Getting from Athens to Agios Efstratios

If you are heading to Agios Efstratios from Athens you are going to one of the most isolated islands in the northern Aegean and one of the most quietly remarkable. The island sits between Limnos and Lesvos, small and almost entirely flat, with a single village rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1968 and a coastline of beaches that see almost no visitors outside of a handful of Greeks who keep the place to themselves. It carries a heavy history as a place of political exile during the dictatorship years, when hundreds of dissidents were sent here, and that history is still present in the character of the place. People who find Agios Efstratios tend to be fiercely protective of it.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Athens to Agios Efstratios. The island is connected primarily through Limnos, with ferries running from Limnos to Agios Efstratios four times a week in summer and once a week in the low season, with the crossing taking around 55 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. A longer connection from Lavrio also serves the island, stopping at multiple northern Aegean islands along the way and taking around 11 to 12 hours.

Getting there by air

Agios Efstratios has no airport. The nearest airport is Limnos, which has daily connections from Athens taking around 1 hour. From Limnos the ferry to Agios Efstratios takes around 55 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. Total travel time via Limnos is around 3 to 4 hours.

Your best option

Fly to Limnos and take the ferry across to Agios Efstratios. Check the Limnos to Agios Efstratios schedule before booking your flights as the ferry runs only four times a week in summer and once a week in winter. Plan your Limnos arrival around the departure day and build flexibility into your itinerary. Bring everything you need with you.