Athens (Rafina) - Heraklion
Ferries to Crete
Athens (Rafina) - Heraklion
Ferries to Crete
There are currently no ferries running between Athens (Rafina) and Heraklion. Ferry schedules change seasonally. Use our Deal Finder to get the latest ferry ticket information for Athens (Rafina) Heraklion ferries.
We provide an easy and efficient way to compare ferry tickets and prices worldwide, helping you find the best option for your journey. Visit our Special Offers page to discover discounts on selected ferry routes and operators. Booking early is often the best way to secure lower fares and greater availability.
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a variety of discounts throughout the year. When searching for sailings, any available senior discounts will be automatically applied once you select the appropriate age range in the passenger details section.
Students and recent graduates can benefit from a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To access this offer, register with our partner Student Beans and verify your status. After confirmation, you’ll receive a discount code to enter during checkout.
Resident discounts are available on selected Spanish and Italian ferry routes. When applicable, simply select the “Residents” option during your search, and the reduced fare will be applied automatically. Please note that valid proof of residency or an ID card showing the correct address must be presented at check-in.
Travel requirements may vary depending on the route, so it’s essential to confirm which documents you’ll need before departure. In most cases, passengers traveling from Athens (Rafina) to Heraklion will require a valid passport, and possibly visas or national ID cards depending on nationality and destination regulations. To ensure a smooth check-in experience, consult our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide as well as our blog post on international travel tips before you sail.
Booking your ferry tickets is simple. Enter your departure and arrival ports along with your preferred travel date to view all available sailings and prices. You can also compare alternative routes and departure times to find the option that best suits your schedule and budget.
Keep an eye out for early booking promotions, cabin upgrades, or flexible ticket options that allow you to amend or cancel your booking. To avoid issues later, ensure that all passenger details, vehicle information, and contact details are entered accurately at the time of booking.
After completing your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your travel details. The process for receiving your boarding pass depends on the ferry operator.
Some operators issue boarding passes immediately upon confirmation, while others require passengers to check in at the port terminal. Where available, online check-in can be completed easily through the Direct Ferries app.
Ticket desks are generally located close to the ferry terminal entrance. To prevent delays, we recommend arriving early to allow sufficient time for ticket collection and check-in procedures.
At check-in, you will need to present your booking confirmation along with a valid photo ID such as a passport or identity card. If traveling with a pet, relevant documentation (vaccination records, pet passport, insurance) may also be required. Passengers using resident discounts must provide proof of eligibility.
There may be several reasons why no sailings appear from Athens (Rafina) to Heraklion on your chosen date. These can include seasonal schedule changes, temporary timetable adjustments, or limited availability due to high demand. We recommend checking alternative dates or nearby routes to find suitable options.
The best time to book ferries from Athens (Rafina) to Heraklion is typically as early as possible. Booking in advance not only helps secure the most competitive prices but also provides a wider choice of departure times, seating, and cabin options.
Where possible, aim to book several weeks ahead of travel, particularly during peak seasons or holiday periods. Ferry prices can fluctuate based on demand and availability, so early planning often offers the greatest savings and flexibility.
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The Greek town of Rafina lies on the east coast of the Attica region of Greece. The town, and its port, is on the Aegean Sea coast, to the east of the Penteli Mountains and to the north east of the Mesogaia Plain. The Greek capital, Athens, is 25 km to the west of Rafina which is close to the towns of Artemida and Nea Makri. It is a popular destination for Athenians, due to its proximity to Athens, who drive out of the city to Rafina to eat in one of the town's many fish restaurants that line the harbour. It is common to see the day's catch on display on beds of ice outside each restaurant.
Rafina's port is the second largest in the Attica region, after Piraeus, although this is likely to change by the port at Lavrio which is currently being expanded. ferries from Rafina's port depart to the southern part of Euboea and to most of the Cyclades Islands. Both conventional and high speed ferries operate to the islands with most departing Rafina in the morning.
Located on the Greek island of Crete, Heraklion is the island's largest city and is one of the main urban centres in Greece. The city can trace its history back to at least the 9th century AD when its development began and then later came under the influence of the Arabs, the Venetians and the Ottomans. Popular sites in the city with tourists include the fortification walls that are essentially the boundary of the old city. These were first built by the Arabs and then reinforced by the Venetians. From the seven bastions, only the Martinengo bastion survives to this day and is where visitors will find the tomb of the renowned writer N. Kazantzakis, overlooking the city. The city was also a venue during the 2004 Olympic Games, and hosted games of the football tournament.
Located in the city's old port, visitors can still see the vaulted tarsanades where ships used to be built and also the 16th century Koule Fortress. From the port, ferries depart to destinations including Santorini, Ios, Paros, Mykonos and Rhodes. There are also ferry services to the Greek mainland port of Piraeus.
