Ferry from Heraklion (Crete) to Chalki

Blue Star Ferries' Blue Star Chios runs from Heraklion to Chalki in around nine and a half hours, calling at ports in eastern Crete and the southern Dodecanese along the way. Fares start around €20. It is a conventional ferry with cabins and seating lounges, and the crossing is long enough that a reserved seat is worth having.

Chalki is a very small island just off the west coast of Rhodes, with a permanent population of only a few hundred. Ferries arrive at Emborio, which is effectively the island's only town, its pastel neoclassical houses lining a small and unusually pretty harbour. There is little to do beyond swimming, walking and eating, and no real road network to speak of, which is the appeal.

Ferries call about once a week on this line, so the sailing needs planning around rather than assuming. Current departures and fares are listed below. Most visitors reach Chalki on the short local crossing from Skala Kamirou on Rhodes, which runs far more often.

Weekly Heraklion to Chalki Ferry Schedule

What each ferry company has published for the four weeks from 13 November 2026 to 10 December 2026: the days it sails and its departure times from Heraklion.

Heraklion to Chalki Ferry Fares

Hiring a car

Can you rent a car in Heraklion?

Yes. Heraklion's ferry port sits about 1km from the centre, an easy walk or short taxi ride, and several rental firms have desks right at the harbour or nearby in town. The city itself is compact enough on foot, but a car pays off once you want to reach Knossos, the south coast or the Lasithi plateau, where buses run less often. Check rates at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Heraklion to Chalki between 13 November 2026 and 26 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Heraklion to Chalki ferry

• Arrive at Heraklion port at least 45 minutes before departure if you already hold an e-ticket – if you are travelling with a car, allow 60 to 90 minutes, as vehicles queue and board separately from foot passengers.
• Buy your ferry ticket online in advance rather than at the port – ticket kiosks at Heraklion only open a few hours before each departure, and Santorini's high-speed services sell out in summer.
• For the Santorini day-boats, SeaJets asks passengers to be at the terminal 30 minutes before sailing – expect heavy congestion and longer check-in queues on summer mornings.
• Seasickness wristbands (acupressure) help some travellers and have no side effects – worth trying if you prefer not to take tablets.
• A light cardigan or jacket is still useful in summer – the spray and wind on open deck can make even a 30°C day feel cool when the vessel is at speed.

Plan a journey

Search for a connection between any two Greek ports, including journeys that need a change.