Getting from Astypalaia to Nafplio

If you are heading to Nafplio from Astypalaia you are making your way from a butterfly-shaped island between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese to a neoclassical town on the Argolic Gulf in the Peloponnese, the first capital of modern Greece with the Venetian fortress of Palamidi above it and Mycenae, Epidaurus and Tiryns all within easy reach.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Astypalaia to Nafplio. Nafplio is accessible only by road. 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 taking the KTEL bus south through the Peloponnese to Nafplio, which takes around 2 to 2.5 hours from Athens via Corinth. Alternatively fly from Astypalaia to Athens and then drive or take the bus to Nafplio.

Getting there by air

Nafplio has no airport. The nearest airport is Athens. Astypalaia has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Astypalaia to Athens and then driving or taking the KTEL bus to Nafplio gives a total journey time of around 5 to 6 hours. The KTEL bus from Athens Kifissos terminal runs several times daily to Nafplio and takes around 2.5 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Fly from Astypalaia to Athens and drive or take the KTEL bus south to Nafplio. It is the most practical approach. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Astypalaia to Piraeus and drive south through the Peloponnese to Nafplio via Corinth, which takes around 2 hours from Athens.