Getting from Mykonos to Chania

Chania is the most beautiful city in Crete and one of the finest in all of Greece. The old town is built around a Venetian harbour with a lighthouse at the end of the breakwater, narrow alleyways lined with Venetian and Ottoman architecture, a covered market and a waterfront that comes alive in the evening in a way that feels genuinely Cretan rather than tourist-facing. It sits on the northwestern coast of the island with the White Mountains rising behind it and some of the best beaches on Crete within easy reach. If you are going to Crete for the first time, Chania is the right place to base yourself.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Mykonos to Chania. The closest ferry option is the direct crossing from Mykonos to Heraklion, which takes around 4.5 to 5.5 hours and is operated by SeaJets and Fast Ferries through the summer season. From Heraklion port you then need to travel overland to Chania, which is around 70 kilometres to the west and takes about an hour by bus or taxi. It is a manageable connection and the KTEL bus between Heraklion and Chania runs frequently. Chania port at Souda is served by direct overnight ferries from Piraeus if you are routing through Athens.

What about flying?

Both Mykonos and Chania have airports so flying is a straightforward option on this route. The journey goes Mykonos to Athens and then Athens to Chania, with total travel time around 3 to 4 hours door to door depending on your connection. Chania Airport is around 15 kilometres from the city centre. Book ahead as flights fill up quickly in July and August.

Your best option

For most people flying is the cleaner option on this route. The Athens connection is simple and gets you directly into Chania without the additional overland leg from Heraklion. If you enjoy the sea and have the time, take the ferry to Heraklion and the bus across to Chania. Either way, give yourself at least three or four days in Chania before heading out to explore the rest of western Crete.