Chios · Getting there
Chios lies in the north-east Aegean, just 7 km from the coast of Turkey, so it is farther from Athens than the Cyclades but easy to reach by plane. The airport is a few minutes south of Chios Town, and the ferries from Piraeus dock right on the town's waterfront, often arriving at dawn after a night at sea.
By plane
At Kontari on the east coast, about 4 km south of Chios Town
Flights from Athens, about 50 minutes, several times a day all year, plus some flights from Thessaloniki. A few seasonal flights come from abroad in summer; otherwise connect in Athens.
Into town: Chios Town is about 10 minutes away by taxi, Kampos and Karfas about 10–15 and Mesta about 45. Hire cars can be picked up at the airport.
By ferry
Ferries from Piraeus, the port of Athens, about 40 minutes from the city centre by metro.
Piraeus (Athens) Chios Town
Most boats sail in the evening and arrive early in the morning; book a cabin to sleep. Some continue to Lesvos.
Thessaloniki or Kavala Chios Town
Slow ferries along the North Aegean islands, stopping at Lesvos and Limnos.
Island hopping
Chios Town Çeşme, Turkey
Take your passport. Çeşme is an hour from Izmir and Ephesus.
Chios Town Inousses
The little island of the shipowners, an easy day trip.
Chios Town or Limnia Psara
The shorter crossing goes from Limnia below Volissos.
Chios Town Lesvos (Mytilene)
Chios Town Samos & Ikaria
Through boats on the North Aegean line; times change from year to year.
When you land
Hire a car
Chios is big, about 60 km from north to south, and the best of it is in the villages. Buses link Chios Town with Mesta, Pyrgi, Volissos and Karfas, but a car lets you see much more.
Arriving at dawn
If you come on the night ferry from Piraeus, the waterfront cafés of Chios Town open early, so you can have breakfast by the harbour before collecting a car.
Mountain roads take longer
The roads in the north and the central hills are winding and slow. Allow an hour or more from Chios Town to Volissos and plan one area per day.
Times and frequencies are typical for the summer season and change every year. Check the current timetable before you book.
Rooms with a view, picked for how they feel, not for star ratings.
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