Getting from Tilos to Astypalaia

If you are heading to Astypalaia from Tilos you are making your way from a volcanic island in the southern Dodecanese to a butterfly-shaped island sitting between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, in the same broader island group. It has a Chora topped by a Venetian castle that is one of the finest in the Aegean.

Take the ferry

There is a ferry connection from Tilos to Astypalaia via the Blue Star route running through the Dodecanese network. Getting there means taking the ferry from Tilos north to Kos and then connecting west to Astypalaia, which takes around 2 to 3 hours from Kos. The total journey from Tilos to Astypalaia takes around 3 to 5 hours and keeps the journey within the Dodecanese network without going through Athens or Piraeus. Check the schedule carefully before booking as departure days vary by season.

Getting there by air

Astypalaia has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Tilos has no airport. The nearest airport is Rhodes. Taking the ferry from Tilos to Rhodes, flying from Rhodes to Athens and then Athens to Astypalaia takes around 1 hour in the air on the second leg. Total journey time is around 5 to 6 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 Tilos north through the Dodecanese network to Astypalaia via Kos. It keeps the journey within the Dodecanese and avoids Athens entirely. Check the schedule carefully before booking as 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.