Getting from Astypalaia to Sikinos

If you are heading to Sikinos from Astypalaia you are making your way from a butterfly-shaped island between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese to one of the lesser talked about islands in the Cyclades, relatively close in geographic terms. It has a Chora perched on a ridge above the port and an atmosphere of genuine calm that sets it apart from its more visited neighbours.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Astypalaia to Sikinos running in summer on the wider Blue Star route that connects Astypalaia with the southern Cyclades. The service runs a limited number of times per week and takes several hours with stops along the way. Alternatively take the ferry from Astypalaia to Santorini and then the short ferry from Santorini to Sikinos, which takes around 2 to 3 hours and runs several times a week in summer.

Getting there by air

Sikinos has no airport. The nearest airport is Santorini. Astypalaia has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Astypalaia to Athens and then Athens to Santorini, followed by the short ferry to Sikinos, gives a total journey time of around 5 to 6 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the seasonal direct ferry from Astypalaia to Sikinos when the schedule works for your dates. It keeps the journey within the island network and avoids Athens entirely. If the timing does not align, fly from Astypalaia to Athens and then fly to Santorini and take the short ferry across to Sikinos. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Astypalaia to Piraeus and board the conventional Piraeus to Sikinos ferry, which takes your vehicle directly to the island.