Posted by All Ports, Connections, Prices & Tips 2026 ⚓🇬🇷
Karpathos is one of the most fascinating and unspoiled islands in Greece. Located between Crete and Rhodes, it impresses with spectacular landscapes, traditional mountain villages, stunning beaches, and an atmosphere that has remained largely unchanged in many places. 🇬🇷✨
Those wishing to visit Karpathos have two options: by plane or – as most independent travelers and island hoppers do – by ferry. Traveling by sea is not only affordable and flexible, but also an experience in itself. 🚢
In this article, you will find all the important information about ferries to Karpathos: ports, schedules, routes, prices, and practical tips for your 2025 trip. [wp-osm id=19]
⚓ 1. Why travel to Karpathos by ferry?
Many travelers consciously choose to travel by ferry – not only because it’s cheaper than a domestic flight, but also because the ferry ride itself becomes part of the vacation. Even on the journey across the Aegean Sea, you can see islands, enjoy sunsets, and breathe in the sea air. 🌊
✅ Advantages of traveling by ferry:
- 🏝️ Flexible: Numerous connections from Athens, Crete, Rhodes, and the Cyclades
- 🚗 Bring your car or motorcycle: Ideal for exploring the island
- 🧳 More luggage: No strict limits like on a plane
- 🌅 Experience, not just transportation: The journey itself is part of the vacation
- 🔄 Island hopping: Perfectly combinable with other Dodecanese islands
💡 Tip: If you have time, it’s worth visiting Karpathos as part of an island-hopping tour – for example, together with Crete, Rhodes, or Kasos.
🏝️ >>> The Most Beautiful Beaches on Karpathos (Top 10)
⚓ 2. The Port of Karpathos: Pigadia
The island’s main port is Pigadia, the capital of Karpathos in the southeast. All the major ferries arrive and depart from here. Right at the port, you’ll find buses, taxis, car rental agencies, hotels, and restaurants.
Some smaller ferries also dock in the north at the port of Diafani, especially those traveling to or from Kasos and Chalki. However, for most travelers, Pigadia is the starting and ending point.
💡 Tip: If you’re traveling without a car, Pigadia is the best place to stay – from here, you can reach almost all the sights by bus or rental car.
🛳️ 3. Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Karpathos
The classic route departs from the port of Piraeus near Athens. It is particularly popular with independent travelers and island hoppers. The journey is relatively long, but it takes you through the Aegean Sea past numerous islands – a truly memorable travel experience!
| Shipping company | Travel time | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Star Ferries | 18 – 21 hours | 50 – 75 € | large ferries with cabins & vehicle transport |
| Anek Lines / ANEK–Blue Star | 18 – 20 hours | 55 – 80 € | classic overnight train service, often with stopovers |
📆 Timetables:
April – October: 2–4 departures per week
November – March: 1–2 departures per week
💡 Tip: The ferry usually departs from Piraeus in the afternoon or evening and arrives in Karpathos the following morning – saving you an overnight stay and ensuring you arrive refreshed.
🚢 4. Ferries from Crete to Karpathos
Traveling from Crete is very popular – especially if you land there by plane and then want to travel on to the southern Dodecanese islands.
| Port of departure | Travel time | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heraklion | 7 – 9 hours | 35 – 55 € | Mostly night ferries, often via Kasos |
| Sitia | 4 – 6 hours | 30 – 50 € | direct connection or with a short stopover |
💡 Tip: The journey from Sitia to Karpathos is significantly shorter than from Heraklion. If you’re coming from western Crete, a domestic flight or bus ride to Sitia is worthwhile.
🛥️ 5. Ferries from Rhodes to Karpathos
There are regular ferry connections between Rhodes and Karpathos – almost daily, especially during the summer months. This route is ideal if you want to combine two of the most beautiful Dodecanese islands.
| Shipping company | Travel time | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Star Ferries | 4 – 6 hours | 25 – 40 € | classic connection |
| Dodekanisos Seaways | 3,5 – 5 hours | 30 – 50 € | Fast ferries, more expensive, but faster |
📆 Timetables:
May – October: 4–6 connections per week
November – April: 1–2 connections per week
💡 Tip: The Rhodes – Karpathos route is particularly well-suited for island hopping or combination trips.
