Chania Ferries

The port of Chania plays a key role in the ferry network of Greece, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 1 ferry routes operated by 6 ferry companies, Chania serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Chania, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Piraeus - Chania connecting Chania with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as SeaJets, ANEK Lines, Hellenic Seaways run regular services from Chania, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Chania offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Travelers can reach Chania via its international airport with connections to major European cities, especially during summer months. From Athens, the ferry journey takes approximately 9-12 hours, while flights are just 45 minutes. Regular bus services connect Chania to other Cretan cities, with Heraklion about 2.5 hours away by road. For those arriving by car, several parking facilities are available near the port area, though spaces fill quickly during peak season. The ferry terminal is well-connected to the city center by local buses and taxis with a journey time of about 15 minutes.

Nestled on the northwestern coast of Crete, Chania enchants visitors with its blend of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences. This coastal gem boasts a picturesque old town with narrow alleyways leading to a stunning harbor framed by historic buildings and lighthouse views. As a key ferry destination in the Mediterranean, Chania serves as both a captivating final stop and a gateway to further Greek island adventures.

Chania enjoys a Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and mild, occasionally rainy winters. The prime visiting window spans May through October, with June and September offering warm weather and fewer crowds. July and August bring peak temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F) along with the busiest tourist season. The city comes alive during August's Venizelia cultural festival, celebrating local traditions with music and dance. Ferry services operate year-round but increase in frequency during summer months, with more connections to various Greek islands.

Chania serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the Greek islands by sea. Regular ferry services connect to Piraeus (Athens' port) with overnight journeys that save on accommodation costs. The cosmopolitan island of Santorini lies approximately 4-5 hours away by high-speed ferry, offering its famous caldera views and white-washed buildings. Rhodes, with its medieval Old Town and beautiful beaches, can be reached in about 6-7 hours. For those seeking shorter trips, day excursions to the stunning Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island showcase the crystal-clear waters that make this region famous.

Wander through Chania's Venetian Harbor, where waterfront restaurants serve fresh catches alongside Cretan specialties like dakos (rustic bread topped with tomatoes and cheese) and lamb antikristo. The 16th-century lighthouse offers spectacular sunset views, while the Maritime Museum reveals the city's seafaring heritage. Explore the narrow lanes of the Old Town's Topanas district, where Venetian mansions house boutique shops selling local olive oil, honey, and handcrafted leather goods. Just a short distance from the port, Nea Chora Beach provides a perfect spot for swimming in clear waters before or after your ferry journey. Don't miss the vibrant Agora (covered market), where locals have traded goods since 1913.

Chania's harbor lighthouse, while Venetian in appearance, was actually built by Egyptian rulers in the 1830s on foundations dating to the 16th century. The city's name derives from the ancient kingdom of Kydonia, with archaeological evidence suggesting continuous habitation for over 5,000 years. During World War II, Chania became a focal point of resistance during the Battle of Crete, with many locals helping Allied soldiers escape. The distinctive pink hue of the Old Harbor buildings comes from local stone mixed with crushed seashells, creating a magical glow at sunset that photographers treasure.