Kissamos Ferries

Unlock your adventure to Greece at the incredible port of Kissamos! It's your essential gateway to the stunning nearby islands. Imagine seamless connections and breath-taking scenic journeys – that's what awaits you.

As a bustling hub for both passengers and freight, Kissamos boasts an impressive 18 ferry routes operated by 6 top-tier ferry companies. Get ready for a convenient sailing experience from Kissamos, with schedules perfectly tailored to the seasons, ensuring you always find your ideal departure, no matter the demand, weather, or tourism buzz. Your unforgettable escape begins here!

Kissamos offers wonderful connections to popular routes like Kythira - Kissamos, Gythion - Kissamos, Antikythira - Kissamos. You can customize your trip by choosing between a swift high-speed ferry to get there in a flash or a classic vessel for a more scenic, relaxing journey. From quick local hops to leisurely overnight voyages, your island adventure starts here.

Getting to your destination is a breeze with several excellent ferry operators departing regularly from Kissamos. You'll find companies like SeaJets, Hellenic Seaways, Blue Star Ferries ready to whisk you away.

Each offers a variety of onboard amenities to make your journey pleasant, from comfortable seating and delicious food and drink options to private cabins and even vehicle transport.

With a range of ticket options available depending on the company and vessel, there's something to suit everyone, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a business trip.

Whether you're dreaming of an exhilarating island-hopping escape, making your way back to the comfort of home, or embarking on a brand-new journey, your perfect voyage begins right here with Kissamos.

Kissamos is easily accessible from Chania, just 42 kilometers east, with regular bus services running between the two cities in approximately 45 minutes. Travelers arriving at Chania International Airport can reach Kissamos in about an hour by taxi or rental car via the well-maintained national road. From Heraklion, the journey takes roughly two hours by car along the northern coast highway. The ferry terminal in Kissamos is conveniently located near the town center, with ample parking available for those arriving by car. Local buses also connect the main town to the port area, making transfers straightforward for passengers without vehicles.

Nestled in the western corner of Crete, Kissamos offers travelers an authentic Greek experience away from the island's more crowded tourist centers. This coastal town blends traditional Cretan life with stunning natural beauty, from its crystal-clear waters to the rugged backdrop of olive groves and mountains. As a key ferry hub in western Crete, Kissamos connects visitors to some of the Mediterranean's most breathtaking islands and beaches, making it both a delightful destination and an ideal starting point for island exploration.

Kissamos enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, occasionally rainy winters. The prime time to visit falls between May and October when warm temperatures (averaging 25-30°C) and minimal rainfall create perfect conditions for swimming and outdoor activities. July and August bring the warmest weather but also more visitors, while May, June, September, and October offer pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds. Ferry services to destinations like Kythira and Antikythera run more frequently during summer months, tapering off in the off-season. The annual Kissamos Wine Festival in August provides a wonderful opportunity to experience local culture, cuisine, and the famous Cretan hospitality.

Kissamos serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring some of Greece's most captivating islands. The stunning Gramvousa and Balos can be reached via a short ferry ride lasting approximately 1-2 hours, rewarding travelers with pink-tinged sands and turquoise lagoons that rank among the Mediterranean's most photographed landscapes. Ferries also connect Kissamos to Kythira and Antikythira islands, offering a glimpse into traditional Greek island life away from mass tourism in a journey of about 4-5 hours. For the more adventurous, seasonal connections to Peloponnese mainland ports create opportunities for extended Greek exploration. The western positioning of Kissamos makes these sea journeys particularly scenic, with spectacular views of Crete's dramatic coastline.

Kissamos offers a wealth of activities beyond its role as a ferry hub. The archaeological museum houses impressive Hellenistic and Roman artifacts from the ancient city of Polyrrhenia, providing fascinating insights into the region's rich history. Beach enthusiasts will find paradise at nearby Falassarna, where wide golden sands and clear waters create one of Crete's finest swimming spots just 15 minutes from town. The local tavernas serve exceptional Cretan cuisine – don't miss the chance to try boureki (a local specialty with layers of potatoes, zucchini, and cheese) paired with the excellent local wines from Kissamos vineyards. The old town district, with its narrow lanes and traditional architecture, offers a charming afternoon stroll culminating in the vibrant main square where locals gather each evening.

Kissamos was once known as Kastelli Kissamou, with 'kastelli' referring to the Venetian castle that stood guard over this strategic harbor – parts of its walls can still be spotted incorporated into newer buildings. The area produces a distinctive sweet wine called 'marouvas' that follows an ancient production method dating back thousands of years, aging in oak barrels for at least ten years before bottling. During World War II, Kissamos Bay served as a crucial evacuation point for Allied troops during the Battle of Crete, with thousands of soldiers secretly boarding ships under cover of darkness. The nearby ancient city of Polyrrhenia chose its hilltop location specifically to avoid pirate raids that frequently targeted coastal settlements like Kissamos throughout history.