Sayfa yükleniyor
Sakız (Chios) Adası, Chios Town — Yunanistan Adaları · 2 active ferry routes
Located in the center of Chios Town, the capital of Chios Island. It is the eastern terminal of the Çeşme-Chios route, on the way to the world-famous mastic (mastiha) trees and the UNESCO World Heritage village of Pyrgi. It marks the shortest sea distance between Turkey and Greece (~6 km).
One of the most fascinating destinations in the North Aegean Sea that has managed to preserve its historical texture to this day, Chios Island uses Chios Port as the main gateway for travelers arriving by sea. Reflecting Greece's deep-rooted maritime tradition, this port is located in the center of Chios Town, the island's capital. Serving as the heart of maritime trade and cultural interaction from ancient times to the present, it stands out today as one of the closest and most strategic connection points between the Greek Islands and the Turkish mainland.
While representing the modern face of this unique island, named after its world-renowned mastic (mastiha) trees, the port is also the first gateway to the Genoese, Ottoman, and Byzantine heritage hidden in its backstreets. Every passenger docking at Chios Port can see the island's characteristic windmills, bustling coastal cafes, and the historic castle standing majestically on the hill right from the ferry deck. This is not just a transit point, but a vibrant center where the daily life, trade, and tourism of the island pulse.
Chios Port is located on the eastern coast of the island at coordinates 38.3700°N latitude and 26.1370°E longitude. This geographical location places the port just 6 kilometers (approximately 3.2 nautical miles) away from the Çeşme district of Izmir, Turkey, earning it the title of the shortest sea distance between Turkey and Greece. This geographical proximity is the primary reason the port enjoys uninterrupted passenger traffic throughout the year.
The port area is just a few minutes' walk from the main shopping street known as "Aplotaria," the city's administrative buildings, and historic squares. The wide promenade (Prokimea) stretching along the coastline is a social hub where passengers rest while waiting for their ferries during the day, and where both locals and tourists spend time in seafood restaurants and traditional tavernas in the evenings. Thanks to its sheltered structure against the winds, all types of vessels can safely dock at the port, which is equipped with modern passenger terminals and customs buildings.
Chios Port is a critical node in the international and national maritime network. The busiest and most popular route of the port is undoubtedly the Çeşme - Chios line. Voyages take between 30 and 90 minutes depending on the preferred vessel type (fast catamarans or standard car ferries). Fast ferries provide a great advantage for day-trippers, while car ferries are ideal for those who want to explore the island with their own vehicle. Reviewing the updated Ferry Prices page for budget planning and schedules provides great convenience before traveling.
In addition to international connections, Chios Port is also an important hub for Greece's domestic ferry services. Regular voyages are organized to Piraeus, the main port of Athens, and to the neighboring islands of Lesvos, Samos, and Lemnos. Travelers wishing to create different island combinations can head south after visiting Chios Island to explore other popular routes; resources like the Kuşadası–Samos Guide can provide ideas about regional transits for such planning.
Transportation networks to Chios Island are quite diverse and integrated. For passengers coming from Turkey, the main method of transportation is by sea. Ferries departing from Çeşme Port regularly carry passengers to Chios Port throughout the year. Especially with the increasing demand during the summer months, the number of voyages is increased to several times a day.
For those who prefer air travel, Omiros National Airport (JKH), located in the south of the island and about 4 kilometers from the city center, provides service. It is possible to reach the island by air with year-round domestic flights from Athens and Thessaloniki. Charter flights are also organized from various European cities during the summer months. Inland transportation on the island is highly developed. From the KTEL bus terminal, which you will encounter right outside the port, regular bus services run to the mastic villages in the south or the mountainous regions in the north. Additionally, there are numerous car and motorcycle rental offices and taxi stands around the port.
The Chios Port passenger terminal is designed in accordance with international border crossing standards. Inside the terminal building, there are passport control points, customs enforcement areas, and waiting lounges. To meet the needs of passengers, currency exchange offices, ATMs, and tourist information offices are located inside and right outside the terminal.
A duty-free shop serves those who want to buy perfumes, cosmetics, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco products on their return journey. Thanks to the port's integrated structure with the city, the famous cafes, bakeries, and restaurants of the Chios coast welcome you as soon as you step out of the terminal. You don't need to wander far from the port to drink a Greek coffee (frappe) or taste snacks made with the famous Chios cheese while waiting for your ferry. Furthermore, special luggage storage points where you can temporarily leave your bags are provided by businesses around the port.
Chios Island offers a wide range of attractions to its visitors with its rich history and unique geography. The prominent locations on the island that you can start exploring right after stepping out of the port include:
International border crossing rules are strictly enforced on ferry journeys between Turkey and Greece. All passengers traveling to Chios Port must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the end date of their travel. Passports must not contain a TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) entry stamp.
Visa Status: European Union citizens can enter freely with their identity cards or passports. Turkish citizens with a valid Schengen visa, green passport, or grey passport are exempt from visas. For Turkish citizens without a visa, Greece offers the Gate Visa application, which allows a stay of up to 15 days in Chios Island. Applications for the gate visa must be made through agencies a few days before the trip, and biometric photos and necessary documents must be submitted. For stays longer than 15 days, a standard Schengen visa application is mandatory. For all details regarding the process, you can review our Passport and Visa Guide page.
Ticket, Luggage, and Customs Rules: Ferry tickets are issued personally and cannot be transferred to anyone else. Due to regulations, ticket cancellations cannot be made; however, tickets in an open ticket format offer the right to change the date at least 2 days before the voyage. Full refunds are only issued to passengers if the voyage is canceled due to adverse weather conditions. As a luggage allowance, each passenger is free to carry 1 standard suitcase and 1 handbag (additional bag); extra luggage is subject to a fee.
Child Passengers and Check-in: If children under the age of 18 are traveling with a single parent, a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent must be presented to the border police. According to customs rules, passengers returning to Turkey can bring a maximum of 2 liters of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and 50 ml of perfume. To ensure all passport, customs, and ticket control procedures are completed on time, passengers must be present at the port (check-in) at least 1.5 hours before the departure time.
Can I travel to Chios Island without a visa?
A completely visa-free entry is not possible; however, if you do not have a valid Schengen visa or a Green/Grey passport, you can enter the island with a "Gate Visa" applied for Turkish citizens. This visa type grants the right to stay for up to 15 days and is obtained by submitting documents to an agency before the trip. It is much faster and more practical than Schengen visa procedures.
How long does the Çeşme-Chios ferry journey take?
The sea distance between Çeşme Port and Chios Port is only 6 kilometers. The travel time varies depending on the vessel type of your preferred ferry company. While the journey takes about 30-40 minutes with fast catamarans carrying only passengers, this time ranges from 45 to 90 minutes with standard car ferries.
Can I cancel my ferry ticket?
Due to international maritime rules and company regulations, cancellation and refund processes cannot be made for purchased ferry tickets. However, you can suspend your ticket or, if you have an open ticket, you can change the date at least 2 days (48 hours) before the voyage date. The ticket fee is fully refunded only if the voyage is canceled due to adverse weather conditions.
When should I be there for check-in procedures at the port?
Since you will be making an international border crossing, passport control, customs procedures, and ticket confirmation (check-in) processes take time. Considering the crowds experienced especially during the summer months and public holidays, it is mandatory to be present at the port at least 1.5 hours (90 minutes) before your ferry's departure time.