Posted by All Connections, Ports, Prices & Tips 2026 🚢
At over 260 kilometers long, Crete is not only the largest but also one of the most popular Greek islands. Many visitors arrive by plane, but those with more time, who prefer independent travel, or island hopping often choose the classic route: by ferry.
The ferry is more than just a means of transport – it’s an experience. The crossing itself, with its views of the Aegean Sea, the white Cyclades islands, and finally the imposing mountains of Crete, is a highlight. You can also take your car, motorcycle, or campervan on the ferry – perfect for a longer road trip or family vacation.
In this guide, you’ll find all the essential information about ferries to Crete: departure points, ports on Crete, prices, schedules, tips, island-hopping connections, and much more. 🇬🇷⚓
🛳️ 1. Overview: How to get to Crete by ferry
Most ferries to Crete depart from the Greek mainland – primarily from Athens (port of Piraeus). There are daily connections, including classic overnight ferries and faster daytime services. In addition, there are seasonal routes from other ports, as well as connections between Crete and other islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes.
Here are the main options:
Athens (Piraeus) → Crete (Heraklion, Chania, Sitia) – main routes, year-round
Peloponnese (Gythio) → Crete (Kissamos) – seasonal
Island hopping: Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Rhodes → Crete – summer only
Italy → Crete (via Patras & Piraeus) – indirect with a transfer
⚓ 2. Ports in Crete – Ferry arrival points
Crete has four major ports where international or domestic ferries arrive:
| Harbor | City | Position | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heraklion | Capital city | Central | Main port, primary destination for ferries from Athens |
| Chania (Souda) | Western Crete | West | A popular destination for holidaymakers in the west |
| Rethymno | Central-West | Medium | Smaller number of seasonal connections |
| Sitia | Eastern Crete | east | Destination of some ferries from Piraeus or the Dodecanese |
Most travelers choose Heraklion or Chania, as they offer the best bus connections, car rental options, and accommodations.
See also: Buses to Crete and Flights to Crete
🚢 3. Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) – the main connection to Crete
Most ferries to Crete depart from Piraeus, the port of Athens. The crossings take between 8 and 10 hours, which is why many travelers prefer the overnight ferries – saving on a hotel stay and arriving relaxed in the morning.
👉 Piraeus → Heraklion
⏱️ Travel time: approx. 8–10 hours
⏰ Departures: Daily, usually in the evening around 9:00–10:00 pm
🚗 Cars allowed: Yes
🛏️ Cabins: Yes, recommended for overnight crossings
💶 Price: Seat from approx. €40, cabin from approx. €70–100, car approx. €60–90
This route is ideal if you want to travel to central or eastern Crete. The port of Heraklion is just a few minutes from the city center.
👉 Piraeus → Chania (Souda)
⏱️ Travel time: approx. 9 hours
⏰ Departures: Daily, in the evening between 9:00 and 10:30 pm
🚗 Car transport: Yes
💶 Price: Seat from approx. €35–45, cabin from approx. €70, car approx. €70–90
The port of Souda near Chania is the gateway to western Crete – ideal if you’re planning a holiday in Chania, Falassarna, Elafonissi, or Balos.
👉 Piraeus → Sitia
⏱️ Travel time: 12–14 hours
⏰ Departures: 2–3 times per week
🚗 Car transport available: Yes
💶 Price: Seat from approx. €45–50, Cabin from approx. €80
Sitia is the easternmost port of Crete. This route is ideal for those seeking peace and nature or wanting to visit destinations such as Vai Palm Beach, Zakros, or Xerokambos.
🌅 4. Ferries from other islands to Crete – Island hopping 2026
Those planning island hopping can also combine Crete directly with other Greek islands. Many connections only operate in the summer (May–October) but are a great way to combine a Cyclades or Dodecanese holiday with Crete.
🚤 Santorini → Heraklion
⏱️ Travel time: 2–3 hours by fast ferry
⏰ Departures: Daily (May–October), sometimes several times a day
💶 Price: from approx. €45–70
💡 Tip: Ideal for island hopping – Santorini and Crete can be perfectly combined.
