Getting from Astypalaia to Folegandros

If you are heading to Folegandros from Astypalaia you are making your way from a butterfly-shaped island between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese to a small clifftop island in the southern Cyclades, relatively close in geographic terms. It has a Chora perched on the edge of a sheer drop above the sea and an atmosphere of genuine calm.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Astypalaia to Folegandros running in summer on the wider Blue Star and Seajets routes that connect Astypalaia with the southern Cyclades. The service runs a limited number of times per week and takes around 3 to 6 hours with stops along the way. It is one of the more natural connections from Astypalaia into the Cyclades and avoids going through Athens entirely. Alternatively take the ferry from Astypalaia to Santorini and then the short ferry from Santorini to Folegandros, which takes around 45 to 50 minutes.

Getting there by air

Folegandros 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 Folegandros, 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 Folegandros when the schedule works for your dates. It avoids Athens entirely and is the most enjoyable approach. If the timing does not align, fly from Astypalaia to Athens and then fly to Santorini and take the short ferry across to Folegandros. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Astypalaia to Piraeus and board the conventional Piraeus to Folegandros ferry, which takes your vehicle directly to the island.