Getting from Chios to Zakynthos

If you are heading to Zakynthos from Chios you are making your way from one of the most overlooked islands in the northeastern Aegean to one of the most beautiful of the Ionian islands, on the opposite side of Greece. It has Navagio Beach, the shipwreck cove with towering white cliffs and turquoise water that is one of the most photographed places in the Mediterranean.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Chios to Zakynthos. No Aegean island is connected by sea to any Ionian island. 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 driving to Kyllini on the western Peloponnese for the ferry to Zakynthos, which takes around 1 hour 15 minutes and runs frequently. The total journey takes the better part of two days.

Getting there by air

Zakynthos has an international airport with connections from Athens. Chios has its own airport with daily connections from Athens. Flying from Chios to Athens and then Athens to Zakynthos takes around 50 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 Zakynthos. It is the fastest and most practical approach. If you are traveling with a car, take the overnight ferry from Chios to Piraeus and drive to Kyllini for the ferry across to Zakynthos, which at around 1 hour 15 minutes is a short and frequent connection.