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How to get to Chios
Exploring Your Options and Different Ways to Travel to and from the beautiful Greek Island 

Deciding on how to get to Chios? There are only two options: The slow and scenic or the quick and efficient way.

The biggest of the north Aegean Islands and 5th largest Greek Island is still a hidden gem. Getting to and from this beautiful island is generally easy, as your options are limited to air, the quick way, or sea travel, the scenic option.

Personally, I took the flight from Athens to Chios, as I had no time to take the ferry. But I’ve also thoroughly researched the different ferry routes to provide a comprehensive Chios travel guide for those considering either option.

How to Get to Chios by Plane

The quickest and most direct way to reach Chios is by plane from Athens. Chios National Airport (JKH), also called Omiros, is located 3km south of Chios Town, in the area of Kampus.

There are no international flights arriving directly to Chios. The national flights are operated by the domestic airlines Olympic Air, Aegean Airlines and Sky Express.

I really appreciated that first taste of Chios when flying with Aegean Airlines: a small “welcome” snack with Mastic, the product the island is known for.

There are several daily flights from Athens International Airport (ATH) to Chios and one to/from Thessaloniki. The flight times are about 35 minutes. Additionally, there are flights from Lesvos (Mytilini) and Samos twice or three times per week.

During the tourist season, the frequency of flights increases, offering even more options.

My tip: Book your flights early (especially in summer season) and compare rates. I do use Kiwi to get the best prices.

Arriving and departing from Chios Airport

Chios Airport is small and straightforward to navigate, making it very easy for us, travelers. It consists of one small building for departures.

Due to ongoing construction aimed at extending the airport, arrivals are currently handled in a temporary container building.

As soon as you leave those, you are standing in a parking lot from where taxis will take you to Chios town or any other destination on the island.

You will find a booth for your rental car pick-up within the arrival container. The bus stop is just outside the parking lot, on the opposite site of the street.

Due to the proximity to Chios Town, you could even walk the 3km along the ocean front to the city if you have not much to luggage carry.


How to get to Chios by Ferry

For those who do island hopping, prefer a slower pace or are coming from different parts of Greece, or even Turkey, ferries are an excellent alternative. The main ports connecting to Chios are Piraeus (Athens), Mytilini (Lesvos), Samos, and Cesme in Turkey.

Choosing Your Ferry Route

From Piraeus Port: The journey takes between 7 and 9 hours depending on the service chosen. This route is operated by Hellenic Seaways and Blue Star Ferries, among others.

There are daily ferry connections and usually the boat continuous after a short stop in Chios to the neighboring island of Lesvos.

From Lesvos and Samos: These ferry routes are shorter (3-4 hours) and quite scenic, with frequent connections during the high season.

From Cesme, Turkey: This is a popular route for both tourists and locals, operating daily with a journey time of about 30 minutes.

My tip: Book your ferry connection early (especially in summer season) and compare rates. I do use Ferryhopper to get the best rates and look at ferry schedules.

Arriving and departing from Chios Port

Chios Harbor is, as is the airport, not huge. Walking distance to down town is approx. 5 minutes. Just opposite the pier, you will find the car rental companies.


Why travelling to Chios Island

There are many Greek islands you could visit, but Chios, in the north Aegean Sea, is special. Unlike Santorini, Crete or Mykonos, Chios is still a hidden gem and lots of people, including me, have never heard of Chios before.

Visiting Chios offers you, year round, the opportunity to explore a beautiful island, with lots of unspoiled nature and without the regular tourist crowds.

Even if just for a day trip when island hopping or vacationing in Turkey, you will be happy having done this visit.

What sets Chios apart is its rich tapestry of experiences, ranging from stunning beaches to medieval villages, and unique natural wonders.

Highlights and Things to See in Chios

Mastic Villages

Chios is famous for its mastic gum, a resin harvested only on this island. The mastic villages, or ‘Mastichochoria’, are a group of approx. 20 medieval villages that date back to the Genoese occupation.

These villages, including Pyrgi, Olimpi and Mesta, are unique for their architecture. Among them, Pyrgi stands out and is my favorite:

With its unique decorative style known as “xysta,” where black and white geometric patterns adorn the facades of houses, creating a captivating visual display that is both traditional and striking.

My tip: Do not miss a visit to the Mastic Museum. This offers insights into the history and production of mastic and the island itself, featuring interactive exhibits that bring the island’s heritage to life.


Nea Moni Monastery

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 11th-century monastery is known for its stunning mosaics and historic significance. Besides the domed church, you can also visit the monks’ dining room and a small museum within the monastery walls.


Anavatos

Perched dramatically on a cliff, this abandoned medieval village offers panoramic views of the island and is a poignant memorial to its past. The stone buildings and narrow streets provide a haunting, yet beautiful exploration experience.


Beaches

Chios offers a variety of 90 beaches, from the bustling Karfas to the secluded and beautiful Mavra Volia, which is known for its striking black pebbles. Vroulidia, a small cove, offers tranquil waters ideal for a relaxing day under the sun. Lots of them offer services such as showers and changing rooms.


Hiking in Chios

For those like me, who love the outdoors, Chios offers an exceptional hiking experience through its unspoiled natural landscapes.

The island’s trails are meticulously maintained and well-marked, ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure.

As you traverse these paths, you’ll encounter lush valleys, rugged mountains, fantastic views of the island and the Aegean Sea, and secluded beaches, all untouched by mass tourism.

For hiking trails in Chios ⇨ Chios Hiking
For local hiking guides and guided hiking tours ⇨ Chios Trails
For information on the new long-distance hiking trail through Chios ⇨ Visit Chios


FAQ’s

How do I get from Turkey to Chios?

To travel from Turkey to Chios, the most direct route is to take a ferry from Cesme, Turkey, to Chios Town. The ferry journey typically takes about 30 minutes and operates daily. I recommend booking your ferry tickets in advance, especially during the summer months.

How much is the ferry from Athens to Chios?

The cost of a ferry ticket from Athens (Piraeus) to Chios can vary depending on the ferry company, the type of seat or cabin you choose, and how far in advance you book. Generally, prices start from approximately € 50 for a lounge chair. Cabins and upgraded seating options will cost more. ⇨ check and compare ferry rates

Does Chios have an international airport?

No, Chios does not have an international airport. The Chios Island National Airport (JKH), also known as Omiros, only handles domestic flights. Coming from international destinations, you will have to fly to Athens or another nearby international airport and then take a domestic flight to Chios.


Conclusion

Whether you decide for the quicker aerial route or the scenic maritime path, each travel option to Chios offers its own unique appeal. Flying provides an efficient way to reach the island, ideal for those looking to maximize their vacation time.

On the other hand, traveling by ferry allows you to embrace the journey itself, with stunning views of the Aegean Sea before reaching the tranquil shores of Chios island.

Whichever travel option you pick, be sure to allow plenty of time to fully explore all that this remarkable island has to offer, which honestly is a lot.


Disclosure
I was able to write this article because I was invited on a press trip by the Chios Regional Unit Tourism Department. My opinion was in no way influenced by this, nor was I given any guidelines for this article.
Many thanks for that!
Thank you as well for the great experiences I was able to have on site!