Getting from Astypalaia to Kefalonia

If you are heading to Kefalonia from Astypalaia you are making your way from a butterfly-shaped island between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese to the largest of the Ionian islands, on the opposite side of Greece. It is mountainous with dramatic cliffs, turquoise bays and some of the finest beaches in Greece.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Astypalaia to Kefalonia. No Aegean island is connected by sea to any Ionian island. 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 either flying to Kefalonia or driving to Kyllini on the western Peloponnese for the ferry to Kefalonia, which takes around 1 hour 30 minutes and runs up to 4 daily crossings. Alternatively fly from Astypalaia to Athens and then fly to Kefalonia.

Getting there by air

Kefalonia 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 Kefalonia takes around 45 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 Kefalonia. It is the fastest and most practical approach. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Astypalaia to Piraeus and drive to Kyllini for the ferry across to Kefalonia, which at around 1 hour 30 minutes is the shortest mainland to Kefalonia connection.