Getting from Volos to Astypalaia

If you are heading to Astypalaia from Volos you are making your way from a city on the Pagasetic Gulf at the foot of the Pelion peninsula to a butterfly-shaped island sitting between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, on the opposite side of Greece. It has a Chora topped by a Venetian castle that is one of the finest in the Aegean.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Volos to Astypalaia. Volos is the main departure point for the Sporades group and has no connection to the Astypalaia ferry network. Getting there by sea means driving from Volos to Piraeus, which takes around 3 to 3.5 hours via the E75 motorway, and then boarding the Piraeus to Astypalaia ferry, which runs around 5 times a week and takes around 8 to 12 hours. Flying is considerably more practical for most travelers.

Getting there by air

Astypalaia has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Volos has a small airport at Nea Anchialos with limited connections from Athens. Driving from Volos to Athens and flying from 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

Drive from Volos to Athens and fly from Athens 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, drive to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Astypalaia ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.