Getting from Elafonisos to Chios

If you are heading to Chios from Elafonisos you are making your way from a small island off the southern Peloponnese coast to one of the most overlooked islands in the northeastern Aegean, on the opposite side of Greece. It is famous above all for its mastic trees in the south of the island that produce a resin found nowhere else on earth.

Take the ferry

Elafonisos has no ferry connection to the wider Greek ferry network. The only ferry from Elafonisos is the short 10 minute crossing to Pounta on the southern Peloponnese, which runs every 30 minutes in summer. Getting to Chios means taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, driving north to Athens and either flying to Chios or continuing to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Chios ferry, which runs around 3 times a week and takes around 9 hours. Flying is considerably more practical for most travelers.

Getting there by air

Chios has its own airport with daily connections from Athens. Elafonisos has no airport. The nearest airport is Athens, around 3.5 to 4 hours by car from Pounta. Taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, driving north to Athens and flying from Athens to Chios takes around 35 to 40 minutes on the second leg. Total journey time is around 6 to 7 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, drive north to Athens and fly from Athens to Chios. It is the fastest and most practical approach. Having a car is essential for the Pounta to Athens leg as the KTEL bus connection is slow and infrequent. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta and drive to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Chios ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.