Çeşme sits on a narrow peninsula pointing almost directly at Chios - the two are separated by approximately 8 kilometres of water at the closest point. The ferry crossing takes 45 minutes, and it runs throughout the year, making the Çeşme–Chios route the most reliable and accessible Turkey–Greece crossing for winter travellers and those based in İzmir.
The Route
Departure port: Çeşme ferry terminal (central Çeşme town, adjacent to the Genoese castle) Arrival port: Chios Town harbour Crossing time: approximately 45 minutes Season: Year-round (reduced frequency in winter) Operators: Erturk Lines (primary year-round operator), Miniotis Lines, additional seasonal operators
The Çeşme terminal is unmissable - it sits directly below the castle on the waterfront. Chios Town harbour, on arrival, is similarly central, with the main square a 5-minute walk from the dock.
Schedules and Timetable
Peak summer (June–August): Usually one or two daily sailings each way, often morning departure from Çeşme (08:00–09:30) and afternoon return from Chios. Shoulder season (April–May, September–October): Typically one daily or near-daily sailing. Winter (November–March): Two to four sailings per week depending on demand and weather. This is the only Turkey–Greece route operating in this season.
Check current timetables directly with Erturk Lines before travel - winter schedules in particular are adjusted by conditions and demand.
Ticket Prices
Approximate prices as of 2026:
| Ticket type | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| Return (adult) | ₺1,200–1,800 |
| One-way (adult) | ₺700–1,100 |
| Port taxes (if charged separately) | ₺50–150 per person (Turkish side); €5–10 (Greek side) |
The Çeşme–Chios crossing is generally more expensive than Bodrum–Kos or Marmaris–Rhodes, partly reflecting year-round operation and slightly smaller competition. Book ahead in July and August.
Where to Buy Tickets
- Online: Erturk Lines website (most reliable, accepts cards)
- Harbour office: Erturk Lines has a desk at the Çeşme ferry terminal
- Travel agents in Çeşme: Available from agencies near the harbour square
- GetYourGuide: Browse Çeşme–Chios crossings and day trip packages on GetYourGuide
In summer, book at least 2–3 days ahead. In winter and shoulder season, next-day or same-day tickets are usually available.
What to Bring
- Passport - Chios is Greek territory, part of the Schengen area
- Euros - Greece uses the euro; ATMs available in Chios Town
- Warm layer in winter - The crossing can be choppy between November and March; the strait funnels north winds
Departure Process
Arrive at the Çeşme terminal at least 30–40 minutes before departure. The terminal building is compact and well-organised. Turkish exit stamp is applied at the terminal. Passport control on arrival in Chios is handled by Greek border police at the port building.
Chios: What to Do
Chios Town (the main settlement):
- The main square (Plateia Vounakiou): Lined with cafés; a good starting point for orienting yourself. The old bazaar quarter (Kastro) is behind the main square.
- Kastro (the castle district): The Byzantine and Genoese walls enclose the old quarter, where you’ll find the mosaic floor of a Byzantine church and several traditional houses. Free to walk around.
- Archaeological Museum: Artefacts from prehistoric through Byzantine periods. Entry approximately €3.
- Waterfront restaurants: Chios Town’s harbour tavernas serve excellent fresh fish - the grilled octopus and local wine are notably good.
Outside Chios Town (require transport):
- Nea Moni monastery (11km west): A UNESCO World Heritage 11th-century Byzantine monastery with extraordinary mosaics. Arguably the most important Byzantine art outside Istanbul. Entry approximately €4. Taxi from town approximately €15–20 one way.
- Pyrgi and Olympi (25–30km south): The medieval mastic villages are unique to Chios - geometric black-and-white painted facades (called xysta) on buildings throughout the village. Pyrgi is the largest and most accessible. Chios produces 80% of the world’s natural mastic resin; these villages are the heartland of that production.
- Masticulture Museum (Pyrgi area): Explains the mastic culture and economy. Entry approximately €3.
For a day trip without transport: Chios Town on foot - castle quarter, main square, waterfront lunch - is a satisfying and unhurried half-day. Add the Archaeological Museum for context.
For a full guide to Chios and the rest of the Greek islands, see The Greece Guides.
Practical Tips
- İzmir connection: Çeşme is 90 minutes from İzmir by bus (ÇEAŞ runs every 30 minutes from Üçkuyular terminal, ₺60–75). Travellers based in İzmir can take a morning bus, ferry to Chios, and return to İzmir the same day.
- Car ferry: Erturk Lines carries vehicles on some sailings - useful if you want to drive around Chios. Book well ahead for car spaces.
- Mastic products: Bring some lira for final purchases in Çeşme before departure; once on Chios, all transactions are in euros. Mastic-based products (liqueur, chewing gum, cosmetics) are the distinctive Chios souvenir.
Combining with Other Routes
From Çeşme, the İzmir region gives easy access to the Kuşadası–Samos ferry (1.5 hours south of İzmir by road). Chios connects onward to Athens by overnight ferry (Blue Star Ferries), opening up the broader Greek island network.
See the full Turkey to Greek islands ferry guide for all five crossings. For tours and activities in and around Çeşme, browse Çeşme activities on GetYourGuide.
Plan Your Trip
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