Astypalea Deserves Better Ferry Connections – Realistic Proposals to Improve the Maritime Transport Map
With a new targeted parliamentary intervention, Dodecanese MP Manos Konsolas (New Democracy) has addressed the Ministers of Shipping and Island Policy and National Economy and Finance, highlighting the need to upgrade ferry connections to Astypalea.
Konsolas emphasized that Astypalea, the northernmost island of the Dodecanese, is remote and suffers from insufficient ferry links to Piraeus and the Cyclades, calling for a new design of public service maritime contracts.
Key objectives of this redesign:
- Strengthening the route to Piraeus
- Connecting Astypalea with the Cyclades
- Improving ferry links with other Dodecanese islands
He stresses the need for increased funding for public service ferry routes and presents proposals from the Municipality and local community, such as:
- Adding Astypalea as a stop after Anafi on route 37A, year-round.
- Increasing weekly sailings on route 43 (to other Dodecanese islands) from 2 to 4 during a 24-week period.
- Launching new ferry routes connecting the Cyclades and Dodecanese that include Astypalea.
The MP concludes by stressing that tourist interest in Astypalea is high, and upgraded ferry service is essential year-round, not just for tourism but also to support daily life and human activity on the island.
