Astakos Ferries

Unlock your adventure to Greece at the incredible port of Astakos! It's your essential gateway to the stunning nearby islands. Imagine seamless connections and breath-taking scenic journeys – that's what awaits you.

As a bustling hub for both passengers and freight, Astakos boasts an impressive 4 ferry routes operated by 2 top-tier ferry companies. Get ready for a convenient sailing experience from Astakos, with schedules perfectly tailored to the seasons, ensuring you always find your ideal departure, no matter the demand, weather, or tourism buzz. Your unforgettable escape begins here!

Astakos offers wonderful connections to popular routes like Pisaetos - Astakos, Sami - Astakos. You can customize your trip by choosing between a swift high-speed ferry to get there in a flash or a classic vessel for a more scenic, relaxing journey. From quick local hops to leisurely overnight voyages, your island adventure starts here.

Getting to your destination is a breeze with several excellent ferry operators departing regularly from Astakos. You'll find companies like Ionion P. Lines, Levante Ferries ready to whisk you away.

Each offers a variety of onboard amenities to make your journey pleasant, from comfortable seating and delicious food and drink options to private cabins and even vehicle transport.

With a range of ticket options available depending on the company and vessel, there's something to suit everyone, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a business trip.

Whether you're dreaming of an exhilarating island-hopping escape, making your way back to the comfort of home, or embarking on a brand-new journey, your perfect voyage begins right here with Astakos.

Astakos is accessible primarily by road, with good connections to major Greek cities including Athens (approximately 4 hours by car) and Patras (about 2 hours drive). Regular bus services connect Astakos to these cities and other regional centers, though schedules may be limited in the off-season. The nearest major airport is in Preveza (Aktion National Airport), roughly 80 kilometers north, which offers seasonal direct flights from European cities and year-round connections to Athens. Upon arrival in Astakos, the ferry terminal is centrally located and easily accessible by foot from most parts of town, with ample parking available for those arriving with their own vehicles.

Nestled on the western coast of mainland Greece, Astakos is a charming port town that offers travelers a genuine taste of traditional Greek coastal life. With its sparkling blue waters and backdrop of verdant mountains, this peaceful harbor town serves as an important ferry connection point to the Ionian Islands. Visitors to Astakos will find themselves immersed in an authentic maritime atmosphere where fishing boats bob alongside ferry vessels and waterfront tavernas serve the day's fresh catch.

Astakos enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The peak tourist season runs from June to September when temperatures hover between 25-35°C, making it perfect for swimming and outdoor activities. May and October offer excellent alternatives with pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and slightly lower prices while still providing reliable ferry services to the islands. Winter visits from November to March bring cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall, with some reduction in ferry frequency, but offer a chance to experience authentic local life. The town comes alive during August for the Feast of the Assumption (August 15th), when cultural celebrations and seafood festivals showcase the area's maritime heritage.

Astakos serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the enchanting Ionian Islands. Regular ferry services connect to Ithaca, the legendary home of Odysseus, just a 1.5-hour journey across crystal-clear waters. Kefalonia, the largest Ionian island with its dramatic landscapes and exotic beaches, can be reached in approximately 2 hours by ferry. The smaller island of Kalamos, with its untouched natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, makes for a perfect day trip at just 45 minutes from Astakos. The route between Astakos and these islands is particularly scenic, passing by numerous uninhabited islets and offering stunning views of the coastline, making the journey itself a memorable part of the adventure.

Astakos offers visitors a blend of natural beauty and authentic Greek experiences. Stroll along the picturesque waterfront promenade to watch fishing boats return with the day's catch, often heading straight to the harbor-side tavernas. The nearby beaches of Astakos Bay provide excellent swimming spots with crystal-clear waters, particularly at Asprogiali and Agios Georgios beaches. Food enthusiasts should sample the town's namesake specialty – astakos means lobster in Greek – along with fresh sea urchins and locally produced olive oil at traditional tavernas like 'To Kyma' or 'O Giannis'. The old quarter of town reveals charming narrow streets and traditional architecture, while the surrounding countryside offers excellent hiking opportunities with trails leading to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Ionian Sea.

Astakos derives its name from the Greek word for lobster, reflecting the abundance of these crustaceans in local waters that have sustained the fishing community for centuries. The town was once part of an important naval battle route during ancient times, with remnants of lookout posts still visible on nearby hillsides. Local fishermen in Astakos maintain the tradition of 'narkolipsia' – night fishing using lights to attract fish, a mesmerizing spectacle visible from the harbor on calm evenings. The waters surrounding Astakos are home to a protected Mediterranean monk seal population, one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world, occasionally spotted by lucky ferry passengers.