Chios facts
Chios is in the North Aegean, it has a span of 842 km2 (325mi2) and 51.936 inhabitants in 2001. The island is famous for its mastic produce, which takes place in the south. Some of these southern villages are Mesta, Pyrgi, Kalamoti, Vessa and Elata, also known as Matsichochoria, and they have controlled the mastic gum production since the Roman period. In the central part of the island is the village of Vrontados with its unique local ‘rocket fights’ during Easter, Karfas with its sandy beaches and Kambos with its medieval mansions. On the northern part of the island is the town of Volissos, reputedly the birthplace of the epic poet Homer. Kardamyla is on the eastern side and one of the largest towns of the island. In the interior of the island is Nea Moni, an 11th century monastery with marvelous mosaics that have survived from fire and earthquakes in the 1800.
Interesting information about Chios can be found through the Greek Travel Pages (GTP) and Wikipedia.Ports of Chios
The island has one ferry port (and several smaller local ports - see map):
- Chios port, which is situated on the eastern side of the island.
There are busses regularly that connect the port with the rest of the island.
Useful info: Chios port authority tel.: +30 22710 44433, Greek Tourist Police: +30 22710 81539Travel times
Ferry from Piraeus to Chios
- Conventional ferries: min. 7 hours – max. 9 hours
- Hydrofoils approximately 6 hours
Chios ferries schedule announcement
There are four, so called, "ferry schedule seasons":
- Winter ferry season 1st of November until 31 st of March.
- Spring ferry season 1st April - beginning of June.
- Summer ferry season beginning of June - mid September.
- Autumn ferry season rest of September - 31st of October.
Ferry connections and schedules for domestic routes, like to Chios, are usually announced by most shipping companies, a couple of weeks before the beginning of each season. There are some exceptions though, like Blue Star ferries, which announces schedules in the beginning of the year.
Athens to Chios ferry schedule frequency during summer
- Evening: Daily 1 conventional ferry
Ferry types operating routes to Chios
Conventional car ferries
These vessels can be divided into two categories: the old ones and the modern ones.
The main differences between them are
- their cruising speed
- the quality of accommodation and services provided and
- the prices
They are usually very big vessels, which also carry vehicles. Their advantages compared to the High Speed vessels, like the catamarans, are that they are more seaworthy, offer more "relaxed" accommodation and cabins and the passengers have the possibility to sit outside and enjoy their cruise around the Greek islands.
Catamarans & Hydrofoils
These vessels are smaller and much faster than conventional ones. Only a few of them can carry vehicles. Their main advantage is that they go twice as fast.
Passengers are usually not allowed to sit outside even though there is some space on some of them. The accommodation inside is a little like a very wide airplane. The better the class, the wider the seat. There are no cabins.
Smoking is not allowed in any inside area of any ship.
Ferry connections to & from Chios
- Piraeus (Athens main port) – click here for port information
- Lavrio (Athens secondary port - East Attica coast) - click here for port information
- Cyclades islands: Mykonos, Naxos, Paros
- East Macedonia & Thrace – Kavala
- Macedonia – Thessaloniki
- North Aegean – Agios Efstratios, Ikaria, Lesvos, Limnos, Oinousses, Psara, Samos
Note: Not all above connections operate throughout the year.
Ferry to Chios prices
Prices quoted below concern 2017, for the most popular routes, in economy class and are indicative. Same prices apply v.v. These prices are subject to change without prior notice.
| Chios Ferry Routes | Ferry types | |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional ferry | Hydrofoil/Catamaran* | |
| Piraeus (Athens) - Chios ferries | approx. 42€/adult | - |
| North Aegean - Chios ferries | ||
| Lesvos – Chios ferry | approx. 21€/adult | - |
*Note: Hydrofoils/Catamarans usually operate between May and October.
