and continue to Piraeus for the conventional Piraeus to Koufonisia ferry.