Getting from Chios to Santorini

If you are heading to Santorini from Chios you are making your way from one of the most overlooked islands in the northeastern Aegean to the most iconic island in Greece, on the opposite side of the country. It has caldera views, volcanic beaches and the ancient Minoan site of Akrotiri preserved under volcanic ash.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Chios to Santorini. 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 the Piraeus to Santorini ferry, which runs up to 9 daily departures in summer and takes around 5 to 9 hours depending on the vessel. Alternatively take the ferry from Chios to Mykonos and then connect south through the Cyclades to Santorini, keeping the journey within the Aegean island network.

Getting there by air

Santorini has an international airport with daily connections from Athens. Chios has its own airport with daily connections from Athens. Flying from Chios to Athens and then Athens to Santorini takes around 45 to 55 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 Santorini. It is the fastest and most practical approach. Book well ahead in July and August as Santorini flight spaces fill up fast. If you are traveling with a car, take the overnight ferry from Chios to Piraeus and board the conventional Piraeus to Santorini ferry, which takes your vehicle directly to Athinios port.