A white Chora below a castle · the butterfly of the Aegean
Enter your ports, date and passengers to see live sailings and fares.
Astypalaia, shaped like a butterfly, lies between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese and looks like both. Its Chora of white houses and windmills climbs to a Venetian castle, and quiet bays such as Livadi, Maltezana and Kaminakia are spread around the coast.
Blue Star sails from Piraeus a few times a week, about 12 hours, from €57, calling at Naxos (Naxos–Astypalaia from €18). In summer Dodekanisos Seaways links it with Kalymnos and Kos.
The village below the castle and the harbour beneath it.
A sandy bay with tavernas, 2 km from the Chora.
Astypalaia has fewer ferries than most islands: Blue Star from Piraeus via the Cyclades a few times a week, and in summer fast boats to Kalymnos and Kos. Plan your dates around the ferries.
| From | Companies | Fastest | Fares from | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piraeus | Blue Star Ferries | 12 h 05 m | €57 | A few days a week |
| Naxos | Blue Star Ferries | 4 h 35 m | €18 | A few days a week |
| Kalymnos | Dodekanisos Seaways | 2 h 30 m | €22 | Summer |
| Kos | Dodekanisos Seaways | 1 h 50 m | €26 | Summer |
Children travel at reduced fares. Other discounts, such as for students, large families or people with disabilities, apply only to Greek citizens. For a group booking, ask us for a quote.
Related guides: Dodecanese islandsIsland hoppingAll destinations
October 2026 and June 2027 fares.
Ferries arrive at the port of Astypalaia, a short drive from the Chora and Pera Gialos; check the arrival port on your ticket and arrange a transfer, as some ferries arrive at night.
Ferries to the Dodecanese often leave from gate E1, at the far end of the port from the metro; Blue Star shows your gate when you check in. Allow extra time to get there.
The Blue Star ferries usually leave in the evening and sail through the night: book a cabin for a bed and your own bathroom.
Rhodes, Kos, Leros, Kalymnos and Astypalaia have airports; many travellers fly one way and sail the other, or fly to Rhodes or Kos and hop by boat.
Taxis and a bus meet many ferries; tell your host your arrival time.
A car or scooter is useful; many beaches are down dirt roads.
Astypalaia has a small airport with flights from Athens.
Shops are in the Chora and Livadi.
Taking a camper, motorhome, van or your boat on a trailer to Astypalaia? Big vehicles need a little more planning on Greek ferries. Here is what to know, for holidays and for business.
Give the exact length and height of your camper, van or car with caravan, including bike racks, roof boxes and tow bars. The ferry fare and deck space depend on them, and a vehicle bigger than booked may be refused or charged extra at the port.
Vehicles running on LPG or other gas, and hybrid or electric vehicles, must be declared when you book. Gas tanks may be filled to no more than 50% and EV batteries charged to no more than 40%. Make sure gas bottles are turned off before boarding.
Be at the port at least 1 hour before departure. Large vehicles are loaded in the order set by the port authority, so arriving early helps. Book well ahead in July and August: garage space for big vehicles runs out first.
Only the driver stays with the vehicle to drive it on and off; everyone else boards on foot. Nobody may stay in the vehicle during the crossing, so take what you need for the trip with you.
Taking your own boat? We also book ferry tickets for a car towing a boat trailer. Give the total length of car, trailer and boat together, and the height of the boat on the trailer, including any mast, frame or outboard engine.
Vans carrying goods, tools or equipment for work may be booked as commercial vehicles, with a different fare and different paperwork from a private car. Tell us what the vehicle carries and its weight.
Several vehicles and drivers on the same sailing, or regular crossings for a project? We book them together so your team travels on the same ship.
Length, height and weight decide the category. Include racks, ladders and trailers, and tell us if anything is loaded on the roof.
Commercial vehicles may need to be at the port earlier than cars. We confirm the exact check-in time and gate for your sailing.
Travelling for work? We issue an invoice in your company’s name. Send us the company name, address and VAT number with your quote request.
The Venetian castle above the white Chora.
A sandy bay close to the Chora.
A village with beaches and Roman mosaics.
Wild beaches at the end of dirt roads.
An islet with emerald water.
Evenings in the Chora are relaxed: bars and cafés with views over the bay, and tavernas at Pera Gialos.
About 12 hours from Piraeus on Blue Star, usually overnight.
From €57 one way for 1 adult (October 2026).
No, only a few a week outside the summer: check your dates.
Blue Star shows your gate when you check in.
Yes, on Blue Star. Get a vehicle quote.
