From the Turkish CoastÇeşme → Chios with Ferrylines
17
minutes only
shortest Aegean crossing
⛴
Chios and the Turkish resort town of Çeşme are separated by just 8 km of sea — the narrowest crossing between Greece and Turkey. Ferrylines runs daily services making Chios the easiest and fastest Greek island to reach from Turkey. At just 17 minutes, it's faster than most city commutes.
⛴ Ferry Route
- →Operator: Ferrylines
- →Departure port: Çeşme marina (İzmir Province, Turkey)
- →Arrival port: Chios Town harbour (central port)
- →Duration: just 17 minutes
- →Frequency: multiple daily departures in summer; reduced in winter
- →Booking: online at ferrylines.com.tr or by phone
📋 Visa & Documents
- →Turkish citizens: Schengen visa required (apply in advance — can take 2–3 weeks)
- →Other nationalities: check if your passport covers Greece / Schengen area
- →Passport required (national ID not sufficient)
- →Visa can be applied for at the Greek consulate in İzmir
- →Day-trip options may be available — check with Ferrylines for current rules
💡 Practical Tips
- →Book Ferrylines tickets at least 1 day in advance in summer; online booking available
- →Arrive at Çeşme port at least 30 minutes before departure for check-in
- →Bring euros for spending in Chios (cards widely accepted in hotels and restaurants)
- →Greek SIM or EU roaming required — Turkish SIMs do not work in Greece
- →The 17-minute crossing is very smooth — no seasickness worries
- →Chios Town is walking distance from the ferry port — no taxi needed on arrival
📍 What to See on a Day Trip
- →Chios Town (Hora) & the medieval Kastro — 30 min walk from port
- →Karfas Beach — 10 min taxi from port, great for a swim
- →Pyrgi or Mesta village — 30–40 min drive south (rent a scooter or join a tour)
- →Mavra Volia black beach — 45 min drive from port (stunning but needs transport)