Getting from Astypalaia to Koufonisia

If you are heading to Koufonisia from Astypalaia you are making your way from a butterfly-shaped island between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese to one of the Small Cyclades, relatively close in geographic terms. It has some of the finest beaches in the Cyclades and a lively summer atmosphere that punches well above its size.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Astypalaia to Koufonisia running in summer on the wider Blue Star route that connects Astypalaia with the Small Cyclades. The service runs a limited number of times per week and takes several hours with stops along the way. It is one of the more natural sea connections from Astypalaia into the Cyclades and avoids going through Athens entirely. Alternatively take the ferry from Astypalaia to Naxos and then the local Express Skopelitis ferry to Koufonisia, which takes around 45 minutes and runs almost daily in summer.

Getting there by air

Koufonisia has no airport. The nearest airport is Naxos. Astypalaia has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Astypalaia to Athens and then Athens to Naxos, followed by the short ferry to Koufonisia, 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 Koufonisia 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 Naxos and take the short ferry across to Koufonisia. Book ahead in summer as Koufonisia has very limited accommodation and the island fills up fast.