Getting from Chania to Astypalaia

If you are heading to Astypalaia from Chania you are making your way from the most intimate of Crete's three main cities to a butterfly-shaped island sitting between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, to the north. It has a Chora topped by a Venetian castle that is one of the finest in the Aegean.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Chania to Astypalaia running in summer on the wider Blue Star route that connects Crete with the Dodecanese and Cyclades. The service runs a limited number of times per week and takes several hours with stops along the way. It is one of the more natural sea connections and avoids going through Athens entirely. Alternatively take the overnight ferry from Chania to Piraeus and board the Piraeus to Astypalaia ferry, which runs around 5 times a week and takes around 8 to 12 hours.

Getting there by air

Astypalaia has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Chania has an international airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Chania to Athens and then Athens to Astypalaia takes around 1 hour in the air. Total journey time is around 4 to 5 hours. Check the schedule carefully as flights run a limited number of times per week. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Fly from Chania to Athens and then fly to Astypalaia. It is the fastest and most practical approach. Check the schedule carefully as flights run a limited number of times per week. Give yourself at least three nights on Astypalaia as the island rewards those who stay long enough to explore both its Cycladic and Dodecanese sides. If you are traveling with a car, take the overnight ferry from Chania to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Astypalaia ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.