Getting from Astypalaia to Anafi

If you are heading to Anafi from Astypalaia you are making your way from a butterfly-shaped island between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese to one of the most remote islands in the Cyclades, a relatively short distance to the northwest. It has a monolithic rock rising 460 metres from the sea and almost no tourist infrastructure.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Astypalaia to Anafi running in summer on the wider Blue Star route that connects Astypalaia with the southern Cyclades. The service runs a limited number of times per week and takes around 3 to 6 hours depending on the vessel and stops. It is one of the more natural sea connections from Astypalaia and avoids going through Athens entirely. Alternatively take the ferry from Astypalaia to Santorini and then the short ferry from Santorini to Anafi, which takes around 1 hour 15 minutes.

Getting there by air

Anafi has no airport. The nearest airport is Santorini. Astypalaia has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Astypalaia to Athens and then Athens to Santorini, followed by the short ferry to Anafi, gives a total journey time of around 5 to 6 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the seasonal direct ferry from Astypalaia to Anafi when the schedule works for your dates. It is the most natural and enjoyable approach and avoids Athens entirely. If the timing does not align, fly from Astypalaia to Athens and then fly to Santorini and take the short ferry across to Anafi. Come with everything you need as the island has almost no facilities and that is entirely the point of going.