Ferry to Astypalaia 2027: routes, prices & tickets

How to get to Astypalea by ferry

The main connection is from Piraeus. The route is operated by Blue Star Ferries with conventional ships, with roughly 4 to 6 departures a week. The journey is not direct: the ship usually calls at Paros, Naxos, Donousa and Amorgos, and the crossing takes anywhere from 8 to 12 hours depending on the route. For 2027, don't plan on anything under 8 hours. If you catch an evening departure, you'll be travelling overnight, so a cabin or an airline-style seat is worth considering.

There are no high-speed ferries to Astypalea from Athens. The 'fast' alternative is the plane, which only makes sense if you have just a few days. For island hopping, the ferry is the better fit.

Which route to choose

From Piraeus

This is the most popular option and the only one that runs reliably all year round. Prices start at around €45 for an economy seat each way. If you're travelling with a car or motorbike, the ships on this route carry vehicles. In August the ships arrive full, with dozens of cars disembarking at each arrival.

From the Cyclades (Paros, Naxos, Amorgos)

Astypalea also works as a gateway to the Dodecanese, so many people add it to an island-hopping route from the Cyclades. From Paros the journey takes about 5 hours. From Amorgos (Aegiali) it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and a ticket costs around €12. Check your departure port on Amorgos carefully: ships usually leave from Aegiali, not Katapola.

From Kos and Kalymnos

From Kalymnos there are sailings with ANE Kalymnou ships, and the journey takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours. From Kos, Blue Star also operates, and in summer there are high-speed boats run by Dodekanisos Seaways. If you're starting from the Dodecanese, these routes are more convenient than going via Athens.

Which port you will arrive at

This needs attention. The new port at Agios Andreas caused mooring problems for large ships. Blue Star has announced that, until further notice, certain sailings call at Pera Gialos (Skala), next to Chora. This is the port most ships use at present. Because some older sources still mention Agios Andreas, always check the port shown on your ticket before you book. Once you know which port you're arriving at, you'll know how to get around: from Pera Gialos up to Chora there is a road and plenty of steps, and with luggage you'll want a car, a taxi or the local bus.

When to book

• July–August and the 15 August holiday: book as soon as sailings open, especially if you have a vehicle. Ships fill up, and car spaces sell out sooner than passenger tickets.
• June and September: there is usually availability, but if you want a cabin it's worth booking a few weeks ahead.
• Winter (roughly November–March): connections are reduced, some weeks may have only one or two departures, and bad weather cancels sailings more easily.

2027 timetables are usually announced gradually. Until they appear, don't rely on the 2026 schedules: departure days and times change from season to season.

Tips before you travel

• Book your return together with your outbound ticket. With only a few departures a week, one lost day can mean an extra night on the island.
• If you have a flight the next day, leave a safety margin. Weather and delays at the intermediate stops are common.
• If you're thinking of bringing a car: the island is small and the roads are narrow. Many travellers hire a vehicle on the island rather than bringing their own. Local buses connect Chora with Livadi, Maltezana and other villages, but services are limited.
• If you're combining Astypalea with Amorgos or Kos, check the ports and connection times before paying for separate tickets.

What to do when you arrive

From Pera Gialos, boats leave for the islets of Koutsomytis and Kounoupes and for the Cave of Negros. Chora, with its castle and windmills, is the heart of the island, and Livadi is the best organised beach.