There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Astypalaia into a quick city adventure. From JTY, the Local Bus / Taxi can get you into town in around 45 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Important Details Before You Go
Three things to verify before you walk out of JTY:
- Can you legally enter Greece? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 45-minute journey each way by Local Bus / Taxi, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the EUR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Bus / Taxi | ~45 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~65 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Local Bus / Taxi is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Money & Budget Tips
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Astypalaia, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Storing Your Luggage at Astypalaia Airport
Luggage storage options at JTY can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Astypalaia for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
What’s Worth Seeing in Astypalaia
If you head into Astypalaia, here are two things worth checking out:
Astypalaia Castle (Chora) is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. You can see the main features in a short visit.
Traditional Windmills of Chora is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at JTY, check out Astypalaia Airport Waiting Area or JTY Souvenir & Local Products Corner to keep yourself occupied.
Best Bites Near JTY
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Astypalaia: Akti Restaurant and Astropelos Restaurant. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for JTY Terminal Snack Bar or JTY Coffee & Refreshments Stand. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Resting at the Airport
Long overnight layover? Your options at JTY include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Greece also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at JTY, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Astypalaia itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Greece that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Astypalaia count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave JTY. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.