Getting from Syros to Astypalaia

If you are heading to Astypalaia from Syros you are making your way from the capital of the Cyclades to a butterfly-shaped island sitting between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, on the opposite side of the Aegean. 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 Blue Star ferry from Syros to Astypalaia running around once a week, taking around 6 to 8 hours. It is a rewarding crossing that keeps the journey entirely by sea without going through Athens or Piraeus. Check the schedule carefully before booking as the service runs only once a week and departure days vary by season. Alternatively take the ferry from Syros 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. Syros has a small domestic airport with limited connections from Athens. Taking the ferry from Syros to Piraeus and flying from Athens to Astypalaia takes around 1 hour in the air on the second leg. 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

Take the ferry from Syros to Piraeus and fly from Athens to Astypalaia. Check the schedule carefully as flights run a limited number of times per week. If the weekly direct Blue Star ferry fits your schedule it is a rewarding crossing that avoids Athens entirely. 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.