Getting from Astypalaia to Pserimos

If you are heading to Pserimos from Astypalaia you are making your way from a butterfly-shaped island between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese to a tiny island wedged between Kos and Kalymnos in the same island group, relatively close in geographic terms. It has a single sandy beach, a handful of tavernas and accommodation that makes it worth staying overnight rather than just passing through on a day trip.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Astypalaia to Kalymnos running in summer via the Blue Star and Dodekanisos Seaways routes, taking around 2 to 4 hours with stops along the way. From Kalymnos the local boat to Pserimos takes around 30 to 45 minutes. This keeps the journey entirely within the Dodecanese and avoids Athens entirely. Alternatively take the ferry from Astypalaia to Kos and then the local boat across to Pserimos.

Getting there by air

Pserimos has no airport. The nearest airports are Kos and Kalymnos. Astypalaia has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Astypalaia to Athens and then Athens to Kos, followed by the local boat to Pserimos, gives a total journey time of around 4 to 5 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the seasonal direct ferry from Astypalaia to Kalymnos or Kos and then take the local boat across to Pserimos. It keeps the journey entirely within the Dodecanese and avoids Athens entirely. Check local schedules on arrival as the Pserimos service is not bookable online in advance. If you want to stay overnight rather than day trip, the local ferry from Kalymnos is the more reliable connection.