Ferry from Santorini (Athinios) to Chalki

This is a long southern crossing, taking Blue Star Ferries' Blue Star Chios from Santorini out to the small island of Chalki, west of Rhodes. Depending on the calls the ship makes, the passage runs from about ten hours to around fifteen. It is very much a sea journey rather than a transfer, and most people take it overnight or treat the deck as their day out.

Chalki is tiny even by Dodecanese standards, sitting just off the west coast of Rhodes and largely undeveloped. The port and only real settlement is Emborio, where pastel neoclassical houses line the harbour front. Travellers come for quiet beaches and a slow pace, and the island is small enough to see on foot over a couple of days.

Sailings are sparse, running a couple of times a fortnight and seasonally at that, so the timetable below is worth reading carefully before you commit. Journey times and fares are listed there too. If the direct sailing does not line up, Rhodes is the usual alternative jumping-off point, with short local crossings over to Emborio.

Weekly Santorini 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 Santorini.

Santorini to Chalki Ferry Fares

Hiring a car

Is it worth hiring a car on Santorini?

Yes. The ferry port at Athinios sits about 7.5km below Fira up a steep, winding road; the bus takes about 25 minutes and a taxi costs many times the fare. A car lets you reach Oia, Akrotiri and the red and black beaches at your own pace without waiting for infrequent buses; rental desks operate near the port, and you can compare prices across local suppliers at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Santorini to Chalki ferry

• Arrive at Athinios port at least 45 minutes before departure – the switchback access road down the caldera cliff often backs up in summer, and boarding can start earlier than the printed departure time.
• If you're staying in Oia, note that no bus runs directly to or from Athinios port – you'll need to change at Fira, adding a ticket and a wait, so a taxi or pre-booked transfer is usually more practical.
• Collect paper tickets from the Nomikos or Dakoutros travel agency booths at the port as soon as you arrive, rather than waiting until boarding – queues build quickly as departure time approaches.
• If you're travelling by public bus, stow large luggage in the storage compartment underneath rather than carrying it aboard, as space inside is limited, especially on the busy Fira–Oia route.
• If you are joining a longer island-hopping route and not returning to the same base, travel with everything you need from the start – you cannot go back for forgotten items.

Plan a journey

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