Getting from Astypalaia to Meteora

If you are heading to Meteora from Astypalaia you are making your way from a butterfly-shaped island between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese to one of the most extraordinary places in Greece, a complex of Byzantine monasteries built on top of rock pillars in the plain of Thessaly in central Greece.

Take the ferry

There is no ferry to Meteora. It is an inland destination with no sea connection. Getting there from Astypalaia means taking the ferry to Piraeus and traveling by road to Kalambaka, the town at the base of the Meteora rocks, or flying from Astypalaia to Athens first.

Getting there by air

Meteora has no airport. The nearest town is Kalambaka, around 3.5 to 4 hours by road from Athens. Note that as of 2026 the direct train service between Athens and Kalambaka remains suspended due to track damage and the KTEL bus is currently the main public transport option, taking around 4 to 4.5 hours from Athens Liosion terminal. Flying from Astypalaia to Athens and then taking the KTEL bus to Kalambaka gives a total journey time of around 7 to 8 hours.

Your best option

Fly from Astypalaia to Athens and take the KTEL bus from Athens Liosion terminal to Kalambaka. It is the most practical approach. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Astypalaia to Piraeus and drive northwest to Kalambaka via the E65 motorway, which takes around 3.5 to 4 hours from Athens. Plan at least two nights in Kalambaka as the monasteries and viewpoints deserve more than a rushed visit.