Getting from Astypalaia to Patmos

If you are heading to Patmos from Astypalaia you are making your way from a butterfly-shaped island between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese to an island in the northern Dodecanese group, in the same island family. It is where John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelation and the 11th century monastery of Saint John the Theologian above Chora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Astypalaia to Patmos running in summer on the wider Blue Star route that connects Astypalaia with the northern Dodecanese. The service runs a limited number of times per week and takes several hours with stops along the way. It is the most natural sea connection and keeps the journey within the Dodecanese without going through Athens. Alternatively take the overnight Piraeus to Patmos ferry, which runs 3 to 5 times a week and takes around 7 to 8 hours.

Getting there by air

Patmos has no airport. The nearest airports are Leros and Kos. Astypalaia has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Astypalaia to Athens and then Athens to Leros, followed by the short ferry from Leros to Patmos taking around 1 hour, 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 Leros and take the short ferry across to Patmos. It is the most practical approach. If you prefer to travel by sea, check whether the seasonal direct ferry from Astypalaia aligns with your dates as it avoids Athens entirely. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Astypalaia to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Patmos ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.