Getting from Chania to Samothrace

If you are heading to Samothrace from Chania you are making your way from the most intimate of Crete's three main cities to one of the most remote and wild islands in Greece, rising dramatically from the northeastern Aegean close to the Bulgarian and Turkish borders, with Mount Fengari at its centre and the Sanctuary of the Great Gods where the Winged Victory of Samothrace was discovered in 1863.

Getting there by air

Samothrace has no airport. The nearest airport is Alexandroupoli. Chania has an international airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Chania to Athens and then Athens to Alexandroupoli, followed by the ferry to Samothrace taking around 1 hour 45 minutes, gives a total journey time of around 6 to 7 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Chania to Samothrace. Getting there by sea means taking the overnight ferry from Chania to Piraeus, which takes around 8 to 9 hours, and then traveling by road or air northeast to Alexandroupoli for the ferry to Samothrace. The total journey takes the better part of two days by sea. Flying to Alexandroupoli is considerably more practical for most travelers.

Your best option

Fly from Chania to Athens and then fly to Alexandroupoli and take the ferry across to Samothrace. It is the fastest and most practical approach. Check the ferry schedule before booking your flights and build your Alexandroupoli arrival around the afternoon departure. Samothrace rewards at least three or four nights. Bring good walking shoes and come prepared as facilities on the island are limited.