Getting from Chania to Leros

If you are heading to Leros from Chania you are making your way from the most intimate of Crete's three main cities to one of the most atmospheric islands in the Dodecanese group, on the opposite side of Greece. It has a striking Art Deco Italian colonial port at Lakki and a medieval castle above the main town of Platanos.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Chania to Leros 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 Leros ferry, which runs 3 to 5 times a week and takes around 9 to 13 hours. Flying is considerably more practical for most travelers.

Getting there by air

Leros has its own small airport with daily connections from Athens. Chania has an international airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Chania to Athens and then Athens to Leros takes around 50 minutes on the second leg. Total journey time is around 4 to 5 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Fly from Chania to Athens and then fly to Leros. It is the fastest and most practical approach. 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 Leros ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.