⛴️ 6. Ferries from other islands to Karpathos
Karpathos is not only connected to Athens, Crete, and Rhodes – there are also regular ferries from smaller islands in the Dodecanese and the Cyclades.
🏝️ Kasos → Karpathos
⏱️ Travel time: 1–2 hours
💶 Price: from €10–20
🏝️ Chalki → Karpathos
⏱️ Travel time: 2–3 hours
💶 Price: from €15–30
🏝️ Milos / Santorini → Karpathos
⏱️ Travel time: 8–12 hours (usually with stops)
💶 Price: from €50
💡 Tip: Smaller island connections are often not available daily – plan ahead and book tickets in advance.
🗺️ 7. Island Hopping with Karpathos – Popular Routes
Karpathos is ideal for island hopping in the southern Aegean. The following routes are particularly popular:
✈️ Athens → Santorini → Karpathos → Rhodes
🏝️ Crete → Kasos → Karpathos → Chalki → Rhodes
🌊 Athens → Milos → Karpathos → Crete
💡 Tip: If you’re flexible, you can discover even more islands by combining a ferry and a domestic flight.
📆 8th Season & Timetables 2026
The number of ferry connections depends heavily on the season:
| season | Connections | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Apr – May) | 2–4 per week | Fewer tourists, good prices |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun – Sep) | 4–7 per week | Best selection & times |
| 🍂 Autumn (Oct – Nov) | 2–4 per week | Quieter, but reliable |
| ❄️ Winter (Dec – Mar) | 1–2 per week | Planning time required, weather dependent |
💡 Tip: During peak season, many ferries are quickly booked up – it’s best to book 3-4 weeks in advance.
💶 9. Prices & Tickets – Overview 2026
| Route | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Athens – Karpathos | 18 – 21 hours | 50 – 80 € |
| Crete – Karpathos | 4 – 9 hours | 30 – 55 € |
| Rhodes – Karpathos | 3,5 – 6 hours | 25 – 50 € |
| Kasos – Karpathos | 1 – 2 hours | 10 – 20 € |
💡 Booking Tips:
📱 Compare: Platforms like Ferryhopper or DirectFerries clearly display all options.
🪑 Book early: Especially important in July and August.
🚗 Car rental: Spaces for cars are limited – reserve in advance.
🧳 Luggage: Usually up to 20 kg free of charge.
🚗 10. Ferry with Car or Motorcycle
If you want to explore Karpathos on your own, it’s worth taking your car or motorcycle. This gives you flexibility and allows you to easily reach remote beaches or mountain villages.
🚘 Car: €70–120
🏍️ Motorcycle: €30–50
📄 Vehicle registration required
🕐 Boarding: 45–60 minutes before departure
💡 Tip: Alternatively, you can easily rent vehicles at the port in Pigadia.
🧭 11. Tips for a Relaxing Ferry Trip to Karpathos
🕐 Arrive at the port early: Be there at least 45 minutes before departure.
☀️ Sun protection: It can get very sunny on the outer deck.
🍉 Snacks & water: Bring your own or buy them on board.
🪑 Seating: Choose outside seats with a view or air-conditioned interior seats.
📦 Light luggage: Backpacks are more practical than large suitcases.
🏁 Conclusion: Ferries to Karpathos – The most beautiful way to reach the island of diversity 🌊
A trip to Karpathos is more than just a journey from A to B – it’s an experience. Even the journey across the Aegean Sea sets the tone for the beauty of this unspoiled island.
Whether you’re coming from Athens, Crete, or Rhodes – the ferry trip is easy, flexible, and unforgettable. It gives you the opportunity to discover Karpathos in your own way, with side trips to neighboring islands or on a longer island-hopping tour. 🚢
And when you finally arrive in the port of Pigadia, you’ll immediately feel it: This is where the real Greece begins.
Ferries in Greece
| Ferries in Greece | Island hopping Greece |
| Ferries Crete | Ferries Santorini |
| Ferries Corfu | Ferries Sifnos |
| Ferries Karpathos | Port Piraeus |
| Transportb´Greek islands | Buses Greece |