Picture yourself on a sun-kissed island surrounded by turquoise waters and ancient ruins – welcome to the enchanting paradise of Crete! Whether you’re dreaming of exploring historic sites, relaxing on stunning beaches, or immersing yourself in vibrant local culture, getting to this Greek gem is the first step towards an unforgettable adventure. In this guide, we’ll show you all the exciting ways to reach the beautiful island of Crete and make your travel dreams a reality. So pack your bags and get ready for an incredible journey!
Getting to Crete by Air from within Greece
When it comes to traveling to Crete from within Greece, flying is the quickest and most convenient option. With multiple daily flights departing from Athens, Thessaloniki, and other major cities, getting to this island paradise is a breeze. The main airports serving Crete are Heraklion Airport (HER) and Chania Airport (CHQ), both offering excellent connections to domestic destinations.
A short flight from Athens will have you touching down on Crete in just about an hour. If you’re coming from Thessaloniki or another Greek city, direct flights are also available for easy access to this Mediterranean jewel. Keep in mind that during peak tourist seasons, it’s advisable to book your flights in advance to secure the best deals and avoid last-minute hassles.
Upon landing at either Heraklion or Chania airport, you’ll find various transportation options such as taxis, buses, and rental cars readily available for a seamless transfer to your final destination on the island. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking views as you soar towards your Cretan getaway!
Both Iraklio and Hania are linked to Athens by 4 to 7 flights daily on Olympic (801 8010101 or 210 35 50 500; olympicair.com) or Aegean (801 1120000 or 210 62 61 000; aegeanair.com). Olympic also provides daily flights from Rhodes to Sitia (eastern Crete, almost year-round), and to Iraklio (again most of the year) Very-good-indeed Astra (8017007 466; astra-airlines.gr) flies direct a few times weekly from Thessaloníki to Iraklio, with once piece of checked luggage included in fares (up to 15 kilos, very reasonable overwight charges).
Sky Express (skyexpress.gr) offer links from Athens plus Rhodes, Mykonos, Kos, Samos and Santorini to Iraklio, plus Athens and Preveza to Sitia, but in our experience they are to be avoided by holidaymakers except as a last resort. Baggage rules (just 13 kilos per checked bag on the cheapest fares, only 3–6 kilos carry-on allowed) are strictly enforced with measuring tape and scales, and hefty overweight charges wipe out any savings compared to using a competing airline.
How to Get to Crete Island by Air from Abroad?
Dreaming of exploring the stunning island of Crete from abroad? Well, getting there is easier than you think! The first step is to book a flight to either Heraklion or Chania International Airport. These airports are well-connected to major cities in Europe and beyond.
From the airport, you can easily catch a taxi or opt for public transportation like buses or even rent a car if you prefer more flexibility during your stay. Another popular option is booking a shared shuttle service that will take you directly to your accommodation.
If you’re coming from afar, planning ahead and securing your flights early can help save some money on travel expenses. Keep an eye out for deals and discounts offered by airlines flying to Crete.
Arriving in Crete from abroad opens up a world of possibilities as you immerse yourself in its rich history, captivating landscapes, and warm hospitality. Start your adventure by making those travel arrangements today!
How to Reach Crete Island by Ferry?
Once you arrive in Crete, the beauty of the island will captivate you. From its stunning beaches to its rich history and vibrant culture, Crete offers a unique experience for every traveler. Whether you choose to fly in from within Greece, or travel from abroad by air or ferry, getting to this beautiful island is just the beginning of an unforgettable journey. So pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready to explore all that Crete has to offer!
Ferries or catamarans call at Hania (from Athens; anek.gr), Iraklio (from Athens, Cyclades islands and Rhodes; anek.gr; hellenicseaways.gr and minoan.gr) and Sitia (from Rhodes on ANEK). However catamrans from the Cyclades (there are no longer any slow ferries except ANEK from Santorini and Anafi) are so exorbitant that you’re better off flying.
At Iraklio (the only Cretan port of call for cruises, thanks to nearby Knossos) and Sitia, the town is a moderate walk inland; the port for Haniá is Soúda, about 6 miles/10km east (regular buses or taxi into town). Except for Iráklio, no Cretan port has any significant amenities or information available.
Transfers in Crete
From Hania airport, about six daily buses ply to and from town but a taxi (€20) is a more likely option; from Iraklio, a public bus goes into town until 11pm, otherwise a taxi (€14); Sitia has only taxi links (€8) to town, though this may change once the new terminal gets more traffic.
