Getting from Chania to Kalymnos

If you are heading to Kalymnos from Chania you are making your way from the most intimate of Crete's three main cities to an island in the Dodecanese group, known above all for its sponge diving tradition and its status as one of the premier rock climbing destinations in Europe.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Chania to Kalymnos running in summer on the wider Blue Star route that connects Crete with the Dodecanese. The service runs a limited number of times per week and takes many hours with stops along the way. Alternatively take the overnight ferry from Chania to Piraeus and then board the overnight Piraeus to Kalymnos ferry, which runs around 5 times a week and takes around 9 to 11 hours. Flying is considerably more practical for most travelers.

Getting there by air

Kalymnos has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Chania has an international airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Chania to Athens and then Athens to Kalymnos takes around 1 hour on the second leg. Total journey time is around 4 to 5 hours. Alternatively fly to Kos and take the short ferry from Mastichari to Kalymnos, which takes around 30 to 45 minutes. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Fly from Chania to Athens and then fly to Kalymnos or Kos. If you fly to Kos, the Mastichari to Kalymnos ferry is a frequent and effortless connection. If you prefer to travel by sea, check whether the seasonal direct ferry from Chania aligns with your dates as it avoids Athens entirely. If you are traveling with a car, take the overnight ferry from Chania to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Kalymnos ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.