Getting from Chania to Koufonisia

If you are heading to Koufonisia from Chania you are making your way from the most intimate of Crete's three main cities to one of the Small Cyclades, to the north. It has some of the finest beaches in the Cyclades and a lively summer atmosphere that punches well above its size.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Chania to Koufonisia running in summer on the wider Blue Star route that connects Crete with the Small Cyclades. 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 either fly to Naxos and take the local Express Skopelitis ferry to Koufonisia, which takes around 45 minutes and runs almost daily in summer, or take the Piraeus to Koufonisia ferry directly, which runs daily in summer and takes around 5 to 9 hours.

Getting there by air

Koufonisia has no airport. The nearest airport is Naxos. Chania has an international airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Chania to Athens and then Athens to Naxos, followed by the short ferry to Koufonisia, 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 Koufonisia 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 Naxos and take the short ferry across to Koufonisia. Book ahead in summer as Koufonisia has very limited accommodation and the island fills up fast.