Getting from Chania to Folegandros

If you are heading to Folegandros from Chania you are making your way from the most intimate of Crete's three main cities to a small clifftop island in the southern Cyclades, to the north. It has a Chora perched on the edge of a sheer drop above the sea and an atmosphere of genuine calm.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Chania to Folegandros running in summer on the wider Blue Star and Seajets routes. The service runs a limited number of times per week and takes several hours with stops along the way. Alternatively take the overnight ferry from Chania to Piraeus and then the Piraeus to Folegandros ferry, which runs several times daily in summer and takes around 4 to 8 hours. The seasonal direct connection is particularly appealing as it avoids Athens entirely and keeps the journey within the southern Aegean.

Getting there by air

Folegandros has no airport. The nearest airport is Santorini. Chania has an international airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Chania to Athens and then Athens to Santorini, followed by the short ferry from Santorini to Folegandros taking around 45 to 50 minutes, gives a total journey time of around 5 to 6 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the seasonal direct ferry from Chania to Folegandros when the schedule works for your dates. It avoids Athens entirely and is the most enjoyable approach. If the timing does not align, fly from Chania to Athens and then fly to Santorini and take the short ferry across to Folegandros. If you are traveling with a car, take the overnight ferry from Chania to Piraeus and board the conventional Piraeus to Folegandros ferry, which takes your vehicle directly to the island.