Getting from Astypalaia to Kastellorizo

If you are heading to Kastellorizo from Astypalaia you are making your way from a butterfly-shaped island between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese to the easternmost point of Greece, a tiny island just off the Turkish coast in the same island group. It has a harbour of neoclassical mansions, the extraordinary Blue Cave and an atmosphere of complete tranquility.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Astypalaia to Kastellorizo running in summer on the wider Blue Star and Dodekanisos Seaways routes that connect Astypalaia with the southern Dodecanese. The service runs a limited number of times per week and takes many hours with stops along the way through Kos, Rhodes and other Dodecanese islands. It is the most natural sea connection and keeps the journey entirely within the Dodecanese without going through Athens.

Getting there by air

Kastellorizo has its own small airport with connections from Athens via Rhodes. Astypalaia has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Astypalaia to Athens and then Athens to Rhodes and Rhodes to Kastellorizo gives a total journey time of around 5 to 6 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Fly from Astypalaia to Athens and then fly to Rhodes and connect to Kastellorizo by air or local ferry. It is the most time efficient approach. If you prefer to travel by sea, take the seasonal direct ferry from Astypalaia south through the Dodecanese to Kastellorizo, which keeps the journey entirely within the island group. Give yourself at least two nights on Kastellorizo. The island is small enough to walk around in an afternoon and extraordinary enough to make you want to stay much longer.