How to get to Crete: Ferry and Travel Guide

Dreaming of pristine beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant Mediterranean culture? Crete offers all of the above and more. As Greece’s largest and most diverse island, you can’t get any closer to paradise. But before you dive into its captivating landscapes and rich history, you need to figure out the best way to get there. Whether you're travelling from mainland Greece or another country, reaching Crete is easier than you might think.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about how to get to Crete by ferry, including the best ferry routes, ferry operators, travel tips, and how to book your ferry tickets easily online. Whether you prefer a high-speed ferry or a traditional overnight ferry crossing, we'll help you find the best way to start your memorable holiday to Crete.

Where is Crete?

Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, situated in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It’s located southeast of mainland Greece and marks the boundary between the Aegean and Libyan Seas. Once the birthplace of the ancient Minoan civilization, Crete is now one of the most iconic holiday destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year to its gilded shores.

Travelling to Crete by Ferry

One of the most popular and scenic ways to reach Crete is by ferry. Taking a ferry to Crete not only provides breath-taking views of the Aegean Sea but also offers a reliable and flexible travel option for many visitors without breaking the bank. Ferries to Crete depart from several major ports in Greece, with Piraeus port being the most widely used for its convenience. The Athens to Crete ferry operates every day, with up to 5 different routes to choose from:

Piraeus to Heraklion Ferry – 33 weekly sailings
Piraeus to Sitia Ferry – 2 weekly sailings
Piraeus to Chania Ferry – 7 weekly sailings
Piraeus to Kissamos Ferry – 2 weekly sailings
Piraeus to Rethymno Ferry – 2 weekly sailings

If you are looking to book ferry tickets to Crete, we highly recommend that you plan in advance, particularly during the peak season from June to August. There are multiple ferry companies, such as Minoan Lines, SeaJets, Cyclades Fast Ferries and Blue Star Ferries, offering a variety of services including economy seating, cabins for overnight trips, and premium lounges.

But that’s not all. You can also find ferry routes to Crete from other beautiful Greek islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes. Island-hopping itineraries are very popular, allowing travellers to combine visits to multiple destinations before arriving in Crete. High-speed ferries operate on some of these routes, significantly reducing travel time for those keen to get their Cretan adventure underway.

Ferry Ports in Crete

When you take a ferry to Crete, you’ll arrive at one of the island’s main ports: Heraklion, Chania (Souda Port), Rethymno, Sitia or Kissamos. Heraklion, located on the northern coast, is the largest and busiest port, offering the most ferry connections to and from the island. Chania is another great entry point for exploring the western part of Crete, including the famous beaches of Balos and Elafonissi.

Every port in Crete offers convenient access to public transport, car rental services, and taxis, so you can begin your journey around the island as soon as you disembark. If you’re looking for cheap ferries to Crete, consider flexible travel dates and check various operators, as fares can vary depending on the season, departure time, and ferry type.

Flying vs. Taking a Ferry to Crete

While flying to Crete may be the fastest option, especially if you're travelling from another country, taking a ferry to Crete offers a unique travel experience. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which mode of transport suits your trip best:

Ferry to Crete

Scenic Travel Experience: Enjoy panoramic sea views and a more relaxing pace of travel.

Lots of Choice: Take advantage of flexible routes with multiple daily departures from Athens and other islands like Santorini, Paros, or Rhodes.

Budget-Friendly: Ferries are usually cheaper than flights, particualrly if you book early or choose economy seats.

More Luggage: Ferries are much more lenient on luggage allowances than airlines.

Island-Hopping: Perfect for travellers visiting multiple Greek islands before arriving in Crete.
 

Flights to Crete

Speed: Flights from Athens to Heraklion or Chania take under an hour.

Convenience: Direct flights from European cities (especially in high season) can save time.

Price variation: Airfares can fluctuate significantly, particularly during peak travel months.

For those with time and a desire to soak in the journey, booking a ferry to Crete is a very rewarding option. However, if you're on a tight schedule, a quick domestic flight might be the way to go.

What is the best way to get to Crete?

The most popular way to reach the island is by flying into one of three main airports, Heraklion, Chania, or Sitia. These have frequent flights from Athens and other European cities. Alternatively, many tourists also opt for ferry travel to enjoy the majestic scenery from mainland Greece. Ferries to Crete often depart from the port of Piraeus in Athens, but there are many other routes available.

Please be aware that sailing times can vary depending on when you travel and the type of vessel you travel on.

Crete Island Hopping

Don’t limit yourself to just one place. Island-hopping is a scenic and flexible way to explore the islands of Greece. As Crete is so well connected by ferry, especially to several popular islands in the Cyclades and Dodecanese, you can easily integrate it into a broader itinerary.

The best island-hopping route to Crete depends on your starting point and interests, but a highly recommended route for first-time visitors follows a southward journey through the Cyclades. Here's a clear overview of the ideal route:

Athens (Piraeus Port)

Commence your journey from Athens, the gateway to the Greek islands. Piraeus offers frequent ferries to most major Cycladic islands.

Mykonos

Stay to 2 to 3 days in Mykonos, known for its vibrant nightlife, beaches, and iconic windmills.

Paros or Naxos

Stay 2 to 3 days in Paros or Naxos, both ideal for a mix of culture, beaches, and authentic villages. Paros and Naxos are centrally located and have excellent ferry connections.

Santorini

Stay 2 to 4 days in Santorini, famed for its volcanic caldera, sunsets, and luxury accommodations. Santorini has direct, high-speed ferry links to Crete.

Heraklion (Crete)

Main port of entry to Crete, with access to Knossos, beaches, and inland excursions.

Tips for Booking Your Ferry to Crete

• Before you set off on your adventure, here are some tips to make the process of booking a ferry to Crete smooth and stress-free:
• Compare ferry operators: Look at different ferry companies to find the best prices and schedules that match your travel plans.
• Book early: To secure the best rates, especially for cabins or high-speed services, book your ferry tickets to Crete in advance.
• Check port locations: Some cities have multiple ports, so double-check your departure and arrival points when booking.
• Travel overnight: Taking an overnight ferry can save you the cost of one night’s accommodation and maximize your daytime hours for sightseeing.