Ferries Chios

Most ferry companies traveling to and from Chios offer fixed discounts of up to 50% for specific passenger categories, such as:

• Children aged 5-10/12 years
• ISIC cardholders
• People with disabilities (PWD)

Infants and toddlers up to 4 years old usually travel for free to Chios. 

When booking your ticket on Ferryhopper, simply select the route that suits you, choose the discount you are eligible for, and it will be applied to your final ticket price.

Chios attracts many visitors from Greece and abroad, as it is connected by ferry to Piraeus, ports in Northern Greece, other Aegean islands, and Turkey. The best time to book your tickets to Chios depends on when you plan to travel:

Summer months (June-September): This is the peak season with high demand for ferry tickets, especially in July and August. If you plan to visit Chios during this time, booking your tickets 1-2 months in advance is best, especially if you want to book a cabin.

Orthodox Easter: Chios is a popular Easter destination due to its famous Rocket War tradition. If you plan to visit during this period, it is best to book at least 1 month or a few weeks in advance.

Rest of the year: During fall and winter, demand is lower, so you can book tickets just a few days before your trip. However, demand may be higher during Christmas and New Year’s, so we recommend booking your tickets as early as possible.

Also known as Myrovolos (the Fragrant Island), Chios has a diverse and vibrant character shaped by its long history, maritime tradition, and fertile land. While it is synonymous with the famous mastic tree, many other things will impress you upon visiting this North Aegean gem.

In the southern part of the island, Kampos will enchant you with the unique scent of citrus trees and its grand mansions. Mesta and Pyrgi, two of the most impressive medieval mastic villages, preserve the atmosphere of a bygone era. The island’s beaches are a study in contrasts: from the black pebbles of Mavra Volia to the bright white cliffs of Vroulidia and the almost Cycladic beauty of Agia Dinami.

The landscape becomes wilder but just as captivating in the northern part of Chios. The amphitheatrically built Volissos boasts an imposing castle, while the coastal Kardamyla is known for its shipowners' mansions and the photogenic windmills.

Check out some useful tips to make the most of your ferry trip and stay in Chios:

• Chios is the fifth largest Greek island, so you will definitely need a car or motorcycle to explore it at your leisure. You can bring your vehicle on the ferry or rent one on the island. Alternatively, public buses run daily routes but remember that distances on the island are not short.
• If you travel to and from Chios during peak season, arrive at the departure port at least 1 hour earlier, especially if you have a deck/lounge seat. Available seating on the ferry fills up quickly, so securing your spot early will grant you a more comfortable journey.
• Even if you’re visiting Chios at the height of summer, pack a jacket or a sweater in your carry-on bag. On night routes, temperatures can drop significantly, and you will need something warm, especially if you travel on deck.
• To learn everything about mastic production, don’t miss the Mastic Museum. Combine your visit to the museum with a stop at nearby Pyrgi, the mastic village known for its unique xysta, the intricately carved decorative patterns on its buildings.
• For a truly authentic experience, visit a traditional kafeneio in Chios’ mountain villages and try the famous local mastic coffee.
• For an island hopping experience to lesser-known serene destinations, Chios is connected by ferry to Psara, Oinousses, and Agios Efstratios.

Vessels traveling to Chios are mainly conventional ferries, and most offer the following booking options:

• Deck-lounge seats
• Numbered airplane-style seats (Standard and Business)
• Private cabins or beds in a shared cabin
• Pet-friendly cabins (available on Blue Star Ferries)

Most conventional ferries also feature restaurants serving a variety of dishes, shops for last-minute purchases, snack bars for quick bites, Wi-Fi (on select routes), infrastructure for passengers with disabilities, and designated pet-friendly areas. These amenities ensure a comfortable journey for all passengers.

Chios has two ports. The port of Chora is the island’s main port for passenger and commercial ferries. It connects Chios to Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Kavala, other Aegean islands, and Turkey (Cesme). It is located on the island's eastern side and very close to Chora, the capital of Chios, where you can find numerous accommodation and dining options, car rentals, shops, bars, and cafés.

The port of Mesta, located in western Chios, mainly serves ferry routes to and from Piraeus and nearby islands such as Lesbos, Lemnos, and Agios Efstratios. It is located 4 km from the medieval village of Mesta.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Chios, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.