Getting from Chania to Samos

If you are heading to Samos from Chania you are making your way from the most intimate of Crete's three main cities to an island in the eastern Aegean, close to the Turkish coast, on the opposite side of Greece. It is green and mountainous with wine production dating back to antiquity and the UNESCO-listed Heraion sanctuary.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Chania to Samos running in summer on the wider Blue Star route that connects Crete with the eastern Aegean. 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 Piraeus to Samos ferry, which runs up to 6 times a week and takes around 8 to 9 hours. Samos has two main ports, Vathy and Karlovassi, so check which port your ferry arrives at before booking accommodation.

Getting there by air

Samos has an international airport with connections from Athens. Chania has an international airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Chania to Athens and then Athens to Samos takes around 1 hour 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 Samos. 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 Samos ferry, which takes your vehicle directly to the island.