By car
From Chania, take the national road west towards Kissamos (43 km, about 45 minutes). The port is at Trachilos, just west of the town. Parking is free.
Kissamos Port · Kissamos
Kissamos Port (Kavonisi): the practical guide
Kissamos Port, also called Kavonisi, is the harbour at Trachilos in west Crete, 3 km west of Kissamos town and 43 km (about 45 minutes) from Chania. It's where the boats to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa leave from, including all DanEri cruises, and where Seajets ferries sail to Antikythira, Kythira and Gythio. Parking is free, and in season KTEL buses run from Chania right to the boats.
Trachilos, 3 km west of Kissamos town43 km · about 45 min by carFree, at the portMorning departures and 16:00 sunset cruises · about 1 h sail
PRIVATE CRUISES: free cancellation up to 72 hours
Private charters can be cancelled at least 72 hours before departure for a full refund. Shared/group cruises keep the standard 48-hour free cancellation.Quick facts
Kissamos Port at a glance
| Also called | Kavonisi, Kastelli port |
| Where | Trachilos, 3 km west of Kissamos town |
| From Chania | 43 km · about 45 min by car |
| Parking | Free, at the port |
| Bus | KTEL from Chania, about 60 min, in season |
| Boats to Balos | Morning departures and 16:00 sunset cruises · about 1 h sail |
| Ferries | Seajets to Antikythira, Kythira, Gythio, Piraeus |
| Not to confuse with | Souda (Chania's main ferry port) |
Kissamos is not Souda
Chania has two ports people mix up. Souda, east of Chania, is the big ferry port for Piraeus/Athens. Kissamos (Kavonisi) is 43 km west of Chania, and it's the only port for the Balos and Gramvousa boats. If your ticket says Balos, drive west.
Getting there
How to get to Kissamos Port
The port is outside Kissamos town, so it's best reached by car, bus or transfer. On foot from the town centre it's about 3 km along the coast road.
By KTEL bus
In season, KTEL buses run from Chania bus station to the port in about 60 minutes. They stop in front of the Balos boats and wait for the return. Check the current timetable with KTEL Chania.
By taxi
Taxis run from Kissamos town and from the Chania area. Agree on the fare before you set off.
DanEri free transfer
Booked Morning LUX or Sunset LUX? A free round-trip transfer is included from anywhere between Georgioupoli and Kissamos. Book it at least 24 h ahead (requests until 20:00).
Parking & arrival
Parking at Kissamos Port
Parking at the port is free. It fills up quickly before the morning Balos departures in July and August, so leave time to find a space.
- Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure
- Bring a passport or ID card: port authorities check it at boarding
- Many rental-car contracts exclude unpaved roads such as the Balos track. The boat avoids that problem
- Bring water, sunscreen and a hat. The quay has little shade
Balos & Gramvousa
Boats to Balos from Kissamos Port
Every boat trip to Balos Lagoon starts here. The sail takes about an hour. DanEri runs four catamaran cruises from the port:
08:30–15:30
Morning LUX
Balos + Gramvousa on the 120-guest DanEri Lux, from €155
08:30–15:30
Semi-private day
Balos + Gramvousa with 22 guests, open bar, from €195
16:00–20:00
Sunset LUX
Balos at golden hour on DanEri Lux, from €120
16:00–20:00
Small-group sunset
Balos with 22 guests, wine & beer included, from €125
Large public day ferries to Balos and Gramvousa also leave from this port, usually mid-morning. Tickets cost around €25–30 (2026 guides).
Ferries
Ferries from Kissamos Port
Kissamos is Crete's ferry link to Antikythira, Kythira and the Peloponnese. There are no ferries from here to Santorini or the Cyclades: those leave from Heraklion.
| Crossing (approx.) | Operator | How often | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antikythira | about 1 h 45 min | Seajets | a few sailings a week |
| Kythira | about 3 h 15 min – 3 h 50 min | Seajets | a few sailings a week |
| Gythio (Peloponnese) | about 6 h 40 min – 10 h, depending on stops | Seajets | 1–5 sailings a week |
| Piraeus (Athens) | about 11 h | Seajets | about once a week |
Ferry times and frequencies change every season and the online sources differ. Always check the live schedule before you travel. (Sources: netferry.com, stayinchania.com, 2026.)
Two harbours
Kissamos Port vs Kissamos old harbour
Kissamos (also called Kastelli) has two harbours. The small old fishing harbour is in the town itself, with fishing boats and a waterfront taverna. No Balos boats or ferries leave from there.
The new port, Kavonisi, is 3 km west at Trachilos. All Balos boats, DanEri cruises and ferries use it. If your map pin is in the town centre, you're at the wrong harbour.
Boat day
Checklist for your boat day
- Passport or ID card
- Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- For DanEri Morning LUX: hotel pickup 06:30–07:30, boarding 08:30 (sunset boarding at 16:00)
- Driving yourself: arrive 20 minutes early. Parking is free
- Seasickness-prone? The sea is often calmer in the morning. Eat a light breakfast
FAQ
Kissamos Port FAQ
Where is Kissamos Port?
At Trachilos (also called Kavonisi), 3 km west of Kissamos town in west Crete, and 43 km west of Chania.
How far is Kissamos Port from Chania?
43 km, about 45 minutes by car or about 60 minutes by KTEL bus.
Is parking at Kissamos Port free?
Yes, parking at the port is free. It fills up before morning Balos departures in high season, so arrive early.
Is there a bus to Kissamos Port?
Yes. In season, KTEL buses run from Chania bus station to the port and stop in front of the Balos boats. Check the current timetable with KTEL Chania.
Is Kissamos Port the same as Souda?
No. Souda is Chania's main ferry port for Athens, east of the city. Kissamos (Kavonisi) is 43 km west of Chania and is the port for Balos and Gramvousa.
How long is the boat from Kissamos Port to Balos?
About one hour. DanEri's full-day cruises (08:30–15:30) visit Balos and Gramvousa. The sunset cruises (16:00–20:00) visit Balos.
Can I take a ferry from Kissamos to Santorini?
No. Ferries from Kissamos go to Antikythira, Kythira, Gythio and Piraeus. Santorini ferries leave from Heraklion.
Are there facilities at the port?
There's a port authority building at the quay. Bring water and sun protection.
Sailing from Kissamos?
Compare DanEri's four Balos cruises from this port: day or sunset, big boat or small group. Hotel transfer included on Morning LUX and Sunset LUX.