Getting from Chios to Crete

If you are heading to Crete from Chios you are making your way from one of the most overlooked islands in the northeastern Aegean to the largest island in Greece, with ancient Minoan sites, mountain gorges, excellent food and a coastline that stretches for hundreds of kilometres.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Chios to Crete. Getting there by sea means taking the overnight Chios to Piraeus ferry, which runs around 3 times a week and takes around 9 hours, and then boarding the overnight Piraeus to Crete ferry, which departs around 9pm and arrives in Heraklion or Chania in the early morning after around 8 to 9 hours. The total journey takes the better part of two days. Flying is considerably more practical for most travelers.

Getting there by air

Both Heraklion and Chania have airports with daily connections from Athens. Chios has its own airport with daily connections from Athens. Flying from Chios to Athens and then Athens to Heraklion or Chania 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 Chios to Athens and then fly to Crete. Choose Heraklion for central and eastern Crete, Chania for the west. It is the fastest and most practical approach. If you are traveling with a car, take the overnight ferry from Chios to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Crete ferry, which takes your vehicle directly to the island and arrives in the morning ready to go.