Getting from Astypalaia to Kalamata

If you are heading to Kalamata from Astypalaia you are making your way from a butterfly-shaped island between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese to the capital of Messenia in the southern Peloponnese, on the opposite side of Greece. It has a renovated waterfront, good food and easy access to the Mani peninsula and the Byzantine ruins of Mystras.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Astypalaia to Kalamata. Getting there means taking the ferry from Astypalaia to Piraeus, which runs around 5 times a week and takes around 8 to 12 hours, and then driving or flying south to Kalamata. Alternatively fly from Astypalaia to Athens and then fly to Kalamata or drive south through the Peloponnese, which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours from Athens via Corinth and Tripoli.

Getting there by air

Kalamata has an international airport with connections from Athens. Astypalaia has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Astypalaia to Athens and then Athens to Kalamata takes around 55 minutes on the second leg. Total journey time is around 4 to 5 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Fly from Astypalaia to Athens and then fly to Kalamata. It is the fastest and most practical approach. The KTEL bus from Athens Kifissos terminal to Kalamata runs several times daily and takes around 3 hours, which is a good alternative if you prefer not to fly the second leg. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Astypalaia to Piraeus and drive south through the Peloponnese to Kalamata via Corinth and Tripoli.