Ferry from Santorini (Athinios) to Karpathos (Pigadia)

Blue Star Ferries links Santorini with Karpathos on the Blue Star Chios, a conventional ship working the long southern line between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese. Journey times swing widely with the routeing, from roughly six and a half hours on a direct run to around twelve when the ship calls at Crete and the smaller islands first. Either way it is a substantial crossing over open water, so plan for a full leg of the trip rather than a quick transfer.

Karpathos is a big, mountainous island lying between Rhodes and Crete, noticeably less developed than either. The main port and town is Pigadia on the east coast, and from there the island opens up into rugged scenery, walking country and beaches like Apella and Kyra Panagia. The mountain village of Olympos in the north is the island's best-known settlement, with traditions that have survived largely intact.

The service runs a few times a fortnight in season rather than daily, so dates matter. The current timetable and fares are shown in the table below. Karpathos also has an airport with domestic links, which is worth bearing in mind if the ferry pattern does not fit your dates.

Santorini to Karpathos Ferry Fares

No published fares for this route yet.

Weekly Santorini to Karpathos 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

Can you rent a car in Karpathos?

Yes, with desks in Pigadia near the port. It's worth it if you're staying several days: the drive north to Olympos, about 58km, runs along narrow, winding cliff roads that can turn genuinely windy, and buses only cover the main routes. For a short stay, buses and boat trips to the beaches are enough. Compare hire options at Discover Cars.

Is it worth hiring a car on Santorini?

Yes. The ferry port at Athinios sits about 7.5km below Fira up a steep, winding road; the bus takes about 25 minutes and a taxi costs many times the fare. A car lets you reach Oia, Akrotiri and the red and black beaches at your own pace without waiting for infrequent buses; rental desks operate near the port, and you can compare prices across local suppliers at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Santorini to Karpathos between 24 August 2026 and 6 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Santorini to Karpathos ferry

• Arrive at Athinios port at least 45 minutes before departure – the switchback access road down the caldera cliff often backs up in summer, and boarding can start earlier than the printed departure time.
• If you're staying in Oia, note that no bus runs directly to or from Athinios port – you'll need to change at Fira, adding a ticket and a wait, so a taxi or pre-booked transfer is usually more practical.
• Collect paper tickets from the Nomikos or Dakoutros travel agency booths at the port as soon as you arrive, rather than waiting until boarding – queues build quickly as departure time approaches.
• If you're travelling by public bus, stow large luggage in the storage compartment underneath rather than carrying it aboard, as space inside is limited, especially on the busy Fira–Oia route.
• Once you arrive in Karpathos, you'll find an unspoiled island with an extensive network of around 50 hiking routes crossing rugged mountains and remote villages. The northern village of Olympos, perched on a clifftop ridge, is one of the most striking traditional settlements in the Dodecanese.

Plan a journey

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