Getting from Astypalaia to Ikaria

If you are heading to Ikaria from Astypalaia you are making your way from a butterfly-shaped island between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese to one of the world's Blue Zones, a mountainous island in the eastern Aegean relatively close in regional terms, where people live measurably longer than almost anywhere else on earth and the local explanation tends to involve sleeping late, eating well and ignoring schedules.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Astypalaia to Ikaria running in summer on the wider Blue Star route that connects Astypalaia with the eastern Aegean. The service runs a limited number of times per week and takes several hours with stops along the way. It is a natural connection given the geographic proximity in the eastern Aegean and avoids going through Athens entirely. Ikaria has two ports, Agios Kirikos in the south and Evdilos in the north, so check which port your ferry arrives at before booking accommodation as the mountain road between them takes well over an hour.

Getting there by air

Ikaria has its own small airport with connections from Athens running around 3 times a week. Astypalaia has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Astypalaia to Athens and then Athens to Ikaria takes around 50 minutes on the second leg. Total journey time is around 4 to 5 hours. Check the schedule carefully as flights are limited. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the seasonal direct ferry from Astypalaia to Ikaria when the schedule works for your dates. It avoids Athens entirely and is the most natural connection given the geographic proximity. If the timing does not align, fly from Astypalaia to Athens and then fly to Ikaria. Build flexibility into your plans once you arrive. Ikaria runs on its own schedule and that is entirely the point.