Ferry from Naxos (Chora) to Astypalea

Naxos to Astypalea is one of the crossings that links the Cyclades with the Dodecanese, and it takes around four hours on the conventional ferry. Blue Star Ferries runs it with the Blue Star Naxos, so you get a full-size ship with proper seating, a bar and open decks rather than an enclosed high-speed cabin. It is a long enough leg to settle in with a book, and the deck time is pleasant once you are clear of Naxos.

Astypalea sits at the western edge of the Dodecanese and feels more Cycladic than its neighbours, with whitewashed houses and a low-key pace. The ferry berths at Skala, also called Pera Gialos, directly below the Chora, and the Venetian kastro on the ridge above is the first thing you see as you come in. It is a quiet island that Greek travellers use as an escape, with beaches and walking rather than a busy resort scene.

Sailings run around four times a week in season rather than daily, so the crossing needs a little planning around. The current timetable and fares are shown in the table below. Fares start around €17 for a deck ticket, and because Naxos is a major Cyclades hub you can usually reach it easily from Piraeus or the neighbouring islands first.

Naxos to Astypalea Ferry Fares

Weekly Naxos to Astypalea Ferry Schedule

The repeating pattern behind the dated timetable, without dates. Each row is one scheduled departure and the days it runs.

Hiring a car

Is it worth hiring a car on Naxos?

Yes, it is worth it. Naxos is the largest Cycladic island, and its best beaches and mountain villages, Apollonas, Halki, the Tragaea, are 30 to 45 minutes' drive from Naxos Town. Rental desks sit right at the ferry quay, a one-minute walk from the bus terminal. Buses cover the main coast road, but a car gets you into the interior. Compare local suppliers at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Naxos to Astypalea between 24 August 2026 and 6 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Naxos to Astypalea ferry

• Expect a short walk into town – Naxos port sits right at the edge of Chora, with shops, cafés and the Portara landmark only a few minutes away, so you will not need a taxi if your accommodation is central.
• Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure and confirm your departure gate on the day, since Naxos is one of the busiest Cycladic ports, with several operators and vessels often docked at once.
• If you are catching the Express Skopelitis local ferry to the Small Cyclades, it usually berths away from the main quay used by Blue Star and the high-speed ferries, so check where it is tied up when you arrive.
• If you are booking for a large group, call the operator or use their group booking form – online booking systems sometimes cap the number of tickets per transaction.
• Once you arrive in Astypalea, the main town's labyrinth of whitewashed houses, traditional windmills, and blue-domed churches beneath a hilltop Venetian castle make for one of the most photogenic settings in the Aegean. The island also offers miles of unspoiled beaches, with Vatses, Kaminakia, and Livadi among the finest.

Plan a journey

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