Getting from Chania to Paros

If you are heading to Paros from Chania you are making your way from the most intimate of Crete's three main cities to the hub of the Cyclades, to the north. It has one of the most beautiful small harbour villages in Greece at Naoussa, long sandy beaches on the west coast and a position at the centre of the island ferry network.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Chania to Paros running in summer on the wider Blue Star route that connects Crete with the Cyclades. The service runs a limited number of times per week and takes several hours with stops along the way. It is one of the more natural sea connections between Crete and the Cyclades and avoids going through Athens entirely. Alternatively take the overnight ferry from Chania to Piraeus and then the Piraeus to Paros ferry, which runs multiple times daily in summer and takes around 3 to 5 hours. Note that Paros National Airport has no commercial scheduled flights operating in 2026.

Getting there by air

Paros has a small airstrip but no commercial scheduled flights in 2026. Chania has an international airport with connections from Athens. The ferry connection is the most practical approach for this island hop given the direct sea route available in summer. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the seasonal direct ferry from Chania to Paros when the schedule works for your dates. It avoids Athens entirely and is the most enjoyable approach. If the timing does not align, take the overnight ferry from Chania to Piraeus and board the Piraeus to Paros ferry. Book ahead in July and August as this is one of the most popular routes in the Cyclades. If you are traveling with a car, the conventional ferry from Piraeus takes your vehicle directly to Parikia port.