Karpathos is one of the Dodecanese islands famous for the natural sponges which are harvested here. It is basically two islands into one: mountains in the northern part and beaches in the southern part. Scuba diving and windsurfing can be practiced it, making Karpathos a very interesting island for those looking for an active vacation.

Port of Piraeus

The Port of Piraeus (or Pireas*) is large and can be rather overwhelming for the first time visitor. Allow enough time to get from the city center to the port and to find the gate (which is written on your ticket) and also be sure to have a map. Make sure to check this interactive map.

All ferries to Karpathos (the Dodecanese islands) depart from Port Gate E1.

>>more information on Getting from Athens to Piraeus

Karpathos or Diafani?

Both. Ferries from Piraeus arrive in and depart from Karpathos (KAH) and Diafani (DIA) ports. Diafani is the main port in the northern part of the island. The island’s main port is Karpathos.

How long does it take to get from Athens to Karpathos?

The journey between Athens (Piraeus) and Karpathos takes 16 hrs or more , depending on the type of ferry and company.

Is there a high speed ferry between Athens and Karpathos?

No.

How much does it cost to get from Athens to Karpathos by ferry?

The ticket prices depend on the type of seat and class you prefer.

On the ferry operated by Aegeon Pelagos, the single deck ticket is €39, the airplane type of seat is €43, while an outside cabin with double bed is €92. Prices apply for ferries going to/from both Karpathos and Diafani.

How many ferries per day depart from Athens to Karpathos during the low season?

The following ferries connect Athens (Piraeus) to Karpathos during the low season 2013 (until June):

To Karpathos

Mon 6 p.m., May 27 to Jun 17
Fri 6 p.m., until Oct 18
Tue 7 p.m., Jun 25

To Diafani:

Mon 6 p.m., May 27 to Jun 17
Tue 7 p.m., Jun 25

How many ferries per day depart from Athens to Karpathos during the high season?

During the 2013 high season (July – October) , the following ferries link Athens (Piraeus) to Karpathos:

To Karpathos

Mon 6 p.m., Jul 1 – Oct 21
Fri 6 p.m., until Oct 18

To Diafani: Mon 6 p.m., Jul 1 to Oct 21

Are there any overnight journeys between Athens and Karpathos?

Yes.

Where can I buy tickets from?

Tickets can be purchased online (at most 2 months prior to departure) or via a travel agency. However, all agencies need to book via a Greek travel agency so, generally speaking, you can do that on your own.

A good option is to buy them directly from the port. The ticketing office is at the Port Gate E1 (exactly where the ferries to Karpathos depart from). There’s no need to buy your ticket in advance unless you are traveling during the weekend in the middle of the high season (July & August).

Does everyone charge the same prices?

Yes, the prices should be the same in the port, at the travel agencies and on line. Even if there are differences, those shouldn’t be significant.

How about the ferries from Karpathos to Athens?

During the 2013 high season, the following ferries link Karpathos to Athens:

From Karpathos

Sun 8:30 a.m., Jun 30 – Oct 20
Thu 2:50 p.m., Jul 4 – Jul 25
Thu 3:15 p.m., Aug 1 – Oct 28

From Diafani

Thu 1:20 p.m., Jul 4 – Jul 25
Thu 1:30 p.m., Aug 1- Oct 28

During the low season 2013, the following ferries connect Karpathos to Athens:

From Karpathos

Mon 7:30 a.m., Jun 24
Sun 8:30 a.m., until Jun 16, Jun 30 – Oct 20
Thu 3:15 p.m., May 30 to Jun 27

From Diafani: Thu 1:30 p.m., May 30 to Jun 27

Important note:

The ferries schedule is submitted every Friday by the companies to the Ministry of Mercantile Marine so, in some cases, the information available on line is not the most accurate (some departures are available on sites offering information but you cannot find the same ferry when you try to book it).

Your best bet is to check this link the day before departure (or the day of before) just to make sure things haven’t changed.

Read more about:

>> Ferries in Greece
>> Ferries from Athens: How to deal with the Port of Piraeus
>> Ferries from Athens to Aegina
>> Ferries from Athens to Crete
>> Ferries from Athens to Hydra
>> Ferries from Athens to Mykonos
>> Ferries from Rafina to Mykonos
>> Ferries from Athens to Patmos
>> Ferries from Athens to Santorini
>> Ferries from Santorini to Mykonos
>> Ferries from Santorini to Naxos
>> Ferries from Alonissos to Skopelos
>> Ferries from Corfu to Patras
>> Ferries from Rhodes to Kos
>>Ferries to and from Santorini
>> Ferries from Athens to Paros
>> Ferries from Mykonos to Crete
>> Ferries from Santorini to Karpathos
>>Ferries from Thessaloniki to Lesvos
>> Ferries to and from Mykonos
>> Ferries from Mykonos to Paros (and return)
>> Ferries from Santorini to Rhodes
>> Ferries from Santorini to Paros
>> Ferries from Mykonos to Ios
>> Ferries from Thessaloniki to Rhodes
>> Ferries from Athens to Naxos
>> Ferries from Athens to Thessaloniki
>> Ferries from Santorini to Syros
>> Ferries from Kavala to Thassos
>> Ferries from Alonissos to Skiathos
>> Ferries from Athens to Lesvos (Lesbos)
>> Ferries from Thessaloniki to Kos
>> Ferries from Thessaloniki to Chios

Notes:
* Pireas and Piraeus are exactly the same place, but you can find them spelled in both ways. All road signs though point to Pireas.
** The article was first published in 2009. The latest low season schedule and price update was made as of May 2013.