Best option from Athens to Karpathos: Flight — both the fastest and the cheapest, about 1h 10min, from €47. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 4, 2026): Sky Express, Blue Star Ferries, Aegean; main departure point: Athens Airport GR.
There are 2 ways to get from Athens to Karpathos
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 4, 2026 for a departure on November 25, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Star Ferries | Ferry | Piraeus Port | €61 | 2 |
| Sky Express | Flight | Athens Airport GR | €55 | 4 |
| Aegean | Flight | Athens Airport GR | €134 | 1 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
Athens has three ferry ports: Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio. Read the port on your booking confirmation before leaving your hotel, and save its name on your phone so you can show it to a taxi driver.
Summer ferries to the islands can sell out, especially cabins on overnight sailings. Once your dates are fixed, book online straight away to secure your place and receive instant confirmation.
Not every line serves Karpathos daily, and timetables change with the season. Check the exact day you want to travel before booking hotels, so you are not stuck waiting for the next boat.
A long overnight ferry is far more comfortable with a cabin, especially if you plan to explore the day you arrive. Reserve it with your ticket, as cabins go first when boats fill up.
Strong winds can delay or cancel sailings. Avoid tight onward connections or flights the same day you arrive, and keep the flight in mind as a fallback if your ferry is disrupted.
The journey experience
Getting from Athens to Karpathos is a choice between speed and a proper island-style journey. Karpathos sits far out in the Dodecanese, so the decision is simpler than it looks: the plane is the fast option, the ferry is the slow, scenic and budget-friendly one. The table on this page compares both side by side on time, price and frequency, so you can decide in seconds.
By air, you fly from Athens airport straight to the island, which suits you if time is tight or long sea crossings are not your thing. By sea, the conventional ferry is an overnight voyage: you can book a seat or a cabin, walk the decks, bring more luggage and watch the islands slide by, as some sailings call at other islands on the way. It feels more like part of the trip than a simple transfer.
The main trap is the schedule. Ferry timetables change with the season, and not every line serves Karpathos every day, so check your exact date before building the rest of your itinerary. Athens also has several ports, so always read the departure port on your ticket before you set off. In summer, book early. If the boat is full or the weather turns, the flight is your reliable plan B. Booking online gives you instant confirmation.
Frequently asked questions — Athens → Karpathos
Flights start from 47 €, while the ferry starts from 61 € and typically costs up to 62 €. The ferry is therefore the cheapest way to get there by a small margin, but prices vary with the date and the season, so compare both options on this page.
The flight takes about 1 h 10, which is by far the quickest option. The ferry crossing takes roughly 18 h to 22 h, depending on the sailing and the stops made along the way. Plan for an overnight journey if you go by sea.
Fly if you are short on time or want to avoid a long overnight crossing. Take the ferry if you prefer a scenic, relaxed journey, want to carry more luggage or like the idea of sleeping on board. The flight is also a good fallback if sailings are full or disrupted.
Flights leave from Athens International Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos. For the ferry, Athens has several ports (Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio), so always check the departure port printed on your ticket or booking confirmation before heading out.
Some sailings call at other islands on the way, but you stay on the same boat. The booking page shows the exact route and any stops for your date. Check it before paying, and avoid planning a tight connection on the day you arrive.
Why visit Karpathos?
- ✓ Swim at Apella Beach, a sheltered cove of turquoise water framed by cliffs on the east coast
- ✓ Wander through Olympos, a mountain village where locals still speak a Doric-influenced dialect, bake bread in stone ovens and wear traditional dress
- ✓ Windsurf and kitesurf at Afiartis, the island's famous wind-swept spot on the south coast
- ✓ Stroll the harbour of Pigadia and dine on local makarounes with fresh fish at the waterfront tavernas
- ✓ Take a boat to Kyra Panagia and Vananda beaches, set below white chapels on the northwest coast
When to visit Karpathos?
CLIMAT MÉDITERRANÉEN VENTEUX
May to early July and September — warm sunny weather, calmer seas, and fewer crowds than August, when strong meltemi winds blow
What to do in Karpathos?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Karpathos?
Plan 5 to 7 days to enjoy Karpathos without rushing. With 3 days, base yourself in Pigadia and visit Arkasa, Finiki and the beaches of Apella and Kyra Panagia. With a week, add the mountain village of Olympos, the island's traditional heart, and the windsurf area of Afoti and Chochlakia. Rent a car from day one, as roads are winding and buses are scarce; check the meltemi wind forecast in July and August.
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