Last Updated: May 22, 2026

How to get to Kythira by Ferry

1. From Neapoli, Laconia

This is the most frequent connection, with the ferry F/B PORPHYROUSA. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The routes are daily, while in July and August there are multiple departures. Please note that the driving time from Athens is approximately 4 to 4.5 hours (approximately 320-350 km). The route includes the motorway to Sparta and then the provincial road network, which in some places has curves, so you should calculate your timely departure, so that you are in accordance with the ferry’s routes.

2. From Piraeus (The classic route)

The AQUA JEWEL ferry connects the port of Piraeus with Diakofti on Kythira. The journey takes 6.5 to 7 hours. An ideal choice for those traveling from Athens without a car, or who prefer the pleasure of traveling by sea. We inform you that the ferry route to Kythira is one of the most beautiful in Greece, because the ship sails along the coastlines of the Peloponnese, offering magnificent landscapes and moments of relaxation and enjoyment to travelers.

3. From Gytheio or Crete (Kissamos)

There are regular ferry routes of the AQUA JEWEL connecting Kythira with the picturesque Gytheio and the port of Kissamos in Chania, facilitating travelers from the Southern Peloponnese and Megalonissos. The choice of Gytheio is ideal because it offers driving with greater comfort and road safety. We prefer the route via Gytheio because the road to Sparta is much better with fewer turns, and shorter to Athens compared to that of Neapolis. The driving time is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours (approximately 255-260 km) via the Athens-Tripoli National Road and then the road to Sparta.
Also, access to Crete is easy, and it is a great option to continue your vacation in Crete.

To Kythira by Plane

Traveling to Kythira by plane is the fastest and most relaxing way to get there, as the island has a State Airport. one “Alexander Aristotle Onassis”. Flights depart from Athens Airport (“Eleftherios Venizelos”) and the flight duration is only 45 to 50 minutes, which makes the destination ideal even for short getaways. The routes operate throughout the year, while during the summer season they become significantly more frequent to accommodate the increased traffic of visitors.

By road by car

The road trip to Kythira with your own car combines driving to the southern Peloponnese with a short sea route. This is an excellent option, as it allows you to have your car on the island for easy transportation.

The process includes two main alternative routes:

1. Via Neapolis Laconia (The most popular route)

• Road section: You drive from Athens to Tripoli and then to Sparta, ending up at the port of Neapolis (Vatika) at the southeastern tip of the Peloponnese. The road distance is approximately 335 km and the driving time is estimated to be around 4 to 4.5 hours.
• Sea section: From the port of Neapolis, you board the ferry (F/B Porfyrousa) with your car. This is the shortest sea crossing, as the journey to the port of Kythira (Diakofti) takes just 1 hour and 15 minutes. The routes from there are daily and increase in the summer.

2. Via Gytheio

• Road section: You follow the same direction to Tripoli and Sparta, but head towards the historic port of Gytheio. The road route from Athens is approximately 260 km and takes about 3 hours.
• Sea section: From Gytheio you board the ferry (F/B Aqua Jewel). The sea journey from here is a little longer and takes about 2 hours and 15 to 30 minutes, while the routes operate on specific days of the week.

By KTEL Buses

Traveling to Kythira by KTEL bus is an extremely convenient and economical solution if you don’t want to drive. The route combines the bus to the ports of Laconia and then boarding the ferry to the island.

The journey is mainly via two alternative routes:

1. Via Neapolis Laconia

• The Route: You board the KTEL Laconia bus from the Central Intercity Bus Station in Kifissos (Athens). The bus runs the route Athens – Sparta – Neapolis.
• Duration & Response: The road trip takes approximately 5 to 5.5 hours. These routes are usually designed to correspond with the departure times of the ship (F/B Porfyrousa) from Neapoli, which will take you to Kythira (Diakofti port) in just 1 hour and 15 minutes.

2. Via Gythio

• The Route: Choose the KTEL Laconias route with destination Gythio.
• Duration & Response: The bus journey takes approximately 4 hours. From the port of Gythio you will take the corresponding ship (F/B Aqua Jewel) to Kythira, with the sea journey lasting approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Please note that the routes from Gythio are not daily, so careful coordination of the days is required.

Useful Tip: Bus and ferry tickets are issued separately. Especially during the summer months, make sure to reserve a seat on the bus several days in advance and always confirm the connection times with the ferries, as any changes to the ferry routes may affect your trip.

As local experts, we recommend:

• Book Early: Especially for the Neapolis route during peak months, car spaces sell out quickly.
• Weather Conditions: Kythira is known for its winds. In case of strong northerly winds, contact the port authorities. Piraeus Central Port Authority – Call Center: 213 214 7600. Kythera Port Authority (Kapsali Port Station) Telephone: 27360 31232.
• Transportation from the Port: Diakofti is approximately 30 minutes from Chora, 25 minutes from Agia Pelagia, and 25 minutes to Mylopotamos. If you do not have your own means of transportation, consider renting a car in Kythera or a taxi, as there is no local transport that operates internal routes within the island.