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Chania is the principal town in the west of Crete with the Island's second largest population, after Heraklion. The first thing a visitor sees upon their
approach to the town of Chania is the Venetian harbour and castle, which has remained unchanged through the centuries. Chania ferry port is connected
with mainland Greece and quite a few of the Aegean islands like Kythira, Antikythira and Kalamata and Gythion in the Peloponesse.
The Ferry company that is operating in the Port of Chania is Anek Lines, a company created in the 1960s by Cretans who wanted better and safer
ferry connection to and from the mainland of Greece and basicaly Piraeus port. The departures from Pireus to Chania and from Chania to Pireus are at 20:30.
There are also ferry crossings from Pireus to Rethymo and from Rethymno to Pireus at 19.30 and from Heraklion to Piraeus and vice-versa at 21:00, operated by
ANEK Lines. See ANEK LINES Ferries page
The Greek ferry company ANEK Lines offers ferry services that connect Piraeus to Chania (8 ½ hours) on board of luxury ships.
Deluxe cabins are a treat (spacious, well furnished with TV and refrigerator) - some double beds available. First class cabins are a notch down in decor
and space. There are outside cabins with windows (much to be preferred) or inside cabins (cheaper). Available with 2, 3 or 4 beds. Travelling alone, you can
pay about 50% extra to have the cabin to yourself. All cabins have a shower and toilet.
Large or heavy pieces of luggage can be stored in a luggage room on the car deck - ask as you board (it's a good idea, avoiding carrying all your
luggage to the cabin). Even though porters take you and luggage to your cabin, you do have to haul it - often up steps, escalator if you are lucky -
to the equivalent of the second or third floor of a building, before you reach the reception.
Getting to Chania Ferry port by Car
Its very easy to reach chania by car, if driving for Agios Nikolaos, Rethymnon, or Heraklion, take the national road which is the shortest way to reach
Chania and follow signs to Chania or Souda bay. From within the town of Chania drive along the sea side towards east and follow signs to Souda.
Chania Ferry Port Facilities (Souda Ferry Port):
The ferry port of Chania is at Souda, at a distance of seven kilometers. Within walking distance of the ferry port, you will find a number of shops and
restaurants, while public telephones and public conveniences are available in the ferry port area itself. Those with disabilities will find good wheelchair
access onboard all ferries operating to the islands, and to international destinations. However, passengers are advised to inform the ANEK ferry company
of any special needs when making their ferry reservations.
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