Getting from Athens to Agathonisi

If you are heading to Agathonisi from Athens you are going to one of the smallest and most remote islands in the Dodecanese, sitting close to the Turkish coast between Samos and Patmos. The island has a permanent population of around 100 people, three small settlements, some good beaches and an atmosphere of complete calm that is almost impossible to find anywhere more accessible. It is the kind of island that people who know about it keep very quiet about.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Athens to Agathonisi. The island is connected to the wider Greek ferry network through Patmos, Samos and Leros, with infrequent local ferry connections running a few times a week in summer and once a week or less in winter. Getting to any of these connecting islands from Athens means either flying or taking the long Piraeus to Dodecanese ferry.

Getting there by air

Agathonisi has no airport. The nearest airports are Samos and Leros, both of which have connections from Athens. Flying to Samos takes around 50 minutes and the local ferry from Samos to Agathonisi takes around 2 to 3 hours. Flying to Leros takes around 50 minutes and the crossing from Leros to Agathonisi takes around 1 to 2 hours. Total travel time via either island is around 4 to 5 hours but check the ferry schedule carefully as connections to Agathonisi are infrequent.

Your best option

Fly to Samos or Leros and take the local ferry across to Agathonisi. Check the schedule before booking your flights as the Agathonisi connection runs only a few times a week in summer and less in winter. Build flexibility into your plans and come entirely self-sufficient. The island has almost no facilities and that is entirely the point of going.