Getting from Donoussa to Astypalaia

If you are heading to Astypalaia from Donoussa you are making your way from one of the Small Cyclades to a butterfly-shaped island sitting between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, relatively close in geographic terms. It has a Chora topped by a Venetian castle that is one of the finest in the Aegean.

Take the ferry

There is a direct ferry from Donoussa to Astypalaia running on the wider Blue Star route, taking around 2 hours 35 minutes and running 3 to 7 times a week. It is one of the most natural sea connections from Donoussa given the geographic proximity of the two islands and keeps the journey within the eastern Cyclades and Dodecanese without going through Athens or Piraeus.

Getting there by air

Astypalaia has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Donoussa has no airport. The nearest airport is Naxos. Taking the ferry from Donoussa to Naxos and flying from Naxos to Athens and then Athens to Astypalaia adds considerable time and makes the direct sea connection considerably more practical for this island hop.

Your best option

Take the direct Blue Star ferry from Donoussa to Astypalaia. It is the most natural and enjoyable connection and avoids Athens entirely. Check the schedule carefully before booking as the service runs a limited number of times per week and departure days vary by season. 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.