Getting from Astypalaia to Samos

If you are heading to Samos from Astypalaia you are making your way from a butterfly-shaped island between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese to an island in the eastern Aegean, relatively close in regional terms. It is green and mountainous with wine production dating back to antiquity and the UNESCO-listed Heraion sanctuary.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Astypalaia to Samos running in summer on the wider Blue Star route that connects Astypalaia with the eastern Aegean. The service runs a limited number of times per week and takes several hours with stops along the way. It is a natural connection given the geographic proximity of the two islands in the eastern Aegean and avoids going through Athens entirely. Samos has two main ports, Vathy and Karlovassi, so check which port your ferry arrives at before booking accommodation.

Getting there by air

Samos has an international airport with connections from Athens. Astypalaia has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Astypalaia to Athens and then Athens to Samos takes around 1 hour on the second leg. Total journey time is 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 Samos when the schedule works for your dates. It avoids Athens entirely and is the most natural connection given the geographic proximity. If the timing does not align, fly from Astypalaia to Athens and then fly to Samos. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Astypalaia to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Samos ferry, which takes your vehicle directly to the island.