Crete ranks among the top holiday destinations for both Greek and international visitors. A journey to Crete guarantees you unparalleled landscapes, pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters, and exceptional attractions.

The island boasts modern tourist infrastructure and offers activities for every season of the year. Visit Crete, immerse yourself in the rich Cretan tradition, and make your holidays truly unforgettable!

Ferry Schedules to Crete

You can easily travel to Crete from the port of Piraeus on modern passenger ferries. Most ferries to Crete depart from Piraeus port directly to Heraklion, Chania, and Sitia. During the summer, ferry services to the ports of Crete are even more frequent.

The most popular route, featuring the most frequent itineraries, is the ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion. Additionally, you can travel by ferry from Piraeus to Chania, with the journey taking approximately 8 hours and arriving at the port of Souda. The Piraeus-Sitia route typically operates once a week, with a duration of several hours.

The ferry companies offering these routes to Crete include Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, Anek, and Seajets.

If you prefer not to take a conventional ferry, you can opt for a high-speed ferry. The fastest high-speed ferry from Piraeus to Crete completes the journey in approximately 6 and a half hours. Typically, this high-speed ferry operates daily between June and September, departing from Piraeus in the afternoon.

Crete, moreover, serves as an ideal launchpad for island hopping to some of the most popular destinations in the Cyclades and Dodecanese. You can find itineraries from Heraklion to Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, and more.

Ferry Tickets to Crete

Tickets to Crete start at 30 euros, but prices may increase if you choose to book a cabin or if you are travelling with a vehicle. It's important to note that ticket prices can fluctuate during the summer, so it's advisable to secure a cheap ticket by booking early.

Travelling to Crete by Plane

Crete is served by two international airports: Heraklion Airport, ‘Nikos Kazantzakis’ (HER), situated on the island's north coast near the city, and Chania Airport, ‘Ioannis Daskalogiannis’ (CHQ), located to the northwest on the Akrotiri peninsula, east of Chania city. These airports experience heavy air traffic, especially during the summer months.

Direct flights to Crete from many major European airports are available from April to November. During the off-peak tourist season, accessing Crete often involves taking connecting flights through Athens.

Airlines provide multiple daily flights to Crete, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your preferences and requirements.

Heraklion Airport is renowned as the largest and handles the highest volume of flights, but in recent times, Chania Airport has undergone modernisation as well.

Photo: By a_medvedkov Via create.vista