Port information & tips for Chios Island
Chios is a fascinating jewel in the northern Aegean, captivating visitors with its authentic Greek soul and rich history. The island's capital, Chora, welcomes guests with a charming waterfront promenade and a lively atmosphere that perfectly combines tradition and modernity. In close proximity to the harbor, the historic Kastro of Chios, an impressive medieval fortress, as well as the magnificent Giustiniani Palace and the Archaeological Museum, invite you to make cultural discoveries. Cruise ships dock at the central Port of Chios, located directly on the bustling promenade. Thanks to this prime location, guests can reach the city center with its cozy cafes and boutiques in just a few minutes on foot, while simultaneously enjoying unobstructed views of the azure sea.
Chios, the charming island in the eastern Aegean, is a popular cruise destination and easily accessible thanks to its integrated port in Chios Town. It is centrally located in the capital, allowing for short distances to all amenities.
Airplane
Chios Island National Airport (JKH), also known as Omiros Airport, is located only about 3 to 4 kilometers south of the port of Chios Town and guarantees a quick arrival. It is served from Athens (e.g., with Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Sky Express) and Thessaloniki, as well as other Greek islands. A taxi takes about 10 minutes and costs around 7 Euro directly to the terminal. In addition, KTEL city buses offer regular connections from the airport to the center of Chios Town, with departure times optimally coordinated with flight arrivals.
Ferry
Arriving by ferry is an attractive option, especially for travelers coming from other Greek islands or the mainland. Daily ferry connections exist from Piraeus (Athens), Lesbos, Samos, and Ikaria to Chios, among others. The travel time from Piraeus is between 6.5 and 12 hours. For guests wishing to arrive with their own vehicle, the ferry companies offer car ferries; furthermore, the island of Chios is well-connected via a developed road network and Highway 75 (EO Chios-Kardamyla). Peripheral parking spaces are also available at the port of Chios Town to relieve the city center.
Pre-Cruise Hotel and Local Transfer
For a relaxed start to your cruise, an overnight stay in one of the charming hotels in Chios Town is recommended, especially after long flight or ferry journeys. Numerous accommodations are located in the immediate vicinity of the port, often just a few minutes' walk away, and some even offer their own parking. From the main pier in the center of Chios Town, you can easily walk along the lively waterfront promenade to cafes and shops thanks to the short distances. Taxis are available directly at the port to take you to more distant destinations on the island, such as the famous mastic villages or the Nea Moni Monastery.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Chios, the charming island in the eastern Aegean, is a popular cruise destination and easily accessible thanks to its integrated port in Chios Town. It is centrally located in the capital, allowing for short distances to all amenities.
Airplane
Chios Island National Airport (JKH), also known as Omiros Airport, is located only about 3 to 4 kilometers south of the port of Chios Town and guarantees a quick arrival. It is served from Athens (e.g., with Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Sky Express) and Thessaloniki, as well as other Greek islands. A taxi takes about 10 minutes and costs around 7 Euro directly to the terminal. In addition, KTEL city buses offer regular connections from the airport to the center of Chios Town, with departure times optimally coordinated with flight arrivals.
Ferry
Arriving by ferry is an attractive option, especially for travelers coming from other Greek islands or the mainland. Daily ferry connections exist from Piraeus (Athens), Lesbos, Samos, and Ikaria to Chios, among others. The travel time from Piraeus is between 6.5 and 12 hours. For guests wishing to arrive with their own vehicle, the ferry companies offer car ferries; furthermore, the island of Chios is well-connected via a developed road network and Highway 75 (EO Chios-Kardamyla). Peripheral parking spaces are also available at the port of Chios Town to relieve the city center.
Pre-Cruise Hotel and Local Transfer
For a relaxed start to your cruise, an overnight stay in one of the charming hotels in Chios Town is recommended, especially after long flight or ferry journeys. Numerous accommodations are located in the immediate vicinity of the port, often just a few minutes' walk away, and some even offer their own parking. From the main pier in the center of Chios Town, you can easily walk along the lively waterfront promenade to cafes and shops thanks to the short distances. Taxis are available directly at the port to take you to more distant destinations on the island, such as the famous mastic villages or the Nea Moni Monastery.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Chios is located directly on the edge of the picturesque island capital and, thanks to its central location, offers an ideal starting point for exploration.
On Foot
The charming old town, the imposing Castle of Chios, and the lively waterfront promenade can be reached in just 5 to 10 minutes. The short walk leads directly from the pier into the heart of the action and invites you to take a relaxed stroll through the city.
Taxi
Official taxis are available immediately at the port exit as well as at the nearby central Vounakiou Square. These offer a comfortable way to reach more remote destinations such as the Nea Moni monastery or the famous Mastic Villages conveniently and directly.
KTEL Buses
The blue city buses and the green intercity buses depart regularly from the central bus station near the port. Thanks to the well-organized connections, both the surrounding area and the picturesque beaches of the island can be discovered easily.
To make the most of your day on Chios, we recommend a combination of the historical heritage directly at the harbor and an exploration tour of the architecturally unique villages in the island's interior.
The Fortress of Chios
The medieval fortress located directly at the harbor invites you on a journey through time across Ottoman and Genoese eras, while also offering charming alleys for a relaxed stroll through the historic quarter.
Pyrgi and the Mastichochoria
The famous village of Pyrgi inspires with its artistically decorated house facades in the traditional sgraffito technique and, thanks to the globally unique mastic culture, is a perfect destination for an unforgettable shore excursion.
Karfas Beach
Only a short drive from the cruise terminal, this expansive sandy beach offers crystal-clear water and is ideal for a relaxing break under the Greek sun, thanks to its excellent infrastructure.
The medieval village of Pyrgi
The fascinating village of Pyrgi is located about thirty minutes' drive from the port and delights visitors with its globally unique facade decorations, the so-called "Xysta". These artistic geometric patterns give the place an incomparable atmosphere and make it a perfect destination for cultural discoveries as well as impressive holiday photos. In the picturesque village square, you will also find inviting cafes and small specialty shops offering high-quality products made from the island's typical mastic resin. Ideally, start your excursion in the morning to admire the architecture in peace, and plan to return to the port about ninety minutes before departure so that you can end the day in a relaxed manner by the sea.
The Port of Chios is located right in the heart of the island's capital, allowing you a relaxed and timely return to the ship thanks to its central location.
Taxi
The distinctive burgundy and white taxis are available at the central Vounakiou Square and directly on the harbor promenade opposite the customs building. Additionally, you can conveniently pre-order rides from more distant sights by phone and reach your ship's berth within a few minutes thanks to the short distances.
Local Buses
The blue city buses stop at the town hall as well as at the harbor basin and connect nearby beaches such as Karfas directly with the center. For return journeys from the Mastic Villages, use the green KTEL buses, whose terminal is located on Aigeou Avenue directly at the harbor, providing you with an easy transition to the ship.
On Foot
From the lively city center and the main shopping street Aplotaria, you can easily walk back to the pier in less than ten minutes. The path leads along the busy waterfront promenade and, thanks to the clear view of the harbor basin, offers excellent orientation for a safe return.
