Athens to Karpathos Ferry

Where it leaves from

Ferries to Karpathos sail from Piraeus, the main port of Athens, about 40 minutes from the city centre by metro. Blue Star Ferries operates the service as part of the Dodecanese route network — Karpathos lies towards the southern end of the arc, making it a long voyage of 18 to 20 hours from Piraeus.

A long sea crossing

The crossing from Piraeus to Karpathos is one of the longer ferry journeys in Greece, spanning most of a night and much of the following morning or day depending on your sailing. The route typically calls at several Dodecanese islands en route — which adds stops but also makes it possible to combine Karpathos with a multi-island itinerary. A private cabin is well worth it for the full overnight portion of this journey.

On board

Blue Star's vessels on the southern Dodecanese route are large ships offering the full range of accommodation: economy reclining seats, shared cabins, and private two- and four-berth cabins. The cafeteria, bar and open decks give plenty of options for spending the many hours at sea.

Karpathos: the traditional island

Karpathos is one of the most unspoilt and traditional islands in Greece. The village of Olympos in the north is particularly striking — a near-vertical hillside settlement where older residents still wear traditional dress and the local dialect preserves archaic features of ancient Greek. The island's beaches, including Apella and Kyra Panagia, are among the best in the Aegean and are far less crowded than equivalents in the Cyclades. This remoteness is part of the appeal — getting to Karpathos requires commitment, and the island rewards it.