Ferry from Aegiali (Amorgos) to Astypalea

The ferry from Aegiali on Amorgos to Astypalea is a very useful link between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese islands, letting you combine two beautiful but quite remote destinations in a single sea journey. This route is operated by Blue Star Ferries, often listed together with Anek Superfast in booking systems, using conventional ships such as Blue Star Naxos. The crossing from Aegiali to Astypalea usually takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes, with most summaries giving an average duration of around 1 hour 44 minutes and the fastest sailings at about 1 hour 40 minutes. In high season ferries normally depart from Aegiali at around 14:45 in the afternoon and arrive in Astypalea around 16:25, while in the low season departures can be in the very early hours, around 02:15 or 03:25, arriving before sunrise. There are generally 3 to 4 weekly crossings all year, with Blue Star Ferries timetables often showing sailings on days like Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Ticket prices are surprisingly affordable, starting at about €11.50 to €12.00 for a foot passenger seat, with extra charges if you book a cabin or special seat. This route is ideal for island hoppers who want to avoid going back through Piraeus or Naxos and instead move directly from quiet Aegiali to the dramatic, butterfly shaped island of Astypalea.

Key information for the Aegiali (Amorgos) to Astypalea ferry

1. Ferry duration

The Aegiali to Astypalea ferry usually takes between 1 hour 40 minutes and 2 hours 10 minutes. Ferryscanner gives an average journey time of about 1 hour 44 minutes, with the fastest sailing at 1 hour 40 minutes on Blue Star Naxos and the slowest at around 2 hours 10 minutes. Netferry mentions a typical duration of 2 hours 10 minutes for this crossing, so for planning you should allow around 2 hours at sea plus time for boarding and disembarking.

2. Ferry companies

This route is operated by Blue Star Ferries, sometimes grouped with Anek Superfast under the Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries brand. Netferry confirms that Aegiali (Amorgos) to Astypalea is served by this operator with about 3 weekly crossings. Ferryscanner also shows Blue Star Ferries as the sole company on the Aegiali–Astypalea segment, with ships like Blue Star Naxos covering the route.

3. Fast vs slow ferry

On this route there are no separate high speed catamarans, but there is still a small range between the fastest and slowest conventional sailings. Blue Star Naxos is listed as the fastest ferry, taking about 1 hour 40 minutes from Aegiali to Astypalea, while some departures take up to around 2 hours 10 minutes depending on schedule and intermediate stops. Overall, all options are standard ferries, so you are choosing mainly between different departure times and small differences in duration rather than between fast and slow ships.

4. Best time to travel

This route runs all year, but the easiest time to travel from Aegiali to Astypalea is in the high season from June to September. Ferryhopper notes that in high season ferries usually depart Aegiali at 14:45 and arrive in Astypalea at 16:25, which is a very convenient daytime connection. In the off season, Blue Star often switches to early morning departures from Amorgos, around 02:15 or 03:25, arriving in Astypalea before dawn, so you should check timetables closely if you travel in spring, autumn or winter.

5. Sea conditions and wind

The crossing between Aegiali and Astypalea passes through open Aegean waters between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, an area that can be affected by the Meltemi wind in summer. Blue Star Ferries uses large conventional ships on this line, which handle rougher conditions better than small boats, but you may still feel some movement on windy days. It is sensible to monitor the weather forecast before you sail, take seasickness tablets if you are sensitive and keep some flexibility in your itinerary in case strong winds cause timetable changes, as Blue Star occasionally posts adjustments for Amorgos–Astypalea services.

6. Port guide

Aegiali port lies on the north western coast of Amorgos and is a small bay with a long sandy beach, tavernas, cafés and mini markets right by the water, as well as many hotels and rooms to let within walking distance of the quay. Buses and taxis connect Aegiali with Chora and Katapola, but if you are staying in Aegiali itself you can usually walk to the ferry in a few minutes. In Astypalea the ferry arrives at the port of Agios Andreas, a short drive from the main town (Chora) with its famous castle and white houses on the hill, where you will find most accommodation, restaurants and car rental offices.

7. Car rental advice

Blue Star Ferries ships on the Aegiali–Astypalea route are conventional vessels that can generally carry cars and motorbikes, although capacity is limited and vehicle prices are not always prominently advertised for this short leg. Because both Amorgos and Astypalea are islands that are relatively easy to explore with local rentals, many travellers choose to return any car in Amorgos and then hire a new vehicle in Astypalea rather than trying to bring a vehicle across. If you do want to take a car, you should check the booking engine for your specific date to see if vehicle transport is available on that sailing and to secure a space early in high season.

8. Foot passenger tips

As a foot passenger you should arrive at Aegiali port at least 45 minutes before departure in summer and a bit earlier if you are checking in for an overnight style early morning winter sailing. In high season the 14:45 departure from Aegiali allows time for a relaxed lunch before boarding, and the short 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes crossing means you will arrive in Astypalea mid to late afternoon. On board, it is worth reserving a seat or using the indoor lounges for comfort and stepping out on deck for views of the Small Cyclades and Astypalea’s distinctive skyline as you approach.

9. Is this route worth it?

The Aegiali to Astypalea ferry is very much worth it if you want to combine the Cyclades and Dodecanese in one island hopping trip. In about 2 hours you can move from the quiet bay and hiking paths of Aegiali to Astypalea’s dramatic castle, windmills and hidden beaches without needing to pass through Piraeus or Naxos. With low ticket prices and several weekly crossings, it is one of the easiest ways to make your itinerary more adventurous while still keeping travel times manageable.

10. Alternative route if cancelled

If your Aegiali–Astypalea ferry is cancelled, common alternatives involve travelling on a different day or routing via another island. You could, for example, take a ferry from Aegiali or Katapola to Naxos or Donoussa and then continue from there to Astypalea on another Blue Star ship as part of its multi island route. In more complex cases, especially outside high season, you might need to route via Kos or even via Piraeus, combining a Piraeus–Astypalea ferry with a separate leg to Amorgos.

11. Reverse route internal links

There is also a reverse Astypalea to Aegiali ferry route, again operated by Blue Star Ferries under the Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries brand. Netferry notes about 3 weekly Astypalea–Aegiali sailings, mainly on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with typical durations between 2 hours and 2 hours 15 minutes and morning departures around 04:45 to 06:00. Direct Ferries lists the fastest Astypalea–Aegiali sailing at around 1 hour 35 minutes, so when planning your itinerary it is useful to check both directions together to decide which way fits better with your wider route and flights.