Getting from Astypalaia to Santorini

If you are heading to Santorini from Astypalaia you are making your way from a butterfly-shaped island between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese to the most iconic island in Greece, relatively close in geographic terms. It has caldera views, volcanic beaches and the ancient Minoan site of Akrotiri preserved under volcanic ash.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Astypalaia to Santorini running in summer on the wider Blue Star and Seajets routes that connect Astypalaia with the southern Cyclades. The service runs a limited number of times per week and takes around 3 to 6 hours depending on the vessel and stops. It is one of the most natural connections from Astypalaia into the Cyclades and avoids going through Athens entirely.

Getting there by air

Santorini has an international airport with daily connections from Athens. Astypalaia has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Astypalaia to Athens and then Athens to Santorini takes around 45 to 55 minutes 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 Santorini when the schedule works for your dates. It is the most enjoyable approach and avoids Athens entirely. Arriving into the caldera by sea is one of the great island arrivals in Greece. If the timing does not align, fly from Astypalaia to Athens and then fly to Santorini. Book well ahead in July and August as Santorini flight spaces fill up fast. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Astypalaia to Piraeus and board the conventional Piraeus to Santorini ferry, which takes your vehicle directly to Athinios port.