🚤 Mykonos → Heraklion
⏱️ Travel time: 5–7 hours
⏰ Departures: Several times a week (May–October)
💶 Price: from approx. €60–90
💡 Tip: Perfect route for combining Mykonos’ nightlife with a nature holiday in Crete.
🚤 Paros / Naxos → Heraklion
⏱️ Travel time: 5–6 hours
⏰ Departures: Seasonal, usually 3–5 times per week
💶 Price: from approx. €50–80
🚤 Rhodes → Sitia or Heraklion
⏱️ Travel time: 9–14 hours (depending on the route and stops)
⏰ Departures: Several times per week, mostly at night
💶 Price: from approx. €50–90
💡 Tip: Popular for island hopping between the Dodecanese and Crete.
🧭 5. Ferries with Car or Campervan
If you’re traveling to Crete with your own vehicle, you can easily take it on the ferry. All large ferries have space for cars, motorcycles, and campervans. It’s important to book tickets early, as spaces sell out quickly in the summer.
🚗 Car: approx. €60–90 each way
🏍️ Motorcycle: approx. €25–40
🚐 Campervan: approx. €90–130
Tip: For motorhomes and larger vehicles, an overnight ferry is often worthwhile, as they usually offer more space and are cheaper than fast ferries.
Our nature pages about Crete, such as hiking in Crete and the wildlife of Crete
🏙️ 6. Tips for your ferry crossing – what you should know
✅ Book early: Especially in the summer months (July/August), ferries are often fully booked. Booking online early secures your spot and often cheaper fares.
✅ A cabin is worthwhile: For overnight crossings, a cabin is ideal – this way you can sleep comfortably and arrive refreshed.
✅ Check in early: Be at the port about 1–1.5 hours before departure, especially if you’re bringing a vehicle.
✅ Bring your own food and drinks: There are restaurants and cafes on board, but prices are higher than on land. It’s a good idea to bring snacks and water.
✅ Check the weather: Strong winds can cause delays. If you’re sensitive to rough seas, bring medication.
✅ Seating: For long crossings, numbered seats are more comfortable than open deck seats.
🧭 7. Island Hopping Tips – Crete as part of a round trip
Crete is perfect for combining with other islands. A classic route looks like this: For example:
Athens → Santorini (5 hours)
Santorini → Crete (2.5 hours)
Crete → Rhodes (9–12 hours)
Rhodes → Piraeus (14 hours)
Or you could plan a Cyclades tour with side trips to Paros, Naxos, or Mykonos and end in Crete. The numerous ferry connections make such a trip very flexible.
Many tourists also come to Crete for horseback riding.
⏱️ 8. Ferry Times & Best Time to Travel
Year-round: Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion, Chania, and Sitia
May – October: Ferries from other islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, etc.)
July & August: Highest frequency, but also the most expensive tickets
April & October: Pleasantly affordable, but slightly fewer route options
Many tourists love Crete’s tranquil beaches, while others prefer Crete’s nudist beaches.
🏁 Conclusion: Ferries to Crete – Relaxing, Flexible & Full of Adventure 🚢🇬🇷
A ferry trip to Crete is much more than just transportation – it’s part of the holiday experience. Whether you’re traveling by car, planning island hopping, or simply want to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at sea, the ferry is a wonderful way to get to Crete.
The choice of routes is vast: daily overnight ferries from Athens, fast connections from Santorini, island combinations with Mykonos or Rhodes, and even options for motorhomes and campervans.
With a little planning, you can use the crossing not just as a practical means of transport, but as an unforgettable travel experience. And once you arrive in Crete, sun, beaches, history, and pure Mediterranean lifestyle await you.
Ferries in Greece
| Ferries in Greece | Island hopping Greece |
| Ferries Crete | Ferries Santorini |
| Ferries Corfu | Ferries Sifnos |
| Ferries Karpathos | Port Piraeus |
| Transportb´Greek islands | Buses Greece |