Getting from Athens to Chania

If you are heading to Chania from Athens you are going to the most beautiful city in Crete and one of the finest in Greece. The Venetian old town wraps around a harbour that has been in use for over three thousand years, with the lighthouse at the entrance, the covered market inland and a maze of narrow lanes behind the waterfront that reveal mosques, churches, fountains and mansions from successive centuries of occupation. The White Mountains rise steeply behind the city and the Samaria Gorge, one of the longest in Europe, cuts through them to the south coast. The beaches west of Chania at Falassarna and Balos are among the best in Crete.

Take the ferry

The Piraeus to Chania overnight ferry runs once or twice daily year-round, taking around 8 to 9 hours and arriving at the port of Souda, around 7 kilometres from Chania Town. It is one of the most comfortable overnight crossings in Greece, departing in the evening and arriving in the morning with the whole day ahead. Book ahead in July and August as this route fills up fast.

Getting there by air

Both Athens and Chania have airports. Multiple daily flights connect the two with the journey taking around 50 minutes. Chania Airport is around 14 kilometres from the city centre. Flying is the fastest option and the most practical if you are short on time.

Your best option

Take the overnight ferry from Piraeus if you have the flexibility. It is comfortable, saves a night's accommodation and you arrive in Chania in the morning ready to go. If time is short, fly. The overnight ferry is one of the better crossings in Greece and arriving into Souda Bay with the White Mountains visible above Chania is a fine start to a Crete trip.