Astakos

Astakos emerged after the 1821 Revolution, settled mainly by residents from the old Dragamesti and neighboring villages, as well as a population from Epirus and the Ionian Islands. This meeting of different cultures led to the creation of a vibrant and multicultural community with distinct characteristics in lifestyle, events, traditions, and customs. Due to its diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, it showcased rich cultural diversity and linguistic variety.

• The central beach of Astakos, at the beginning of the seaside road, as well as the beach at Gouli (about 1 kilometer from the center of Astakos, in the district of Chovolio), is one of the most outstanding beaches in Astakos.
• Continuing along the beach, behind Gouli, and passing some small rocks, you will discover a small sandy beach (the only one in Astakos), perfect for relaxation. If you want to reach it by car, you must travel about 10 kilometers towards the neighboring village of Mytika. Then, you will find yourself on the shores of Vela and subsequently Agrilia, for a more intimate encounter with the Ionian Sea. There, you will find a series of small sandy coves easily recognizable by the crowd of parked cars.

• Below the castle of Astakos, at the foot of the hill, lies the "Cave of the Cyclops," a huge cave in a rugged and inaccessible location, where it is said that the famous Cyclops Polyphemus lived with his herd and where Odysseus blinded him with his companions.
• On a hill north of the present-day village of Astakos and between Astakos and the village of Karaiskakis, there are the ruins of the ancient fortifications of ancient Astakos and medieval Dragamestos or Dragamestus. The total area of the site is approximately 108 acres. The ancient wall was built on a natural substrate and was reinforced by 15 towers. Inside the enclosure of the walls in the Byzantine (northern) sector, the ruins of three temples are preserved. In addition, we find the foundations of buildings, the purpose of which is unknown. Right in the center of the southern part of the ancient city, there is a small church of Agia Kyriaki.

Ferry Routes and Tickets from Astakos

The routes between Astakos - Kefalonia - Ithaca are served by the ships "Ionion Pelagos" and "Ithaki Diamond" of the company 'Ionion P. Lines.' During the summer months, the number of daily routes significantly increases, offering passengers the opportunity for even single-day trips to the islands at very low prices. Additionally, the KTEL Aetoloacarnania offers frequent routes from KTEL Kifisos, Patras, and Agrinio.

Astakos Port offers daily ferry connections to the Ionian Islands, with one route per day. Ionion P. Lines operates this route year-round, connecting mainland Greece to Kefalonia and Ithaca via the Astakos - Sami and Astakos-Pisaetos routes. Furthermore, during the summer, additional routes from Astakos to Vathi are available.

Getting to Astakos Port

Astakos is less than 2.5 hours away from the port of Igoumenitsa, 1.15 hours from Aktio Airport, 1.15 hours from Patras, and 3.5 hours from Athens.

Ferry Routes and Tickets from Astakos

• Ferry routes from Astakos to Ithaca (Pisaetos): Ferry routes from Astakos to Ithaca operate throughout the year. The duration of the route is approximately 3.5 hours, and the ticket cost is €10.
• Ferry routes from Astakos to Kefalonia (Sami): Ferry routes from Astakos to Sami, Kefalonia, run daily throughout the year. The duration of the route is approximately 2.5 hours, and the ticket cost is €12.

How to Book Ferry Tickets from Astakos

After selecting the appropriate ferry route from Astakos to the Ionian Islands, you can easily and quickly book your ferry ticket through booktickets. Complete your reservation and secure your place on the ship in advance.